Pumpkin Soap Recipe

Pumpkin Soap Cold Process Recipe

Today’s recipe is for Pumpkin Soap! For this batch, I added a vanilla spice swirl to give the bar just a hint of warm, fresh-baked scent.

Because I have several sensitive family members, I usually leave bars unscented or very lightly scented with natural ingredients only. If you want your soap to have a more detectable smell, you’ll need to greatly increase the amount of essential oils I list, keeping in mind that vanilla absolute will color your soap brown.

This is a Cold Process Soap recipe. An overview of directions can be found in my Soapmaking 101 post. I also recommend my ebook Natural Soap Making: Cold Process Basics & Recipes in order to learn more about the craft, how to color your soaps naturally, 25 of my favorite palm-free soap recipes, and more!

Natural Soap Making 275 px

The recipe is sized to fit a homemade wooden loaf mold, that my husband made for me. The inner dimensions are roughly: 8″ long x 3.5″ wide x 3.5″ tall if you’d like to make your own. You can also use a regular glass bread loaf pan, lined with parchment paper, instead.


Pumpkin Soap CP Cold Process Recipe
Pumpkin Soap Recipe

Liquid & Lye Portion:

    4.19 ounces lye (6% superfat)
    8 ounces distilled water
Oil Portion (30 ounces total):

    16 ounces olive oil (53%)
    8 ounces coconut oil (27%)
    3 ounces sunflower oil (10%)
    3 ounces cocoa butter (10%)

Make according to general cold process soap making directions. (See Soap Making 101 for an overview.) I buy my lye (100% sodium hydroxide) from my local Tractor Supply Store. You can also order HERE from Amazon.com.

At light trace, blend in:

    2 ounces canned pumpkin

101 Uses for Coconut Oil

Katie - Wellness Mama 646 Comments Affiliate Disclosure

101 Uses for Coconut Oil Wellness Mama 101 Uses for Coconut Oil

I’ve said before that I am with coconut oil like the dad in “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” is with windex… I use it for everything. Right now, I have a five gallon bucket of it sitting next to my desk because we use so much and I don’t have anywhere else to keep it…

I love this organic virgin and fair-trade coconut oil from Thrive Market (which is like Costco online but for healthy products). Their coconut oil is 40% off retail. (And Thrive Market sells many other of my favorite products at 30-50% off normal prices!)

Today, I’m sharing my top 101 (yes 101!!) uses for coconut oil:
Uses for Coconut Oil

    In cooking as a great oil with a high smoke point. Great for baking, stir-frys or as a dairy free replacement to butter.
    Added to foods or drinks daily for energy
    As a coffee creamer when emulsified into coffee (The only way I’ll drink coffee)
    On the skin as a basic lotion (or coconut oil lotion bar)
    In homemade lotion bars for soft, smooth skin
    In homemade deodorant or deodorant bars
    As an eye-makeup remover
    As a cloth diaper safe diaper cream (just rub on baby’s bottom)
    In making your own Remineralizing Toothpaste
    To lighten age spots when rubbed directly on the skin
    To prevent stretch marks during pregnancy
    To support healthy thyroid function
    In homemade Mayo without the high PUFA vegetable oils
    To help increase sun tolerance and avoid burning
    As a naturally SPF 4 sunscreen
    In homemade lotion recipes
    To get rid of cradle cap on baby- just massage in to head, leave on for a few minutes and gently rinse with a warm wash cloth
    Topically to kill yeast or yeast infections
    As a delicious tropical massage oil
    It’s high Lauric acid and MCFA content helps boost metabolism
    A tiny dab rubbed on your hands and then through hair will help get rid of frizz
    In homemade soap for laundry
    Mixed with equal parts sugar for a smoothing body scrub (use in the shower)
    Rubbed on lips as a natural chap stick
    Topically, can help skin heal faster after injury or infection
    Directly on the perineum to help heal after birth
    As an incredibly intensive natural conditioner- Rub into dry hair, put a shower cap on and leave for several hours
 

5 Natural Face Mask Recipes

Katie - Wellness Mama 32 Comments Affiliate Disclosure

Five DIY Face Mask Recipes from food 5 Natural Face Mask Recipes

For those of us who don’t have the time to escape to a spa for relaxation, these homemade face masks are a great solution for giving skin a boost. Even better, they are all made from completely non-toxic ingredients… in fact, you can eat most of them!
1. Basic Face Mask

Use some bentonite clay or kaolin clay and add enough water to make a paste. Apply to face in a circular motion until face is covered. Let dry and use a warm, wet washcloth to remove.

