Health Benefits Of Turmeric Milk (and Recipe!)

Health Benefits Of Turmeric Milk (and Recipe!)

Turmeric is an herb often addressed as ‘queen of spices.’ It’s also known as curcuma longa, it has a peppery aroma, golden color, and sharp taste. Milk combined with turmeric does wonders for your health, this trick has been used to treat ailments for ages. Per the Journal of the American Chemical Society, turmeric has antioxidants, antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and anti-mutagenic properties with other nutrients including protein, healthy dietary fiber, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, sodium, copper, iron, zinc, magnesium, and niacin. Let’s go over the benefits you can derive from this herb simply by using it in your cooking or milk:

Helps with diabetes– Turmeric can moderate insulin levels, when taken with diabetic medications it enhances their effects and improves glucose control. It also reduces insulin resistance which can help prevent onset of type-2 diabetes. Be aware using it with other mediactions can result in low blood sugar, consult your doctor before taking it.

Strengthens Bones– This is a well-known trick to strengthen bones, you may have seen older people giving turmeric milk to those who have had an accident to help them recover quickly and for stronger bones.

Fights Diarrhea– Turmeric can help treating diarrhea. Don’t mix it with milk because of the high-fat content. it may exacerbate the diarrhea. Germany has approved this herb for fighting indigestion and diarrhea.

Cancer– If you are struggling with prostate cancer this is the right herb for you. Turmeric helps prevent prostate cancer and stops the growth of existing prostate cancer cells and has the ability to destroy cancer cells. Researchers have approved it’s use for protection against radiation-induced tumors.

Relieves Arthritis– Because of the anti-inflammatory properties in turmeric it’s great for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Turmeric destroys free radicals in the body that cause damage to cells. It has been noted that those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis who drink turmeric milk regularly for a longer period, felt relief in their joint paints and inflammation.

Lowers Cholesterol– Maintaining healthy cholesterol is important, high levels can cause severe damage. Research has found that frequent use of turmeric, even in regular foods, may help you maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Mixing it with milk enhances the effects and reduces serum cholesterol levels.

Boosts Immunity– Turmeric helps boost and stimulate the body’s immune system due to a substance in it called lipopolysaccharide, which decreases risk of catching cold, flu, and fever, from the antiviral and antibacterial properties found in it. Next time you get sick mix some turmeric in a glass of warm milk and drink it up.

Heals wounds– Turmeric has antiseptic and antibacterial properties which serve as an effective disinfectant, it can do wonders for cut and burns. Drink a glass of turmeric milk daily to heal your skin. It repairs damaged skin and can also be used to treat psoriasis.

Weight Management– Good news for those who want to lose weight, turmeric milk can help you maintaing your ideal weight. Turmeric use increases the flow of bile which is an important component to break down dietary fat. Those suffereing from obesity should drink it daily.

Helps Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease– Use turmeric milk to treat brain inflammation, which is the major cause of cognitive disorders like Alzheimer’s disease. It supports healthy brain function by removing unwanted plaques that form in the brain, thereby improving oxygen flow.

Simple recipe for turmeric milk:

Boil one one-inch piece of turmeric in 8 ounces milk for 15 minutes, remove turmeric and let cool to drink

Gold Recipe–
Add 1 teaspoon almond or olive oil, or ghee to one cup milk in a saucepan, add ¼ teaspoon turmeric paste
Bring to boil, stirring constantly
Add sugar to taste

Turmeric Paste – Add ¼ cup turmeric powder to 2 1/2 cups of water, stir. Bring mixture to boil and keep stiring until it becomes a thick paste. If it gets too dry add a little more water. Once done cool and keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about a month.

18 Natural Migraine Plus Headache Remedies

18 Natural Migraine Plus Headache Remedies

Not all headaches and migraines are created equally, and unfortunately that makes them hard to identify and pin-point the cause. There are tension headaches, sinus headaches, cluster headaches, migraines and more. I highly suggest doing research and talking with a Neurologist to better understand what type of headache you have and how to properly treat it. Foods that Fight Pain by Dr. Neal Barnard is a great resource and the source for much of this post.

I’ve suffered from most types of headaches from a very young age. I’ve gotten better at identifying triggers, but unfortunately I still get them often. I get auras before my migraines, throbbing sinus headaches, tension headaches, and basically every kind. So, I wanted to share some of the research I’ve done in the hopes that these methods will help someone eliminate a few headaches!

