Health Thesaurus

HOME REMEDIES FOR DIARRHEA

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 21 Sep 2013 08:40:00 +0000

Diarrhea can be your body's way of getting rid of undesirable substances that have found there way into your system. Among other things, diarrhea can be caused by viruses, bacteria, and food poisoning, caffeine, artificial sweeteners, and excessive alcohol consumption. Some medications, like antibiotics, can also cause diarrhea.

In healthy adults, diarrhea usually isn't a serious condition, and goes away on its own in a few days. But this condition can be quite serious in children. And, if it lasts for more than a few days, it can lead to dehydration, and the loss of vital nutrients.

HOME REMEDIES FOR DIARRHEA:

Yogurt....

For treating diarrhea, a great home remedy is to eat yogurt. Not just any plain yogurt as you need to eat one having live bacterial cultures such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium. These live cultures help to restore the ‘good’ bacteria in your intestine by producing lactic acid and destroy the ‘bad’ bacteria that caused diarrhea. Just two bowls of yogurt in a day can be helpful in treating diarrhea. Another effective remedy for treating diarrhea is to eat banana along with yogurt.

Berries....
Both blueberries and black berries can be used in the treatment of diarrhea. For instance, you can make a soup from dried blueberries and drink it twice daily to give relief to your upset stomach. Blueberries have antioxidant and antibacterial properties along with tannins, which help a lot in treating diarrhea. At the same time blackberries are also a good source of tannins. During diarrhea, you must consume blackberry tea several times a day. To make the tea, boil one tablespoons of blackberries or dried blackberry leaves in half a glass of water for a few minutes. Strain the solution before drinking it.

Fenugreek Seeds....

Fenugreek seeds contain anti diarrheal properties and thus it is highly recommended for treatment of diarrhea at home. Take a handful of fenugreek seeds and eat it along with a cup of fresh yoghurt or water. Soon you will get relief from diarrhea within no time due to the high mucilage content present in the fenugreek seeds. Else take half teaspoon each of fenugreek seeds and roasted cumin seeds and add two tablespoon of yogurt to it and mix it properly. Have this mixture three times a day to get quick relief from diarrhea.

Clear Fluids....

When suffering from diarrhea, body becomes dehydrated. So, one effect way to treat diarrhea is to drink plenty of clear fluids. You must drink at least eight glasses of water along with coconut water and clear sodas (without caffeine). It is a good idea to add half a teaspoon of sea salt to a glass of water and then drink it two to three times a day. At the same time drinking sports drink that does not contain caffeine is also a great way to replace lost minerals and vitamins. When suffering from diarrhea, you must stay away from coffee, alcohol and non-clear drinks like orange juice or tomato juice.

Chamomile Tea....

Chamomile has antispasmodic properties that can help a lot when suffering from any kind of stomach disorder including diarrhea. At the same time it also helps a lot in the treatment of intestinal inflammation. You can make chamomile tea with chamomile flowers. Add one teaspoon of chamomile flowers and one teaspoon of peppermint leaves in a cup of boiling water and allow it to steep for ten minutes. Finally strain it and drink the tea at least three times a day. Apart from chamomile tea you can also try other kind of green tea to help your digestive system to function properly.

Carrot....

Carrot is one such fruit that you can consume while suffering from diarrhea as it is a good source of pectin. Drink fresh carrot juice several times a day to give your body the lost vitamins and minerals. In a glass of carrot juice you can add a few drops of lemon juice and some sugar or honey to sweeten it to your taste. Else you can cook and puree the carrot and then eat it. Cook some carrots until they become soft, and then with the help of blender and little water make a puree out of it. Eat half a cup of this puree several times a day.

Black Seed Oil....

Black seed is a kind of herbal plant that can be used in the treatment of various health problems such as gas, colic, asthma, constipation and diarrhea. For treating diarrhea, you must use black seed oil. Simply add a teaspoon of black seed oil to a cup of plain or flavored yogurt and mix it properly. Now drink this mixture twice a day until the various symptoms associated with diarrhea disappear completely.

Apple Cider Vinegar....

Another effective way to cure diarrhea at home is the use of apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar acts as an effective agent against the particular type of bacteria that causes diarrhea. At the same time, it is also a rich source of pectin that helps in soothing the irritated stomach. To treat diarrhea, take one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar and add it to a glass of water. Now drink this solution with each meal until you totally get relief from various symptoms of diarrhea.

Brown Rice....

When you have diarrhea, you must eat brown rice. As brown rice contains B vitamins, it helps in controlling the various symptoms of diarrhea. To make the rice, take half a cup of brown rice and boil them in three cups of water until it becomes extra soft. Now add a banana to the rice and eat it. The soft brown rice will be gentle on your system and help in removing toxins from your body. At the same time the pectin present in banana will soak up excess water and will give your quick relief from diarrhea.

Ginger....

Ginger used in the treatment of food poisoning can also help a lot to get rid of the cramps and abdominal pain associated with diarrhea. Take a small piece of ginger and grate it, and then add one teaspoon of honey to it and eat it. Avoid drinking water immediately after eating it. This remedy will help in the digestion process. Else you can drink ginger tea two to three times a day to cure diarrhea. Take one small piece of ginger and add it to one cup of water. Now boil the water for a few minutes, strain it and add some honey before drinking it. In case fresh ginger is not available, then you can use powdered ginger.

Home Remedies For Piles / Hemorrhoids

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 21 Sep 2013 08:14:00 +0000

Piles are medically known as haemorrhoids. It is a condition wherein the veins inside or outside the anus or lower rectum gets inflamed or swollen. Symptoms of piles include feeling of soreness, irritation or pain while passing stool. As a person passes stool, piles get aggravated because of pressure on the rectal area. In some cases, when the condition is severe, bleeding can also occur.

Causes of Piles

* A number of factors are responsible for the development of piles.

* Irregularity in bowel movement with susceptibility towards constipation and diarrhea is one of the causes.

* Constipation aids the condition of piles by giving way to prolonged straining.

* Absence of fiber, imbalanced diet with insistence on junk food contributes towards piles.

* Hereditary factors may also be responsible for the pathogenic condition of piles.

* Pregnancy may well give rise to the condition of piles with the developing fetus exerting pressure on the vascular structures.

* Obese people and those prone to long hours of sitting are also more likely to develop piles.

* An obstruction or abnormal growth on the way to the anal canal can also lead to piles.

* Other factors contributing to the pathological condition of piles include age and vascular structure guarding the anal passage lacking in valves.

Types of Piles

Piles can be broadly classified into two broad kinds on the basis of their locations.

The ones located internally.

The ones located externally.

Symptoms of Piles

* Piles which tend to affect elderly people, often turns out to be a major source of irritation.

* The one located externally are more painful than the internal ones.

* The external ones exist as painful inflammation or swelling.

* Internally located piles can be a source of extreme irritation when they tend to hang out through the anal passage.

* The ones located internally are susceptible to take on a necrotic form, whereby they develop into clots of blood. Necrotic ones are however quite painful.

* One of the most common clinical features of piles includes passage of blood along with stool.

* Along with bleeding itching and irritation may also persist.

Home Remedies For Piles:

1.Wash 3-4 figs. Soak in a glass of water over night. Eat them first thing in the morning. Again repeat in the night.

2.Crush bitter gourd leaves and extract the juice. Mix 3 tsp in 1 glass of butte rmilk, and drink on an empty stomach every morning, for a month.

3. Jamblang better known as jambul fruit is effective in treating piles. This fruit is available during the summers, so make full use of their availability. Eat a handful of jambul with a little salt early in the morning on an empty stomach,

4.Radish juice taken in the morning and night. Start with 1/4 a cup and increase to 1/2 a cup gradually over a period of 1 month.

5.Boil 1 ripe banana in 1 cup of milk, mash well. Take 3-4 times a day.

6.Turmeric has antiseptic and healing properties. Therefore, eat a teaspoon of ground, fresh turmeric root.

7.Powder dried mango seeds. Mix two teaspoons of this powder with a little honey and eat this twice a day.

8.Mix two tablespoons of honey to one grated raw onion. Have this twice a day.

9.Mix one teaspoon of ginger and lime juice along with mint leaves and honey. Have this two to three times a day.

10. Take 1 tbsp black cumin seeds (shah jeera), roast and mix with 1 tbsp of unroasted black cumin seeds and powder both together. Take 1/2 a tsp with a glass of water once a day.

11. Glass of butter milk made out of sour curd with a dash of lime and rock salt is also effective to cure the symptoms of piles.

12. Application of baking soda on the swollen veins also serves to reduce inflammation.

13. Juice extracted from carrot and beet root may be applied on a long piece of gauze to be applied on the swollen veins.

14. Sometimes an enema prepared with warm water boiling neem leaves and that of wheat grass may be administered to patients suffering from piles so as to clean the system of all its wastes.

15. To seek relief from bleeding due to piles, powder a teaspoon of mustard seeds and mix it with half a cup of goat's milk, adding a little sugar. Drink this early in the morning on an empty stomach.

16. Turnip better known as shalgam, is another useful remedy. Prepare a mixture of 50 ml each of carrot, spinach and turnip leaves juice.

17. Boil a handful of sesame seeds or til, in 500 ml of water, till its reduced to one-third. Make a paste of this and add a teaspoon of butter. Eat this once a day.

18.Application of coconut on the affected areas will give relief from the burning and itching.

19.Boil the peel of pomegranate in some water. Strain and drink this water twice a day.

20.For people suffering from piles, it is advisable that they go for whole grain cereals rather than the refined ones.Gruel of the boiled rice in addition to ripe banana and curd is one of the wholesome nutrients.

Home Remedies for Herpes

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 20 Sep 2013 20:15:00 +0000

Herpes is an infection caused by herpes simplex virus. It commonly affects the eyes, mouth, skin, genitals, and anal area, which often cause sores near the area where the virus infected the body. These sores turn into itchy, painful blisters before healing. Herpes simplex virus is spread through direct (kissing, sexual contact, touching a sore) or indirect (sharing a drinking glass or cigarette) contact.

Natural Remedies for harpes:

Tea Bags: Black tea contains a high concentration of tannins which have both anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects. Simply make a cup of black tea and after allowing it to cool, place the warm tea bag on the affected area and leave it in place for approximately 5 minutes. Repeat 2-3 times per day.

Baking Soda: When applied to skin with a herpes infection, baking soda relieves itching and helps to dry out the sores. Simply dampen a cotton ball or piece of gauze, dip it into baking soda to coat, then apply to the affected area. To avoid contamination, do not re-dip the cotton or gauze into the box of baking soda.

Cold Therapy: A cold pack applied to the affected area helps to decrease inflammation, soothe the area, and inhibit the herpes simplex virus. The cold pack can be ice, a gel pack, or a bag of frozen vegetables. Wrap the cold pack in a cloth before applying it to the skin to avoid ice burns.

Aloe Vera Gel: Pure aloe vera gel soothes itching and helps heal the skin after a herpes outbreak. It also helps treat tenderness or redness that remain after the sore and scab have disappeared. Aloe vera gel can be applied to nearly every area of the body, including delicate skin and mucous membranes. If using a fresh plant, trim the sharp edges, cut a chunk, and rub the inner portion of the plant on the affected area. If using a packaged cream or gel, simply rub onto the affected area. It is especially soothing to chill the aloe vera before applying it to the skin.

Herbal Teas: Herbal teas, such as peppermint or chamomile, soothe the body and help to relieve pain and fever.

Epsom Salts: The Epsom salt bath is one of the useful home remedies for herpes. Epsom salt makes blisters dry and reduces itching. If you want to apply an Epsom salt remedy, just take a handful salt and put in a bowl with water. Soak the herpes infected area for 10-15 minutes. Then allow it to dry before having a shower.

Cornstarch: Cornstarch helps to reduce chafing, absorb excess moisture, relieve itching, and dry out herpes sores. Simply apply it to the skin as you would baby powde

Loose-Fitting Undergarments: Wearing loose undergarments prevents chafing, increases comfort, and allows for greater healing of herpes-related sores. Choose cotton fabric over nylon or other synthetic materials.

Domeboro Powder: Domeboro powder forms an astringent solution that is applied as a wet dressing or compress. It cools, soothes, and cleanses irritated and inflamed skin. To use Domeboro powder to treat herpes, mix one packet with water per the package directions, soak a cloth or piece of gauze in the solution, and apply it to the affected area.

Black coffee: Taking a black coffee for mouth herpes is a great home treatment. Blisters or herpes can happen in the mouth that is very much weird. You can treat all these blisters easily at home. Make a black coffee and let it be cool. Then sip the coffee and preserve in the mouth and move it on the lips. You can apply this remedy twice a day.

Manuka Honey: An antiviral and antibacterial property makes Manuka honey as one of the great home remedies for herpes. Its medicinal property heals wounds, herpes and cold sores faster. You need to apply Manuka honey directly in the herpes to treat it effectively.

Lemon: Lemon is one of the best natural healers of cold sores, blisters or any other skin botches. Lemon has also numerous other health benefits to our body. Applying lemon for blister treatment is easy. Just take a fresh lemon and squeeze it. Then rub the lemon directly over the herpes area. Lemon contains anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that work amazing to cure herpes.

Natural essential oils : There are some renowned and useful natural essential oils for skin treatment. Natural oils such as vitamin E, jojoba, olive, tea tree, rosehip, camellia and calendula can be applied to healing herpes. These oils repair damaged and bacteria infected skin effectively.

Simple Analgesics: Over-the-counter analgesics or pain relievers such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen help to relieve the symptoms of painful herpes outbreak.

Cradle Cap Treatments At Home

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 20 Sep 2013 19:42:00 +0000

Cradle cap is really one of these things about parentage that no one ever lets you know to really anticipate. All of the sudden your amazing small baby is shedding enormous yellow scales of nastiness out of their cherished head, and you (and the medical profession as a whole) don’t have much of a clue as to the main reason why. Luckily, there are quite a few cradle cap remedies that you can use at home.