Good for: All skin types
2. Tropical Mask

Mash one banana with 1 tablespoon of honey and mix until it forms a smooth paste. Apply to face and allow to stay on for 10-15 minutes. Rinse well.

Good for: Dry skin
3. Chai  Mask

For a delicious smelling mask that also gently exfoliates skin, mix this mask that doubles as a sweetener for Chai tea. In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of honey and 1/2 teaspoon each of cinnamon and nutmeg.

Rub on face and let sit 20 minutes. Remove with a washcloth and warm water. (Note: some people react to cinnamon or nutmeg on skin. Test a small amount on your inner arm before using)

Good for: oily or normal skin
4. Guacamole Mask

For dry skin, mash 1/2 of a ripe avocado with 2 tablespoons of honey and apply to the face. Let sit 20+ minutes and rinse well.

Good for: All skin types, especially dry skin
5. Cool Cucumber Mask

This one is especially great for oily or inflamed skin. Blend 1/2 of a cucumber with 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 teaspoon of bentonite or kaolin clay. Add additional clay if needed to create a paste. Apply to face and leave on for 20 minutes.

Remove with a washcloth and warm water.

Good for: All skin types, especially cooling for acne prone skin
Aftercare:

After using a facemask, a sea salt spray or 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar diluted in 1 cup of cool water work as great toners to lock in the effects.

I find that these all work best in combination with the Oil Cleansing Method for completely natural skin care.

Ever used a face mask made from food? How did it work for you? Share below!

Source: http://wellnessmama.com

Basic pancakes recipe

A delicious and easy pancake recipe that is fast to get on the table and better tasting than any convenience pre- packaged mix.
Serving Size:

8
Category:

Basic recipes, Breakfast, Budget, Cakes & Baking, Dessert, Easy recipes, Kids cooking, Kids food, Lunch box, Pancake recipes, Snacks
Prep Time:

5 mins
Cook Time:

10 mins
Ingredients:

    1 cup (150g) self-raising flour
    1 tbsp sugar
    1 egg, lightly beaten
    3/4 cup (180ml) milk
    50g butter, melted

Method:

In a bowl mix flour and sugar.

Beat in the egg and then milk at little at a time until batter is smooth and lump-free.

In a hot pan or flat grill, brush butter over cooking surface and pour 1/4 cup measures for each pancake.

When large bubbles form on the surface, flip over and cook until lightly golden on the other side.


Notes

    Sprinkle freshly cooked pancakes with fresh lemon juice and a dusting of caster sugar.
    Maple syrup is always a favourite to serve with pancakes, but our Managing Editor's favourite are these orange syrup pancakes.
    If you prefer a slightly fluffier pancake, some people swear you need buttermilk, which apparently traps air bubbles more effectively than this basic pancake recipe.
    If your family is adventurous, try Kidspot's 2-ingredient pancakes. Some families swear by them, while others express disdain at the idea of eggs mixed with mashed banana.
    Chocoholics can delight in our chocolate pancake recipe, or even tempt themselves with a choc chip pancake recipe.
    If your household loves pancakes every weekend, make up this bulk pancake recipe, which will keep in an airtight container for up to three months.
    This caramel banana recipe is a delicious accompaniment to any batch of pancakes, as is this peaches and custard topping.
    Wholemeal apple pancakes or berry pancakes with yoghurt are a great way to add a dash of nutrtitious fruit to a weekend treat breakfast. And don't forget blueberry pancakes. Yum!
    Red velvet pancakes are a nice twist on plain ol' pancakes - try serving these for Valentine's Day or just to show your family how much you love them.
    Adorbs! Try making these Santa pancakes for a Christmas treat breakfast or these teddy pancakes just for fun.
    This recipe was created by Jennifer Cheung for Kidspot.com.au, Australia's best recipe finder.

