An Amazing Drink That Melts Fat In Just 4 Days

The fat accumulation is a common issue nowadays and many people are suffering from it. You might have got a lot of suggestion about how to reduce the fat in minimum days and in effortless manner like exercise, balance diet as well as workouts. What if we provide you an amazing drink which will melt your fat in only 4 days? Surprised! Well, but it is true. Here is the recipe for a drink which reduces fat in no time.

Things you need

• Water- 8 glasses
• Ginger root- 1 tsp (grated)
• Cucumber- 1 (medium sized)
• Lemon- 1 (medium sized)
• Mint leaves- 12

1. Take 1 medium size of a cucumber, peel and grate it.
2. Add juice of 1 lemon in it.
3. Now, make a paste of 12 mint leaves in a separate plate.
4. Mix all the ingredients with 1 tsp ginger and keep it overnight.
5. Add 8 glass of water to the ingredients in the morning.
6. Now, drink this juice through the day whenever you are thirsty.
7. Follow this remedy for at least 4 consecutive days to melt the fat.

So, that’s it, the easy to make drink will do wonders for you. Along with the intake of this juice, you should keep a moderate meal divided into 5 parts in a day. You should also perform regular exercise to avoid the further accumulation of unwanted fat.
This drink promotes the intake of water as the base content of the drink is water. Intake of plenty of water will pull off the impurities from your body and it will help you to stay healthy. So, enjoy your drink and avoid accumulation of fat on your body.

Read more »

Signs and Symptoms of Acute Asthma Attack

Are you finding it difficult to breathe at night and still wondering whether you have developed asthma symptoms or not? Asthma is of two types: intrinsic asthma (that happens during childhood) and extrinsic asthma (that triggers all of a sudden in your adulthood due to external factors). Here is how you can recognise each of them:

• 
  Wheezing: Asthma patients start wheezing heavily before breathlessness overtakes them. Wheezing, generally, constitutes a whooshing sound coming out from the mouth of the person, who is likely to get an attack within the next couple of minutes. Wheezing should alert you right away as it is the primary indication of an asthma attack. Some people also complain of an itchy nose or eczema around the nasal area, which happens when you are exposed to highly allergic pollen or dust.
• Most people feel anxious and sweaty just before an asthma attack. Sweaty forehead, neck, back and palms along with restlessness in the chest are signs that you must look out for.
• Formation of phlegm despite of you not having cold or viral is also a sign and symptom of an acute asthma attack. Asthma attacks usually happen when the chest congestion restricts the airway from a smooth breathing pattern leading to shorter and quicker breaths. Most often, symptoms such as cough and wheezing are more prominent at night. This is also called Nocturnal Asthma.
• During an asthma attack, the respiratory system undergoes an internal inflammation leading to the narrowing of the airway passage. During this time, another recognisable sign of an asthma attack is the formation of mucous in the mouth. It is usually thick and the cause of a dry throat.
• Chest pain and dropping of pressure is another symptom along with tightening of chest and neck muscles. These are called retractions.
• You will feel a difficulty in talking as every time you try to open your mouth, you will want to take a breath of air to release the discomfort that is being suppressed inside you.
• Look out for your finger nails! If they are blue, your blood vessels are not getting the sufficient amount of oxygen supply. This suggests the need for an urgent medical attention.
• Your lips will feel dry and turn blue. Shaking hands and getting cold feet are other symptoms of asthma that you must watch out for.

Prevent an asthma emergency in the middle of the night or while you are walking on the road. The sooner you recognise the symptoms and signs of asthma, the sooner your medication will be effective in healing. Keep your doctor’s number handy and start working on your asthma action plan!

Read more »

Causes of Bronchial Asthma in Acute Exacerbation

Chronic asthma attack or bronchial asthma acute exacerbation is a situation when the bronchial tubes present in the lungs constrict and swell up making the air passage narrower thereby, leading to a difficulty in breathing. In such a case, a person can enter a state of fright and lead to spasms and even death. Triggered by smoke, dust, pollen or animal hair, toxins present in the environment, strenuous physical activity and anxiety, the first asthma symptom of this condition is wheezing.

The person, in case of bronchial asthma in acute exacerbation, will try to take in more oxygen into the lungs while experiencing wheezing that stays for a long period. Panicking makes it worse and can lead to choking and death. Bronchial asthma in acute exacerbation has been categorised into four stages:

• The “symptom causing stage” or mild asthma: In this stage, the person experiences minor breathing attacks along with wheezing. An inhaler can prevent this from happening.
• Mild persistent asthma attack. In this stage, the person experiences minor attacks, but frequent ones over a short period of time.
• Moderate persistent asthma attack. The attacks in this case are intense and are the worst kind that an asthmatic patient goes through. In this stage, oxygen supply to the patient is a must. Nasal spikes should be provided to the person immediately to ensure that the oxygen saturation in the blood is more than 90 percent.

Now that we know the asthma causes in acute exacerbation and its types, you must be wondering how one detects the type of asthma attack that he or she has. If you are hit by bronchial asthma in acute exacerbation, you will not be able to utter an entire sentence in one breath. The breathing pattern, usually, would be 20 to 25 breaths per minute. As the intensity increases, the blood pressure and the pulse rate will drop considerably thereby, leading to exhaustion.

The person should also be given at least six to ten puffs of salbutamol within one to two hours. He or she should be checked again after an hour following the dosage. If the person shows very slow progress or signs of persistent exhaustion, he/she should be put on a ventilator. Further delay will cause unwarranted lung inflammation and the person will not be able to exhale any more. The doctors must avoid high positive pressure on ventilation as there is a risk of barotraumas to the lungs.

Prevention of Asthma, as with any other problem, is better than cure and therefore, people suffering from such a chronic asthma attack should avoid dusty places and other factors that they know will cause damage to their lungs. Carry your inhaler with you at all times and keep it handy. Stay safe!

Read more »

Asthma Symptoms in Children

It is emotionally hard to see little children suffer the trauma of asthma at a tender age. Asthma has been a rising cause of worry among many families, people and doctors all over the world as the causes and symptoms of the disease are increasingly getting worse. Most people even fail to realise that they are victims of the disease. Here is an easy guide that discusses few indicators of asthma symptoms in children:

• Initially, children unknowingly expose themselves to dust and dirt in the playground. If your child feels excessively sweaty in winter while feeling tightness in the chest, it is time you take your child to an asthma specialist and get him or her checked.
• If the child wheezes often at night or early morning, it might be an asthma symptom. If the child has climbed a few stairs or has run around for a short while only to feel severe breathlessness, it may be a case of bronchial asthma, which is a chronic case of asthma. The texture of the cough is often dry and thick. Wheezing is more prominent in sound when the child breathes out.
• Some children have narrow and constricted airways right from their birth, which genetically makes them asthmatics. These children have problems of sinusitis and often complain of cough and phlegm formation in their chest. This is the most prominent symptom of asthma and parents should get their children immediate medical help upon diagnosis. Doctors can detect asthmatic symptoms in new born children and help parents take suitable steps to keep their child’s asthma under control.
• If your child starts sneezing continuously upon seeing your neighbour’s pet dog or cat, he or she may be suffering from allergy induced asthma. The child may also be repellant from pollen, certain kinds of food items such as prawns and other environmental conditions such as smoke, pollution and extreme weather conditions.
• If your family history has cases of asthma patients, your child is even more vulnerable to be hit by the disease.

At times, it gets difficult to detect asthmatic conditions in infants, teenagers and toddlers and with a deteriorating weather condition, one must always opt for health checkups from time to time. Children should not be exposed to harsh weather conditions such as cold and rain when the temperature fluctuates drastically and does not give the body enough time to adjust to the temperature outside.

Read more »

How to use inhaler for asthma

An inhaler used by people suffering from asthma symptoms is a pressurised cylinder, usually, as big as the distance between your index finger and thumb. This has a pump-like function along with a bottle of medication inserted at one end. The other end is fitted inside the mouth with one pump releasing a certain amount of dosage into the airways that reach the lungs. This involves a certain technique and people, who find it difficult to use the inhaler efficiently, cannot reap its benefits. This acts as a great respite for people suffering from respiratory and obstructive pulmonary problems. The inhaler comes in extremely handy and can be carried at all times. Here is an easy guide for you to use your inhaler optimally!

• Shake the inhaler five to six times before use. Remove the cap of the inhaler and hold it upright.
• Incline your head slightly backwards and take a deep breath. Exhale.
• Most inhalers have a spacer that is meant to be used by children. You can use it too if you feel more comfortable that way.
• Open your mouth till the mouthpiece of the inhaler fits in your mouth. There should be no gaps surrounding it, Make sure you hold the inhaler tightly in between your lips. Hold the other end of the inhaler one to two inches away from your mouth.
• Hold the other end of the inhaler with your index finger on top and thumb below. This position will help you pump the inhaler from the top and release the medication directly into your mouth. With each pump, breathe slowly for three to five seconds. Hold your breath after every pump for about ten seconds or as long as you can for the medicine to travel deep enough into your lungs.
• Make sure your tongue is placed in such a way that the medication hits your throat. Swallow the medicine and it will automatically travel through your airway.
• Repeat the exercise until you find relief.