(1) Coconut Oil
Even though you could use other oils like olive oil for this, coconut oil is exceptional and less controversial (some people are against olive oil for this issue). 1st, coconut oil is a pretty dry oil, meaning it won’t make an oily residue whenever you place it upon your child. No need to screw up all those beloved clothes you’re dressing him or her in, right? 2nd, coconut has antifungal properties. Therefore, in case your little honey’s cradle cap has progressed in to a little fungal problem, it helps work out the issue as fast as possible.

(2) Softening and Removing Cradle Cap Scales
Should you not yet possess a soft bristled baby brush, you’ll need to purchase one. While they might appear absurd for a kid who has a minimum amount of hair, they serve multiple functions in treating cradle cap. They enhance circulation to the entire scalp and help to get rid of flakes without hurting the baby.

All children are different, so just a little learning from your errors might be needed for this one. To soften scales, put on infant oil liberally to the infant’s scalp and massage it in. You are able to do it before or during the infant’s bath. Keep the oil on the infant’s scalp for a good while – in the event that you do that just before you put them in the tub, putting a hat on their head can assist the procedure. After the scales become more soft from the oil then use the soft bristled brush to remove them.

(3) Mineral Oil
Apply mineral oil to the infant’s scalp liberally. Allow it to soak for 2-3 hours at the very least, after which wash the infant’s scalp with infant shampoo. Utilize a wet wash cloth to lightly rub the infant’s scalp in small circles when you wash the hair. It may require several attempts until its gone completely. Keep doing this one or more times per week.

(4) Shea Butter
Shea butter easily melts and rapidly absorbs in to the skin. It is really a fantastic moisturizer, and is rich in vitamin A. Due to the numerous advantages it provides, shea butter is utilized in several beauty and haircare goods. It is helpful to alleviate psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis and dry scalp. It absorbs fast and completely into the entire scalp without making a greasy residue, clogging the pores, or developing an accumulation of dandruff or oil.

(5) Vaseline
A lot of mamas swear by Vaseline. Put it in the hair at night (goopy but effective), and by morning, your little darling is flake-free. It can't hurt to try, right?

Prevention:
If cradle cap isn’t something you’ve had to deal with just yet, bathe your baby frequently and then use coconut oil to prevent it entirely from building up in the first place. Coconut oil is perfectly healthy to make use of all over your infant for massages after they take a bath. It’s all the moisturizer he’ll need and it’ll supply you with another method to unwind and relate to your infant!

Home Treatments for Ringworm

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 20 Sep 2013 18:54:00 +0000

What is ringworm?

Ringworm is a fungal skin infection. (It is not due to a worm as its name implies!) There are many types of fungal germs (fungi) and some can infect the skin, nails, and hair. This leaflet just deals with ringworm of the skin (sometimes called tinea corporis). Other leaflets deal with fungal infections of the scalp (scalp ringworm), foot (athlete's foot), groin (tinea cruris), and nails.

How can you catch ringworm?

* From person to person via touching an infected person, sharing towels, etc.
* From animals. Some dogs, cats, and other pets have fungal infections on their skin. They can pass on the infection, especially to children. (Animals can be treated too if you suspect a pet is the cause. See your vet.) Farm animals can also be a source. Touching a farm gate where infected animals pass through may be enough to infect your skin.
* Fungi are common and an infection may seem to occur for no apparent reason. These may occur because you have come into contact with fungi that are in the soil or that have contaminated objects that you touch.

What are the symptoms?

A small area of infected skin tends to spread outwards. It typically develops into a circular, red, inflamed patch of skin. The outer edge is more inflamed and scaly than the paler centre. So, it often looks like a ring that becomes gradually larger - hence the name ringworm. Sometimes only one patch of infection occurs. Sometimes several patches occur over the body, particularly if you catch the infection from handling an infected animal.

The rash may be mildly irritating, but sometimes it is very itchy and inflamed. The rash may vary depending on which type of fungus causes the infection. Sometimes fungal skin infections look similar to other skin rashes, such as psoriasis.
There are some natural home remedies.

Garlic
Garlic is an astonishingly favorable member of antifungal foods which has been used for innumerable health conditions, including ringworm. The first in our list of at home remedies for ringworm merely needs you to peel a clove, reduce the garlic into slim slices, place it onto the ringworm, and protect the place with a band-aid overnight. You might attempt smashing the garlic up more if you like, or just rub the pieces on the place that is affected. More, it is possible to employ the garlic all through the day for best results.

Turmeric
This seasoning actually has some pretty great natural antibiotic qualities. Making use of a juice extractor, apply fresh turmeric juice onto the areas that are affected until you see the problem go away.

Aloe Vera
Most well-known for managing sun burns, Aloe Vera is an all natural remedy for ringworm and countless other skin problems. Apply the juice straight to the afflicted skin till the illness disappears.

Lavender Oil
Moving down the list of available home treatments for ringworm, lavender oil is yet another compound with powerful anti-fungal effects. Studies have shown how the oil doesn’t simply stop fungi from developing, but it actually kills fungal infections including ringworm, athlete’s foot, and Candidiasis.

Apple Cider Vinegar
As well as being appetizing on salads and helping relieve other ills like blood pressure problems, apple cider vinegar will remove ringworm. Making use of a cotton ball, utilize the vinegar by placing it straight onto the area being affected 3-5 times per day for 1 to 3 days.

Lemongrass Tea
Drink a glass of lemongrass tea 3 times per day. You should also apply the used tea bags directly to the areas that are affected while you’re drinking your delicious tea.

Vinegar and Salt

Form a paste of vinegar and salt and apply it directly onto the ringworm. Allow it to sit for 5 minutes. Those who have used this approach to handle ringworm say it tends to take about 7 days or so for the illness to dissipate.

Colloidal Silver

An antibiotic that is completely natural and destroys hundreds of dangerous microorganisms, colloidal silver could be used topically to eliminate ringworm. Basically spray or rub (depending on whether you have a gel or a liquid) colloidal silver onto the fungal infection twice a day until it is completely gone.

Lavender Oil

Moving down the list of available home treatments for ringworm, lavender oil is yet another compound with powerful anti-fungal effects. Studies have shown how the oil doesn’t simply stop fungi from developing, but it actually kills fungal infections including ringworm, athlete’s foot, and Candidiasis.

Olive Leaf

As the last home remedy on our list olive-leaf infusion has antifungal qualities and aids to boost the body’s immune system. Take this one 3 times per day (250 mg) until the problem subsides.

Myrrh

Myrrh is a great antifungal treatment. Create a paste by mixing equal components of myrrh and goldenseal with a small amount of water, and use it 3 times daily.

Simple Home Remedies for Gas and Indigestion Problem

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 20 Sep 2013 11:47:00 +0000

Indigestion refers to many gastrointestinal complaints, which includes gas and upset stomach. Gas is a common problem among most of us and also a highly embarrassing one. Some of the after effects include belching, flatulence and bloating. When food stays in the stomach for too long, it puts undue pressure on the stomach muscles and esophagus which is meant to stay closed to prevent re-flux Most people don’t realize that indigestion is not caused by excess acid. The reason is just the opposite. When there is not enough acid in the stomach, the food sits there and does not get digested producing gas. We are advised to take early morning walks and avoid spicy and oily food. Even if this problem strikes you, which is most probable what can you do to about it? Rush to a doctor, rush to the nearest pharmacy or enter your kitchen and fiddle with some herbs.

Some Remedies for Gas:~

AJWAIN:

Ajwain also known as carom, ajowan or bishop’s weed as it is a small seed-like fruit of bishop weed plant; is a wonder drug. It is found only in certain parts of Asia. Remember when you were small; granny and mom would always serve a dish of ajwain rice. They were actually right in doing so. It has been considered to be the most reputed herb for preventing gas. Needless to say it is great for indigestion, nausea and even flatulence. A small amount of about 5-10 seeds can cure most of your stomach problems. However the potent odor makes it hard for us to consume it raw. You can crush the seeds in your hands to release the fragrance. One can also eat it with rice. Mix salt, asfoetida and half teaspoon carom seeds. Chew it and wash it down with water. It is an immediate cure to all your worries.

WARM WATER:

Warm water taken during indigestion is an instant pain-reliever. If the patient is unable to eat anything, they should be given warm water at regular intervals. This will give rest to the stomach and the toxic condition causing the inflammation will also ease off. Warm water is often the solvent for most of the laxative herbs like cumin, asafoetida and carom seeds. Nonetheless it will help you to retain the water levels in your body. Double benefit!

FENNEL SEEDS:

Fennel seeds or ‘saunf’ are the seeds of the fennel plant. You might have seen Indian restaurants serving you sugar-coated fennel seeds after your meal. Fennel seeds hold a special place in the Ayurveda. It plays a major role in treating gas, stomach and acid re-flux ailments. Chew on fennel seeds when you feel bloated or drink fennel tea. Fennel tea is prepared by crushed fennel seeds. Boil water; add fennel seeds and tea leaves to it. Allow the boiling mixture to steep for a minute. Add quarter cup milk and jaggery syrup. Boil for some time. Strain and serve warm.

GOOSEBERRY:

Amla or gooseberry is a magical cure for a wide range of problems including those of hair, skin, heart, stomach etc. It is very effective in regulating the bowel movements. Amla juice is advised in the morning on an empty stomach to cure constipation. Amla being rich in fiber controls acidity and keeps abdominal discomfort at bay. It is easily available in the market at vegetable vendors and doesn’t hurt your pocket. So gas or not, make sure to consume it on a regular basis. After all, it doesn’t hurt to be a little precautionary rather late

BUTTERMILK:

Freshly churned buttermilk is easier to digest than milk as the fat has been reduced. Due to this, those with indigestion problems are advised to consume buttermilk rather than skim milk. The former has more lactic acid. It not only heals gas problems but also helps to keep you stay fit. Adding a bit of powdered and roasted cumin seeds and a tint of salt will only increase its effectiveness. When the sun is too harsh to bear or your stomach is taking the better off you, treat yourself to a glass of cool and comforting buttermilk. It contains some of the digestion-friendly bacteria which boost your digestion system excellently.

GINGER:

It is pleasant on your taste and always available. Ginger is considered to be the best cure of indigestion by some. Ginger juice mixed with warm water and sugar to taste is supposed to cure bloating and flatulence. It is a traditional cure for treating dyspepsia. Ginger tea is effective and easy to prepare. Boil water; add tea powder and a small piece of ginger. Leave it to boil for 3 minutes. Strain and add desired amount of sugar. Your ginger light tea is ready to be sipped. If you are too lazy to prepare tea or no one is present to help you with its juice, just pop in a few small pieces of ginger and chew on them. It is exceptionally good to treat hyper acidity.

BAKING SODA & LEMON:

One conventional home treatment for gas is the use of lemon and baking soda. Put the juice of one fresh lemon in a glass and then add some baking soda to it. This will lead to fizzing. Add some more baking soda and finally add a cup of water and stir properly to allow the baking soda to dissolve properly. Drink this solution slowly and soon you will get relief as this drink will work as an effective antacid. For instant relief from stomach gas you can add a small amount of baking soda in one glass of water and drink it on empty stomach.

HARBAL TEA:

Drinking herbal tea after eating a heavy meal can also control indigestion to a huge extent. Take your favorite herbal tea bag and dip it into a hot cup of water and cover it for five minutes. Drink it while it is still warm. You can try herbal tea consisting of mint, raspberry and blackberry to get instant relief. Even Peppermint or Chamomile tea can also be taken to calm the stomach, especially when it is the case of overeating.

APPLE:

At the first sign of indigestion try to eat some fiber enriched food like an apple. Apple is a rich source of fiber and also tasty to eat. Try to eat the apple with its peel as it contains high amount of fiber. When fiber reaches your system it tries to clear the clogged up digestive system and within a few minutes it can give you relief from stomachache.

CORIANDER:

Coriander is an effective spice to treat indigestion due to its aphrodisiac effect. To get relief from indigestion, simply add some roasted coriander seeds to half a glass of butter milk and drink it twice a day. You can also mix roasted coriander with ground cardamom seeds, cloves ginger and make a paste out of it. It will also be an effective home remedy for indigestion.

GRAPEFRUITS:

Grapefruit can also be used for solving the problem of indigestion. The vitamins and nutrients present in the peel of grapefruit can ease the heat and irritation caused in the stomach due to indigestion. With the help of a grater grate grapefruit peel and allow it to dry in the sun for a few hours. Take half a teaspoon of this dried peel whenever you suffer from stomachache. It will help in improving the flow of digestive juices making your digestive system work in a better way.

ORANGE:

During indigestion, orange is one such fruit that can calm the stomach to a great extent as it contains a variety of natural acids, particularly citric and ascorbic acids. You can eat an orange and try some freshly squeezed orange juice prior to eating a heavy meal. This will help in increasing the acid within your stomach and improve your digestion capacity. Soon you will get huge relief from various symptoms of indigestion. Apart from orange, you can also try pineapple juice to improve digestion.

Home Remedies for Eczema Scars

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 18 Sep 2013 17:18:00 +0000

Eczema is a kind of chronic skin problem where inflammation on the outer layer of the skin happens. Eczema can happen due to excessive stress, allergies, dandruff, change in weather, hormonal changes in the body and so on.

Some of the symptoms of eczema are skin redness, itching, dryness, blistering, bleeding and scabbing. Often eczema leaves behind ugly scars which take a lot of time to disappear.

Home remedies for eczema scars:~
Oatmeal:

Oatmeal can give you instant relief from itching caused by any kind of skin problem. You can regularly take an oatmeal bath to soothe the skin affected from eczema. Grind one to two cups of oatmeal with the help of a grinder or blender. Then add the ground oatmeal in the warm water of a bathtub. Now allow your body to soak in this oatmeal bathwater for twenty minutes to half an hour. Finally pat dry your skin using a very soft towel to retain the moisture on your skin. Follow this remedy up to three times a day depending on the severity of the scar caused by eczema.