Triggers, or things that set a migraine or headache in motion, can include:

Perfumes
Dental problems
Previous injuries
Cigarette smoke
Changes in weather
Sunlight
Florescent lights
Eye strain (computer screens, uncorrected vision, etc.)
Dehydration
Stress
Too little or too much sleep
Too much caffeine (caffeine withdrawal is more of a dull pain)
Hormone changes (menstrual cycle)
Intense exercise
Environmental chemicals
Cleaning or painting solvents
Formaldahyde
Ammonia
Pesticides
Diesel fuel
Foods + food allergies
Food additives like MSG, food colorings,
Artificial sweeteners (especially Aspartame)
Nitrites (used to cure meats)
Sulfites (preservative)

Tyramine (chemical found in cheese, wine, chocolate, coffee, beer, yeast, licorice, and more)

Some are accompanied with an aura that looks like blind spots in vision and flashing, sparkling lights. Migraines are often hereditary, as well. Unfortunately, both have been my case. I get an aura that starts as a small black spot of missing vision and spreads into lines of sparkling lights. After about 20 minutes the migraine will start to set in. My latest neurologist believes some of my migraines are really tension headaches. Either way, they’re not fun! I get anywhere from 1-10 per month and am usually out of commission for a few hours to a few days.

Food allergies or sensitivities play a big part in migraines and headaches. By eliminating these triggers, many people find relief. You can try a simple elimination diet, or keep a food diary to help determine if a food allergy is your issue. This is something I’m still trying to figure out for myself. I haven’t discovered anything yet, but it’s not always easy.

Common migraine or headache food triggers:

• Dairy products
• Chocolate
• Eggs
• Citrus fruits
• Meat
• Wheat (bread, pasta, etc.)
• Nuts and peanuts
• Tomatoes
• Onions
• Corn
• Apples
• Bananas
• Cheese (especially aged cheeses)
• Wine (especially red wine)

Food allergies or sensitivities play a big part in migraines and headaches. By eliminating these triggers, many people find relief. You can try a simple elimination diet, or keep a food diary to help determine if a food allergy is your issue. This is something I’m still trying to figure out for myself. I haven’t discovered anything yet, but it’s not always easy.

18 Natural Headache Remedies:

1. Coffee
Contains analgesic properties1. The caffeine also expands blood vessels, so medicine will be absorbed more quickly. This is why many medications contain caffeine, such as Tylenol and Excedrin Migraine. “Researchers at the National Headache Foundation say washing it down with a strong 12- ounce cup of coffee will boost the effectiveness of your medication by 40 percent or more. Experts say caffeine stimulates the stomach lining to absorb painkillers more quickly and more effectively.”3
Usage: 1-2 cups at migraine onset. Avoid if it’s triggered migraines in the past.

2. Feverfew
Ancient Greeks used this wild flower herb to reduce fevers. Modern studies show that it reduced migraine pain in 2/3 of the trial patients, which is equivalent to most medicines on the market. 1 It seems to be most effective for people who find relief with a hot compress when experiencing a migraine. “100-150 mg daily of a product standardized to contain at least 0.2 percent parthenolides. This herb helps prevent the release of substances that dilate blood vessels in the head. You can stay on it indefinitely.”4
Usage: 50-114 mg per day

3. Ginger
This root has the ability to block histamines and reduce inflammation. It has been used for centuries to treat neurological conditions. It is also rare to have an allergy or sensitivity to ginger.
Usage: 1/2-1 tsp of powdered ginger per day

4. Magnesium
Studies have shown up to 80% of trial participants benefiting from 200mg of magnesium per day. If you suffer from pre-menstral headaches, magnesium may help significantly.1
Usage: 200 mg per day in supplemental form. Look for magnesium citrate or ___, as they are more easily absorbed.
Foods rich in magnesium: whole grains, leafy green vegetables such as spinach, chard, broccoli, figs and some nuts.

5. Calcium + Vitamin D
These are best consumed in their natural states, such as food and sunlight. Calcium rich foods include many dark leafy greens and legumes. When it comes to calcium, the biggest problem in the US has more to do with losing the calcium we do take in. Eating animal products (yes, especially dairy!), eating excessive salt and sugar and smoking all leach calcium from our bones. Your ability to absorb and use this calcium is dependent upon your Vitamin D levels, which many people, especially in climates above Atlanta, are low in.1
Usage for supplements: 1000-2000mg per day of calcium in a highly absorb-able form, such as calcium citrate, and 200 IU of vitamin D.1

6. Relaxing Techniques (for tension headaches)
Try lying down in a dark room and breathing deeply. Focus on relaxing all of your muscles, but especially those in your neck, face and head. If you get frequent tension headaches, you’ll need to incorporate more stress management. Frequent exercise, adequate sleep and proper nutrition are very important. 1 You may also want to try epsom salt baths, long walks in nature, meditation, positive thinking and listening to relaxing music.