This technique of using an inhaler for asthma is meant to be used for a metered-dose inhaler. If you have been prescribed dry powder capsules, the process will be different. To use a dry powdered inhaler, one has to breathe in quickly after placing the mouthpiece inside the mouth. Ask your doctor for the exact steps.

Usually Controllers and Relievers are the only two inhaler medicines prescribed by doctors- the Controllers being the metered dose inhalers and the Relievers being the dry powder capsules. Some inhalers have inbuilt techniques that help one monitor the dose carefully. For this, you must also keep a track of your refills and usages. Keeping your details handy can inform you about your present condition. This can help in prevention of asthma attacks in future too.

Read more »

Asthma Symptoms in Adults

With the environment undergoing drastic changes, more and more people are getting affected by asthma: a disorder of the respiratory system i.e. lungs. Adults, who have had a good physical history, have started showing prominent asthma symptoms. Identifying such asthma symptoms in adults is therefore, tricky as not many people come to terms with it. For these adults, a little difficulty in breathing would be concluded as one of the symptoms of old age. By referring to an adult, it is someone above 20 years of age. If you have been diagnosed with asthma post 20s, it is most likely to have been allergy induced. As we grow older, the capacity of our lungs reduces considerably thereby, leading to the onset of adult asthmatic conditions.

These are certain asthma symptoms in adults:

• Coughing and formation of thick phlegm that gets worse as the night falls.
• Short and repetitive breathing patterns.  
• Increase in palpitation of the heart.
• Sweating.
• Extremely dry and an itchy throat.
• Inflammation in the airways and the bronchia.
• Wheezing sound during attacks.

Asthma symptoms in adults that develop at a later stage in life are known as an occupational disease because of over exposure to heat and dust. Therefore, adults are more likely to confuse the symptoms with other diseases and, sometimes, even ignore it. People, who are involved in welding, professional baking, carpentering and farming, have at least 60 percent probability of suffering from occupational asthma. One must visit the doctor if two or more symptoms persist for a noticeable period of time. Avoid self medication in such cases. Most people try different cough syrups at night. If it does not help, it is time for you to take this seriously and consult a doctor. Quit smoking if you have been smoking regularly.

Women, who have hormonal changes or reach menopause, are also prone to asthma. Most women take estrogen supplements post their menopause. Taking this for more than five to ten years increases their chances of getting an asthma attack by 50 percent. Adults, who are allergic to dogs and cats, also develop chronic asthma attacks in the later stages of their life.

Your doctor will detect the onset of adult asthma by discussing your medical history in detail. Analyzing your breathing patterns and taking a proper lung-function test or Spirometer test will tell you how fast you empty your lungs at one round of inhale-exhale. A chest x-ray is followed by this and further diagnosis is made on the basis of the x-ray. Treatments such as inhalers, anti-inflammatory, bronchodilators, muscle relaxants and drugs as such are prescribed to keep asthma under check. Monitoring the symptoms is an important part of asthma. Therefore, get your action plan ready! If you lead a cautious life, asthma attacks cannot stop you from leading a healthy lifestyle!

Read more »

Exercises for Asthma Treatment

Asthmatic patients cannot go for rigorous exercise routines or join a gymnasium because an increase in palpitation while exercising can cause heavy breathing and consequently, lead to an asthma attack. If you wish to take a positive approach towards a healthier lifestyle, here are a few exercises for asthma treatment that can be done indoors. Apart from that, if you are a chronic asthmatic patient, it is always better to consult your doctor and seek an approval for the same:

• Do not stop taking medication. Your line of treatment may make some space for exercises, but the medications should not be stopped at any cost. Exercise slowly and limit your routine from five to ten minutes a day in the beginning. Furthermore, do not try heavy weight exercises.
• Carry your inhaler along with a bottle of water at all times.
• You may indulge in wrestling, baseball, volleyball that allows exertion for short periods of time. Gymnasium is also a great way of exercising and losing a few extra pounds especially for asthmatics.
• Do not try playing soccer, cardio exercises or field hockey as they may cause momentary breathlessness.
• Give yourself sufficient rest after every ten to fifteen minutes. Have water and study your breathing patterns.
• Swimming is a great way to exercise and it is prescribed by healthcare practitioners as a remedy to cure asthma attacks. Swimming helps one to control heavy breathing and relaxes the muscles after one completes each lap.
• Asthma patients can also explore walking or indoor biking. Indoor biking will enhance your pulse rate while you can keep a check on your breathing patterns. If it gets heavier, pull the brakes. Biking, if done at a medium pace, can be continued for thirty minutes at a stretch.
• Before exercising, warm your body up. The muscles should not feel stretched too early. Use a pre-exercising inhaler before you begin your exercise routine. These are available in the medical stores and are medically known as inhaled bronchodilators.
• Make sure you give enough time to your body to cool down post the exercising routine. Rushing to work right after exercise or rushing for your swimming class right after work can cause considerable exhaustion thereby, making you more tired than you usually get!
• Do not exercise in cold climate. If you catch cold or viral infection, the asthmatic condition will intensify and create more phlegm in your chest. You might, in such a case, experience frequent chest constrictions and breathing difficulties, especially at night.
• Even yoga is considered to be one of the best therapeutic treatments for curing asthma.

If you feel the probability of an asthma attack while you are exercising, stop immediately. Return to the exercise routine only if you are comfortable.

Read more »

Steroids Can Lead to Severe Health Consequences

People often use steroids without any supervision and knowledge about the risks involved. They are mostly used to gain increased muscle size, stamina for competitions and some may also use it to handle daily rigours of their job. Steroids are drugs, when used inappropriately, can cause a host of severe, long-lasting, and often irreversible negative health consequences.

Steroids are either taken orally in tablet form or injected intramuscularly. Sometimes under false assumption that taking "more is better", some users combine many different types of steroids, to get better results but it causes serious consequences.

This phenomenon is popularly known as stacking. Side effects are dangerous not only for men, but women too can suffer some serious side effects.

Types of steroids

"Some of the commonly used steroids are of two types - Corticosteroids and Anabolic steroids. Corticosteroids are used for many allergic and immunological disorders like asthma and as life saving medication in many emergency situations. Unqualified doctors and quacks prescribe these medications for symptomatic relief in many clinical situations without proper diagnosis and without knowing the proper dosing, schedule or side effects.

Anabolic steroids are used by athletes, body builders and weight lifters for development of lean body mass, muscles and body building. These are banned medicines in sports field and come under doping. These people generally use these drugs in very high doses and many a time more than one type of anabolic steroids are used at the same time, which can be very harmful," says Dr Arpit Jain, Consultant, Internal Medicine..

Harmful effects of steroids on men

"All steroids, if not used under proper medical indication and without medical supervision could be harmful. If Corticosteroids is taken without supervision, it can decrease body's immunity to fight infections, flare-up of latent tuberculosis; also may cause diabetes and high blood pressure. It can also weaken your bones making them brittle and more vulnerable to fractures.
Anabolic steroids can cause liver damage, risk of liver tumour (adenoma) and liver cancer, also increase risk of kidney and prostate cancers, increase cholesterol, blood pressure and triglyceride level and also increase risk of heart disease and brain stroke.

Some of the prominent effect is on the reproductive system - testicular atrophy (shrinkage), decrease sperm counts and abnormal sperms leading to infertility. Also, there is increase in sexual desire and causes erectile dysfunction or impotency. In males there can also be abnormal breast formation," reveals Dr Arpit Jain, Consultant, Internal Medicine.

Read more »

How to Get Rid of Blackheads on Nose Fast

Blackheads, sometimes also called “open comedones”, are small dark spots on the skin. A whitehead on the other hand is a “closed comedo”. Blackheads are actually blocked pores that get filled with keratin, skin debris and sebum, which is an oily substance. This is the first stage of pimples of acne. The blackhead can grow to become a pimple. Blackheads are not exactly a health hazard, but they are very frustrating as they come up on the most visible part of our body – the face. Often, they are seen right on the nose. Naturally, it looks bad. You will definitely want to remove it as soon as you get the blackhead. It’s essential to know how to get rid of blackheads on nose safely and quickly.

What Causes Blackheads on My Nose?

Here are some common causes of blackheads on nose.