Cake in a mug recipe

This chocolate cake in a mug is a chocoholic's dream and you can make it in less than 5 minutes - and yes, that does include mixing and cooking time! This cake is dangerous and delicious. Find a scoop of ice-cream to eat with it or just wait in front of your microwave with your spoon ready!
Category:

Budget, Cakes & Baking, Chocolate, Dessert, Easy recipes, Kids cooking, Snacks
Ingredients:

    4 tbsp self-raising flour
    2 tbsp sugar
    2 tbsp cocoa
    1 egg
    3 tbsp milk
    3 tbsp vegetable oil
    1/2 tsp vanilla essence
    1 tbsp chocolate chips

Method:

In a large mug, place all the dry ingredients and mix well with a spoon. Use the spoon to grind all of the cocoa against the side of the cup so there are no lumps.

Add the egg and beat it a little on top of the dry ingredients to break the yolk.

Add the oil, milk and vanilla and mix until well combined.

Stir the chocolate chips in and put into the microwave on high for 3 minutes.

Serve with a nice big scoop of ice-cream.
Notes

    This a dirty little secret and should only be shared with other chocoholics so shhhhh.
    Mix it really well and you will end up with a cake that rises beautifully and has a  great texture.
    This recipe was created by Jennifer Cheung for Kidspot, Australia's best recipe finder.

5 Amazing Ways to Use Oil in Your Beauty Routine

Sometimes the best beauty treatments are the simplest—a  one-ingredient facial or DIY toner can be surprisingly effective.

 That’s why one of our favorite beauty treatments is oil. Before there were expensive creams and over-the-top serums, people were using natural plant oils to keep their skin silky smooth and moisturized. Ready up on a few of our favorite beauty hacks using oils.

1. Face Rejuvenator

It seems counterproductive, but fighting oil with oil can be effective. Use a dollop of grapeseed or jojoba oil, and massage it into your skin. Wipe off oil with a hot, wet washcloth. Your skin will feel clean, refreshed, and soft.

2. Skin Softener

Use a teaspoon of coconut oil as a natural alternative to moisturizer. It’s gentle enough that it won’t cause breakouts, but it will still leave your skin soft and supple.

3. Body Scrub

Mix together almond oil and sea salt for a gentle scrub, or try this version with epsom salts. Make sure the consistency is gentle enough that the salts won’t hurt your skin. Slather this mixture all over your body in the shower. You can also use this DIY scrub to exfoliate your lips!

4. Hair Revitalizer

Plop some coconut or olive oil into your hair, and let it absorb for 5 to 10 minutes. Rinse it out with some shampoo. This treatment will leave your hair tangle-free and extra shiny.

5. Nail Strengthener

Heat up a small amount of olive oil in a saucepan, and pour the hot olive oil into a dish. Let it cool down until the olive oil is warm, but not scorching. Dip your nails into the oil and let them soak for 5 to 10 minutes.

The olive oil strengthens your nails and gives them a brilliant luster.  Consider doing this every time you remove nail polish—both nail polish and acetone polish remover can leave your nails dry and depleted of nutrients.

Written by Gina Vaynshteyn, this post was originally found on ThriveMarket

5 Natural Lip Balms + Recipes to Make Your Own

I’ve been loving sharing my how-to’s on stuff like laundry detergent and deodorant with you. Continuing in that tradition, this week I’ll be focusing on natural lip balms. Though I live nearly full time in sunny California, I’m back home this month in New York City and freezing my butt off! Cold temps lead to chapped lips and the constant need for balm application, but even warm weather folks will get long-term use out of learning how to make their own lip creams.

There are TONS of amazing recipes out their for lip balms, and we’ve included our favorite below. However, here are some others incase our fave doesn’t do the trick:

    Round-up of ten amazing lip balms including a lip stain, peppermint flavored cool lip balm, a few chocolate themed recipes, beeswax options and more! (DearCrissy.com)
    Mandarin Nutmeg, anyone? (MountainRoseHerbs.com)
    If you’re a visual learner, check out the video below for a beeswax recipe!

Before getting started, we suggest checking out this hilarious blog entry from Not Martha where the blogger outlines her experiences and letdowns with lip balm recipes and creation.