7. Cherries
“Research reveals that anthocyanins, the compounds that give cherries their brilliant red color, are anti-inflammatories 10 times stronger than ibuprofen and aspirin.”3

8. Peppermint essential oil
Dab a small amount of peppermint essential oil on your temples or under your nose.

9. Massage
Massages increase blood circulation and relaxation. It can be especially helpful if you suffer from tension headaches.

10. Acupuncture
Like massage, acupuncture increases blood circulation and promotes relaxation. They can both be highly focused to trouble areas on the body.

11. Butterbur
This herb has been taken for centuries and is thought to have antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory effects. 2 “If you decide to try it, avoid the crude herb, which contains toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs). Instead, choose PA-free butterbur extracts standardized to contain a minimum of 7.5 mg of petasin and isopetasin. The adult dosage ranges from 50-100 mg twice daily with meals. Side effects are rare.” 4
I did some research on this and was scared off by what I found. There’s a lot of information about carcinogens (petasin) in the supplements because they aren’t regulated. Research and use with caution. Consult your doctor or neurologist, as well.

12. Turmeric
This root is highly anti-inflammatory and great at fighting chronic pain. “Studies show turmeric, a popular East Indian spice, is actually three times more effective at easing pain than aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen, plus it can help relieve chronic pain for 50 percent of people struggling with arthritis and even fibromyalgia, according to Cornell researchers”3

13. Cold or Hot Compress
Heat can help to loosen the muscles if you’re experiencing a tension headache. Ice can help to numb the pain.
Does anyone remember those Migraine Ice strips? What ever happened to those?

14. Exercise
This may not help during a headache or migraine, but increasing exercise will help the frequency. Be careful with intense exercise, as that can also trigger a migraine. Exercise increases blood flow, regulates hormones and promotes stress relief.

15. Aromatherapy
“Boil a handful of rosemary in a liter of water and place it in a bowl after it boils. Place a towel over your head and inhale the steam for as long as you can. Keep repeating this until the headache goes away. Peppermint, lavender, eucalyptus, sandalwood, and basil work well also.”2

16. Vitamin B2 (Raboflavin)
“Taking high-dose riboflavin (400 mg/day) seems to significantly reduce the number of migraine headache attacks. However, taking riboflavin does not appear to reduce the amount of pain or the amount of time a migraine headache lasts.”5
Usage: 200 mg per day supplement

17. Fish Oil / Omega 3 Fatty Acids
“Omega 3 Fatty Acids are natural anti-inflammatories and may help to reduce the frequency, duration, and severity of migraine headaches.”6
Usage: 1000 mg supplement if you don’t eat fish often.

18. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)“A handful of studies have shown that CoQ10 reduces the frequency and severity of migraines”6Usage: 100-200 mg per day supplement

How To Take Care Of Your Thyroid Naturally

How To Take Care Of Your Thyroid Naturally

A slew of conditions could be responsible for thyroid problems. Many people struggle with thyroid, and most people go undiagnosed. People with serious thyroid problems can have underlying conditions like Graves’ disease, toxic adenomas, subacute thyroiditis, thyroid cancer and pituitary gland malfunctioning. A stagnating liver can cause the thyroid gland to malfunction. Here are several ways to naturally take care of your thyroid naturally.

What Does it Do?

As blood is filtered in the thyroid gland hourly, the iodine in the blood produces hormones. The thyroid gland dictates of the cells utilize oxygen. The thyroid gland is responsible for storing 25 percent of the iodine present in the body. Hormones responsible for the metabolism and activity are produced by the thyroid. The thyroid plays an integral role in muscle and cardiac activity. It can also play a role in the maturation process of a child. It converts beta-carotene in the diet into vitamin A and facilitates the production of gastric juices in the body. It improves the bone repair process and affects both libido and regularity in women.

Tips to Improve thyroid functioning

Many people are able to see improvements in thyroid functioning by making small dietary changes and adopting certain lifestyle habits. Here are some of the easiest things to do to improve thyroid functioning in the body.