1. Hormonal changes in the body – Hormones in your body can cause blackheads. Dihydrotestosterone or DHT is a hormone that triggers over activity of the oil glands. And if your body is producing a lot of oil, then your skin pores are likely to get clogged. This can give you a blackhead. This happens again in the late 20’s when the estrogen level begins to drop. The oil glands are working more, as the body’s testosterone level is higher than estrogen. About one in three women get blackheads as a result.
2. Skin products – Cosmetics and other skin products can cause blackheads as well, particularly on the nose. Face creams hydrate the skin, but they can end up adding more pore-clogging oil. Skin products and even makeup with fragrances and artificial color can clog the hair follicles on your skin, and cause blackheads.
3. Medicines – Some medications are to be blamed as well for deep blackheads. The National Institutes of Health and U.S. National Library of Medicine approved information source Medline Plus has reported that medicines that are rich in phenytoin, estrogen, testosterone, and steroids can cause several skin problems, including blackheads.
4. Stress – There is no medical proof that stress is directly related to blackheads. But not everybody is so sure. Some people are convinced that it can cause blackheads too. After all, anxiety and stress causes grey hairs. When under stress, we tend to neglect our body, and as a result we may very well have these blackheads.
5. Caffeine and alcohol – Think again if you are somebody who wants to start the day with that cup of hot coffee, if that is, you want to get rid of blackheads on your nose fast. It might also be a good idea to stop taking that wine just after dinner. Some studies have indicated that both alcohol and caffeine could be bad for the health of your skin. Stimulants in your coffee can kick-start the oil glands of your skin. Alcohol affects sleep, but more importantly, it can reduce the size of your skin pores. You are unnecessarily exposing yourself to clogging.
6. Smoking – Smoking could be one of the causes as well. The cigarette smoke is full of ash, tar, and many chemicals that can damage the surface of skin causing blocked pores and dead cells. Some experts have also commented that smoking can make your blackhead treatment fail too. So give it up if you are a smoker, and if you are trying to eliminate blackheads on nose. We all know that smoking is bad for health. Why do it?
7. Food – There could be a link between nutrition and blackheads as well. Sugary foods, fried foods, and those with a lot of carbohydrates can have a huge impact on your skin. Doughnuts, french fries, and chocolates have all been blamed. However this connection is not yet proven as most studies have been inconclusive.
8. Sweat – A heat wave, an intense session at the gym and everything else that makes you sweat profusely can cause blackheads. That’s because, excessive sweat can clog up the pores. And it is even worse if you have makeup while sweating.
9. Sleeping with makeup – This one is a crime. There’s a high chance that you will have clogged pores if you go to sleep without removing the makeup. Cosmetics can clog the pores anyway. So do clean your face always before hitting the bed.

However, no matter what the cause of your blackhead, you should know that there is one common issue in all of them, and it is “clogged pores”. Cosmetics, sweat, and excessive production by your oil glands can all clog these pores and cause blackheads. It has also been seen that those who have oily skin are more likely to have these growths and acne.

Blackheads and Skin Hygiene – A Myth

Some people are convinced that poor hygiene can cause blockheads, particularly during menstruation or in puberty, when the hormone levels are fluctuating. That is incorrect. Doctors and researchers are of the opinion that this is just a myth. United Kingdom’s National Health Service has said that the biological reactions triggering acne and blackheads are not on the skin’s surface. They are below it. The only exception to this is makeup, sun screens, moisturizers and all those other skin products.

Treatments to Get Rid of Blackheads on Your Nose

Sadly, there seems to be no conventional treatment that can stop and even remove blackheads on nose. At best, there are some creams and solutions that can remove the ugly scar left behind. However luckily, there are some fantastic home remedies that are working very well. And the best thing about them is that, these are all natural solutions, and thus, there are no side effects.
Here are some very good home remedies to remove blackheads on nose.

1.    Egg White Mask

You can use the white portion of an egg to create a mask for tightening your pores. You will not just have the answer to how to get rid of blackheads on nose, but you can prevent future outbreaks as well. the white portion is good for your skin as well as it is rich in nutrients.
Get this

• A single egg
• A clean towel
• A small bowl
• Some toilet paper or facial tissue

Do this

• Separate yolk from the eggs white portion.
• Rinse your face.
• Pat your face to make it dry.
• Apply the egg white on your skin. The layer should be thin.
• Keep the toilet paper or facial tissue on the white portion and press this gently on your face.
• Keep it for sometime so that the layer can dry.
• Now apply a second layer over the paper or tissue. The tissue or paper shouldn’t slide.
• Give it more time so that this layer can dry as well.
• You can apply a third layer too – this is optional.
• Your face will feel tight when your mask is dry.
• Peel off the mask. Get rid of any residue.
• Pat dry. Apply some moisturizer.

2.    Cinnamon and Honey Strips

Those who are asking how to remove blackheads on nose will be happy with this potent combination. There are a lot of anti-bacterial agents in your honey. This will keep the bacteria, which causes acne, away. It will also pull out anything that is clogging the pores. Cinnamon is going to improve circulation. You will have glowing, healthy, smooth, and blackhead free skin.
Get this

• Organic and raw honey
• Cinnamon powder
• Clean cotton strips

Do this

• Mix the cinnamon and honey together. You should have adequate quantity for covering the entire affected area.
• Apply the layer on your blackhead. Keep the layer thin.
• Press some cotton over it.
• Keep it for three to five minutes.
• Now remove the layer and rinse your face.
• Apply some moisturizer.

3.    Cleansing Sugar Scrub

Sometimes, what you will just need is some decent exfoliating and moisturizing. Exfoliating will remove those dead skin cells that can clog your pores. This is going to improve circulation too and give you soft and glowing skin. Use Jojoba oil as it is close to the body’s own sebum. You can use olive, grape seed or sweet almond as well if you do not have jojoba.
Get this

• Jojoba oil – 4 tablespoon.
• White or brown sugar – 1 cup.
• One airtight glass jar.
• Some essential oils – this is optional.

Do this

• Mix the jojoba oil and sugar. Stir till no grains are left.
• If you like a fragrance, then add the essential oil to it. Just add a few drops.
• Store this in a glass jar. Keep it in a dark and cool place.
• You are ready to apply it now. But remember, to get rid of blackheads on your nose fast, you should still stir it before applying. And always apply on a wet face.
• Massage it slowly over the skin. Your motions should be circular.
• Keep this for 30 minutes.
• Rinse off with water.
• Apply moisturizer.

Warning: Remember, you shouldn’t apply this for more than two to times in a week maximum. You can have skin irritation otherwise.

4.    Lemon Juice Scrub

Lemon juice is good for removing deep blackheads as well. You are sure to get good results, as the vitamins and nutrients in lemon juice work on all skin types.
Get this

• Lemon juice.
• Honey.
• Yogurt.
• Salt.
• Rosewater or milk.
• Jar or bowl.

Do this

• Mix some honey, yogurt, salt and lemon juice and keep it in the bowl or jar.
• Now scrub the area affected. Apply this natural mixture evenly.
• You may also mix rosewater or milk with your lemon juice to have a facial cleanser.
• Apply this every day for up to 10-12 days.

5.    Green Tea

Green tea is good for us all. It helps us improve our health in various ways. No wonder green tea has become so popular now. It has been reported that green tea can improve brain function, achieve weight loss, lowers the risk of various types of cancer, it lowers the risk of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, improved dental health, and fights type 2 diabetes too. If you are wondering how to treat blackheads on my nose, then you will be happy to know that green tea can help you here as well.
Get this

• Leaves of green tea
• Water
• Teaspoon
• A soft towel or napkin
• A bowl

Do this

• Keep your dry green tea leaves in the bowl.
• Pour water.
• Now mix these two to create a paste. One tablespoon should be enough.
• Rub this paste over your blackhead. Keep rubbing for 2 to 3 minutes.
• Rinse off using lukewarm water.
• Pat dry with your soft towel or napkin.

This scrub is going to deep clean your oily skin and unclog all those pores.

6.    Milk and Honey

Honey and milk are both good for your skin. There are antibacterial properties in honey. And the lactic acid of milk can keep your skin supple and soft. However, when you are mixing these two, what you will get is an adhesive that can answer your question.
Get this

• Organic raw honey – one tablespoon.
• Milk – one teaspoon.
• One cotton strip.

Do this

• Pour milk over your raw honey and mix thoroughly.
• Heat this for five to ten minutes in your microwave.
• Now mix again. It should blend well.
• Apply the paste over your blockheads. The layer should be thin.
• Pat some cotton over it gently.
• Allow this to dry. It is best to wait for 20 minutes at least.
• Now peel this strip away carefully.
• Rinse using cold water.
• Apply a moisturizer.

7.    Toner for Tight Pores

You get blackheads when the clogged pores react to oxygen. So shrinking these pores is going to help. Lemon juice is an astringent that can do this job for you. But remember, lemon juice can lighten your skin temporarily. It can make the skin sensitive to the rays of the sun as well. So you need to apply a sunscreen, particularly during the summer months. Those with sensitive skins should mix the lemon juice and water before applying.
Get this

• A single lemon.
• One small bottle.
• Cotton balls.

Do this

• Wash your face with cold water. Pat dry.
• Squeeze your lemon and store the juice in the small bottle.
• Now insert the cotton ball and dampen it a little bit.
• Apply this to the areas affected. Do this three to four times in a week just before going to bed.
• Wash your face with lukewarm water on waking up in the morning.
• Apply moisturizer.
• Keep the juice in your refrigerator. Do not store for more than a week. It can sting after this.

8.    Clay Mask

You will find many types of cosmetic clay out there in powdered form. They can dry out your oily pores and remove unwanted residue as well. But for best results, you should add apple cider vinegar to it when you are trying to make your clay mask.
Get this

• Cosmetic clay.
• Apple cider vinegar.
• A soft towel or napkin.
• A bowl.