GLOSSY LIP BALM RECIPE

Ingredients:

    2 oz. + 1 heaping Tablespoon Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
    1.5 tsp vitamin E Essential Oil (You can use the gel caps or the dropper formula)
    2 oz Cosmetic Grade Beeswax
    Plastic Lip Balm Containers (you can order them online here)
    Optional: 25 drops vanilla essential oil or peppermint essential oil (or whatever scent you prefer, just make sure to use an essential oil for fragrance)
    Optional: A slice of your favorite colored lip stick if you’d like to add a slight tint to the balm.

Lightened Chocolate Desserts

Chocolate doesn't have to be deadly to your diet. Try one of these lightened—but still decadent!—chocolate desserts.
Mocha Cream Brownie Wedges with Fresh Raspberries
These sophisticated brownies started with a box of gluten-free brownie mix. Gluten-free mixes are tricky and will be very thick when stirring. After the brownies bake the center will not appear done, but will firm as the batter cools.

Ingredients
4 large egg whites
1 (16-ounce) package gluten-free brownie mix (such as Betty Crocker)
6 tablespoons canola oil
1 tablespoon instant coffee granules
Cooking spray
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 teaspoons instant coffee granules
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup chocolate syrup
1 1/2 cups raspberries 

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 350°.

2. Beat egg whites with a mixer at high speed for 1 minute or until frothy. Stir in brownie mix, oil, and 1 tablespoon coffee granules. (Batter will be very thick.) Spread batter in an 11 x 7–inch glass or ceramic baking dish coated with cooking spray.

3. Bake at 350° for 22 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted 2 inches from edge comes out clean. (Center will not look cooked, but will continue to cook as brownies cool.) Cool completely in dish on a wire rack. Cut into 6 squares; cut each square diagonally in half to create 12 triangles.

4. Place cream, 2 teaspoons coffee granules, and vanilla in a medium bowl; beat with a mixer at high speed until foamy. Add powdered sugar; beat until soft peaks form.

5. Place 1 brownie on each of 12 dessert plates. Drizzle evenly with chocolate syrup. Dollop evenly with topping, and sprinkle evenly with raspberries.

Eating to reduce your stress

Stress is one of life's most common ills, and will affect us all at some stage. Here are some ways to help reduce it with simple dietary changes.
How stress affects our bodies

Our response to stress is largely due to a rush of hormones from the kidneys stimulated by chemical messengers in the brain.

The brain determines how we perceive and respond to stress and hormones cause the physical reactions. Even a stressful thought can cause a physical response.

Adrenaline is our number one survival hormone, taking priority over all other bodily functions. It causes the release of glucose, providing us with an immediate source of fuel needed in fight or flight.

Closely related, noradrenaline is the other 'immediate response' hormone, released from the inner part of the glands on each kidney. Cortisol, released from the outer part of the same glands, kicks in after the initial adrenaline rush, engineering the longer-term reactions.

It maintains the level of fuel required, ensuring it is only used by the parts of the body involved with fleeing or fighting, ie brain, heart and muscles. It also suppresses the effect of insulin, which would normally work to store excess glucose. Even protein stores, usually used in the repair of tissues, are being converted to glucose when cortisol is concentrating its efforts on supplying fuel. The body is no longer thinking long-term; it'll have little need for protein's repair work if death is imminent.

As well as fuel, more oxygen is needed in times of stress, facilitated by cortisol narrowing our arteries, while adrenaline increases our heart rate.
Alcohol and caffeine for stress relief?

A drink can seem the perfect antidote to a hard day's work. In the short term it is a stimulant, causing the release of mood-boosting serotonin.

8 steps to healthy skin, hair and nails

As dietitian Cindy Williams explains, beauty really does come from the inside...

Glossy hair, strong nails and glowing skin may be signs of a great beauty regime, but the importance of a great diet shouldn't be underestimated.  Food contains lots of beauty nutrients, which people have used for thousands of years, inside and out. Today we can wash our hair and moisturise our skin with honey, rosemary, rosehip, avocado or olives, to name a few. A French woman I know attributes her beautiful skin to the olive oil she rubs on her face and hands while cooking.