• Exercise between 30 and 60 minutes at least four times a week
• Avoid foods know to lower thyroid levels like cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli and kale
• Eat healthy fats like olive oil, avocados, flax seeds, nuts and fish
• Maintain healthy vitamin D levels
• Reduce the amount of gluten in the body
• Rely on organic foods
• Lessen the amount of perfume you wear around neck
• Cleanse periodically to reduce heavy metal in body

Overview of the most common thyroid problems

Hypothyroidism means that there is an underactive thyroid. People who have hyperthyroidism may have an overactive thyroid. An enlarged thyroid could indicate that there is a goiter. When thyroid nodules occur, lumps within the thyroid gland have grown. Thyroid cancer results from malignant thyroid nodules and tissues in the body. Thyroiditis results from high levels of inflammation in the thyroid gland.

Remembering that certain foods that appear to be healthy can be counterproductive to the body and impair thyroid functioning. Integrating more organic foods in the diet and performing a metal cleanse periodically improves thyroid health. Exercising and supplementation helps a person maintain a healthy weight and enhances thyroid functioning.

Woman Plants Potato in Her Own Vagina

We’ve all been there before…things are getting hot and heavy and then our significant other asks that eternal question.

“Honey, do you have…a potato?” or “Honey, are you…on the potato?”

No? Well, maybe that’s because you, like most of the world’s population, know that potatoes have nothing to do with contraception. Unfortunately, one 22-year-old Colombian woman cannot say the same.

It all took root (pun intended!) in the town of Honda. The woman went to her local hospital, desperately ill and hoping to cure her extreme abdominal pain. None of the doctors could have ever prepared for what happened next.

Slowly, a story started to emerge from the embarrassed patient. Her mom had told her about this wonderful contraceptive method…putting a potato in her vagina! So she’d tried it. And she’d given it a real shot, leaving the potato in her lady bits for about two weeks. This proved to be enough time for the root vegetable to germinate inside her body, even planting roots. Obviously, human bodies are not made for spawning potatoes, so the woman started to have some violent reactions to her unplanned vegetable baby.

The pain in her lower body only grew more intense over the following days, and eventually she knew that it was time to check herself (and her new addition) into the hospital. When examining the 22-year-old, the attending nurse was completely shocked to see potato roots emerging from the patient’s body.

Luckily for the young woman, the talented team of doctors was able to remove the vegetable from her body without surgery. Doctors stated that she will make a full recovery and suffer no lasting effects from her ill-advised contraception experiment.

“But…how?” Most people are left scratching their heads at the thought of such a terrible life choice, but it turns out that there are some underlying factors that may have contributed to the woman’s poor decision.

First, Colombian society is not necessarily accepting of traditional birth control methods such as condoms or pills. Although sex ed became a requirement in the nineties, much of the general population has remained wary of what is taught in the classes. In fact, some even believed that sex ed teachers were using class time to encourage students to become gay. Furthermore, there is a pervasive culture in which some of the men express that wearing condoms does not make them feel “macho,” leaving contraception up to the woman.

Unfortunately, not all women have enough common sense to dismiss awful suggestions, hence the government’s recent campaigns to spread awareness about contraceptive methods. Aside from this potato incident, the country has experienced a massive surge in teenage pregnancy. With an older population that is suspicious of sex ed classes and a younger population that is afraid to bring up the topic of contraception with their parents, a perfect storm has combined to create an atmosphere of mistrust and embarrassment surrounding sex. We can only hope that the potato woman’s sad predicament will lead to new conversations about sexual health taking root.

6 Natural Alternatives To Ibuprofen

6 Natural Alternatives To Ibuprofen

Pain is constantly looming presence in the modern, industrialized world. Even when it’s fairly mild, it can interfere with daily life. Unfortunately, responsibilities won’t wait just because you’re in pain. For this reason, many people resort to taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen. Unfortunately, like most man-made quick fixes, it can have some dire consequences. Ibuprofen is well-known to increase the risk of ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding, and may also cause:

Genetic damage
Hearing loss
High blood pressure
Miscarriage
Anemia
Increase risk of dying from the flu

These effects are a heavy price to pay for quick relief. However, Mother Nature has seen fit to provide us with very powerful safe and natural alternatives to toxic NSAIDs like ibuprofen.

Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne peppers are one of nature’s most useful healing substances. They’re spicy due to an active component of chili peppers, known as capsaicin, which is why it makes them such an effective pain killer. When you hurt, your body is releasing a neuropeptide called Substance P that transmits pain signals to your brain. Capsaicin blocks the action of Substance P, bringing you relief.

Turmeric

Turmeric has been one of the biggest stars of natural medicine for thousands of years. Its action is very similar to that of capsaicin because it, too, prevents substance P from reaching the brain. However, it is also known as a powerful anti-inflammatory due to its ability to inhibit specific inflammation-promoting proteins.