Do this

• Pour the cosmetic clay powder in a bowl and add some water to it.
• Add apple cider vinegar.
• Now mix these two.
• Apply this paste on the affected areas.
• Let it stay for 10 to 15 minutes. Allow it to get completely dry.
• Rinse it off using lukewarm water.

9.    Water and Baking Soda

Use a little bit of baking soda to get rid of blackheads on your nose. This can help you immensely. The fine and small granules of baking soda will exfoliate and bring out the things that are clogging the pores. It’s an inexpensive and natural way of fighting blackheads.
Get this

• Fresh water.
• Baking soda.

Do this

• Take adequate quantities of baking soda and mix water to it. The paste should be thick.
• Now massage this paste on your skin in gentle circular motions.
• Keep it there for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Use plain water to rinse it off.
• Pat dry your face.
• Apply moisturizer.

Warning: Do not overdo this, because it can dry your skin seriously because of its saltiness.

10.    Nutmeg Solution and Milk

The mixture of nutmeg solution and milk is perhaps the best-selling exfoliant you can find. Milk has lactic acid. This, and the nutmeg’s tough granules, will eradicate those blackheads together from your skin. It’s a potent combination.
Get this

• A nutmeg solution.
• Milk, preferably buttermilk.
• A jar or bowl.

Do this

• Mix adequate quantities of nutmeg and one tablespoon of milk for making your paste. You will know that it is ready when your paste is thick.
• Apply the mixture on your face. Do this gently.
• Scrub and remove the dirt and dead skin cells.
• Keep it for some time.
• Rinse off the paste with regular water.
• Pat dry.

11.    Mint and Apple Cider Vinegar Toner

You can create your own toner by mixing crushed mint leaves and apple cider vinegar. The vinegar will breakdown whatever is blocking the pores and causing your blackhead. Mint on the other hand will tighten your skin. Menthol will tame inflammation, if the area around your blackhead has swollen from picking. You need to fight inflammation as well, because this is going to make it more difficult to bring out whatever is clogging your pores.
Get this

• Fresh mint leaves (finely chopped) – 3 tablespoons.
• Apple cider vinegar – 3 tablespoons.
• Water – 8 ounce.
• Cotton balls.

Do this

• Keep mint and vinegar in a bottle and keep it in a cool and dark place for a week.
• Now add one cup of water to this and keep this in your refrigerator for 6 days.
• You are now ready to apply this toner. Apply water first to your face to make it wet.
• Dab clean cotton balls in the toner and apply this on the affected part.
• Leave this for several hours. For best results, leave this overnight. Apply this every night.
• Rinse it off after waking up.
• Apply moisturizer.

12.    Yogurt and Oatmeal

Get this

• Oatmeal – two tablespoons.
• Yogurt – three tablespoons.
• Four tomatoes.
• Honey.
• Olive oil.
• Lemon juice.

Do this

• Take out the juice from four tomatoes and store.
• Now pour plain yogurt (three tablespoons) and oatmeal (two tablespoons) into a bowl.
• Add one tablespoon of honey and a little bit of olive oil to this.
• Add some lemon juice as well.
• Mix to create your paste.
• Apply this paste on your face.
• Keep this for 10 minutes.
• Wash off using normal water.
• Apply moisturizer.

Try this home remedy daily. You will certainly have clear skin and won’t ever have to ask how to remove blackheads on nose.
Far too many people are affected by blackheads. These growths on the nose look bad and ruin the look of an otherwise perfectly pretty face. It’s even worse when you pick. And perhaps what’s the worst thing about these blackheads is that, they come up during adolescence, when looking good matters so much to all of us. Parents need to be bothered as well because blackheads can ruin self-esteem. Your teenaged kid could lock herself indoors till the time it goes away. However it comes back soon.
So what you need is a safe and quick remedy. Try one of these remedies, and you won’t have to ask how to get rid of blackheads on nose again.

Read more »

Home remedies for kids' sports injuries

When it comes to folk remedies, the line between superstition and medicine can be a fine one, but these expert-recommended home treatments are simple, tried and true.

Photo: CEFutcher/iStockphoto

Sprains, strains, blisters, bruises and the lot are an unavoidable part of life for active kids. For children involved in sports, the stakes are even higher — to the tune of about 3.5 million sports-related injuries a year in the United States. Fortunately, only one in four of those injuries are serious, making the rest of them eligible candidates for home remedies.

 

Obviously, fractures, growth-plate injuries, head bangs and other serious wounds require medical attention, but minor injuries can benefit from simple treatments administered by Dr. Mom. "Home remedies may not be appropriate for treating every situation all the time; when in doubt, it is always best to consult a medical professional," says Dr. Philip Hagen, a preventive medicine expert at Mayo Clinic and editor-in-chief of the new "Mayo Clinic Book of Home Remedies." "But it may be possible to care for minor health issues at home, or to use home remedies to enhance the care you're already receiving from your doctor." 

 

Sprains and strains

For immediate care of a sprain, use one of the most reliable home remedies known to man — the R.I.C.E. approach (rest, ice, compression and elevation).
 

Rest: Keep your child from movement and activities that cause pain, swelling or discomfort, but don't ban all physical activity. Consider it “relative rest.”

 

Ice: Even if you know your child needs to see the doctor, ice the area right away until you get there. For icing, use an ice pack for 15 to 20 minutes and repeat every two to three hours for the first 48 to 72 hours. (No need to wake your child while sleeping, though.) The cold temperature helps to reduce pain, swelling and inflammation in injured muscles, joints and connective tissues, and may decrease bleeding if a tear has occurred. If the area turns white, remove ice immediately as it may indicate a cold injury.

 

Compression: Compressing a sprain with an elastic bandage helps to stop swelling. Be careful not to wrap the area too tightly or you may prohibit circulation. Begin wrapping at the end farthest from the heart and work inward. Loosen the wrap if the pain increases, if the area becomes numb or if swelling occurs below the wrapped area.

 

Elevation: To reduce swelling by way of gravity, have your child elevate the affected area to a level above the heart.

 

Also try Traumeel: Traumeel is a brand name homeopathic ointment that is used to aid in recovery from sprains, strains, bruises, nerve pain, swelling and post-surgical pain. It is popularly used by professional athletes (the German Olympic team doesn’t seem to leave home without it!). It’s a combination of arnica (see below) and other all-natural ingredients like calendula and chamomile; there are a number of studies that back up the claims of its efficacy.

 

Bruises
Sometimes the worst part of a bruise is its harrowing appearance after the pain has dissipated! In general, bruises respond best to treatment that is given immediately, before the area begins to darken.
 

• Apply an ice pack or a bag of frozen vegetables to the area for 20–30 minutes to minimize discoloration and swelling. (Be careful not to apply ice directly to the skin.)
• If the bruise consumes a large area of the leg or foot, the leg should be kept elevated as much as possible during the first 24 hours after the injury.
• After 48 hours, heat by means of a warm washcloth can be applied to the bruise for 10 minutes two to three times a day, this works to increase blood flow to the damaged area allowing the skin to reabsorb the blood more quickly.

Call your child’s doctor immediately if there is extreme pressure in a bruised part of the body, especially if the area is large or very painful. This may be due to a condition known as "compartment syndrome" and requires prompt medical attention. Also call the doctor if there are signs of infection around the bruised area including streaks of redness, pus or other drainage, or fever.

 

Also try arnica: For soreness and inflammation, many professional athletes rely on this homeopathic gel or ointment. Arnica also hastens the healing of bruises. Arnica montana is a plant native to mountainous areas of Europe and North America, and has been used for centuries to treat a variety of pains. Athletes rub it on muscles to soothe soreness and strains, and arthritis sufferers rub it on joints to reduce pain and swelling. The New York Times notes that “it’s believed that the plant contains derivatives of thymol, which seems to have anti-inflammatory effects. Either way, scientists have found good evidence that it works.” 

 

Blisters
Curse the blasted blister! Blisters will usually heal on their own and there’s not much you can do, nonetheless, here’s how to handle them for best results, according to Children’s Hospital Boston:
 

• Wash the area with soap and water.
• Apply a cold or ice pack to reduce swelling and discomfort.
• Keep the area clean and dry. Do not burst the blister.
• If the blister bursts, place an adhesive bandage or dressing on the area to keep it clean.
• Observe the area for signs of infection such as increased warmth, swelling, redness, drainage or pain.
• If you notice any signs of infection, call your child's physician. Antibiotics may be needed.

 

Heat rash
Heat rash, also known as prickly heat, is a skin irritation caused by excessive sweating during hot, humid weather. It can occur at any age but is most common in young children.
 

• Provide a cooler, less humid environment.
• Keep the affected area dry.
• Dusting powder may be used to increase comfort. 
• Cold compresses can be used to combat itching
• Baking soda or fine-ground oatmeal powder baths can be used to minimize itching. Add a few tablespoons of either to tepid bath water and stir until dissolved. Soak.

 

Swimmer's ear
Swimmer’s ear is characterized by itching and redness in the ear canal, mild to severe pain, and difficulty in hearing.