There's no magic food that will keep us looking forever young, but diet (and lifestyle and attitude) does affect how your skin looks and ages. Take these eight food steps to strong, healthy skin, hair and nails.
1.  Protein – the building blocks

Skin, hair and nails are mostly protein. These proteins – keratin, collagen and elastin – ward off wrinkles and provide strength and elasticity. Most of us eat plenty of protein from meat, chicken, fish, legumes, eggs and dairy foods. But remember the movie 'The Devil Wears Prada'? Miranda Priestly's assistant is desperately trying to lose weight and proudly describes her new diet: "Well, I don't eat anything and when I feel like I'm about to faint, I eat a cube of cheese." Chances are she was seriously low on protein and eventually her skin, hair and nails – the parts of the body she most wants to look perfect – would suffer.

If protein is so important, is more better? With serious burns or wounds, the body needs extra protein to repair the damage. And athletes in heavy training have higher protein requirements. But huge steaks and protein shakes don't build bigger muscles or better skin. If we eat more protein than we need, our body converts it to fat and stores it – usually where we don't want it.

What to Eat for Healthy Hair and Nails

No doubt you know that eating healthy is good for you in a plethora of ways—it can decrease your risk of disease, improve your immune system, increase your energy levels and even affect your sleeping habits. But did you know certain foods can improve the way you look, too? Read on to find out which nutrients will give your hair and nails extra luster, strength and shine.

Biotin/Vitamin H
We Recommend
A Quick Guide to Feeling Your Best Every Day (Even on Little Sleep)

Biotin (a.k.a. vitamin H) can improve hair that is splitting or thinning as well as strengthen weakened nails. Taken with zinc and the corticosteroid clobetasol propionate, biotin has even been used to treat alopecia, an autoimmune skin disease marked by the loss of hair. Nina DiBona, RD, dietitian and nutritionist at the Sports Club/LA in Boston, agrees. "A deficiency in biotin may result in brittle hair or even hair loss." An easy way to remember: The H in vitamin H stands for "haar and haut," which means "hair and nails" in German, DiBona notes.
Foods to Try: Bananas, beans, cauliflower, eggs, lentils, peanuts and salmon. Photo: Shutterstock

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

To get shinier hair, introduce more omega-3s into your diet, which "help support scalp health and may give your locks extra luster and shine," according to DiBona. The three active ingredients—alpha-linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid—are all essential fatty acids and "are important components of the stratum corneum, which is the outermost layer of the epidermis that contains keratin and has water-holding capabilities. Deficiency in essential fatty acids can result in dry scalp or dandruff," she says.
Foods to Try: Eggs, flaxseed, fish oil, mackerel, salmon, sardines, spinach, tuna and walnuts. Photo:

How to Make Your Nails Stronger

Do your nails look dull and unhealthy? Are they prone to breaking? You are not alone. This is a common problem.

Nails are composed of laminated layers of a protein called keratin. Healthy nails are smooth, without pits or grooves. In addition, healthy nails are uniform in color and consistency and free of spots or discoloration.

On the other hand, weak nails break easily and do not grow easily. Weak nails may also have signs of yellowing and discoloration.
Sponsored links

Weak and unhealthy nails are often due to negligence and improper care. They get weak when they dry out and become brittle. Long-term exposure to water or chemicals, such as detergents and nail polish, are the main reasons behind weak nails.

A healthy lifestyle, dietary changes, a proper nail care regimen and some simple home remedies can help fix the problem and make your nails strong and healthy.

how to make your nail stronger

Here are the top 10 ways to make your nails stronger naturally.
1. Olive Oil

Olive oil is an excellent remedy for weak nails. The oil helps moisturize the nails. It also helps repair damage and softens nails and cuticles, which in turn leads to strong and healthy nails.

    Massage your nails thoroughly with some warm olive oil, covering both the top and underside of your nails. Wait 15 minutes, then wash it off with water. Do this 2 or 3 times daily.
    Alternatively, mix together 3 teaspoons of warm olive oil and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. Apply this mixture to your nails using a cotton swab. Allow it to dry, then put on a pair of soft, cotton gloves. Do this daily before going to bed, and in the morning, rinse it off with warm water.

Home Remedies for Hair Loss

There is nothing more attractive than a thick head of hair that glimmers with natural health. But hair loss is a problem that many people suffer from.