Ginger

Ginger is a common spice good for more than making sweets. It also has considerable medical value in the treatment of pain. Ginger is strongly anti-inflammatory and analgesic, and it contains numerous anti-oxidant compounds that act against pain on a cellular level. It has been recommended for everything from headaches to menstrual cramps, and research now shows that it’s highly effective against arthritis pain, too.

Willow Bark

The use of willow bark for pain relief dates back more than 2,000 years. Today, it is much less widely used, but it can still be found in health food stores. Willow bark contains salicin, the active substance that inspired the development of aspirin. Willow bark doesn’t act as quickly as aspirin, but it may last longer and present fewer risks.

Eugenol

Eugenol is a chemical found naturally in basil, cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon and bay leaf. It’s most commonly recommended for tooth pain, but it can help with other kinds of pain, too. Eugenol is an inhibitor of the COX-2 enzyme, which triggers the inflammatory process. When inflammation occurs, it tends to press against nerve endings, resulting in pain. Taking eugenol-containing herbs or using essential oils that contain it can help fight this pain and inflammation.

Omega-3

Fish, cod liver, chia, hemp and flax oils can provide a reliable defense against pain, especially for people struggling with arthritis, neck and back pain. The omega-3 fatty acids contained in these oils breaks down a pro-inflammatory hormones called prostaglandin. In studies, omega-3 was found to cut NSAID use by one-third for arthritis patients, and two-thirds of people with neck and back pain were able to stop NSAID use entirely.

Mother Nature has provided humanity with everything we need to survive and be healthy, which can be easy to forget these days. Instead, we tend to be too reliant on man-made medicines that do more harm than good. The next time you’re in pain, skip the ibuprofen and reach of one of these natural alternatives instead.

5 Benefits Of Honey Water You Never Knew

5 Benefits Of Honey Water You Never Knew

Most of us know that honey provides multiple beauty benefits. But there is more to it that we never knew. Research shows that combining water and honey creates wonders in our overall health. Read on and find out the five benefits of honey water you never knew.

1. Aids Weight Loss

The nutritionist Mike Mc Innes believes that honey is a natural cure for food craving or hunger, which helps aid weight loss. His study showed that the brain’s mechanism that causes sugar craving can be shut down by drinking honey water before bed. It also helps in body repair and burning fats.

2. Helps Relieve or Treat Arthritis

A recent study done at Copenhagen University, doctors found that patients drinking the honey water mixture show noticeable pain relief within one to two minutes. And they claim that drinking it regularly may even help treat chronic arthritis.

3. Helps Beat Fatigue

Regularly taking half tablespoon of honey added to a glass of water, helps increase the body’s vitality within a week. Dr. Milton’s recent research shows that senior citizens taking the honey water are more flexible and alert. He believes that the sugar content in honey helps in improving the body’s strength.

4. Makes a Great Energy Booster

Most athletes depend heavily on sports drinks, which are sugar loaded, and carb gels to fuel their bodies during sports events and for muscle recovery. A tablespoon of honey contains 17 grams of carbs, making it an excellent source of natural energy with added nutrients. Hence, the National Honey Board highly recommends adding honey to a bottle of water as an energy booster during workouts or sports events.

5. Reduces Cholesterol Levels

Studies also show that high cholesterol patients who took two tablespoons of honey combined with 16 ounces of tea water have 10 percent reduction on their cholesterol levels within 2 hours.

10 Unique Uses For Used Tea Bags

10 Unique Uses For Used Tea Bags

Tea has been a valued resource for thousands of years. It’s been used in ancient systems of medicine, and we know today that it has numerous health benefits. However, many people think that the benefits of tea are limited to drinking it. As it turns out, there are a variety of uses for the goodness that remains in your used tea bags.

1. Soothing Burns

Place a cooled tea bag on burns for about 20 minutes. The tannins and cooling properties of the tea will help reduce pain and speed healing.

2. Bug Bites and Contact Dermatitis

Tea possesses anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties that soothe these bites and help to reduce itching, redness and swelling. Place a used bag over the areas for ten minutes.

3. Bleeding or Painful Gums

Bleeding and painful gums can be treated by placing a used tea bag on the affected area in your mouth. Tannins, natural chemicals found in tea, have styptic and analgesic effects.

4. Eye Styes

To minimize swelling and encourage drainage and healing, place a warm tea bag over the stye for about 15 minutes three times daily. The tannins have an antibacterial effect that help kill the infection.

