Monday, September 22, 2008

Home Remedies

Back by popular demand, home remedies article #2. While not being a replacement for medical attention, you should always seek your doctor when you feel you have to and please take these home remedies with a grain of salt. Here you go and enjoy.
Acne and Blackheads
• Rub the acne area with a fresh garlic clove.
• Drink at the very least 8 8oz glasses of water a day. Even more in the summer.
• Mix one part of cinnamon into 3 parts of honey.Use as a scrub.
• Dab a small amount of toothpaste (paste, not gel) on pimples before bed; this helps dry out the pimples.
• Pour a little salt into a small bowl, add a few drops of water and mix till it turns into a paste. I've heard using a little toothpaste (paste, not gel) to this mix gives it a little extra kick. Use this recipe to exfoliate. Do not leave on overnight. Wash your face and rinse off.
• Baking Soda as an exfoliate
• Vitamin E gel tabs. Use as a facial moisturizer.
• Honey and oatmeal as a facial scrub and exfoliate.
Dark Circles Around Eyes
• Cucumber slice. Cover eyes with cucumber slices. For 15 minutes.
• Potato slice. Cover eyes with Potato slices. For 15 minutes.
• Lead a healthier life style. Get plenty of sleep, water and a multi-vitamin wouldn't hurt.
• Make a paste out of 1 tsp. tomato juice, 1/2 tsp. pineapple juice and 1 tsp. of flour. Apply around eyes. Leave on for 10 minutes before rinsing.
• Moisturize with extra virgin olive oil or vitamin E.
• Try used Chamomile tea bags (cool bags) over eyes for 15 minutes.
Energizer
• Try eating an apple or 2
• Mix 1 tomato, 1 orange, 1 clove of garlic. For best results, use a juicer.
• Aloe Vera Juice. One of natures best detoxifiers.
Gum In Hair
There a few of these. Here they are:
• Try using baby oil
• Try peanut butter
• Non stick cooking spray
• Ice
• A mixture of baking soda with water. Rub it in hair, brush it out.
Mosquito Bites
• A paste of baking soda and water.
• Aspirin capsule. Works well with bee stings. But for bee stings,try to remove the stinger.
• Use calamine lotion.
Hangover
There seems to be a lot of these also but I could tell you what I used to do for a hangover. I am not suggesting you try it but it worked for me.
• First off, you wake up with a sour stomach and massive headache.
• Alcohol dehydrates, so its time to replenish your body with water. Try a glass of water with one tablespoon of sugar. Water to rehydrate, sugar for the sour feeling in your gut. Sometimes I will take something for the headache. Aspirin or Advil whatever you want.
• Next, ice-bag for my head. I used to stick my head under cold running water in the laundry sink.
• When your stomach is settled down a bit, and depending on how your feeling, time for breakfast.
Bad Breath
• Try some parsley. This food garnish is rich in chlorophyll, a green plant compound that kills the bacteria that cause bad breath.
• Use the juice of half a lemon, one teaspoon of salt. Gargle.
• Brush your teeth with a couple pinches of baking soda. When done, brush again with regular toothpaste (optional).
I'm sure this is the tip of the iceberg, but these are the ones I know of. These home remedies are in no way a replacement to a Doctors care so if you feel that you might need to see a Physician, please do so.

Treatment of Insomnia

Simple dietary alterations can change your life and your families.
If your are suffering with Insomnia it will disturb you and your family peace and happiness.

Please try the simple tips for getting rid of worlds most common problem of sleeplessness. It effects your family life as well as professional life why cant you get rid of it.

Ten simple tips to follow,

1. Take plenty of water when you are empty stomach. It reduces toxins in your body.

2. Dot drink hard drinks or cold drinks also because you know 1 bottle of cold drink you take the toxins are very high and liver will take 24 hrs to cure the toxins.


3. Try to wakeup early in the morning so you will get fresh air which will increase the efficiency of lungs.


4. Try to think positive never go for negative thinking ( for example if somebody hurts you forgive them and think something positive from that this will help you relax and be happy).