Lemon:

Lemon juice is also a great eczema scar home remedy. The acidic property of lemon juice acts as a natural antiseptic that can lighten old eczema scars. Take fresh lemon juice and apply it onto the affected area twice daily and leave it for a few minutes. The vitamin C present in lemon juice will help your body to create new skin cells and will brighten the skin tone. Alternatively you can exfoliate the skin with a mixture made from one part lemon juice and one part sugar. Try to do this remedy before going to bed. Also drink water with lemon juice several times a day to remove the toxins from your system.

Honey:

Honey is used for different kinds of skin problems including eczema scars. The antiseptic and antibacterial properties of honey can reduce the eczema scars to a great extent. You can apply honey directly onto the affected skin area after washing the area properly. Else you can make a scrub of honey and crystallized sugar to scrub the affected area gently for a few minutes. Finally rinse the excess honey from the skin with cold water. Repeat this remedy daily until the scar is healed completely.

Baking Soda:

Using baking soda can also help in removing the scarred skin. Baking soda can remove the dead cells from the skin without causing itchiness. Take two tablespoon of baking soda and mix it with one tablespoon of water to make a smooth paste. Apply this paste onto the eczema scars and gently massage the area in circular movements for one to two minutes. Rinse the area properly with lukewarm water. Soon you will notice that redness and inflammation around the scarred skin has reduced a lot.

Fish Oil:

Regular intake of fish oil can also help to minimize the eczema scars. The omega-3 fatty acids which are found in fish oil will heal the inflammatory symptoms associated with eczema and soon the scars will fade away. Start taking fish oil three times daily in doses of 1,200 milligrams to get rid of scars left by eczema. Alternatively, you can also include food times enriched with fish oil in your diet to treat the scars created by eczema.

Cocoa Butter:

Cocoa butter is a good natural ingredient to get rid of your eczema scars. It is often regarded as a restorative salve for skin cells which can lighten the dark scars. However for better result it is recommended to use pure cocoa butter instead of lotions having cocoa butter. Apply pure cocoa butter daily on the scars as a moisturizer. Over time the scars will get lighter and lighter.

Olive Oil

Regular use of olive oil can also reduce eczema scars to a great extent. Olive oil has powerful anti-inflammatory effects that can soften the skin and reduce redness. For treating eczema scars you need to use extra virgin olive oil only. Directly apply extra virgin olive oil onto the scars once a day and leave it for a couple of minutes. Gently massage the oil around the acne scars and finally place a hot washcloth over the area until the cloth becomes totally cool. Finally wipe away the excess oil from the skin with lukewarm water. Alternatively you can simply apply olive oil twice a day on the affected skin area and massage it with soft hands.

Aloe Vera

Another popular home cure for eczema scars is Aloe Vera. The anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties available in Aloe Vera can reduce the irritation caused by eczema to a great extent and will gradually lighten the dark scars. You can directly apply the gel of Aloe Vera to affected areas. Else you can make a mixture of Aloe Vera gel and Vitamin E oil to form a thin paste and apply it to the scarred skin. Leave it overnight and then wash it with warm water in the morning. Follow this remedy until the scar is treated completely.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is also a good ingredient from your kitchen counter that can help in treating eczema scars. Apple cider vinegar contains antifungal and antibacterial properties that can reduce the scars caused by eczema. Mix two teaspoon of apple cider vinegar and two teaspoon of honey in a glass of water and drink it three times a day. It will boost the immune system which will gradually reduce the inflammation and scarring. Also you can apply apple cider vinegar directly to the skin by mixing one part vinegar and one part water. This will help to reduce skin itchiness and dryness.

Shea Butter

Shea butter enriched with vitamin E, vitamin A, and keratin help to maintain the moisture level of the skin. So, when shea butter is applied on the affected skin it starts rejuvenating and rebuilding the skin thus making the scar vanish soon. For treating eczema scars you must apply shea butter on the affected skin at least twice a day for quick result. You can also mix two part of shea butter with one part of fresh lemon juice and mix it properly to form a thick paste. Apply this paste onto the skin and leave it overnight.

Simple Home Remedies for Quick Weight Gain

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 18 Sep 2013 10:19:00 +0000

Most important….

1. Eat three meals and two snacks per day.
2. Don’t miss your breakfast, lunch & dinner, as well as 2-3 snacks in between.
3. Those who want to gain weight should eat frequent small quantity meals. Consume low fat food, high in calories & nutrients such as starchy vegetables, nuts, seeds etc.
4. Avoid consume of products that are made from white flour and sugar.

Fruits & dry fruits

1. Increase your consumption of milk, dry dates, nuts, raisins, figs, musk-melons, mangoes etc.

2. Eat muskmelon 2-3 times a day for 30-40 days.

3. Another very helpful remedy is, soak 2 almonds, 2 dates and 1 anjeer (figs) in milk for overnight and drink it in the morning for 30-45 days.

4. Add dessert like Halwa (made from carrots and dry fruits), khir/vermicelli with Raisins & almonds in your regular diet.

Dairy Products

Increase the consumption of dairy products like milk, curd and cheese. But do not eat too much anything because it will have risk of indigestion, high blood pressure etc. Add ghee and butter in your regular diet.

Mango and milk

Eat 1-2 ripe mangos in 3 portions throughout a day, after each portion drink 1 cup of milk. Drink mango shake once or twice a day.

Banana

Banana is known as excellent source for weight gain Eat 1-2 well ripen banana with a glass of milk in your breakfast. Also eat 1-2 bananas after every heavy meal for digestion improvement. You can also drink banana milk shake regularly.

Water

Drink a lot of water daily. Being hydrated is very significant for our body, particularly as your body is going through changes.

Regular exercise

Improve up your appetite by regular exercise, brisk walk, jogging, weight exercise etc. Work at least for 45 minutes daily.

Exercise is very important to gain weight as it improves our appetite. Do weight exercise, brisk walking, swimming or other outdoor sports to stay healthy and active.

Yogasanas/ yoga practices such as Savasana (Corpse Pose), Sirshasana (Headstand), Pavan Mukta Asana (Wind releasing pose), Vajra Asana (Diamond pose) etc.

Sleep

If possible take afternoon sleep for 30 minutes -1 hour. Don’t sleep late at night, sleep at least 7 hour.

Home Remedies for a Runny Nose

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 17 Sep 2013 17:19:00 +0000

A runny nose may not hurt, but it certainly is annoying. What's more, if not cared for properly, nasal discharge can lead to sinus problems, coughing and ear aches.

Fortunately, though, it's not hard to find a natural home remedy for a runny nose that will help you go through those tissues a little less quickly.

...Mustard oil ...

Another simple but effective home remedy for a runny nose is plain mustard oil. Heat a little of the oil until it's barely warm. Use a dropper to put just a drop in one nostril. Give the oil a minute or two to absorb, then put oil in the other nostril. Because the oil is so strongly scented, it makes it a little hard to breath, so only so do one nostril at a time.

...Salt water ...

One of the simplest ways to clear out the toxins that cause a runny nose is to wash the nostrils with a saltwater solution. It is a little uncomfortable, but it doesn't take long. Dissolve a tablespoon of ordinary salt in eight ounces of warm water. Suck a little into a dropper and, with just the tip of the dropper in your nostril, drop the solution into your nose. Then inhale very gently to draw the water in further. It may take a few drops before you feel any improvement. Finally, blow your nose to clear out any excess water and nasal discharge.

...Spicy foods...

If you're one of the many who reach for the tissues every time you eat hot peppers or curry, it may seem a little odd to suggest that spicy foods can work as a home remedy for a runny nose. While it's obvious that hot foods clear up nasal congestion, they can also help you cure your runny nose.
What you're actually doing is temporarily increasing nasal discharge so that your body can flush out the blockage and toxins that are making your nose run in the first place. In any case, spicy foods, particularly cayenne peppers and ginger, help increase circulation, which will warm you up if you have the chills

...Thyme...

Garden-variety thyme also works as a home remedy for a runny nose. Take a tablespoon or two or dry thyme and crush it as finely as possible. You should end up with a powder. If you happen to have a mortal and pestle, this is the easiest way to do it, but the back of a spoon will work, as well. Then gently inhale the powdered thyme. You can also use oil of thyme in the same way as the mustard oil mentioned above.

...Prop up your head ...

Propping your head up while you sleep can also help you get over a running nose faster. This helps the nasal discharge drain out instead of running down your throat and causing coughing and ear aches. Try to keep your head elevated at least 10 inches.

If you're trying to cure a runny nose, rest assured that you don't have to resort to potentially harmful nasal sprays to do it. You can start off simply with a bowl of spicy chili to clear your nasal passages and if that doesn't work experiment with a salt water cleanse, thyme powder or another natural home remedy for a runny nose.

...Chew raw ginger...

Chewing raw ginger really soothes runny nose quickly. Take a fresh ginger and squeeze it. Chew all with salt. Take as much as you can. Garlic is well known for its lot of health benefits.

...Herbal tea...

Herbal tea really works excellent for runny nose. I’ve tested one more herbal tea on my own. Among them, ginger tea is the best one. Let’s prepare it. Take few fresh slices of ginger and boil them for 5-7 minutes with a mug of water. You can put a cinnamon stick to add a pleasant aroma. Take a tea bag in a mug with necessary sugar. Pour the flavored water in a tea mug and enjoy the greatest herbal tea after adding a little lemon extract.

...Cinnamon with honey....

Cinnamon with honey is an effective natural healer of runny nose. Take 2 tbsp honey in a cup. Add a pinch of cinnamon powder in it. Now, add quarter spoon lemon juice in it. You are adding lemon because lemon is great fruit full with vitamin C including some anti- bacterial agents that have cold healing power.

...Steam yourself...

The fast and effective remedy for runny nose is steam yourself by taking a warm bath. After having a shower, stay in the bathroom for sometime until steam remain. Warm bath gives instant comfort to soothe a runny nose.

...Humidify your bedroom...

Humidifying bed room is the best approach to treat runny nose. If it’s possible invest a humidifier in the bedroom. Humidifier helps to add moisture to the air in room environment that makes mucus thinner. If you can’t manage humidifier, then close the door after having steam shower. That makes your room steam.

...Vitamin C...

It is a natural anti-histamine as it stabilizes cell membranes thereby keeping the histamine from being released. It is also very useful in enhancing your immune system's functions. You can also supercharge its effect by taking a zinc supplement as they work together to give the immune system a huge boost.

...Honey and Lime...

Add one tablespoon of honey and 2-3 drops of fresh lime-juice in one cup of water. Drink this solution when warm. Honey will relieve a runny nose and cough as well.

...Get a Massage...

Massage your nose bridge gently. Using your thumb and index finger, apply a soft up and down stroke on the bridge of your nose, until you are able to breathe easy.

Natural Gout Treatments

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 17 Sep 2013 10:05:00 +0000

The disease affecting one or more than one joints, gout happens to be a physiological condition involving inflammation of the affected joints leading to piercing pain. Caused by an excess of uric acid in bloodstream; gout leads to inflammation and pain on account of the crystallization of uric acid around the joints. Basically, gout is of two kinds- chronic and acute. Resulting from the accumulation and crystallization of uric acid, gout of 'acute' type usually affects one particular joint; whereas in cases of chronic gout more than one particular joint may be affected. As part of chronic gout; the sufferer may come under several spells of painfully severe attacks.

Generally afflicting men and, women after menopause, it tends to affect those susceptible to alcohol and medications based on "Hydrochlorothiazide". This excruciatingly painful disease however has a number of home based remedial measures.

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.

Natural Treatments for Gout & Home Remedies

1. In cases of severe spells of repeated attacks; diet rich in animal protein should be avoided because red meat, organs of animals and those high in oil content aggravate the conditions of gout.

Similarly alcoholic beverages should also be avoided.

2. Likewise, the malic acid of apple is also beneficial for joint/joints affected by gout. The mentioned acid also neutralizes the excess uric acid. A patient suffering from it is advised to consume one apple on a regular basis.

3. Banana is also effective and can be included in ones diet during the therapeutic stage. Cherries both sweet and sour may be consumed before breakfast to counter the inflammatory conditions of gout. The 'anthocyanins' content of cherries serve to heal the leading symptoms of painful inflammations and joint tenderness. Colored grapes, raspberries and black berries are also beneficial.

4. Usually affecting the toe joint; patients affected with acute gout are often advised to take hot foot bath in water enriched with Epsom salt. In case the conditions affecting more than one joint regular bathing in luke warm water with dashes of Epsom salt proves to be relieving.

5. Application of cold compress and packs to the painfully inflammated joints may also prove to be soothing and relieving. A sheet of disinfected clothe may be filled with crushed ice to be applied on the painful joint when a patient comes under the bout of sudden and excruciatingly painful attack. But frequent application of ice packs should be avoided because excess exposure to the fall in temperature also accounts for crystallization of uric acid.

6. In place of either hot or cold packs; a pack made out of mustard powder, wheat flour and sufficient amount of water can be made to be applied as a thick jelly to the affected areas. You may use cotton or gauze to apply the prepared jelly.

7. Application of tolerably warm castor oil either with cotton ball or flannel coat on the affected joint is one of the remedial options.

8. Similarly alcoholic beverages should also be avoided. Both alcohol and animal protein contribute to the accumulation of uric acid.

9. The citric acid content of lime serves to neutralize excess uric acid in blood stream; the most important element contributing to the occurrence of gout. So daily consumption of water enriched with squeezed juice of half a lemon proves counterproductive from the point of view of gout.

10. Certain herbs with their anti inflammatory properties such as ginger root, capsicum, devil's claw and licorice help to relieve pain. Half a tea spoon of powdered ginger root may be mixed with one cup of boiling water to be consumed regularly. It will go a long way in ensuring relief from pain and inflammation.

11. For relief from pain two tea spoon full measures of cider vinegar and raw honey may be consumed. The anti inflammatory property of honey and malic acid content of apple vinegar will work together to ensure relief.

12. It is imperative that one allows sufficient movement of all the joints to prevent the occurrence of gout because holding on to one position without making way for circulation and movement encourages gout.