5. Dying Cloth

Did you know you can use your spent tea bags to give white cloth than antique look? Just drop them into some boiling water to extract the remaining tea and soak the cloth in it for a few hours.

6. Shinier Hair

If you’re tired of dull, lifeless hair, try using tea bags. Re-brew them to make a weak tea, let it cool and pour it over your hair as a post-shampoo rinse.

7. Chemical-Free Highlights

Your used tea bags are an ideal way to achieve chemical-free highlights if you have light-colored hair. Simply make a tea from re-brewed bags and soak your hair with it regularly.

8. Malodorous Feet

To beat smelly feet, steep your old tea bags in warm water and soak your feet in it for 20 minutes daily. The tannins kill odor-causing bacteria and fungi.

9. Natural Toner

Just like a store-bought facial toner, tea is an astringent. Wet a used tea bag, wipe down your problem areas and pat your face dry.

10. Super Compost

Tea super-charges compost by accelerating the breakdown of plant matter. Just tear the bags open and dump the contents into your compost heap.

Tea makes a great beverage, but it’s also great for a wealth of health and beauty purposes, too. Try using old tea bags for any of the above purposes and discover what a difference they can make.

6 Unexpected Natural Beauty Products You Can Borrow From Your Baby

6 Unexpected Natural Beauty Products You Can Borrow From Your Baby

Maybe it came from being a tired mom with two kids under two years old, just reaching for what was at hand, but somehow I discovered that these baby products actually double as great natural beauty products. Now that my kids are way past the baby stage, these products still have a beloved place in my beauty routine.

• Cornstarch baby powder

Like most moms, I’m busy – and don’t have time to wash my hair every day. However, my long hair tends to get oily at the roots within a day of its last wash. Cornstarch is the main ingredient in most “dry shampoos,” but I find that baby powder works better than anything for absorbing the oil in my hair and giving it a little lift at the roots. Just sprinkle a light dusting of the powder on your hands in the evening before bed and rub lightly into your roots. Don’t worry if your hair turns white, the white color will be gone when you wake up in the morning, and so will the oily hair.

• Zinc ointment

There are many types of ointment out there for diaper rash but the one I’m talking about is the thick white cream that is made up of 40% zinc oxide. This stuff is miraculous – put it on a baby’s red bum at night and the redness is gone by morning. And low and behold, it does the same for me too. Whether the redness is on my face from a blemish, or in my bikini area from shaving, zinc ointment comes to the rescue every time. It’s also great as an extra brightener under foundation when your face is red or pigmented – just remember that it is very thick so a little goes a long way.

• Baby wash

6 Unexpected Natural Beauty Products You Can Borrow From Your Baby

Maybe it came from being a tired mom with two kids under two years old, just reaching for what was at hand, but somehow I discovered that these baby products actually double as great natural beauty products. Now that my kids are way past the baby stage, these products still have a beloved place in my beauty routine.

• Cornstarch baby powder

Like most moms, I’m busy – and don’t have time to wash my hair every day. However, my long hair tends to get oily at the roots within a day of its last wash. Cornstarch is the main ingredient in most “dry shampoos,” but I find that baby powder works better than anything for absorbing the oil in my hair and giving it a little lift at the roots. Just sprinkle a light dusting of the powder on your hands in the evening before bed and rub lightly into your roots. Don’t worry if your hair turns white, the white color will be gone when you wake up in the morning, and so will the oily hair.

• Zinc ointment

There are many types of ointment out there for diaper rash but the one I’m talking about is the thick white cream that is made up of 40% zinc oxide. This stuff is miraculous – put it on a baby’s red bum at night and the redness is gone by morning. And low and behold, it does the same for me too. Whether the redness is on my face from a blemish, or in my bikini area from shaving, zinc ointment comes to the rescue every time. It’s also great as an extra brightener under foundation when your face is red or pigmented – just remember that it is very thick so a little goes a long way.

• Baby wash

7 Ways To Boost Testosterone Naturally

7 Ways To Boost Testosterone Naturally

7 Ways To Boost Testosterone & Sex Drive Naturally

Need to boost your testosterone levels? Welcome to the right page. To enhance production of testosterone first you need to look at your daily habits. “I never prescribe testosterone alone without talking to men about their lifestyle,” says Martin Miner, MD, co-director of the Men’s Health Center at the Miriam Hospital in Providence, R.I.