5. Take more natural foods for ex dates are good energy avoid sugar and processed food as much as possible.

6. Dry fruits are very good if you can also soak them and take it is easy to digest.

7. Do fasting once in a week. (Have only juices with honey and water no food). This helps you very much for insomnia.

8. Take bath with cold water from head and apply little oil on your hair.

9. Take fruits only as your dinner that to before sunset if it is possible and don’t eat late nights its very bad for Insomnia.

10. Do some pranayam or exercise everyday and concentration.

మీరు నిద్రలేమి తో బడ పడుతున్నారా ఐతే ఇది చదవండి

Insomnia a Herbal Remedy

A herbal remedy for insomnia is probably the most popular herbal remedy reccomended in the western hemisphere today. With anything from 10 to 20 percent of the American adult population claiming to suffer from insomnia at any one time the search for relief is on. Notice I said relief. It should be stressed that only behavioral or psychologic techniques can actually cure insomnia, whereas prolonged use of sleeping pills can only result in dependency. Hence an insomnia herbal remedy is good!

There a large number of herbs that you may (and I say MAY) find helpful as a insomnia herbal remedy. Before testing any insomnia herbal remedy you should consult your Doctor or other Health Professional before self medicating. Lets face it most drugs are good and er bad.

I'll list some of the main insomnia herbal remedys here and add a few notes. Others insomnia herbal remedys are mentioned at great length in the books mentioned at the bottom of the article.

Essential oils are organic compounds that are extracted from various plant parts, including flowers, trees, herbs, spices. Essential oil compounds are found in the leaves, wood, resin, fruit, flower blossoms, roots and buds of the plant. Lots of Herbal remedies for insomnia can be used as essential oils.

Ginseng is the most famous Chinese herb and the most widely recognized plant used in traditional medicine. The main active ingredients of ginseng are the more than 25 saponin triterpenoid glycosides called "ginsenosides". These steroid-like ingredients provide the adaptogenic properties that enable ginseng to balance and counter the effects of stress. Benefits; to reduce the effects of stress, boost energy levels, assist with mental and body fatigue and maintains excellent body functions. An excellent Herbal Remedy for Insomnia. It hits all the targets.

Maca. Maca grows in volcanically enriched soils high up in the Peruvian Andes in a pure, unpolluted atmosphere. According to scientific research, Maca is amazingly rich in healthy amino acids, carbohydrates, phytonutrients, vitamins and minerals, including calcium, phosphorous, zinc, magnesium, iron, as well as vitamins B1, B2, B12, C and E. Benefits of Maca, Increases libido, Deeper sleep, Balances moods, Helps adapt to stress,Slows the aging process,Lessens aches and pain. This was a new one to me and as yet I haven't tried it as a insomnia herbal remedy. Any comments ?

Mushrooms promote good health and vitality and increase your body's adaptive abilities and are an effective insomnia herbal remedy. Mushrooms are probiotic meaning they fight off illness by restoring our bodies balance and natural resistance to disease through homeostasis. Natural mushroom supplements contain an active ingredient proven by research to be an incredibly effective enhancing agent to the immune system. Mushrooms are low in calories and high in vegetable proteins, chitin, iron, zinc, fiber, essential amino acids, vitamins & minerals. Hands up for mushrooms as a insomnia herbal remedy!

Extracts of (St John's wort) are now successfully competing for status as a standard antidepressant therapy. Great effort has been devoted to identifying the active antidepressant compounds in the extract. St John's wort is one of the best-investigated medicinal plants us as an insomnia herbal remedy. Researchers in Europe have studied St John's Wort for decades. They discovered a combination of elements in the plant, foremost of which is "hypericin", react with specific chemicals in the brain to temper emotional discomfort, lift depression, and calm the nerves. Working very much like the common synthetic prescription antidepressants (maprotiline hydrochloride and imipramine) and again a wonderful insomnia herbal remedy.

Yohimbe is a popular herb originally from South Africa and known worldwide as an excellent aphrodisiac. Traditionally yohimbe bark has been used to treat fevers, coughs, and leprosy. Often yohimbe tea was taken by warriors in preparation for battle. Yohimbe supplementation was also taken during fertility celebrations, mating and marriage rituals. It has been used as a topical anesthetic, and a hallucinogen when smoked.!! Yohimbe's most common, modern use is as a tonic and as a insomnia herbal remedy

Yohimbe is also known to reduce anxiety, elevate mood, and prevent heart attacks. Because it stimulates the central nervous system, it has been used to treat narcolepsy and weight loss, and has other positive effects on overall health such as a insomnia herbal remedy!