13.You can also get rid of gout by drinking a juice made out of french beans.You need to drink the juice you will be able to get rid of the pain that arises due to gout and

will also able to get rid of gout completely.

14. Cherries are highly effective in helping a person to get rid of gout.This is mainly because cherries are rich in vitamin C and work effectively in removing all the uric acid from the body of a person.For a person suffering from gout pain.A person can either eat the cherries raw or can make a juice out of them and drink it at least once a day.

Tips for Neck Pain Relief

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 16 Sep 2013 09:55:00 +0000

Roughly half of the clients I see all have the same complaint - neck and shoulder pain. We develop neck pain for a myriad of different reasons such as stress, poor posture, poor work place ergonomics, poor pillow support or even because of reasons that aren't so cut and dry. Sometimes, our neck can bother us because of a problem in our knees, or tight hamstrings.

Here they are, 5 Tricks you can do right now, to give yourself a break from the pain in your neck, without popping any medication.

1. Stretch the truth: Or rather, the truth is: stretch it! But definitely do it in a way that doesn’t go too far – stretching your neck should not be the same as stretching the rest of your body. Because the muscles in your neck are more slender, plus the fact that you have a lot of nerves and important blood vessels running through there, you run the risk of hurting yourself by over-stretching. The best answer? Use a mirror: look at yourself in a mirror and draw small to medium-sized circles with your chin. This will help move your neck without going too far. Next, draw figure-eights with your chin, still watching yourself in the mirror. Finally, turn perpendicular to the mirror, and turn your head towards the mirror. Make sure that you turn only enough so that you can see your opposite ear, no farther. And most of all, think of it as movement rather than actual stretching – this will help you prevent injury.

2. Heat it up: Ice is good within the first 24 hours after inflammation starts, but once that time has passed start adding heat – especially if the pain in your neck is chronic (i.e. more than a few months old). Heating pads, hot water bottles and so on are great. Just be careful not to put anything too hot directly onto your skin: use a towel in between if you need to. Do this for 20 minutes, then let your muscles rest for 20 minutes without heat. Repeat this cycle 3 times.

3. Let it soak in: Taking a bath is a great way to give your muscles a chance to relax, and to help relieve some of that tension in your neck. Make sure that you add something to your bath though – the hot water alone will help, but not nearly as much as some additives will. Epsom salts are made of magnesium sulfate, which can help relax your muscles and also release endorphins (those ‘feel good’ chemicals in your brain). Adding an essential oil such as lavender or eucalyptus can also increase the effectiveness of a nice, hot, 20-minute soak.
4. Rub it in: Using some kind of cream or balm for pain relief is often a great option for neck pain relief, especially if you’re on the go. Something like arnica, a homeopathic herb, is great for absolving pain issues. So are other options such capsaicin, as well as some Chinese herbal ointments. Anything with menthol in it should be avoided, however, for pregnant and nursing women, as well as for children and even if you think that you might be allergic or are taking a drug that could possibly have an issue with an adverse interaction.

5. Get it worked on: Massage therapy will help to improve the circulation in your neck, while also helping ease tension and release endorphins. A Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) is trained to know exactly what areas to massage, so be sure to book with someone thus qualified. And if you can’t find the time to book with a professional, ask a friend or loved one – just make sure that they use light pressure and don’t massage the bones in your neck, just the muscles.

6. Put a pin in it: Acupuncture has been relieving neck pain for thousands of years, so there’s a good chance it could probably do something for you too! By getting it performed by an R. TCMP (Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner), you’ll ensure that your diagnosis is based on proper fundamentals, and your treatment will not only relieve your pain, but will have a lasting effect as well. The needles your R. TCMP might use include those on your neck, as well some on your back and lower legs.

7. Keep still: Isometric exercises for your neck tend to be the best way to strengthen the muscles here. These types of exercises involve static positions, where you don’t actually move the joint that your muscle is attached to. Your health care practitioner should be able to show you some good ones. Hint: once again, use a mirror whenever possible, and maintain good posture. Don’t over stimulate doing these exercises as you might be inclined to do. Just because you’re not moving doesn’t mean the muscle isn’t getting worked. It is!

How to get rid of black knees and elbows

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 16 Sep 2013 09:34:00 +0000

The buildup of thick and dead skin formed by the friction or pressure in elbows or knees or in ankles causes the skin to turn black.It is really embarrassing for women to wear short skirts or sleeveless dresses with black knees and elbows can happen to any person regardless of the color of their skin. Getting too much sun and not exfoilating yours skin add to the darkeing of the skin.You can easily get rid of these dark knees and elbows using various home remedies.The home remedies should be based on exfoilation and bleaching of the skin.

What do we know about the skin around knees and elbows?

It is usually thicker than its surroundings and has more folds, is rough and dry and appears to be dirty even though the part may have been covered like full sleeved clothes and jeans. The skin is at least a tone darker than the original skin color. It looks ugly and never seems to restore to its original state.

Why is the skin dark?

Have you seen a baby with dark elbows and knees? No, obviously. It is the result of friction like leaning on the elbows or knees which causes the maximum problem. In schools, we are supposed to sit on the ground or participate in sports an activity which causes the knee skin to grow drier. And, of course, due to our bad habits, we seem to lean on our elbows rather than sit straight and keep a good posture. The other cause is lack of hygiene and improper care. So, your affected areas need more care now on.

Eliminating the dead cells should enjoy central importance in our skin care. However, it seems that the least appreciated spots as elbows and the knees are always left out. In fact, these are the skin sections of our body that store a multitude of dead tissues and tend to darken due to this factor. In order to prevent the discoloration of the skin it is advisable to pay special attention to less visible spots too. Including the thorough exfoliation into our skin care routine is the password towards banishing these dark spots.

If the drama already happened and you have your knees and elbows already stained, experiment with mild skin lightening. Skin bleaching, especially when prepared of organic ingredients can give back the natural tone to the affected areas. Follow the instructions and the recipes carefully for a quick and efficient result.

Home remedies for black knees and elbows:

TURMERIC,HONEY & MILK:

Turmeric has antiseptic properties amd milk act as bleach.Honey moisturized the dry skin and also has antiseptic properties.These natural properties of the ingredients will help to get rid of black elbows and knees.

a. Mix some turmeric with milk and honey to make it a smooth paste.
b. Apply it on the dark areas and leave it there for at least 20 mints.
c. Wet your hands and rub it for 2 mints,and then wash it of with water.

BLEACHING FRUITS:

Fruits like lemon,tomato and grapes have bleaching property and help to get rid of black skin .

a. Apply the juice of any of the bleaching fruits regularly to the skin.
b. You can use defferent fruits juice on different days.

BAKING SODA:

Baking soda is very effective in cleaning the skin and reduces darkeing of the skin.Milk bleach and cleanes the skin.

a. Take 1 tablespoon of baking soda and mix it with milk.
b. Apply this paste on knees and elbows and scrub it using circular motion.
c. Repeat the remedy once every two days.Repeat until you notice changes in the color.

LEMON & HONEY:

Lemon juice are natural bleaching property and honey moisturizes the skin preventing darkeing of the skin.Repeat this remedy at least thrice a week to get better results.

a. Take the juice of 1 lemon and mix it with 1 tablespoon of honey.
b. Apply the mixture of lemon and honey on the effected areas and leave the mixture to act for atleast 20 mints.
c. Wash the mixture of with water to get the lightened skin.

SUGAR & OLIVE OIL:

The sugar present in this remedy work as exfoilate and the olive oil will moistureze the skin.

a. Mix equal quantities of olive oil and sugar to make a thick paste.
b. Apply this mix on to the black knees and elbows.
c. Rub the skin using this mixture for about 5 mints.
d. Wash using mild soap and water

* Coconut oil and Walnut powder make good exfoliators for dark skin patches.

* Another great remedy which surely works is milk cream. Mix milk cream with a pinch of turmeric and apply on the affected areas.

* Aloevera (straight from the plant) also shows lightening of the skin.
* Keep the elbows and knees covered as much as possible.

* There should be no deep lines visible on the joints. If you can see lines, that means your skin is dry and you need to moisturize it. Apply oil from Vitamin E supplements topically.

Do You Suffer Eye Pain?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 16 Sep 2013 06:31:00 +0000

After day long work over computer, your eyes may pain and turn red. The burning sensation in the eyes may be due to stress and constant staring at the bright light as it increases the pressure in the eyes. Today, we will discuss on a few home remedies to cure eye pain.

Take a look. Eyes are the most sensitive organ of our body. They require special care as they are very delicate and important part. Due to pollution and computer usage, they tend to get irritated and result in poor vision and disease. Some home remedies will help.

What Causes Eye Pain?

Discomfort or pain can be caused by a problem in the eye or structures around it, including:

.. Cornea: Clear window in the front of the eye that focuses incoming light
.. Sclera: White outside wall of the eye
.. Conjunctiva: Ultrathin covering of the sclera and inside the eyelid
.. Iris: Colored part of the eye, with the pupil in the middle
.. Orbit: Bony cave where the eye and eye muscles are
.. Extraocular muscles: Muscles that rotate the eye
.. Nerves: Carry visual information from the eyes to the brain
.. Eyelids: Outside covering of the eye, which protects and continually spreads moisture over the eyes

Eye problems can include:

Blepharitis: Inflammation or infection of the eyelid that causes irritation or pain.

Conjunctivitis ( commonly called pinkeye): Inflammation of the conjunctiva caused by allergies or infections (viral or bacterial). Blood vessels in the conjunctiva become engorged, and the normally white part of the eye looks red. Other symptoms usually include itchiness and discharge.

Corneal abrasions: A scratch on the cornea is called an abrasion. It can be very painful. The cornea is vulnerable to injuries from children's flying fingers, errant tree branches, or tennis balls. With antibiotic drops and close monitoring by your doctor, corneal abrasions generally resolve completely without future problems.

Corneal infections (called keratitis): Inflamed or infected cornea sometimes caused from shingles (herpes zoster) or from wearing contact lenses overnight or without inadequate disinfection.

Foreign bodies: Something in the eye -- a bit of dirt, plant debris, or a fragment of a contact lens. These are usually just irritating, and tears or water rinse them out. If not removed, foreign bodies can cause corneal abrasions.

Glaucoma: Eye condition that usually has no early symptoms. In the case of acute angle closure glaucoma, though, pressure inside the eye rises suddenly. Symptoms include severe eye pain, nausea and vomiting, headache, and decreased vision. These symptoms are an emergency and need immediate treatment to prevent blindness.

Iritis or uveitis: Inflammation inside the eye, which is uncommon. Can be due to trauma, infections, or autoimmune conditions. Symptoms include pain, red eye, and, often, decreased vision.

Optic neuritis: When the nerve traveling from the back of the eyeball into the brain becomes inflamed. Multiple sclerosis or other autoimmune conditions or infections are often the cause. Symptoms include loss of vision and sometimes pain.

Sinusitis: Infection in one of the sinus cavities, which can create pressure behind the eyes, causing eye pain on one or both sides.

Stye (also called a hordeolum): An often painful infection or inflammation of the edges of the eyelid caused from the eyelash hair follicles or from oil glands. Usually a stye has a very localized, very tender area on one eyelid.

Eye Pain Home Remedies:

1. Rubbing palms for a few seconds and placing on the eyes gently will relax the strained eye muscles. The warm pressure also improves blood circulation.

2. Soaking a ball of cotton in ice water and placing them on eye lids for about half an hour will cure the burning sensation and eye redness.

3. Sunbathing is also a nice way to get relieved from eye pain. Stretching your eyes by moving the eye balls in all the direction and allowing more sunlight to penetrate into eyes will de-stress as well as improve circulation.

4. While taking a good care of your face also concentrate on your eyes. A few slices of cucumber or potato will soothe the eyes as well as reduce puffiness around the strained eyes.

5. Eating vitamin A rich foods such as green leafy vegetables, tomatoes, soya, orange, papaya, apples and grapes will provide nutrition to the eyes and cure all types of deficiency related eye infections. If the eye redness persists for a longer period then it is best to seek the doctor's advice.

6.Taking breaks from computer use and trying to focus the farthest object of your sight will be a good exercise to eye pain.

12 Foods That Cleanse the Liver

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 15 Sep 2013 19:38:00 +0000

Modern society is a sad state that produces many over-processed livers. When we overeat or eat processed or fried foods, and, anytime we are exposed to environmental pollutants or stress, the liver becomes overworked and overloaded. When the liver is taxed, it can’t process toxins and fat in an efficient way. There are many foods that can help cleanse the liver naturally by stimulating its natural ability to clean toxic waste from the body.

1. Turmeric:
The liver’s favorite spice. Try adding some of this detoxifying goodness into your next lentil stew or veggie dish for an instant liver pick-me-up. Turmeric helps boost liver detox, by assisting enzymes that actively flush out dietary carcinogens.

2. Lemon & lime:
These citrus fruits contain very high amounts of vitamin C, which aids the body in synthesizing toxic materials into substances that can be absorbed by water. Drinking freshly-squeezed lemon or lime juice in the morning helps stimulate the liver.

3. Appel:
High in pectin, apples hold the chemical constituents necessary for the body to cleanse and release toxins from the digestive tract. This, in turn, makes it easier for the liver to handle the toxic load during the cleansing process.

4. Garlic:
Just a small amount of this pungent white bulb has the ability to activate liver enzymes that help your body flush out toxins. Garlic also holds high amounts of allicin and selenium, two natural compounds that aid in liver cleansing.

5. Green Vegetables:
One of our most powerful allies in cleansing the liver, leafy greens can be eaten raw, cooked, or juiced. Extremely high in plant chlorophylls, greens suck up environmental toxins from the blood stream. With their distinct ability to neutralize heavy metals, chemicals and pesticides, these cleansing foods offer a powerful protective mechanism for the liver.

Try incorporating leafy greens such as bitter gourd, arugula, dandelion greens, spinach, mustard greens, and chicory into your diet. This will help increase the creation and flow of bile, the substance that removes waste from the organs and blood.