7 Ways To Boost Testosterone & Sex Drive Naturally

It takes time to improve production of testosterone, however there are some ways to boost it more quickly. Here is what you should do:

• Drink enough water
One major cause of lower production of testosterone is dehydration, so drink enough water every day. If you don’t drink enough water your hormonal system slows down, which decreases testosterone and dopamine production. Drink 8 glasses of water to stay hydrated and boost your testosterone level, more if you exercise a lot or are bigger than average in height and/or weight.

• Keep active
Testosterone behaves according to your body’s behavior, if you sit on the couch all day then your brain gets the message that there is no need to bolster muscle and bone, when you are physically active your brain understands that you need more hormones. Start today with a brisk 10-20 minute walk and add other exercise as tolerated.

• Get enough sleep
Getting enough sleep is important to stay healthy and sound. Studies show that low quality sleep or sleeping less than 7 hours per day cuts testosterone production by 10-15%. It also hampers growth of hormones and restricts potential of muscle building. Keep 8 hours reserved for good quality sleep.

• Eat eggs
Eating at least one egg daily improves good cholesterol, an important building block needed in production of testosterone. Eggs are also rich in protein and contain zinc that boosts testosterone levels.

• Control stress
A stressed body cannot create testosterone, stress alters the body’s function capability which adversely affects hormones. Decrease stress, try practicing meditation or qigong. Miner advises men to reduce working hours to 10 hours or less if possible. Spend at least 2 hours daily doing things you enjoy, sports, art, music, games, or anything other than work.

• Reduce alcohol use
There are many reasons to reduce use of alcohol, hormonal performance is a major one. When you drink alcohol production of testosterone decreases for up to 24 hours. It’s also responsible for increased cortisol and lowers levels of growth hormones.

• Eat healthyAdopt healthy eating habits and welcome foods like spinach, nuts, lean protein, avocados, olive oil, broccoli, and Balsamic vinegar to your daily diet. These foods help increase production of testosterone. Avoid use of supplements that claim to boost testosterone, they do little for great expense. Natural is better.

4 Natural Ways To Regrow Hair In 10 Days

4 Natural Ways To Regrow Hair In 10 Days

Losing your hair can be a nightmare. Whether it’s for medical reasons or genetics it can be devastating to see skin where you used to see hair.

Here are some remedies to help regrow your hair starting in about 10 days:

Many people ask friends or their doctors about treatments for hair loss without success, none of the suggested treatments work. So what’s the solution? The first thing to figure out is the root cause of the hair loss.

There are several causes of hair loss including hormonal imbalance, vitamin deficiencies, stress, insomnia, thyroid issues, smoking, genetics, and menopause. The hair products you use and the way you care for your hair can also cause hair loss.

There is no solution for menopause or genetics but you can slow hair loss. For other causes try this:

• Meditate

If you want your hair back you can take 10 minutes from your busy schedule to meditate. This will lower your stress and improve your overall health. Put your phone on airplane mode or silent and set it aside, sit straight with crossed legs and close your eyes, focusing on your breath. Feel it go in and out. Let thoughts come and go. Relax through them and keep breathing.

• Food you should eat

If you are getting enough sleep and are not stressed try exploring your eating habits. Make sure you are getting enough iron, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and omega-3s. Your daily diet should contain the following:

• 10 servings of vegetables
• 2-4 servings of fruits
• 4-5 total servings of beans and dairy or 2-3 servings of lean meat
• Eggs, fish, nuts, walnuts, avocado, and seeds
• Don’t eat the same thing every day. Plan some variety into your menu to keep you satisfied and get different nutrients.

• Massage

Head massage is necessary to promote hair growth. Use your fingertips and massage your scalp slowly to stimulate circulation and help drain toxins. Finish the massage by running your fingers through your hair. You can do this with or without oil, but it’s suggested to use coconut, castor, olive, almond, or sesame. Massage for 10 minutes each day to see improvement.

• Homemade recipe

Try the following recipe made with three key ingredients; licorice, burdock root, and dandelion root to regain hair growth:

Ingredients:

• 4 ounces water
• Licorice root
• Burdock root
• Dandelion root

Directions:

• Rub the licorice in a glass then fill it halfway with water.• Rub the dandelion and burdock root with a stone or in a food processor into a fine paste.• Blend the paste with licorice water and apply to your scalp.• Leave it on your head for 24 hours then wash it off, it will stick to your scalp like white cement.

7 Ways To Relieve Acidity Fast Without Using Pills

7 Ways To Relieve Acidity Fast Without Using Pills

Almost all adults will experience heartburn at some point in their lives. For those who encounter it regularly, it can make life really unpleasant. Most people who suffer from heartburn look to prescription or over-the-counter medications to treat it. However, it is better for your health if you instead use a natural method to get rid of your heartburn. To that end, here are seven natural ways that you can get rid of your acidity next time you feel heartburn coming on.