 

Telling the difference between swimmer's ear and a middle ear infection can be tricky, but if there are no other signs of illness and the child has recently been in the water, odds are that it's swimmer’s ear and not an infection. 

 

Dr. Marci Chasnow, a pediatrician at Box Hill Pediatrics in Abingdon, Md., recommends 1 teaspoon of half water and half vinegar can be poured into each ear and held in place with a gentle cotton ball if the pain is not too bad — the issue should clear up in a few days. If not, see the pediatrician. (Read more: Home remedies for swimmer's ear.)

Sunburn

Technically not a “sports-related injury,” but often a corollary event —  so consider this a bonus.
 

The importance of avoiding sunburn in the first place can’t be stressed enough. More and more research is appearing that confirms the risk of serious forms of adult skin cancer after just one incident of childhood sunburn. That said, most kids are going to get a sunburn. 

 

As dermatologist Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D. puts it, “there's no fast-fix sunburn treatment. Once you have sunburn, the damage is done — although it may take 12 to 24 hours after sun exposure to know the full extent and severity of sunburn, and several days or more for your skin to begin to heal.”
 

Here’s how to provide comfort while healing:
 

Keep cool: Take a cool bath, or apply cool damp towels to the area.
 

Use aloe vera: According to The New York Times, for sunburns that cause minor pain, redness or damage that is limited to the top layers of skin, aloe vera can make a big difference. Apply store-bought gel, or use gel directly from a leaf.
 

Don’t use these: Mayo Clinic urges against the use of products containing alcohol, which can further dry out skin. Stay away from sunburn treatment products containing anesthetics, such as benzocaine. “There's little evidence that these products are effective. In some cases, they may even irritate the skin. Benzocaine has been linked to a rare but serious, sometimes deadly condition that decreases the amount of oxygen that the blood can carry. Don't use benzocaine in children younger than age 2 without supervision from a health care professional, as this age group has been the most affected.”
 

Also, don't use petroleum jelly, butter, egg whites or other unknown home remedies on your sunburn. They can prevent or delay healing!
 

Leave blisters alone: If blisters form, don't break them. You'll only slow the healing process and increase the risk of infection.
 

Visit the doctor for sunburn treatment if:
 

• A severe sunburn covers a large portion of the body with blisters
• Sunburn is accompanied by a high fever or severe pain
• Severe sunburn doesn't begin to improve within a few days

Read more »

7 Ayurvedic Home Remedies for Injuries and Prevention

A new year has started and with each new year come resolutions of being more active, getting in shape, picking up a new gym membership or doing Yoga every day. Though these are great plans, sometimes the body isn’t quite ready or conditioned to pick up a new exercise routine without signs of muscle fatigue, spasms and cramps, or we may even walk away with a torn muscle or a sprain.
No pain, no gain is the philosophy our society has adapted to with little questioning. In circles of sports and exercise it seems that the ultimate goal is to achieve more in less time by training harder, longer, faster, more intense, and more explosive, all times of the day.
This attitude, or philosophy, also gets applied to Yoga. We have Fitness Yoga, and Yoga with weights, which focus mainly on the fitness component. But even traditions like Ashtanga Yoga or Hot Yoga are quite physically strenuous.
In the Yoga Sutras the sage Patanjali suggests to practice ahimsa, non-violence. The first Yama, or yogic guideline, wants us to do no harm against others, and ourselves. But accidents can happen, and if they do we want to recover as quickly as possible.
Here are seven home remedies to help relieve muscle pain and the discomfort of minor soft tissue trauma.

Ayurvedic Home Remedies for Injury
1. Turmeric and Bromelain
Combined, these two can help speed up recovery. The combination of Bromelain and Turmeric is known for it’s natural blood thinning and pain relieving properties and is often used for menstrual problems as well as and anti-inflammatory for painful joints. Though the use of Bromelain may not be traditional Ayurvedic, Turmeric is used in many cultures as an anti-inflammatory agent, taken internally and often applied externally to reduce swelling.
2. Golden Milk
A great way to add more injury treating and preventing Turmeric to your diet is with an Ayurvedic remedy called Golden Milk. Though nearly every Ayurvedic practitioner will have a slightly different version of this drink, this is my favorite recipe:
Ingredients:
1 Tbsp unprocessed sugar cane or Succanat
1 Tbsp Ginger juice
1 Tbsp Turmeric powder
1 cup water
½ cup of Milk, Coconut-, Rice-, or Almond Milk
Directions:
Add the sugar cane or Succanat to the water and simmer until melted. Add the Ginger juice and Turmeric and simmer until ½ cup of liquid remains. Add your choice of milk and enjoy hot.
3. Ginger
Just like turmeric, ginger has strong anti-inflammatory benefits. When nursing an injury I like to increase the use of ginger in my daily habits. I add fresh ginger to my cooking and prepare a tea of 2 inches of fresh ginger, 1 tsp Lose Green Tea (or 1 teabag of organic green tea), 1 liter hot water, a squeeze of fresh lemon and raw honey to taste, in the morning which I keep warm in a thermos and sip throughout the day.
Another use of ginger is to add a few slices in your hot Epsom salt bath or put a couple of tablespoons of ginger juice in your bath. If you have sensitive skin please be careful as raw and dry ginger has a hot quality and can irritate your skin.
4. Castor oil
Castor oil packs are great in alleviating pain and help heal injuries as well as lessen the appearance of old scars. Warm a teaspoon of castor oil in your hands and massage into the area you want help with. Cover with a dishcloth or a couple of sheets of fleece to prevent staining. Then put a warm water bottle or heating blanket on top and leave on for 20-30 minutes so the oil can absorb into your skin.
Again, if you have sensitive skin do a small “patch test” first to make sure you don’t react to the castor oil.
5. Cool it
If you have a fresh injury you can apply an ice pack to counteract inflammation and swelling. Wrap the ice pack in a dishtowel so you don’t apply direct ice to your skin. Applying ice to a fresh injury can be really helpful as a first response. It will reduce blood flow to the area and numb the pain receptors. Keeping ice on the injury for too long however can hinder the healing process. So make sure you use cold treatment wisely and in alteration with heat to flush out the tissue. There are different hot-cold applications suggested for different types of injuries.
6. Pineapple and Pomegranate Juice
Both juices contain an enzyme that acts as an anti-inflammatory and anti-irritant, which speed up healing. When you feel you’ve overdone your practice and have a new pain or ache that doesn’t feel right, power up on anti-oxidants and said enzymes to support the healing process. Make yourself a juice or smoothie with lots of fresh pineapple and/or pomegranate, then add a little ginger and turmeric while you are at it.
7. Epsom Salt Baths
Epsom salt is a great help with recovery after a vigorous practice. Epsom Salts have been found in experimental studies to relieve pain and muscle cramps, relax the body and calm the mind, increase blood flow, and help muscles and nerves function properly. A twenty-minute bath with plenty of Epsom salts has been found to be equally effective as a 45-minute deep tissue massage.
Injuries are best treated when fresh. Don’t wait two days before applying heat or cold, or before starting to increase your intake of injury reducing anti-inflammatory foods. The best time to apply treatment, even self massage of the area, is right away before internal scarring of the tissue occurs and the injury settles in. When in doubt, always seek professional advice.
Please note that the above are suggested home remedies that can be very effective, yet you may need other means of physical adjustments. If you have an injury that doesn’t go away or at least get noticeably better after twenty-four hours please see a physician or sports therapist to get your injury assessed and take appropriate action.
Prevention is always better than treatment. Honor your body, know where you are, leave the ego off the mat, and if your teacher asks you to move in a way that doesn’t feel right to you, know that it’s okay to listen to your instinct and move accordingly. Pushing too far can mean a long time away from the mat and the practice you love so much. 



Claudia Richey is a Fitness Expert and Ayurvedic Wellness Practitioner. She is the founder of DoshaFit®, merging ancient Ayurveda with modern exercise science, and the creator of “The Breaking Free Program” which teaches women to manage their weight and live a healthy life according to their body-mind type. Claudia teaches Trainers and Health Coaches to help their clients succeed using the DoshaFit® Way of Life.

Read more »

How You Sleep With Your Partner Reveals A Lot About Your Relationship!

The way a couple sleeps together is an indicator of how well their relationship is. According to modern psychology, a couple’s sleeping style gives subconscious cues about their chemistry and how they are as a couple – is one more dominant than the other? Are they both independent? All these questions can be answered by observing the way they sleep. Here are some common sleeping positions most couples adopt.
Backs to each other but in touch: If you are a couple who sleeps with your backs to each other yet there is some body part that still touches one another such as the foot or hand, it signifies that you both want to coexist as a couple yet enjoy your own space.

Benefits of morning sex :: Morning sex improves mood and health

Hugging each other: In this sleeping position, the man and woman face each other and sleep in a hug pose. The woman rests her head on the man’s shoulder while the man has his arm around her. It signifies a loving relationship where the man protects the woman while she provides emotional support.