And we are out of space already just as the herbal remedies for insomnia have got into the swing of things. I hope I've given you a taster and will return to this theme in a further article.
Sleep Well

Tuesday, September 16, 2008


Skin Disorders and Cosmetics

Every day, thousands of women have reactions to the make-up they use. While this is a relatively small percentage of the population, there is cause for concern nonetheless. For those women who cannot leave the house with wearing make-up, be sure that you are using quality products from reputable manufacturers. Cosmetics, especially those made by less-than-scrupulous companies, can cause serious long-term problems for your skin.

One of the most common problems caused by the use of cosmetics is irritant contact dermatitis. This is generally characterized by an intense facial itch, and an accompanying rash. This type of skin disorder is usually caused by the use of facial cleaners, toners, and astringents. These products are generally very acidic, and often contain alcohol. If you find that your skin is irritated by these products, you should refrain from using them immediately. Then make an appointment to see your doctor or dermatologist.

Another skin disorder caused my cosmetics is allergic contact dermatitis. This occurs with less frequency than irritant contact dermatitis, and the appearance is very hard to distinguish from other types of skin reactions. Symptoms generally include redness, swelling, itchiness, or blistering. This type of reaction is caused by an allergy to one or more ingredients in a particular product. In case of a reaction, refrain from using any cosmetic products until the reaction has subsided. An antihistamine will help to reduce any itching that you may be experiencing, and your physician may prescribe a corticosteroid to reduce inflammation.

One condition that seems to be appearing with greater frequency is cosmetic induced acne. A great number of the cosmetics on the market are left on ones face for long periods of time, and this can cause the skin pores to become clogged. These clogged pores will often develop into blackheads or pimples. Treatment for cosmetic induced acne is the same as that for standard acne; appropriate creams or gels, and/or oral medication. Applying make-up on these areas is strongly advised against. If you wear make-up during this time, be sure that it is oil-free.

While this is hardly an exhaustive list of conditions related to the use of cosmetics, they are reason to pause and consider you particular situation. We all love to look pretty, and make-up generally helps us accomplish that goal. There are alternatives to wearing excessive amounts of make-up, and I have heard that the all-natural look is really making a big comeback! If you cannot imagine going without cosmetics, be sure the ones you are using are designed with high quality ingredients. There are a number of all-natural products available, too. Explore your options, and speak with your dermatologist about any concerns you might have. Your skin will thank you for it!

Alisha Burke loves to wear make-up, but she also realizes the importance of proper facial cleansing. She is considering a career in dermatology, but for now she is content writing for yourskin101.com a wonderful skin care resource guide with important information about specialized skin care, acne treatments, natural skin care alternatives and more.

Monday, September 15, 2008

To avoid sunlight is no good idea, but use it with intelligently

For a long time we have been told to beware of the sun-rays and protect ourselves from the impact of sun rays upon our skin. The truth is probably not as bad and simple. Sunlight gives both benefits, and effects harm by exaggerated exposure. The effects of sunlight upon the skin is due to the ultra-violet light. These light rays are generally divided in three kinds according to wavelength, UVA with longest wavelength and lest energy in each light quantum, UVB of shorter wavelength, and UVC of shortest wavelength and highest energy.



THE BENEFITS OF THE SUN-RAYS

If the exposure to sun light is moderate, the benefits outnumber the dangers. First of all sunshine has a good effect upon the mental health and well-being, both due to the visible light and to the warming effect.

The UVA rays in the sunlight stimulates the skin to produce vitamin D. This vitamin is necessary for the normal composition, growth and regeneration of bone tissue. By to low levels of vitamin D in the body, the bones tend to loose calcium and get thinner and weaker. Newer findings suggest that many people do not get enough of this vitamin through the diet or do not absorb enough from the intestines, and need this stimulation to get good enough levels of vitamin D.