6. Grapefruit:
High in both vitamin C and antioxidants, grapefruit increases the natural cleansing processes of the liver. A small glass of freshly-squeezed grapefruit juice will help boost production of the liver detoxification enzymes that help flush out carcinogens and other toxins.

7. Beets and Carrots:

Both are extremely high in plant-flavonoids and beta-carotene; eating beets and carrots can help stimulate and improve overall liver function.

8. Whole Grains:
Grains, such as brown rice, are rich in B-complex vitamins which are nutrients known to improve overall fat metabolization, liver function and liver decongestion. If possible, do not eat foods with white flour, instead try eating whole wheat alternatives.

9. Olive Oil:
Cold-pressed organic oils such as olive, hemp and flax-seed are great for the liver, when used in moderation. They help the body by providing a lipid base that can suck up harmful toxins in the body. In this way, it takes some of the burden off the liver in terms of the toxic overload many of us suffer from.

10. Walnuts:
Holding high amounts of the amino acid arginine, walnuts aid the liver in detoxifying ammonia. Walnuts are also high in glutathione and omega-3 fatty acids, which support normal liver cleansing actions. Make sure you chew the nuts well (until they are liquefied) before swallowing.

11. Cabbage:
Much like broccoli and cauliflower, eating cabbage helps stimulate the activation of two crucial liver detoxifying enzymes that help flush out toxins. Try eating more kimchi, coleslaw, cabbage soup and sauerkraut.

12. Green Tea:
This liver-loving beverage is chock-full of plant antioxidants known as catechins, a constituent known to assist the livers overall functions. Green tea is not only delicious, it’s also a great way to improve your overall diet. Learn more about the benefits of green tea.

Superfoods For Eyes

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 15 Sep 2013 19:04:00 +0000

There are many people who suffer from poor eyesight, distorted vision, or have difficulty in seeing objects close or from a distance. Well with age, the problem in eyes can be justified but today even small kids are also having different kinds of eye problems. Taking proper care of your eyes plays a vital role in keeping them healthy and here you must not forget the importance of proper diet. The overall health of your eyes depends on certain nutrients such as vitamins A and C, bioflavonoids, carotenoids, omega 3 fatty acids, minerals and antioxidants.
some superfoods for Eyes.

Carrot....

Carrot contains a lot of beta carotene, which is a precursor for Vitamin A. Vitamin A prevents night blindness and helps to maintain a healthy, clear cornea and protects the cells present in your eyes and body. Carrots also contain lutein, which helps to increase pigment density in the macula, the oval-shaped yellow spot near the centre of the retina. This in turn protects the retina, and lowers the risk of macular degeneration. Carrot is also rich in fiber and potassium. You can eat carrots as a snack or else you can make soups, salads, or side dishes.

Salmon....

Regular consumption of salmon can help to keep the retina free from damage and prevent blindness. Salmon contains a very good amount of omega-3 fatty acids, which helps a lot to keep the eyes from drying out. The omega-3 fatty acids also give protection to the eyes against advanced-age-related macular degeneration. Experts recommend having two servings of salmon at least two times a week. Salmon can be consumed in soup, salad or in the form of main dish. Other cold-water fishes that can be consumed to enjoy healthy eyes are sardines, herring, mackerel and albacore tuna.

Ostrich....

Another lean substitute for high-fat meats is ostrich, a super food full of zinc, protein, and iron – nature’s super trio for keeping our eyes in the pink.
Eating ostrich is helpful to our retinas, which need zinc to function properly and to stop the first signs of macular degeneration.
Ostrich is quite easy to add into our everyday foods.
This is because it easily soaks up the flavors of other ingredients that are cooked with it.

Sweet Potato....

Sweet potatoes contain a good amount of vitamin A which is great for the eyes. Vitamin A improves eyesight and also prevents cataracts, macular degeneration and glaucoma. Vitamin A is also required to solve the problem of dry eye and protect the eyes from both bacterial and viral infections. At the same time sweet potatoes are also rich in beta carotene, potassium and fiber. Sweet potatoes come in about 400 different varieties throughout the year and can be cooked in wide variety of ways such as baked, grilled, fried or boiled.

Broccoli....

Broccoli contains a good amount of vitamin B2. Deficiency of vitamin B2 can make the eyes highly sensitive to light which can cause inflammation, blurred vision and ocular fatigue. At the same time vitamin B2 prevents cataracts or delays their progress. It also contains powerful phyto-chemical antioxidants such as lutein and zeaxanthin, and Vitamin A which are essential for healthy eye-sight. The fleshy flower heads, stalks and leaves of broccoli can be used in different manners. To get benefited from the nutrients present in broccoli, try to consume the tender broccoli heads in raw or salad form.

Spinach....

To improve your eyesight, you must regularly eat spinach along with other green vegetables such as kale, Swiss chard, turnip, mustard laves and collard greens. Spinach contains a lot of nutrients such as Vitamin A, lutein and zeaxanthin, which are good for the eyes. Vitamin A helps protect the cornea, while lutein protects the eye from ultraviolet light and zeaxanthin contributes toward visual development. The best way to consume spinach is to have a glass of fresh spinach juice on an empty stomach in the morning. It can also be consumed as a side dish, in salad form, or sautéed.

Walnuts....

Walnuts contain a good amount of omega-3 fatty acids which play an important role in maintaining the overall health of the eyes. Also walnuts contain antioxidants, zinc and vitamin E, which work to combat inflammation and preserve cardiovascular health. Along with walnuts, you can also consume other types of nuts such as almonds, hazelnuts, pecans and peanuts. Eating a handful of walnuts daily can greatly improve the health of your eyes and keep it protected from many different kinds of vision problems.

Strawberry....

Strawberry contains a good amount of vitamin C, an antioxidant that the body requires to maintain healthy eyes and keep them free from inflammation-related diseases. The different antioxidants present in strawberries can help to avoid eye problems such as dryness of eyes, macular degeneration and vision defects. Three or more servings of strawberries daily can decrease the possibility of age related eye issues. You can eat strawberries as a great snack, add them to a bowl of cereals, and make a fruit salad or else you can make desserts for a healthy sweet treat.

Blueberries....

Blueberries should be consumed regularly to enjoy better eye sight. Blueberries support healthy eye function through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, collagen stabilizing, vasoprotective, and rhodopsin regenerating properties. Regular consumption of blueberries improves the vision of your eyes. It also prevents weak eyesight and strengthens blood vessels in the back of the eye. At the same time blueberries contain anthocyanins, which help to lower down both high blood pressure level and inflammation and also prevent blockages to the arteries that feed oxygen to the retina. Along with blueberries, you must also eat blackberries, mulberries, cranberries, and bilberries.

Home Remedies For Cough

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 15 Sep 2013 18:14:00 +0000

Cough is a very common health problem that every single person has experienced before. We start coughing to clear a blockage or irritant from the air passage. Whenever there is an obstruction in the throat or in the upper airways brain thinks it is happening due to a foreign element and by coughing it tries to remove that element. Cough can happen due to a number of reasons such as viral infection, common cold, flu, and smoking and due to some other health problems such as asthma, tuberculosis, lung cancer and so on.

Some of the symptoms of cough are itchy throat, chest pain, congestion and so on. Instead of using over-the-counter cough syrups, you can also try some natural treatments for cough using some of the easily available ingredients from your kitchen.

Here are 10 home remedies for Cough.

1. Hot Milk with Honey ~

When hot milk is taken with honey it can give relief from dry cough. The combination of warm milk and honey will also help in subsidizing the chest pain you may be experiencing due to continuous coughing. For better result, try to drink hot milk with honey before going to sleep. To get benefit from the analgesic properties of honey, you can take a teaspoon of plain honey on empty stomach. This will help in clearing the mucus and keeping your throat well soothed.

2. Ginger ~

Ginger is one of the most popular natural cures for cough. Take fresh ginger and make small slices and then crush it slightly before boiling it in a cup of water. When this herbal solution is consumed it will give you relief from sore throat, non-stop coughing and even congestion. You must drink this solution three to four times a day. You can also chew fresh raw ginger on and often to subsidize your cough symptoms.

3. Lemon ~

Lemons can be used in a number of ways for curing cough as it reduces inflammation and delivers a dose of infection-fighting vitamin C. A very simple cough syrup can be made by adding two tablespoons of lemon juice and one tablespoon honey and heat this solution until warm. Drink this healthy syrup several times a day. You can also make your favorite tea by adding ginger, honey and lemon and drink it as often as you want. Another way to use lemon is to blend lemon juice with a little honey and a pinch of cayenne pepper and then swallow it.

4. Almonds ~

Almonds due to its nutritional properties play a proactive role in the healing of cough symptoms. Soak five to six almonds in water for eight to ten hours. Then make a smooth paste out of soaked almonds. In this paste add a teaspoon of butter and eat it three to four times a day to get relief from various symptoms of cough.

5. Grapes ~

Grapes can help in improving the condition of your lungs and bringing relief from cough symptoms. The effective expectorant property of grapes will help in releasing the mucus from the affected parts of respiratory organs. You can eat grapes in its natural form or make some fresh grape juice. Try to make grape juice at home and drink it after adding some honey to it. Grape juice with a spoonful of honey will be relieving as well as effective also.

6.Carrot Juice ~

Carrot has got the goodness of many vitamins and nutrients that can help in getting relief from various symptoms of cough. Make fresh juice of four to five carrots and then add some water to dilute the juice. Drink this juice three to four times a day to get relief from cough. You can also add a teaspoon of raw honey to a glass of carrot juice and drink it several times a day.

7. Onion ~

One of the simplest home remedy for cough is to cut onions as the strong vapor of the onion can help in stopping cough. You can make a cough syrup from baked onion juice, comfrey tea and honey and drink it daily to get relief from dry cough. Another home remedy for cough is to add half a teaspoon of onion juice with one teaspoon of pure honey and when this herbal solution is taken at least twice a day, it gives relief from cough and help in soothing your throat.

8. Cayenne ~

Cayenne helps in reducing the pain in chest that mostly happens due to continuous coughing. At the same time cayenne is warming and stimulating, and this is a good remedy for those suffering from cold and cough. You can make a healthy syrup for cough by mixing one fourth teaspoon of cayenne pepper, one forth teaspoon of ground ginger, one tablespoon of honey, one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and two tablespoon of water. Drink this syrup two to three times a day.

9. Turmeric ~

Turmeric, one of the most common herbs available in kitchen has therapeutic effect on cough particularly the dry one. The simplest way to use turmeric for cough relief is to add one teaspoon of turmeric powder and one teaspoon of carom seeds in a cup of water and boil it till the volume of the water becomes half. Add some honey and have this herbal solution two to three times a day. Another way to use turmeric is to roast the turmeric root and then grind it to make a smooth powder. Take this powder twice a day after mixing it with water and honey.

10.Garlic ~

Garlic has both antibacterial and antimicrobial components that can help in the treatment of cough. Take two to three cloves of garlic and boil it in a cup of water and then add a spoon of oregano. When this herbal preparation comes to room temperature add some honey and drink it. This will help in your breathing and alleviating other symptoms of cough. Also when you eat a clove of crushed garlic mixed with a few drops of clove oil and some honey it will bring relief to the throat. If you love the taste of garlic in recipes, you can use garlic in your cooking.

What Foods To Eat And What Foods To Avoid During Pregnancy

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 15 Sep 2013 11:43:00 +0000

Pregnancy is a wonderful phase for you and your family. The moment there is pregnancy news in the family, lot of preparations start. Both you and your family starts thinking whether a baby girl or a baby boy will be born, how the baby will look, the colour of the baby’s eyes, hair, skin, so many questions start coming in their mind. And then you have all the elderly members of your family who come forward with their expert advice of what to eat and what to avoid. Whatever you are eating in this prolonged period of nine months is not only to satisfy your hunger but also for the physical and mental development of the baby.

For some unknown reason, pregnant women have strange cravings for food at strange time of the day. The reason is still quite unknown, maybe mood swings. burgers, cheese, fried foods and many more.

You can’t eat just anything and everything when you are pregnant. The diet that you had been following for so long needs to be modified for a healthy baby and you. So here’s a list of all the pregnant women food options that will help you achieve a good diet.

What to eat?

Everything when you are pregnant. The diet that you had been following for so long needs to be modified for a healthy baby and you.

1. Dairy products:

Dairy products are first on the list of food to eat during pregnancy! As calcium intake is a must during pregnancy. Include low-fat or skimmed milk, paneer, yogurt, lassi or buttermilk. These are not only rich in calcium but also in Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D.

Milk is also considered to improve digestion and appetite in pregnant women.
However if you have issues with milk-based products, consult your doctor about how you would replace dairy products for enough calcium intake. Calcium is necessary when you are pregnant as it helps in the bone and teeth development of your little one. Drink 2-3 glasses of milk each day.

2. Fruits and vegetables:

Pregnant ladies should include atleast six servings of fruits and vegetables per day. Plan your meals accordingly. Fruits and veggies are very rich in all vitamins minerals and fibers. Not only that they are also a good source of Vitamin C which is good for both you and your baby. Vitamin C strengthens gums and tissues, helps in healing wounds fast and also helps in absorbing iron.

Have enough of berries, oranges, apples, melons, strawberry, papaya, green leafy vegetables, broccoli and cabbage. During your meals, keep a plate of green salad.

3. Proteins:

Include enough proteins in your diet. Have lean meat (excluding liver), fish, eggs, beans and sprouts. Have fish 2-3 three times a week. Include sea fish like sardines and tuna in your diet. These fish are very rich in omega-3 fatty acids which are one of those healthy fats. It has been found that omega-3 fats are needed for brain and eye development of your unborn child.

Omega-3 fats are responsible for a faster development of your child’s brain. Other than that omega-3 fats also prevent the chances of asthama and allergies at a later age.

Always be careful to cook eggs, fish and meat properly before eating. Cook eggs in such a way that both the white portion and yolk becomes hard. Only then it is properly cooked. Uncooked or semi-cooked foods may contain bacteria which may result in food poisoning. It may also poison your baby’s blood.