Spooning each other: When either one of them has their back to the other while the other one’s chest faces their back, it is called spooning. Usually, the couple is caught in an embrace. The one spooning the other is the protector in the relationship who shields the other from all obstacles. The one inside is who needs that protection and deeply relies on their significant other.  Also LookThis Post:  Top 10 Foods Helps To Grow Sperm Count

Back and chest to each other but in touch: There are also couples wherein one person sleeps with their back to the other while the other one faces their back. They maybe sleeping with some gap between them but they still stay connected with one body part like a toe, hand, etc. touching each other. Such couples are thought to be as independent who may have conflict of interests and opinions. But they may still have mutual affection for each other.
Backs to each other without any touch: This may seem like the couple is at loggerheads since they neither face one other nor are in touch physically with each other. But this isn’t the case all the time. Such couples have a very strong individual personality and they love their space. They do not want this to be invaded much but they are fine with their significant other staying close. They may not agree on everything or have the same ideologies.

If you know which position you sleep in as a couple, you may agree to the revelations mentioned in this study. Tell us if you found them accurate in the comments section. If you aren’t aware and want to find out, you can keep a camera in your bedroom which can record your sleeping position. Also Follow this post  women find sexual intercourse very painful

Read more »

6 Tips for Eye Health and Maintaining Good Eyesight

Don't take your eyes for granted. Protect your sight with these six tips:

1. Eat for Good Vision

Protecting your eyes starts with the food on your plate. Nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, zinc, and vitamins C and E might help ward off age-related vision problems such as macular degeneration and cataracts, studies show. Regularly eating these foods can help lead to good eye health:

• Green, leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, and collards
• Salmon, tuna, and other oily fish
• Eggs, nuts, beans, and other non-meat protein sources
• Oranges and other citrus fruits or juices

Eating a well-balanced diet also helps you maintain a healthy weight, which makes you less likely to get obesity-related diseases such as type 2 diabetes. Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in adults.

2. Quit Smoking

Smoking makes you more likely to get cataracts, optic nerve damage, and macular degeneration. If you've tried to quit smoking before and started smoking again, keep trying. The more times you try to quit smoking, the more likely you are to succeed.  

3. Wear Sunglasses

The right kind of sunglasses will help protect your eyes from the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays.

Too much UV exposure makes you more likely to get cataracts and macular degeneration.

Choose sunglasses that block 99% to 100% of both UVA and UVB rays. Wraparound lenses help protect your eyes from the side. Polarized lenses reduce glare when driving.

If you wear contact lenses, some offer UV protection. It's still a good idea to wear sunglasses for more protection, though.

4. Use Safety Eyewear

If you work with hazardous or airborne materials on the job or at home, wear safety glasses or protective goggles every time.

Certain sports such as ice hockey, racquetball, and lacrosse can also lead to eye injury. Wear eye protection (such as helmets with protective face masks or sports goggles with polycarbonate lenses) to shield your eyes.

5. Look Away From the Computer Screen

Staring at a computer screen for too long can cause:

• Eyestrain
• Blurry vision
• Trouble focusing at a distance
• Dry eyes
• Headaches
• Neck, back, and shoulder pain

Taking the following steps to protect your eyes:

• Make sure your glasses or contact lens prescription is up-to-date and adequate for computer use. 
• Some people may need glasses to help with contrast, glare, and eye strain when using a computer.
• Position your computer so that your eyes are level with the top of the monitor. This allows you to look slightly down at the screen.
• Try to avoid glare on your computer from windows and lights. Use an anti-glare screen if needed.
• Choose a comfortable, supportive chair. Position it so that your feet are flat on the floor.
• If your eyes are dry, blink more.
• Every 20 minutes, rest your eyes by looking 20 feet away for 20 seconds. At least every 2 hours, get up and take a 15-minute break.
•  

• 6. Visit Your Eye Doctor Regularly

  Everyone, even young children, should get their eyes examined regularly. It helps you protect your sight and make sure that you are seeing your best.
  Eye exams can also find some eye diseases, such as glaucoma, that have no symptoms. It's important to find these diseases in their early stages, when they're easier to treat. Depending on your eye health needs, you can see either an optometrist or an ophthalmologist for an eye exam. Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who specialize in eye care. They can provide general eye care, treat eye diseases, and perform eye surgery. Optometrists have had four years of specialized training after college. They provide general eye care and treat the most common eye diseases. They do not perform eye surgery.
  A comprehensive eye exam may include:
• Talking about your personal and family medical history
• Taking vision tests to see if you have nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism (a curved cornea that blurs vision), or presbyopia (age-related vision changes)
• Tests to see how well your eyes work together
• Eye pressure and optic nerve tests to determine if you have glaucoma
• External and microscopic examination of your eyes before and after dilation

You may also need other tests, depending upon your particular case.

•  

Read more »

Top 10 Herbs For Hair Growth

Hair loss is a common concern these days for both men and women who are in their mid to late adulthood. Many people are suffering from baldness, receding hairline, hair loss and thinning of hair. Even though hair loss is very commonly seen in men here are many females too who are prone to this problem. The regular use of treatments like hair dyeing, hair straightening and curling which leads to many harmful chemicals being used on the hair is one of the main reasons why females also feel hair loss at some stage in their life. Some of the other factors that are responsible for hair loss in humans according to the American Academy of Dermatology are: poor diet, improper care of the hair, health disorders like thyroid and anemia problems, inborn conditions like menopause and alopecia and also due to chemotherapy and certain medications.
The hair is not just a part of your body and it is a symbol of beauty, status and health. It is important for you to take proper care of your health in order to prevent early hair loss. It is not a very serious problem and with a little bit of caution you will be able to prevent further hair loss. There are certain uncontrollable factors like pregnancy conditions or certain illness or genetic factors that will result in hair loss. But, this does not mean that you cannot do something about your hair loss.
It is ideal for you to look at various herbal and non expensive remedies to treat your hair loss problems rather than going for excess use of harsh chemicals or expensive hair transplant treatments or even drug therapies that will aid in hair growth. Why not give herbal remedies a try as it is a cheaper, safer and gentler way to stimulate hair growth on your scalp. The following are the top 10 herbal remedies based on tradition and modern research that you can try out to enjoy hair growth.

Herbs For Hair Growth

1.    Stinging Nettle

The stinging nettle is a very important and useful plant that is loaded with hair growing benefits. It is abundantly found in North America and is also referred to as the Urtica Diocia. It is an herb that helps in preventing the conversion of testosterone hormones into dihydrotestosterone which is the main cause for hair loss. Stinging nettle can be consumed in the form of pills. It can also be used as a hair oil to see good results.

• Put the leaves of the stinging nettle in a jar containing olive oil for about three weeks. Make sure that the jar is tightly sealed.
• Keep the sealed jar is a cool place for about three weeks and make sure that it is not exposed to direct sunlight.
• After three weeks, you can apply the home made oil on your scalp and hair regularly to see visible hair growth.

2.    Rosemary

Rosemary has been in use as an effective solution to hair loss for centuries now. It also helps in reducing hair thinning and balding. It will help in improving the circulation of the scalp and this will in turn help in hair growth. Rosemary works effectively on the hair when combined with olive oil.

•   Regular application of oil prepared from mixing olive oil and rosemary will help in preventing graying of the hair prematurely.
•   It is an effective product top use for treating flaky and dry scalp.
•   It will help in nourishing the hair follicles and strengthening the hair on the scalp right from the shaft.

3.    Peppermint

Peppermint oil is also an age old herbal remedy to treat hair loss and to improve hair growth in humans. It will help in improving the growth of hair follicles and thereby promote hair growth.

•   Regular application of good quality peppermint oil on the scalp and the hair will offer cooling and soothing effect to your scalp and thereby promote hair growth.
•   It will help in improving the blood circulation of the scalp and also bind the hair roots onto the scalp.

4.    Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is also another effective herb that will help in promoting hair loss. It will help in stimulating blood circulation along the scalp and thereby help in growth of hair on the scalp.

•   Regular application of the Aloe Vera gel will help in maintaining the pH balance of the hair.
•   It will also help in opening up the blocked pores of the scalp and boost the growth of hair follicles.
•   It is found to be really effective when mixed with coconut milk.

5.    Burdock

Burdock or Arctium Lappa is another important herb that is very effective in reducing hair loss. It will help in improving the blood circulation in the scalp and will thereby improve blood flow to the hair follicles on the scalp.

•   Burdick contains phytosterol compounds and higher amounts of fatty acids that will help in reducing as well as reversing thinning of the hair.
•   Regular use of the burdock herb soaked in olive oil will help in improving the blood circulation of the hair follicles.

6.    Lavender

Lavender is one of the well known herbs that will help in boosting hair growth and also reduce baldness. It is known to have antibacterial properties that will help in soothing as well as healing the skin irritations and infections on the scalp and is very effective in treating dandruff and dry and flaky scalp.

•   Regular use of lavender hair oil will help in preventing hair loss and will also help in hair re-growth.
•   Using the oil once every day on your scalp will help you to be free from tensions, stress, depression and insomnia which are the main causes for hair loss.
•   If you are looking for effective and quick results for baldness, then you will have to use a mixture of 10 drops of rosemary oil, 10 drops of lavender oil, 5 drops of basil oil as well as 4 drops of jojoba oil on your scalp regularly.