1. Baking Soda

One of the most time-honored and effective ways to treat heartburn naturally is by placing a teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water. When you mix it up and drink it down, the baking soda will neutralize the stomach acid immediately.

20 Unbelievable Uses for Baking Soda

2. Aloe Juice

The aloe vera plant is one of the most powerful natural medicines in existence. Lots of people know the benefits of aloe vera for the skin, but it can also be used to treat acidity. If you drink half a cup of aloe juice before you eat a spicy meal, it will prevent you from developing acid reflux.

How to Make Your Own Aloe Vera Gel

3. Chew Gum

People who suffer from chronic heartburn can find relief simply from chewing a piece of sugar-free gum for 30 minutes after they eat a meal. Chewing the gum causes your mouth to produce more saliva, and this dilutes and washes away the excess acid.

10 Health Benefits of Chewing Gum

4. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is an acid, and it seems counterintuitive to treat acidity with more acid. However, this is a case of fighting fire with fire. When you drink a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar mixed into a glass of water, it will help to prevent acid reflux. You can do this before meals or before bedtime to keep acidity from bothering you.

Top 5 Uses of Apple Cider Vinegar that Can Be Applied to Your Life Style

5. An Apple a Day

Most people have heard the expression, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Well, an apple a day can also keep heartburn away. If you suffer from regular heartburn, try eating an apple every day to eliminate it. If you do not care for apples, bananas will work just as well.

6. Gingerroot Tea

Gingerroot tea is one of the best natural remedies for any kind of stomach discomfort, including acidity. You can make gingerroot tea by simmering three quarter-sized gingerroot slices in two cups of water for 30 minutes. You can use this to treat heartburn or to prevent it by drinking it 20 minutes before a meal.

7. Mustard

If you experience an episode of heartburn, one of the best ways to stop it in its tracks naturally is to simply eat a teaspoon of quality mustard. Make sure that you use a natural mustard rather than one of the cheap yellow mustards.

I Made My Own Laundry Soap!

As some of you know I enjoy making things at home, and need having minimal chemicals around me as possible, my health is so much better with less chemicals it amazes me. Since I said online that I was going to make soap I have discovered many of my friends are already doing that, but even more asked me how, so I thought this would be a great way to share with everyone at once!

My prior knowledge of soap-making comes from reading about it in the Little House books, which I have read more times than I can count, I wore my first set out. I am happy to tell you there is no lye or ashes involved, although I do have a sore throat today, which may be the change in the weather, but I think it’s from breathing in the soap, next time I will wear a face mask or a scarf, you may want to do that too. I didn’t bother with gloves, part of the reason I wanted to do this myself is so that I know it’s not harmful to my skin, and has less environmental impact. And cheap, did I mention it’s cheap? I bought 4 lb. boxes of borax and washing soda and 3 large bars of soap in a kit (from a popular online retailer) for about $26, delivered, and the jug of vinegar is about $1, I am not sure how many loads of laundry that is, but for the bar soap I am estimating 150 minimum.

Now for the good stuff, I found 2 recipes that are almost identical, links to both at the bottom. You will need:

• 1 cup borax
• 1 cup washing soda (not the same as baking soda, which is why I ordered it)
• 1 cup shredded bar soap (this is a personal preference, I bought a kit with Fels Naptha, I know several people who prefer the smell of Zote, and I believe some use Ivory or castile soap)
• 1/2 cup and a sploosh of white vinegar (I found the recommended half-cup to not be enough, I added a tablespoon or so more, sploosh is my term for that)
• 15-20 drops essential oil of choice (again, totally a personal preference, I like the smell of the soap but may change my mind someday and want lavender/vanilla or something)

Tools:

• large bowl
• grater
• measuring cup
• large spoon
• ice cube tray

Grate your soap on the smallest setting, add the 2 dry ingredients and stir, slowly add the vinegar until it’s a crumbly thick paste-like mess. Place by tablespoonfuls into a clean dry ice cube tray, press it down tight, you should fill a 16 cube tray exactly. Set aside and let dry at least 12 hours, pop them out of the tray, place in an airtight container, and use as you would a pod.

I washed my first laundry with it today, I am super impressed with how clean and soft my clothes are, and everything smells good, and making it myself felt pretty cool. So that’s it, if you try it let us know how you liked it and how it worked for you.

Love peace & hugs… Mama