4. Cereals and whole-grains:

Cereals and grains are a wholesome diet for consuming a good amount of fiber. Brown breads, rotis made out of a combination of a variety of grains and rice are good for your health as they prevent constipation and hemorrhoids. Not only that cereals and whole grains are also rich in iron, magnesium, folic acid and Vitamin B1 and B2. These nutrients are very essential for your baby’s development and in building up the placenta. Whole grains also boost energy to pregnant women. Brown rice, wheat cereals or oatmeal, noodles made from wheat are good options.

5. Berries:

Berries need a special mention and it should take a special place in your pregnancy diet chart. Berries are good in folate, vitamin C, potassium and fiber. If you don’t like berries start liking them because they are good for the developing fetus. You can top your cereals with berries or eat them fresh. But always wash them thoroughly before eating. Black berries, blue berries, strawberries or raspberries, any variety of berries are good for you.

6. Red meat:

If you had been avoiding red meat for so long due to the fear of weight gain, there’s news. This is the time to have some lean red meat. They are not only rich in proteins but also iron. Iron carries oxygen to your baby’s brain.

7. Nuts and seeds

Nuts and seeds being rich in fatty acids, vitamins and minerals are a must in your diet. Whenever you feel hungry in between meals, have a fistful of almonds, cashew, walnuts or pistachios. Nuts are as good source of Vitamin E and all Vitamin Bs. Other than that they are stuffed with some excellent minerals like iron, magnesium, zinc etc, which are good for your growing fetus. But remember that although nuts are good for you and your baby’s health, but having lots of them will add to your weight which may be difficult to cut down later; and also do not have oil-fried nuts. Oil-fried nuts have unhealthy calories and lots of sodium. It’s good to have them raw always.

Now for the seeds, consider having pumpkin, sunflower, sesame and flax seeds. These seeds are super rich in minerals, vitamin Bs and fiber. Flax seed is rich in omega-3 fats. You can have flax seeds either whole or grind them to a fine powder and mix with milk.

What to avoid?

Yes, there is definitely a fine list of food and drinks you should avoid when pregnant as per the pregnancy food chart. Some of those foods that you had liked for so long have to be avoided for the good of your baby.

1. Fruits to avoid:

There are quite a number of fruits that you need to avoid during pregnancy.

a. Papaya tops the list. In some countries, having papaya during pregnancy is considered harmful for the baby. Many may think it as superstition, but even science has proved that raw and semi-ripe papayas being rich in latex cause uterine contractions and thereby early labour. However on the other hand, consuming fully ripe papayas when pregnant is excellent.

b. Pineapples should also be avoided as they contain bromelain and may lead to softening of cervix and early labour.

c. Grapes should be avoided in the last trimester. It may lead to increase in body heat.

2. Any fast food:

Just avoid them these nine months. You don’t know what is happening inside the restaurant kitchen; even if they are washing the veggies and meat or not. So better avoid than risk your baby’s health.

3. Coffee and other caffeine-related drinks:

Coffee might have been your stress-buster all these years but not anymore, atleast not during your pregnancy. Cut down on coffee and other caffeinated drinks altogether.

Past studies have shown that too much of caffeine in your diet may lead to miscarriages, retardation of growth in baby and underweight babies. Also caffeine slows down the absorption of iron in your body which may lead to anemia.So avoid, tea, coffee, soda or any aerated drinks.

4. Raw Milk

The same with raw milk. It isn’t pasteurized and hence the possibility of it containing bacteria and germs is high! Avoid raw milk at all costs.

5. Smoking:

Every cigarette you smoke is harmful for your baby. The nicotine present in tobacco slows fetal growth giving birth to low-weight and pre-mature babies.

6. Alcohol:

Don’t even think of bringing alcohol near you when you are pregnant. It is like a poison to your unborn baby. The amount of alcohol you will be consuming will travel through placenta to your baby’s blood. Your baby may have permanent health issues.

7. Raw food:

Uncooked or semi-cooked fish, meat, eggs contain bacteria called salmonella that will directly affect your baby. Do not have sushi when you are pregnant.

The little one inside you is your responsibility. Your lifestyle habits will be responsible for your baby’s growth. Take proper care of yourself and the unborn one.

Foods For Glowing Skin

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 15 Sep 2013 09:55:00 +0000

Simple lifestyle changes like incorporating fruits in your daily diet can give you glowing skin. Fruits help with Clear complexion; Skin rejuvenation, Natural hydration; Improvement of Skin texture and making the skin appear youthful and glowing. Foods are safe with no side effects and are cost-effective at the same time.
look at a few foods to get fair and glowing skin.

1. Apples

Apples have high antioxidant action, preventing cell and tissue damage and works as an anti-ageing agent. It helps minimize wrinkles and fine lines keeping the bowels clean.

2.Pumpkin Seeds

Another seed with a powerful skin-beautifying effect, pumpkin seeds get their power from both the beauty mineral, zinc, and essential fatty acids including omega 3, omega 6, and omega 9. Like hemp seeds, they help reduce inflammation in the body. Try them sprinkled on salads, in smoothies, or simply by the handful.

3. Bananas

Bananas, being rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin B and Vitamin E, act as an anti-ageing agent. Opt for a facial using a freshly mashed banana mixed with honey to get glowing skin. It is a rich source of fiber, minerals, magnesium and potassium; they help in proper blood circulation in our body and build immunity from within.They are a great substitute for unhealthy snacking in between meals.

4. Arugula

This dark, leafy green is an excellent source of two of the keys to gorgeous skin: Vitamin A and sulfur. The chlorophyll in arugula is a potent detoxifier, too.

Try a raw arugula salad topped with the rest of the foods on this list for a delicious dish that will get your skin glowing.

5. Lemon

It has high Vitamin C content and natural bleaching properties making it a good cleanser that lightens blemishes, acne scars, spots and skin tone. Start your day by drinking 1 glass of warm water mixed with a dash of lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of honey on an empty stomach. This fights cellulite and clears your skin from within.
A mixture of lemon juice and honey reduces blemishes and acquire glowing skin.

6. Radishes
Raw food advocate David Wolfe claims these are one of the most beautifying of all foods. Radishes contain a number of minerals and compounds that benefit the skin. They are high in sulfur, silicon, and Vitamin C, which work together to create glowing skin by boosting collagen, strengthening skin, and stimulating the circulatory system

Slice radishes into salads, or have as a snack on their own or with a dip.

7. Avocados

This creamy fruit delivers a healthy dose of vitamins on its own. Even better: when you pair avocado with a carotenoid-rich food, such as tomatoes, carrots, or bell peppers, it can help you absorb up to five times more of the antioxidants lycopene and beta carotene.

8. Hemp Seeds

These tiny little seeds are composed of a massive amount of protein, including the sulfur-bearing amino acids: methionine, cysteine, and cystine, which are used to build strong hair, nails, muscle, and skin.

They also have the ideal ratio of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids (1:3), and even include omega 9, which are all strong antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is the cause of many of our skin woes, including blemishes and wrinkles, so adding hemp seeds to your diet can help reduce or prevent those skin issues.

Enjoy them on their own, sprinkled in salads, or blended in smoothies.

9. Papaya

A rich source of antioxidants and an enzyme called papain, papaya can banish skin impurities and remove dead skin cells when used on the skin.

Rub your face gently with the inside of the papaya for about a minute to exfoliate, cleanse and soften your skin.Blend papaya, add 2 tablespoons of either honey or yogurt and use this mixture as a mask. Rinse with lukewarm water after 20 minutes and follow up with a moisturizer to notice the difference.

10. Oranges

Oranges are rich source of Vitamin C, thereby improves skin texture. It removes blemishes and naturally slows down the process of ageing. Dry orange peels, crush them into powder form and store this in an airtight container. Use this as a natural scrub once or twice weekly for clear and glowing skin.

11. Mango

Rightly called the king of fruits for not just its taste but also for health benefits. The soft pulpy fruit has an amazing effect on skin too. Rich in vitamin-A and rich antioxidants, it fights against skin aging, regenerates skin cells and restores the elasticity of skin.

12. Tomatoes

Eating any tomato-based foods such as sauce and tomato juice may help clear up acne. “Lycopene [the phytochemical that makes tomatoes red] may lower an acne-promoting hormone,” says Alan Logan, a naturopathic doctor and author of The Clear Skin Diet (Cumberland House). Though there’s no set recommendation for how much lycopene you should eat to combat stubborn spots, Logan suggests including tomato-based foods in your diet between three and five times a week.
Lycopene may also help defend your skin from UV rays, says Koo. “Lycopene and other carotenoids found in orange to reddish-coloured fruits and vegetables can help improve the skin’s antioxidant status.

13. Berries

Deeply coloured berries such as blueberries and cherries are loaded with antioxidants, which help your body fight off blemishes. “One thing we found out very recently about acne is that there’s a great local oxidative stress going on, so much so that it actually depletes the antioxidants in people with acne. So the more severe your acne, the lower your levels of blood antioxidants,” says Logan.

14. Brown rice

Check the packaging of your skin products and you’re likely to see ceramides in the list of ingredients. These lipid molecules, which help your skin maintain its moisture, can also be found in foods such as brown rice. When you eat naturally occurring ceramides, they get incorporated into the outer layer of your skin and help it maintain its hydration, says Logan. “There are clinical studies that showing that ceramides [you eat] significantly improve hydration.

15. Fish and seafood

An international study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition found that people who ate diets high in fish and seafood had less skin wrinkling. That might be because the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and seafood slow down the wrinkling process. Wrinkle development is rooted in inflammation, says Logan. “Inflammatory chemicals are essentially like acid rain on the collagen of your skin. Omega-3s turn down the dial on the production of these chemicals,” he explains.

Omega-3s can also help combat acne in a similar way. “Acne spots can look red and are often warmer to the touch, a clear sign of inflammation,” says Koo. “Furthermore, omega-3 fatty acids have mood-regulating benefits, which can help with the stress component of having acne.” He recommends that acne sufferers consume four to five servings of oily fish per week in order to treat the condition. If you can’t imagine eating that much fish every week, Koo suggests taking fish oil supplements instead.

How To Treat Blackheads

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 14 Sep 2013 16:37:00 +0000

Blackheads, also known as open comedones, are a common symptom of acne. Blackheads are one of the most common facial problems faced by a large share of teenagers and adults. Blackheads occur when the pores of the skin become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. They fall under the type of acne known as acne vulgaris. Oily skin, blackheads, and large pores seem to go together. Large pores are often an indication of oily skin. The most common places for blackheads and large pores to appear are on your nose, forehead, chin and cheeks. The T zone is prone to pimples, acne, and blackheads, as there are more oil-producing glands in those areas. Blackheads enlarge pores and make them more visible. Keeping your face properly exfoliated can help prevent dirt and oil builds up, and help getting rid of blackheads and reducing the appearance of large pores.

People with oily skin are likely to have large pores and blackheads on nose as well as other oil-prone areas of the face. Are you frustrated with oily skin, blackheads, and enlarged pores on face? There are many natural remedies to get rid of blackheads and to help reduce large pores and oily skin. You can apply homemade face masks for getting rid of blackheads that you can make from natural ingredients that are usually found in your kitchen.

7 Homemade Face Mask to Remove Blackheads
Homemade facial masks are one of the best natural treatment methods to get rid of blackheads, large pores, and oily skin on face naturally and fast. These facial masks also help firm your skin, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and improve the skin texture. A regular home facial with a face mask absorbs excess oil and deep clean the skin. Following are some of the best facial mask recipes that you can try to remove blackheads naturally.

1.Egg whites face mask:
The best natural way to remove blackheads and get rid of large pores and oily face is using egg white masks. Beat the whites slowly until they're foamy. Now gently apply it to your face and leave it for next 20 minutes. Then use a warm wet cloth and gently remove the egg whites off your face. Egg white face mask will tighten and shrink the facial pores as they dry, safely forcing the blackheads out. This is one of the most popular facial masks for blackhead removal, which only takes a few minutes to make.

2.Papaya facial mask:
You can use ripe papaya for getting rid of blackheads. Papaya contains proteolytic and bactericidal properties, which are best for preventing and removing acne, pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads on nose. For making papaya mask for blackhead removal, mash ripe papaya into a smooth puree. Mix it with 1/4 teaspoon of gram flour and apply on your face and leave it for 10-15 minutes. Wash it off with cold water later, so your pores are closed. Papaya face mask helps in exfoliating and toning the skin, which removes dirt and grime off your blackhead while reducing large pores and tightening skin on face.

3. Lemon juice facial mask:

Use lemon juice for getting rid of blackheads and oily skin. Applying lemon juice on face will sloughs off pore-clogging impurities and encourages new skin cell growth. Rub the juice on face on a regular basis to shrink large pores and pull out the blackheads. You can also soak 5 cotton pads in the freshly squeezed lemon juice, and place them on your T-zone (1 on your forehead, 1 on your nose, and the other 2 pads on your chin) for 15 minutes. This natural remedy will help get rid of blackheads, oily skin, and large pores on face effectively.

4.Oatmeal face mask:

Oatmeal and yogurt face mask is best for removing blackheads and oiliness from your face. This natural facial mask will rejuvenate your skin, cleaning your pores deeply. The lactic acid in yogurt will close large pores, giving your facial skin a younger appearance. To make this DIY homemade blackhead removal remedy you will need oatmeal, yogurt, olive oil, and lemon juice. In a food processor grind 3 tablespoons of oatmeal until very fine. Next, add 2 tablespoons of yogurt, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to the ground oatmeal. Clean your face using a mild soap or face wash. Also, use warm water while washing your face for opening the clogged pores. Rub the oatmeal pack over your facial skin and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Wash it off with lukewarm water. After cleansing, use cool water as a final rinse to close the open pores. While this DIY face mask is especially for treating the blackhead-prone areas, your entire face can benefit from this natural remedy.

5. Tomato mask:
As tomatoes have abundance of vitamin C, vitamin A and citric acid thus making it one of the most effective natural blackhead remover. Crush a tomato and mix it with avocado. Apply the mask gently on your skin and leave it for 15 minutes and then risen it with fresh water. You can even use tomato paste, if there is unavailability of fresh tomatoes.