7.    Ginko Biloba

Ginko biloba helps in increasing the blood flow to the brain and is very effective in correcting the nutritional deficiencies of the hair follicles. It is very effective and popular herb oil that many people use on their scalp for hair re-growth.

8.    Horsetail

Horsetail is a very important herb that will help in strengthening nails, bones and hairs. Silica is one of the main ingredients present in the long brush like featured horsetail that will provide the necessary strength to the hair and will prevent it from thinning or breaking. It will also help in preventing further hair loss. Horsetail is one of the common ingredients used in many hair conditioning products that you buy in the markets.

9.    Saw Palmetto

Saw Palmetto has been in use for ages to treat baldness. It is one of the well known herbs that will prevent the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone which will result in quicker hair loss. Saw Palmetto is found to be more effective in reducing the thinning of the hair and receding hairline when used along with stinging nettle herb.

10.    Panax Ginseng

The popular Chinese herb is a natural herbal remedy for a lot of health problems including hair loss. Ginseng is very effective in treating baldness and will help in hair re-growth. It will help in nourishing the hair and also boost the strength of the hair. It is one of the main ingredients that you will find on most hair tonics or hair shampoos.
Are you worried seeing receding hairlines as well as baldness to appear on your scalp? Do you want to improve the thickness of your hair as well as improve the growth of the hair? If you are one among the many who is looking for the right herbal tips that will help with hair growth  the natural way, then you need to try out some of the above mentioned herbal remedies to reduce your baldness and to grow strong hair on your scalp.

Read more »

How To Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Yeast Infection Cure

Yeast infection or candidiasis is a common problem faced by people who live in hot and humid conditions. Yeast infections usually occur in the intestinal tract, in the mouth or in the vagina. Yeast infection in the vagina is known as “vaginitis” and it causes itchiness, redness of the exterior of the vagina and the inner thigh area, vaginal irritation and yellowish or white vaginal discharge. More than 75% of women are affected by yeast infection at some point in their life. Many women try over the counter medicines and topical creams to treat the problem, however, there are many natural remedies which will easily cure and prevent yeast infections.  The most important natural treatment available for yeast infection is Apple Cider Vinegar or ACV.

What Is Apple Cider Vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar has been used for centuries as a preservative and for various cooking purposes. Apple cider vinegar is made by fermenting the apples. Making apple cider vinegar involves two steps
Step-1 Apples are crushed to form cider and it is mixed with yeast, which will ferment the sugar in the apple into alcohol.
Step-2 Into the alcohol produced in the 1st step, acetobacter bacteria are added and by the action of bacteria, the alcohol is converted to acetic acid and malic acid. Acetic acid is the main component of vinegar. Vinegar is the French word that means “sour wine”.
The unfiltered and organic apple cider vinegar contains strands of proteins, friendly bacteria and enzymes this is called as “mother vinegar”. According to Hippo crates, ACV has many medicinal properties and can be used as a cure for many health problems. ACV is very effective in curing yeast infections and here are the different methods for using apple cider vinegar for yeast infections. Here are the properties of ACV which makes it a perfect treatment for yeast infection.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Yeast Infection:

1. Apple cider vinegar is a natural antibiotic and it helps the body to fight against bacteria, virus fungi and other disease causing organisms.
2. This mild acid helps to keep the natural pH balance of the vagina and prevents the growth of yeast infection. Yeast cannot thrive in the lower pH of the vagina.
3. ACV helps to increase the good bacteria in the intestine and in the vagina and improves the immunity of the body against yeast infections.
4. When taken orally, the proteins and enzymes present in the vinegar boost the immune system and help the body to prevent yeast infections.
5. It helps to reduce the blood glucose level and hence very useful in controlling the blood sugar. Diabetic patients are more prone to fungal infections and they can be benefitted by the use of vinegar.

Simple Methods To Cure Yeast Infection with Apple Cider Vinegar:

Apple cider vinegar can be used topically or orally to cure and prevent yeast infection. Here are some of the ACV methods that are commonly used to cure yeast infection. You can try out the different methods and can find which the most effective one for you is.

Method-1

• Take a glass of warm water and add 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to it
• Do not add sugar or honey to it as sugar promotes the growth of fungus
• Drink this mixture at least 2-3 times in a day to prevent yeast infection or to cure the infection.

Method 2

• Mix one tablespoon of ACV in a glass of water and drink this mix before the meals two times a day
• It is better to take this mix on an empty stomach
• This natural remedy should be done every day to prevent the spread of fungus
• Make sure that you are taking organic ACV.
• You can also mix the vinegar in fresh fruit or vegetable juice or in herbal teas to prevent the spreading of yeast infection.

Method 3 (soaking)

• Take 2-3 tablespoons of ACV and small piece of cloth or cotton
• Dip the cloth or cotton in the vinegar for a few minutes
• Apply the vinegar in the cloth or cotton to the yeast affected areas.
• Make sure that the vinegar is low acidic before using this remedy. The preferred  level is (5% or Less)
• If your yeast infection is severe you may experience a burning sensation when vinegar is applied. So, test the vinegar in a small area before applying to the whole infected area.
• If you feel that the infection is more and you cannot tolerate the burning sensation, then use the diluted ACV.
• You can mix equal quantities of vinegar and water to dilute the acetic acid and apply it on the affected areas to get faster relief from itching and irritation.
• Keep the vinegar applied for 10-115 minutes and wash it off with water and pat dry the areas to remove any moisture. Moisture promotes fungal growth. Hence, always try to keep the area dry.
• Do this remedy regularly to get complete relief from yeast and fungal infection.

Method 4 (ACV and Tea tree Oil)

• Take 3-4 cups of ACV and ½ cup of tea tree oil and mix this in your bathing water
• Have a bath in this mixture  regularly to get relief and to prevent the infection
• The tea tree oil also has antimicrobial property and prevents fungal growth.

Method 5 (Douche)

This method is highly effective as it regulates the pH of the vagina and prevents the growth of yeast fungus. Follow the process given below to safely do the douching
Process

• Mix well 3 tablespoons of ACV in one cup  of distilled water
• Use this mixture to douche
• As douching process introduces the vinegar-water mixture to the vagina, your symptoms of yeast infection like the vaginal discharge and itching will get reduced considerably by just one time use of the remedy.
• If you have severe symptoms of the infection use this remedy at least two times a day.
• Once you see improvement in the condition you can do the process once in a day
• Before using any concentrated vinegar mix, it is better to consult your doctor to know the concentration of the solution to be used for effective curing of the infection.

Method 6 (As Part of Your Diet)

ACV is used in different cooking process as they help in easy digestion of the food and they help in preserving the food.

• Regular intake of ACV as part of your diet reduces your chances of developing yeast infection as they will help to maintain the pH balance of the body.
• You can use them in pickling various fruits and vegetables and include the pickles in your diet
• ACV can be used in different salads such as coleslaw and can be consumed
• ACV is also a well known salad dressing and it can be sprinkled on baked potatoes and include them in your diet.

Method 7 (As Supplement)

• ACV is now available in the form of supplement you can take the supplement in tablet, tonic or in capsule form according to your convenience.
• Regular intake of ACV in the supplement form helps to improve the immune system and prevents bacterial and yeast infection.

Method 8 (ACV in Bath)

• Add 2 cups of apple cider vinegar, add it to warm water taken in a shallow container
• Soak  the vagina in this warm water by sitting on the container
• Keep the vagina soaked for at least 10 minutes
• Use this remedy till you get relief from the infection
• You can also add 2-3 cups of cider vinegar in your bath water  and use it for cleansing the body
• Repeat the remedy at least twice a day to prevent and cure skin yeast infections and vaginal infection

Method 9 (ACV Tampon)

• You can use tampons dipped in ACV as the applicator of vinegar inside the vagina
• This provides close contact with vinegar to the vaginal walls and prevents irritation and itching.
• Remove the tampon after 10-15 minutes and clean the area with warm water to prevent fungal growth.
• After showering the body dry yourself properly so that there is no moisture on the skin, which enhances the chance of fungal infections.
• You will find a great improvement in your condition  after 2-3 soaks
• Continue the remedy till you are completely cured of the problem

Important tips

1. If you want to use ACV for curing yeast infection you need to select organic, raw and unfiltered and unpasteurized form of the vinegar which contains the Mother.
2. This vinegar is acidic in nature and can cause burns when applied without diluting it.  It is recommended to use ACV diluted with water, eliminating yeast infections in our body.
3. Never use baking soda to clean the vaginal area if you have a yeast infection. Baking soda increases the pH level and promotes the growth of yeast cells. This can complicate the problem and make ACV ineffective in controlling yeast growth.
4. It is necessary that you  avoid sugar or sweet food items when you are having yeast infection as they worsens the infection
5. Always use loose fitting panties when you are having vaginal infection
6. Include more yoghurt in your diet to keep the balance of good bacteria in the body, if you are using antibiotics to treat the problem.

All the above mentioned methods are simple and easy to do and by using one of these apple cider vinegar methods you can surely get cured of yeast infections and the itching and irritation and discharge symptoms associated with it. Moreover, these ACV methods are natural and do not cause any side effects.