Newer findings also suggest that moderate amount of sunshine does not promote the occurence of skin cancer. On the contrary, in moderate amounts, exposure to sunshine seems to help prevent cancers of several types, especially breast cancer, colon cancer and prostate cancer.

The benefit that most people go for when engaging in sun bath, is the browning effect. This effect comes from the UVA rays stimulating the melanocytes in the skin to produce more of the brown pigment - melanin. The increased amount of melanin will protect the skin against the harms of sun-rays, and make you tolerate greater amounts of sun before harmful effects occur. The sun rays also stimulate the upper layer of the skin to grow thicker, and this makes the skin more robust against damage. As long as this thickening is moderate, the thickening is a good effect.



THE DANGERS OF THE SUN-RAYS

The most visible danger of exaggerated sun exposure is the burning effect caused by the UVB rays. The effect is mostly due to immune cells in the skin releasing histamine. Histamine then causes blood vessels to dilate and also cause other symptoms of acute inflammation. Some cells will also be injured by the sunlight to such extend that they die, causing the upper layer of the skin to flake away.

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Exaggerated exposure to sun can cause brown spots - liver-spots. Furthermore it can cause the cancer type called basal cell carcinoma. These effects are caused both from the UVA and UVB rays. This type of cancer looks like brown flakes or brown spots, and may be difficult to distinguish from liver-spots. However, this kind of cancer is little malignant, and is in many cases just a cosmetic problem.

But the UVA and UVB rays from too much sun exposure can also cause malignant melanoma. This cancer consists of melanocyte cells been transformed into cancer cell. Malignant melanoma often evolves from birth marks. This cancer can remain small for a long time, but can also spread and develop very rapidly and swiftly evolve into a serious disease. In its initial stages, the cancer looks like an irregularly shaped and abnormally or irregularly coloured birthmark. People having been exposed to much sun and often been sunburned form an early age, are in special risk for malignant melanoma.

Traditionally skin cancers were thought to be caused by the UVB rays, but newer findings suggest that the whole ultraviolet spectre participates in causing cancers. Therefore using solariums that gives off only UVA rays is not safe from cancer risk.

Too much sun exposure for a long time will increase the speed of skin aging and cause permanent changes in the skin, due to the effects of UVB rays. The wrinkles will multiply and aggravate. Also the blood vessels in the skin tend to become permanently dilated and areas of the skin will often get an abnormal or irregular thickness, some places too thin, other places too thick. Due to the widened blood vessels, the skin will be permanently red.

UVC rays are normally filtered out from by the ozone layer in the upper atmosphaere. Nowadays this layer is wakened over certain areas in certain times. These rays are the most dangerous and easily cause cancer and other types of skin damage.



HOW TO AVOID THE DANGERS AND GET MOST OF THE BENEFITS

The best way to get just enough sun exposure to get the benefits, but not so much to suffer the harms caused by sun rays, is just to expose your skin for the sun some time, and then cover the skin by clothes.

The time recomanded for naked exposure vary considerably. A person with brown skin can take much more than a pale person. The same is true about a person with thick skin. As you get used to the sun each year, you will gradually get browner and also tolerate more. If you take sunbath for the first time in the year, and you have not yet get used to the sun, 10-15 minutes may be enough.

However, often you want to expose your skin to the sun rays longer than an unprotected skin can tolerate, and then you have to use some topical sun protection. Sun balms are found with protection from 3 to 30. The protection factor is supposed to tell how many times longer you can be in the sunshine with the balm on, than without the balm. Be aware that the real protection factor may be less than that written on the bottle.

A balm with the factor 20 does not always really have that factor. If you know you can tolerate 0.5 hours exposure without protection, do not think that you really will tolerate 10 hours exposure with a balm of factor 20 on. The balm must also be renewed several times during the time you expose yourself for the sun. That is especially true if you take swims. The balm must neither be too old.

The face is the body part that it is most important to protect against the sun, since the face does not have any clothes on, and accordingly gets longest sun exposure.

Some kinds of nutrition seems to make the skin more robust against the impact from sun rays. It is for example wise to eat much fish and use olive oil in the diet. You should also attend to the news about the ozone layer, and always protect your skin in periods with weakened ozone layer.