6. Grapefruit juice:
Mix one tablespoon of oatmeal with ¼ cup of grapefruit juice. Grapefruit juice will add vitamin C and A and oatmeal exfoliates adds vitamin B to your skin. Apply the mask for 15 minutes, wash it with lukewarm water and then with cold water. Apply this homemade face masks for blackheads once a week.

7. Applesauce facial:
This is another homemade face masks for blackheads that is wonderful for your skin as it is rich in nutrients due to apples. Apples have acids, pectin and tannin in them and help your skin to become moister, soft and nourished. Mix applesauce with white germ or brown sugar. Use equal parts of both the ingredients. Apply the mask on your face for 15 to 20 minutes and then rinse it with warm water and pat dry with a clean towel.

How to Get Rid Of Dark Spots On Face Naturally

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 14 Sep 2013 15:20:00 +0000

Dark spots are one of the most common problems that appear on aging or unhealthy skin, and they are also one of the most dreaded. Dark spots, such as age spots, sun spots, and melasma can appear on your face, hands, shoulders, and legs. Women get more distressed when they have to suffer from this problem on their facial skin. There could several causes for having freckles, age spots and other dark marks on the face, and the most common one being prolonged exposure to the sun. Excessive exposure to sun for a long period of time causes a concentration of melanin, which results in the appearance of dark spots. Dark spots or dark patches may also appear because of genetics, hormonal changes, stress, liver disease, pregnancy, or regular use of low quality skin care products.

Simple homemade remedies can also reduce the appearance of dark and brown spots on face and other blemishes on face naturally. Lemon juice,potato and honey, papaya, and aloe vera are some of the best options for a more natural dark spot corrector agent.

~Home Remedies to Remove Dark Spots on Skin~
If you have dark spots and patches on face, it can be embarrassing and lead to low self esteem. However, you can try some home remedies for dark spot removal. Homemade dark spot removers for face can effectively lighten the dark spots on face naturally and fast. Following are some of the best natural home remedies to get rid of dark spots on face that are easy and safe to use.

Milk to Remove Dark Spots on Face: To get rid of the black spots on your face and other skin discolorations, apply milk on your face. When applied topically, the lactic acid in milk will gradually reduce skin's pigmentation and lighten, brighten, and tone skin complexion. Dab the milk with a cotton ball and apply it directly to your brown spots on face. Leave it on for 8-10 minutes and wash it off. Apply this home remedy twice a day for 6 weeks to remove the dark pigmentation spots and patches from your face.

Aloe Vera to Remove Dark Spots on Face: If you are tired of having brown and dark spots on your facial skin, you may use aloe vera as the best natural dark spot corrector. Aloe vera is known to help get rid of dark spots and age spots on skin. Rub aloe vera juice or gel directly onto dark skin pigments and brown spots on face once or twice daily for a few weeks to fade those skin discolorations fast.

Lemon Juice to Remove Dark Spots on Face: Lots of best dark spot corrector use lemon juice as their main ingredient. A quick way for dark spot removal is applying lemon juice twice daily to the dark spots. Vitamin C in lemon lightens the dark spots on the face. This remedy is effective to reduce the appearance of dark patches, melasma, freckles, age spots, rosacea and other skin blemishes. You can also dab horseradish, honey, or apple cider vinegar on top of the lemon to enhance the effect of this natural dark spot treatment. These natural dark spot removers will effectively lighten spots left behind by acne blemishes. Continue applying this dark spot removal home remedy for at least 2 weeks, to get the desired result.

Sandalwood Powder to Get Rid of Dark Spots on Face: To remove dark on face and other skin discolorations, make a concentrated paste of sandalwood powder, glycerin, and rose water and apply over the face for a few minutes. You can also add milk or honey instead of rose water. This is possibly the best home remedy to remove black spots and age spots on face naturally and fast.

Potatoes to Remove Dark Spots on Skin: Potatoes are one of the best natural ways of removing dark spots on face. Apply potato slices directly to the dark spots, freckles or blemishes on skin. You can also apply a face mask made from honey and grated potato to lighten black dots on face. This homemade remedy can help reduce skin pigmentation and facial dark brown spots naturally.

Papaya to Get Rid of Dark Spots on Skin: Are you being worried by freckles, age spots, liver spots, and brown spots on face? Apply the pulp of papaya on the skin and leave this mask on your skin for 15 to 20 minutes and then rinse it off. The many enzymes found in this papaya fruit helps to even out the skin tone and fade dark skin patches and brown spots on face.

These are some of the most effective homemade remedies to get rid of black spots on face. Use these natural dark spot removers on face to get rid of brown spots, freckles, age spots or liver spots and to lighter skin tone naturally. You should also keep your facial skin clean by washing your face at least twice a day to reduce black spots on the face. To speed up the healing process, it is better to avoid excessive touching, squeezing or scratching the black spots on your face.

HOW TO GET HEALTHY & BEAUTIFUL NAILS

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 14 Sep 2013 09:55:00 +0000

Many women battle dry, damaged nails that split, peel or break. Though sometimes weak nails are hereditary, you can take some measures to help your fingernails grow longer, stronger and healthier. Follow these tips to help prevent and repair damaged, brittle nails.

Soak nails in olive oil

For weak, thin nails, soak them in extra virgin olive oil 10-15 minutes a day for a month, then twice a week thereafter.

Eat biotin-rich foods

Make sure your diet features foods rich in biotin, such as liver, cooked eggs, whole grains, cauliflower and avocado, among others. In addition to other health benefits, biotin can help strengthen and thicken nails. You can also take a biotin supplement, if necessary.

Avoid nail polish remover

Don't use nail polish remover more than once or twice a month, if possible. And never use a nail polish remover that contains acetone, which can dry and damage nails.

Drink lots of water

We all know how good water is for your overall health and that goes for your nails too. Drinking water can help hydrate dry, damaged nails, just like it does for hair and skin.

Massage your nails

Massaging your fingernails stimulates blood flow to the area, helping them grow longer and stronger. Use a moisturizing lotion and massage hands, cuticles and the nails themselves. Also, get into the habit of applying lotion immediately after washing your hands.

Skin Clearing Foods

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 14 Sep 2013 08:38:00 +0000

Think spots are something just teenagers get? Think again. Around 20% of women suffer from acne well into their 20s and 30s, which can be caused by anything from stress to hormone fluctuations and more. All is not lost, however - aside from topical over-the-counter treatments and antibiotics,

there are a number of foods long-heralded for their skin clearing properties that, added to your diet over time, may help to significantly improve the quality of your skin. Try combining our top foods with fresh air, plenty of exercise, and a good skin care regime and see if they make a difference.

1. Sweet Potato:~
There is evidence to suggest that high cortisone levels, one of the main hormones released by the adrenal gland in response to stress, can lead to break-outs. Regulating fluctuating blood sugar levels can help us to combat stress by lifting our moods. Try eating vitamin-packed complex carbohydrates, which release sugar slowly over time, like sweet potato. The root vegetable also contains beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A when it is digested, and can help to improve the circulation of oxygen to the skin.

2. Oysters:~
Oysters are packed with skin clearing nutrients for relatively few calories. Expect to find everything from vitamin A to zinc and selenium in these bite-sized sea-dwelling beauty bombs.

3. Beetroot:~
They might stain your fingers, but the skin-clearing properties of beetroots are well worth the effort. The purple roots are particularly high in vitamin A, as well as potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, and vitamin E, which is essential for epidermal health and healing. Combined, these nutrients make a powerful all-round body cleanser, helping to eliminate toxins from the body and lower cholesterol too.

4. Water:~
Clear skin starts from within, and one of the best, cheapest and most effective ways to get there is to help your body flush out toxins by drink plenty of water. Not only will upping your fluid levels help to keep your brains fully functional and therefore better able to cope with stress, but it also replenishes water in the cells. Make sure you drink the recommended eight glasses of water a day, and drink more after exercise.

5. Nuts:~
Deficiencies in minerals such as zinc and selenium have been linked to acne in some sufferers, which is why nuts – in particular pumpkin seeds and Brazil nuts – are a good, healthy snack to get used to. Selenium helps to actively increase the number of infection-fighting white blood cells in the body and strengthens their fighting power, while vitamin E, copper, magnesium, manganese, potassium, calcium and iron are all essential to skin health and function.

6. Legumes:~

Any healing process needs protein and energy, and legumes – peas, beans, and lentils – have both these things in abundance. They also contain a potent cocktail of vitamins and minerals as well as being particularly high in dietary fibre, which aids the body’s natural digestion process and assists detoxification. All these things help in the battle for clearer skin, so try switching your usual portion of carbohydrates for a few spoons of beans and see if it helps.

7. Garlic:~

Each clove of garlic is full of a naturally occurring chemical called allicin, which, when digested, reacts with the blood to create a product capable of killing off many harmful bacteria and viruses your body might be harbouring – including that which causes acne and other skin infections. Couple this with a potent cocktail of antioxidants, and it’s almost unbeatable. To get the most out of garlic, eat raw, chopped finely into a salad or stirred into a meal before serving.

8. Tomatoes:~

Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C, which helps to keep the skin firm and taut by aiding collagen production. They also contain lycopene: the red pigment which not only gives them their bright red colour, but also stimulates skin circulation.

9. Seeded red grapes:~
Grapes are the perfect snack and they provide plenty of health benefits. When it comes to clear skin, it’s best to eat red grapes with seeds, since the seeds have power antioxidants in them that are able to reduce skin inflammation. These seeds have been used to treat eczema and psoriasis. Eat them by themselves, in a salad, or with cheese!

10. Brown rice:~
Brown rice is a healthy grain to eat when you need fast energy. Instead of eating white rice, whole grain brown rice will leave you feeling fuller for longer. Apart from it’s dietary benefits, brown rice also contains protein, magnesium, antioxidants, and Vitamin B complex, which are all helpful in keeping the skin clear of break outs and blemishes.

11. Avocado:~
Avocado has become a craze in the food and diet world because of it’s richness in good fats. However, avocado has also gained popularity due to it’s high levels of Vitamin E as well as Vitamin C, both of which can keep the skin looking youthful, bright, and inflammation free. Avocado oil has also been used in order to stimulate collagen production. Eat it raw or in a salad for a tasty and skin-healthy meal.

12. Artichoke:~
Artichokes aren’t your everyday vegetable, but they have all sorts of vitamins and minerals including fiber and antioxidants. Artichokes have been proven to have more antioxidants than any other vegetable. This veggie aids in digestion but it’s high antioxidant content is perfect for keeping the body free of toxins so that your skin can be clear and luminous. Try eating them boiled or in a dip.

13. Broccoli~

Broccoli is another vegetable that is full of all sorts of vitamins and antioxidants including Vitamin A, Vitamin B complex, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Vitamin K. Each of these vitamins plays a huge role in keeping your skin glowing and clear. Try steaming broccoli or eating it raw with some dressing or in a salad. Another benefit is that broccoli is extremely low in calories!

14. Watercress:~

Next time you make a salad, try substituting a few lettuce leaves for some peppery watercress. The leafy greens are jammed full of antioxidants as well as minerals manganese, carotene and potassium. This makes watercress a powerful cleansing agent, nourishing the skin while helping to flush out toxins and excess fluids in the process. Bonus!

15. Fennel:~

If you’re not familiar with this liquorice-flavoured root vegetable already – get to know it. Aside from aiding digestion, reducing swelling in the body and helping to flush out excess fluids and toxins, it also works wonders for the health of your skin and hair, so pick up a box of tea or pick up a few roots for roasting.

Everyday Things That Help Your Skin

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 14 Sep 2013 07:54:00 +0000

Are you sick of spending a bundle on expensive skincare items? From aspirin on a zit to an olive oil face wash, these everyday skincare items are cheap, easy and you probably already have them in your home. Try out these little known blemish and skincare treatments, and figure out which ones work best for you.

Yogurt...

You don't have to go to a spa to give your face a quick assist:
• To cleanse your skin and tighten the pores, slather some plain yogurt on your face and let it sit for about 20 minutes.
• For a revitalizing facial mask, mix 1 teaspoon plain yogurt with the juice from 1/4 slice of orange, some of the orange pulp, and 1 teaspoon aloe. Leave the mixture on your face for at least five minutes before rinsing it off.

Lemons...

Before buying expensive medicated creams to lighten unsightly liver spots and freckles, try this: Apply lemon juice directly to the area, let sit for 15 minutes, and then rinse your skin clean. Lemon juice is a safe and effective skin-lightening agent.

Olive Oil...

Okay, the notion of applying oil to your face to treat acne does sound a bit wacky. Still, many folks swear this works: Make a paste by mixing 4 tablespoons salt with 3 tablespoons olive oil. Pour the mixture onto your hands and fingers and work it around your face. Leave it on for a minute or two, then rinse it off with warm, soapy water. Apply daily for one week, then cut back to two or three times weekly. You should see a noticeable improvement in your condition. (The principle is that the salt cleanses the pores by exfoliation, while the olive oil restores the skin's natural moisture.)

Water...

If you haven’t heard already, water is a skin care essential! We need to keep ourselves hydrated in order to have supple and smooth skin. You don’t have to drink truckloads of water every day, but if you frequently consume coffee or alcohol, they can be drying to skin. Remind yourself to drink water throughout the day so you stay hydrated and replenish skin cells and tissues.

Banana...

This is one fruit that's abundantly available in India all through the year. We know it's a good source of iron, magnesium and potassium and helps reduce menstrual cramps. The effect of banana on skin too is not something that can be ignored. Bananas are rich in vitamin A, B and E and hence works as an anti-aging agent. A fresh mashed banana facial can do wonders for your skin.

Mustard...

Pat your face with mild yellow mustard for a bracing facial that will soothe and stimulate your skin. Try it on a small test area first to make sure it will not be irritating.

Limit sun...