Read more »

Best Foods For Naturally Glowing Skin

Healthy and glowing skin is what everyone dreams of. Several magical foods help you maintain your skin glowing and very healthy and give relief from lifeless and dull skin. Smart and young look can be obtained by consuming some foods, which gives radiance to the skin. Once we are healthy from inside the skin automatically glows. If your skin is glowing, it defines that you are having good health and rich in nutrients. The secret lies in what you eat daily. Fast foods, junk foods, caffeine are highly processed that your skin looses the radiance and make you look unhealthy.  Vitamins make your skin look beautiful, healthy and radiant which are mainly present in the foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains etc.
We cannot expect our skin to glow and maintain good health if we are not taking necessary care for it. Many factors such as stress in work balance, harsh sunlight, taking improper diet in improper time keeps us away from healthy and glowing skin. We to form essential nutrients that take care of the skin to make it look healthy should spend enough time.
Our diet is to be modified in order to make the skin look healthy. The processes like cleansing, moisturizing, toning should be carried out frequently which results in making the skin look natural and beautiful.
A naturopathic doctor named Ian Koo from Mississauga gives us a view that why we wonder that how nutrients that affect inner health like weight and healthy body helps in improving the skin quality. Explaining this he states an example that, “A good durable product can be obtained only if we start with a better quality of raw material” which defines that good health and proper diet is only the main cause that makes your skin look healthy and glowing.
These are some of the beauty foods containing skin-friendly components, which we can choose to take for the better results in making our skin look beautiful and glowing:

Tomatoes

 

Tomatoes contain as phytochemical called Lycopene, which gives red color to it.  Eating tomatoes or any tomato-based foods will help you in combating with stubborn spots or acne. It is good to include tomato-based foods like sauce, tomato juice etc. to your daily diet distributed over 3 to 5 times every week. It also helps you in protecting your skin from UV rays.
Red -coloured fruits such as oranges contain lycopene and other carotenoids will help you in improving antioxidant level in the skin, which helps in combating free radicals that are produced due to extreme sun exposure.

Green Tea

Green tea has the ability to reduce the levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is an acne-producing hormone. It is recommended to take 3 – 5 cups of this beverage daily to reap full skin care benefits of it.Green tea contains vitamin C, vitamin D, and vitamin K, which helps in growing hair naturally. Essential minerals such as copper, zinc, calcium, magnesium and iron are also present in this brew. It helps you improve your skin complexion in one week.
Green tea is packed with lots of antioxidants that help you in making your skin look a lot healthier and younger too.

Berries

Cherries, blueberries and other deeply coloured berries are best sources for antioxidants. They help you in fighting off blemishes. Generally acne causes local oxidative stress, which results in the depletion of antioxidants. So if you are suffering with severe acne, then you’ll have very low levels of blood antioxidants.

Brown Rice

Ceramides are generally present in the ingredients list of your skin care products.  Generally these lipid molecules are present in brown rice. These help you maintain your skin’s moisture levels. When you consume these ceramides, which occur naturally in foods they get integrated into your skin’s outer layer, helping it to maintain its hydration.  Thus brown rice i.e., ceramides will help you improve hydration significantly.

Fish and Seafood

Fish and other seafood are good for skin, as they prevent the skin from showing signs of aging. Omega-3 fatty acids that are found in these foods will help you reduce skin wrinkling process. Omega-3s stops the production of inflammatory chemicals which act like acid rain on your skin’s collagen.
Omega-3 fatty acids also help you in combating with acne by regulating the mood and controlling the stress component that result in acne.  It is recommended to consume 4 – 5 servings of oily fish every week to get the acne condition in control. You can take fish oil supplements instead of fish every week.

Dark Green Leafy Vegetables

Green leafy vegetables will help you in enhancing the radiance of your skin. These veggies are packed with essential vitamins, antioxidants and nutrients. Some of the green leafy vegetables include Swiss chard, arugula and spinach. These provide the simplest way to remove dullness of your skin and give you a natural glowing skin.

Kiwi

Kiwis are best foods that bestow you with healthy and smooth skin.  They are rich sources of Vitamin C that helps you prevent wrinkles and boosts collagen synthesis. Vitamin C is mostly found in foods such as oranges, guavas, grapefruit, bell peppers, strawberries etc. help in protecting the skin from the exposure of sun and promotes cell turnover, thus maintaining the youthfulness and beauty of your skin.

Wild Salmon & Nuts

Omega-3 fatty acids rich in foods like fishes such as wild salmon, trout and herring and nuts such as almonds and walnuts. These omega-3s provide you a healthy skin with sufficient dose of good fats or natural oils, which in turn help you, get rid of acne, inflammation, redness and scaly skin. These foods are considered to be the perfect sources for glowing skin.

Carrots

Carrots are one of the skin-friendly foods that flush out toxins present inside your skin. They contain high levels of Vitamin A, beta-carotene, and antioxidants. It helps you maintain a healthy skin and protects it from sun-induced damage. It also helps you ward off from various signs of aging and wrinkles. Carrots help you in delaying the process of ageing.

Water

Drinking plenty of water will help your stay hydrated throughout the day. It flushes out the harmful toxins present in our body and make the skin glow. Water also helps you in keeping signs of aging such as wrinkles at bay, giving you naturally glowing skin. So always try to keep a water bottle handy and drink whenever you feel thirsty.

Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin Seeds are great skin-beautifying agents. They get their power of skin beautification from zinc, the beauty mineral and essential fatty acids (omega 3, omega 6, and omega 9). Similar to hemp seeds, these pumpkin seeds also help you in reducing the inflammation in your body. You can eat them by sprinkling them on to your favorite salads, smoothies, or you can eat a handful of seeds directly.

Arugula

Arugula is one kinds of dark green leafy vegetable. It is a rich source Vitamin A and sulfur, these two are the keys components to get gorgeous skin. It acts as a potent detoxifier, because of the chlorophyll presence.
You can top you favorite salad with fresh raw arugula along with other foods to get a glowing skin.

Radishes

Radishes are one of the skin beautifying foods. They contain a lot of minerals and compounds that are more beneficial to your skin. Radishes are packed with Vitamin C, sulfur and silicon, which helps you get glowing skin by working together. They also boost collagen, help in skin strengthening, and stimulate the blood circulatory system.  You can have them by adding slices to your salads or eating them directly as snack.

Avocados

Avocados are creamy fruits that contain many vitamins. You can pair up an avocado with any carotenoid-rich food, like carrots, bell peppers, or tomatoes. They help you in absorbing the antioxidants – beta carotene and lycopene, five times more.

Hemp Seeds

Hemp seeds are made up of a huge quantity of protein, along with the sulfur-bearing amino acids like cysteine, cystine, and methionine. These are used to make your muscle, hair, skin and nails stronger.
They contain strong antioxidants and posses an ideal ratio (1:3) of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids and include omega 9 also. Due to the anti-inflammatory properties of hemp seeds, you get rid of many skin woes, such as acne, blemishes and wrinkles. Sprinkling hemp seeds with salads or blending them in a smoothie will help you get rid of many skin issues.

Almonds

Almonds are foods that are rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids. Vitamin E protects the skin from harmful Ultra Violet (UV) rays, anti aging, wrinkles and also helps you build collagen. Fatty acids such as omega 6 and omega 9 help you in maintaining the elasticity of skin. You can take about five to six almonds as the first thing every morning before having breakfast. This not only makes your skin glow but also maintains healthy hairs.

Strawberries

Strawberries are one of the skin beautifying agents that is rich in fiber content and low in sugar content. Strawberries contain more amounts of vitamin C when compared with other fruits like grapefruit or oranges with fewer calories. These fruits play an essential role in skin elasticity and collagen. Alpha hydroxyl acid present in strawberries will help you in eliminating dead skin cells and rebuild new skin cells.

Walnuts

Adding walnuts to your diet makes your skin pink and rosy. It is loaded with many necessary minerals including iron, zinc and copper, which helps you in maintaining the collagen in your skin.  It also contains high amounts of omega 3 fatty acids that help you maintain the elasticity of your skin. Consume about six walnuts as the first thing early in the morning, every day before breakfast. Eating walnuts help you making your skin look younger, fresher and rosy red.

Dark Chocolates

Dark chocolate is an excellent of cocoa, which acts as a natural skin hydrator. Cocoa helps to radiate making the skin a lot healthy and also makes it look more younger by freeing it from pimples and wrinkles. Eat around two to three pieces of dark chocolate every day and make your skin look younger.

Yoghurt

Yoghurt is an emulsification of both calcium and minerals. It is loaded with huge amount of proteins and calcium that makes your skin smooth and removes age spots, fine lines and wrinkles. It is recommended to take yoghurt that is made out of whole milk. Yoghurt helps you in the removal of toxins making your skin softer and smoother.

Pomegranate

Pomegranates are rich sources of poly phonies that make your skin shinier. It also helps you fight against anti aging cells and gives you rosy cheeks and a flawless skin. Drink one glass of pomegranate juice on daily basis to attain shiny, healthy and flawless glowing skin.

Read more »