Even if we’re in the winter season, our skin is still exposed to the damaging UV rays of the sun. Always keep your skin protected with a good sunscreen and limit your time in the sun. You don’t want to spend the entire day indoors and hide from the sun but you don’t want to spend too much time in it either. Our bodies naturally convert sunlight to produce vitamin D, so be sure to get in some sun time!

Antioxidants...

Antioxidants are another skin care essential. We’re often encouraged to use skin care products and eat foods that contain antioxidants in order to protect our skin from free radicals, help repair skin and decelerate the aging process. Look for skin products that contain antioxidants, like Clinique’s Super Rescue Antioxidant Moisturizer, or eat foods like berries, broccoli or carrots.

Cleansing...

I’m willing to bet that cleansing your skin is part of your skin care routine and it’s certainly something that our skin requires on a daily basis. Most skin types will benefit from twice daily cleansing, once in the morning and once in the evening. Even if you don’t wear makeup, it’s important to wash off any dirt or grime from the day and open up your pores.

Rest & Relaxation...

One of the most important things your skin needs every day is for you to have some relaxation time. Constantly being stressed out and overworked can wreak havoc on your skin. You might not be able to treat yourself to a spa day every day but there are plenty of little things you can do to help de-stress. Taking a nap, talking to a friend or taking a relaxing bath can help you unwind and forget the day’s troubles.

Exercise...

You might not think exercising has anything to do with skin care, but staying in shape and being healthy is reflected through your skin! When we exercise we get our blood flowing, which gives your skin a healthy, radiant glow. Don’t stress if you can’t commit to working out every day of the week, aim to exercise every other day or work out in small blocks of time more frequently.

Home Remedies for Cracked Heels

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 14 Sep 2013 07:04:00 +0000

Cracked heels are a very common problem and can happen to anyone. It basically means the visible cracks present on the heels. If proper precautions are not taken on time, it can even lead to bleeding and pain. Some of the reasons behind cracked heels are dry winds, lack of moisture, improper care of feet, unhealthy diet and wearing wrong types of shoes and so on.

Instead of visiting a doctor, you can try some cracked heel remedies that you can do right in the comfort of your own home.

Symptoms for Cracked Heels>

Most Common Symptoms of Dry, Cracked Heels and Feet:
Signs and symptoms that surface on the skin are simple indicators of a faulty internal activity or an external abuse. If one observes the body and its manifestations minutely one can avoid disease and disorders by treating them before they take on a destructive path. Similarly, feet care calls for a little attention and when the feet finds it lacking they indicate the following signs to show the feet could do well with some care.

Itchy Skin:
Itchy skin is caused by the abnormal shrinking of the upper layers of dry skin. This excessive shrinking causes the stretching of the skin below and around the affected areas and this results in general discomfort and itchiness. You will have to get rid of the upper layers of dead skin before you start any type of treatment for dry cracked heels.

Red or Flaky Patches:
This is often one of the first symptoms of dry cracked heels and if it is ignored, the condition may worsen in time. Dry skin is also vulnerable to dry skin infections and so it is important to treat the condition right away.

Bleeding or Discharge from Cracks:
Bleeding or discharge from cracks in your heels is a very serious problem as it indicates that the cracks not only affect the upper layers of the skin but also the lower layers of tissue. Deep cracks in the heels will also increase an individual’s risk of suffering from a skin infection in this area. Wearing closed shoes without socks while you have dry and cracked heels will only serve to further increase one’s risk of suffering from a dry and cracked heels fungus infection as closed shoes provide fungus and yeast infections with the perfect habitat to reproduce.

Peeling and Cracked Skin:
This symptom generally follows the first symptom of red or flaky skin. Peeling and cracked skin is a definite sign of dry cracked heels and immediate measures must be taken to remedy the condition. Make sure that you do not try to pull off the pieces of dry skin as this could damage the skin it is attached to. If you need to get rid of a long piece of dead sin you can use a small pair of scissors to slowly and carefully clip away the dead skin.

Causes for Cracked Heels>

Here is a compilation of the most common causes that lead to cracked heels:
• Naturally dry skin or thick dry skin (callus) around the heel that is more likely to crack is often due to excessive feet activity.
• Prolonged standing at work or home .Hard floors may also cause cracks in the feet.

• Being overweight may increase the pressure on the normal fat pad under the heel, causing it to expand sideways and if the skin lacks flexibility the pressure on the feet lead to cracked heels.
• Back-open sandals or shoes allow the fat under the heel to expand sideways and increases the possibility of cracks on the heels.
• Disease and Disorders-Athlete’s foot, Psoriasis, Eczema, Thyroid disease, Diabetes and some other skin conditions may also cause cracked heels.
• Continuous exposure to water- Water, especially running water, can rob the skin of its natural oils and this can leave the skin dry and rough. Standing for prolonged periods in a damp area such as a bathroom can cause dry and cracked heels.
Here is a list of some other reasons that may lead to cracked heels:
• Age - Thick dry scaly skin lose elasticity with age and thus cracks have higher incidence with age.
• Ill fitting shoes, standing for a long time or change in walking posture.
• Unhygienic circumstances or conditions
• Unhealthy, dry scaly skin due to climate or diseases
• Deficiency of vitamins, minerals and zinc.

Some remedies for Cracked Heels........

Rosewater and Glycerin >

Glycerin and rose water is another way to treat cracked heels at home. Especially when you are going out you need to take special care of your feet. Take glycerin and rose water in equal amount and mix it properly. Before stepping out of your home, rub the mixture on your feet until the skin has absorbed it properly. This will keep your skin remain soft for long hours and the condition of the cracks under control. Repeat this remedy for several weeks until your heels become soft.

Warm Salt Water>

In case of cracked heels you need to make extra effort to keep the heel cleaned and well moisturized. Pamper your feet by soaking it in warm salty water for at least ten to fifteen minutes. Then put your feet in cold water so that the blood circulation in your feet gets better. It will also help in getting relief from the pain caused by cracked heels. Pat dry your feet and apply some foot cream or petroleum jelly to maintain the moisture. Also it is recommended to wear a pair of socks immediately.

Lemon>

The acidic property of a lemon can be of great use inbut you need to be sure the juice of the lemon is getting touch with the rough skin. Alternatively, you can soak your feet for ten to fifteen minutes in a bucket of warm water with lemon juice added to it. Avoid using very hot water as it can take away the moisture from your feet. Finally wash your feet using pumice stone and soap and pat your feet dry with a towel.

Honey>

Honey can also be used to treat cracked heels as it has got both moisturizing as well as antibacterial properties. Honey can take care of both dry as well as cracked heels. For softer heels, mix one cup of honey to half a bucket of warm water. Now soak your feet in this water for fifteen to twenty minutes. Finally scrub your feet gently to enjoy soft and supple feet. With this natural cure, there will be no dryness also.

Rice Flour>

To exfoliate your feet you can make a natural scrub with honey, apple cider vinegar, and rice flour. To make the scrub take two to three tablespoon of ground rice, and then add a few spoons of honey and apple cider vinegar to make a thick paste. If the condition of the cracks on your heels is extremely bad, add a spoon of olive oil or sweet almond oil. First soak your feet in warm water for ten minutes and then gently scrub it with this paste to remove the dead skin around your feet. Soon you will have soft heels minus the cracks.

Petroleum Jelly>

To avoid cracked heels, you must scrub the dead hard skin around your feet regularly and then apply some petroleum jelly covering the entire heel area. After applying petroleum jelly you must cover your feet with socks so that petroleum jelly can get soaked into the skin properly. This will prevent your heels from getting cracks and make it soft and well moisturized. Try to follow this cracked heel remedy daily before going to bed.

Paraffin Wax>

If the condition of the cracked heels are really bad and causing a lot of pain, paraffin wax is one such ingredient that can give you quick relief. Take paraffin wax and mix it with mustard oil or coconut oil and then heat it for some time so that the wax melts properly. Allow the mixture to come to room temperature before applying it on your feet. For better result apply this mixture on the cracked heels before going to bed and wash it off properly in the morning. You must repeat this remedy for one to two weeks to notice positive results.

Indian Lilac>

Indian Lilac also known as margosa leaves or Neem can also be used to treat cracked heels. It contains fungicidal properties and this is why it is very effective in treating cracked heels. Take a handful of Indian Lilac leaves and crush it properly to make a fine paste and then add three teaspoon of turmeric powder. Mix it well and then apply it on the cracks and leave it as it is for half an hour. Finally wash your feet with warm water and dry it out with a clean cloth. With this natural cure, there will never be the problem of cracked heels again.

Banana>

You can also cure cracked heels at home with ripe bananas. Take one ripe banana and mash it to make a smooth paste. First clean your feet properly and then apply this banana paste on your feet and allow it to sit for ten to fifteen minutes so that the dry skin of your feet can get the much required nourishment. Finally wash your feet nicely with some warm water and then soak your feet in cold water for some time. Follow this natural remedy daily for a few weeks to enjoy soft and smooth heels.

Tips for Constipation

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 13 Sep 2013 16:53:00 +0000

Everything in your body is sending you the signal that it's time to move your bowels, but nothing's moving. You feel bloated and uncomfortable, but when you try to go, nothing happens. Or, if you do finally go, it hurts.

Constipation occurs for many different reasons. Stress, lack of exercise, certain medications, artificial sweeteners and a diet that's lacking fiber or fluids can each be the culprit. Certain medical conditions, such as an underactive thyroid, irritable bowel syndrome, diabetes and cancer, also can cause constipation. Even age is a factor. The older we get, the more prone we are to the problem.

And constipation is a problem, although it's not an illness. It's simply what happens when bowel movements are delayed, compacted and difficult to pass. Once you understand the basics of constipation, it's possible to treat it. Depending on the severity of the case, it may respond to simple home remedies, or it may require medical intervention.

Tip:1 Water

When suffering from constipation it is very important to drink enough fluids. Make sure to drink about eight to ten glasses of water daily. For better result, try to drink water which has been kept overnight in a copper vessel, first thing in the morning. This will stimulate bowel movements and give you good results within a few days. Along with water you can also drink fresh vegetable juice and fruit juice throughout the day. At the same time you must avoid alcoholic beverages and caffeine as it cause dehydration and will make your condition really bad.

Tip:2 Fiber
Most often the reason behind constipation is lack of fiber in the diet. Fiber is a kind of material that binds to water within the intestine. This adds volume to the stool and the water softens the stool. To solve the problem of constipation, it is essential to eat high fiber foods like beans, potatoes, carrots, brown rice, prunes, wheat germ, fresh fruits, green leafy vegetables, all kinds of nuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, broccoli, peas, and so on. At the same time you can also opt for fiber supplements.

Tip:3 Figs
Figs are beneficial in the treatment of constipation as they are very high in fiber and they act as a natural laxative. Those suffering from chronic constipation should include figs in their diet to get the desired result. For the treatment of constipation, both fresh and dried figs can be used. When fresh figs are available, you must eat them with their skin where most of the fiber and calcium is present. Another option is to boil eight to nine figs in water and drink that water before going to bed. You can even soak four to five dried figs in water during the night and eat them in the morning on an empty stomach.

Tip:4 Spinach
Spinach is really good for the digestive tract and especially when you are suffering from constipation. Raw spinach has various components that can cleanse, reconstruct and regenerate the whole intestinal tract. To get rid of constipation you must include spinach in your diet. You can eat it in either raw or cooked form depending upon how you like it. In case of severe constipation problem, it is highly recommended to drink a mixture of half glass of raw spinach juice and half glass of water. You must drink this solution twice daily. Within a few days, you will get much relief.

Tip:5 Lemon
You can always use lemon to treat constipation. Extract the juice of half a lemon and add it to a glass of warm water. Now add a pinch of rock salt and honey to it. Drink this lemon water first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. In the evening time also you can drink this solution. Follow this remedy daily and within a few days your problem of constipation will be a part of history. This is one of the simplest and most effective constipation treatments that you can try at home.

Tip:6 Flax Seed

Flax seed has many medicinal properties along with tons of fiber and Omega 3 fatty acids. Also flaxseed has laxative property which can be very useful in curing mild to very serious cases of constipation. You can put one tablespoon of flax seed in a glass of water and allow it to rest for two to three hours. Drink this water daily before going to bed. Next morning your bowel movement will be much better. Alternatively, you can simply eat two to three tablespoon of grounded flax seed with a glass of water.

Tip:7 Molasses
Molasses is one of the best natural laxatives and it can get your bowels moving. To treat constipation, you must eat two tablespoon of molasses before going to bed. If you do not like the taste of molasses, you can mix it with milk, fruit juice or prune juice and then drink it. Another remedy is to mix two to three tablespoons of molasses with equal amount of peanut butter and eat it in the morning daily. As molasses contains high calories, you must not follow this remedy on a daily basis.

Tip:8 Grapes
Grapes are also very beneficial in treating the problem of constipation. Grapes contain cellulose, sugar and organic acid which make them a laxative food. When suffering from constipation you must eat a small bowl of grapes or half a glass of fresh grapes juice daily. Another option is put ten to twelve dry seedless grapes in milk, boil it for a few minutes and then drink this solution in the evening. This particular remedy can solve and prevent constipation in young children. If fresh grapes are not available, then you can eat raisins soaked in water for a day or two. You must eat the soaked raisins along with the water on an empty stomach in the morning.

Tip:9 Cabbage
Cabbage is rich in dietary fiber and is very good for the overall health of the digestive system. When cabbage is taken on regular basis it thoroughly cleanses the stomach and intestines. The mild laxative element present in cabbage stimulates bowel movement and helps to prevent constipation. For treating constipation, it is recommended to take a cupful of cabbage juice twice daily before eating a meal. At the same time you can eat fresh or stir fried cabbage.

Tip:10 Castor Oil

Castor oil can also be used to treat constipation. There is a special kind of compound present in castor oil that when digested stimulates the small and large intestines and improves the bowel movement. You simply need to swallow one to two teaspoons of castor oil on an empty stomach. Do not forget to drink plenty of water throughout the water. Within a few hours you can notice huge improvement in your condition. You must not follow this remedy for long time as it can cause side effects also.