There can be several factors behind hair loss such as environmental effects, aging, too much stress, excessive smoking, nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalance, genetic factors, scalp infections, use of wrong or chemically enriched hair products, certain medicines and medical conditions like thyroid disorder, autoimmune diseases, poly cystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), iron-deficiency anemia, and chronic illnesses.
Sponsored links

There are about 100,000 strands of hair on your scalp and it is considered very normal to lose 50 to 100 strands a day. But when you start losing more than that, it’s time for you to take some action so it doesn’t progress to baldness or bald spots. Many readily available ingredients can be used to treat hair loss at home.

home remedies for hair loss

Here are the top 10 home remedies for hair loss.

1. Hair Oil Massage

The first step that you can take to reduce hair loss is to massage your scalp with appropriate hair oil. Proper hair and scalp massage will increase blood flow to the hair follicles, condition the scalp, and enhance the strength of your hair’s roots. It will also promote relaxation and reduce feelings of stress.

You can use hair oils like coconut or almond oil, olive oil, castor oil, amla oil, or others. Add a few drops of rosemary essential oil to the base oil for better and faster results. Other types of oil that you can use are emu oil, argan oil, and wheat germ oil.

    Massage any of the hair oils mentioned above onto your hair and scalp by applying light pressure with your fingertips.
    Do this at least once a week.

2. Indian Gooseberry

For natural and fast hair growth, you can use Indian gooseberry, also known as amla. Indian gooseberry is rich in vitamin C, of which a deficiency in the body can cause hair loss.

The anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, and the exfoliating properties present in Indian gooseberry can help maintain a healthy scalp and promote hair growth.

hair loss home remedy using amla or indian gooseberry

    Mix one tablespoon each of Indian gooseberry or amla pulp and lemon juice.
    Massage your scalp with the mixture thoroughly. Cover your hair with a shower cap.
    Leave it on overnight and shampoo your hair in the morning.

Tea Tree Oil: Using tea tree oil for ear infections

Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifola) has been used by the Aboriginal people native to
Australia for thousands of years, and with powerful results. This oil possesses some
incredible anti-bacterial and antiseptic properties that are impressive in the fight against
bacteria and inflammation.
Ear infections can be incredibly painful, and though are most commonly suffered by
children; adults can just as easily contract a debilitating ear infection. Ear infections occur
then liquid becomes trapped in the ear. While sitting stagnant in ear canal, it can trap and
become infected with bacteria. This creates painful inflammation, as the ear is one of the
most delicate body parts. Typically, this type of infection is treated with a strong round
of antibiotics, but the problem arises (especially in children) when ear infections reoccur.
There is great concern with the overuse of antibiotics, as with increased use comes the
potential for antibiotic-resistant super infections that have the potential to cause even more
damage. Tea tree oil provides a great alternative remedy to multiple rounds of powerful and
disruptive drugs.
How to use tea tree oil to treat an ear infection:
Tea tree oil should be diluted in some way before being applied into the ear.
For use with water, mix 3-5 drops of tea tree oil with ¼ cup of water. Use a dropper to place a few drops of this mixture in each ear, and then gently place a cotton ball in each ear to allow for the treatment to penetrate. Repeat as needed.
For use with oil, add 5-10 drops of warm tea tree oil to 1 Tbsp. of carrier oil, such as olive oil or jojoba oil. Mix thoroughly and use a dropper to place a small amount into the ear while tilting the head and covering the ear with a cotton ball to minimize leakage. Allow for this mixture to penetrate for up to 10 minutes, and then gently wipe away any excess. Repeat this up to 3 times a day and especially at bedtime.
Mix five drops each of tea tree oil and lavender oil in a small bowl, and add a small amount to a cotton ball. Place the cotton ball gently inside the ear and allow for the oils to penetrate the ear canal and fight the infection.
Tea tree oil can also be rubbed directly onto the skin behind the ear for added external bacteria-fighting power.
As always, before you begin any sort of regimen using essential oils, please consult with your physician, naturopath, or aromatherapist before doing so. The use of oils can be very empowering and effective in the treatment of a variety of ailments. However, use your own discretion; the medical community is there to help us when oils can't.

Natural Remedies for Summer Skin Problems

Sometimes summer can be tough on your skin, especially if you’re fair-skinned or sensitive. Between insect bites, rashes, and summer acne, it can be enough to make you want to cover up and hide out.
Common Summer Skin Problems

• Sun Allergy

There are three different types of sun allergy; polymorphous light eruption, solar urticaria, and light-sensitive eczema. Sun allergy is caused by an excess of histamines or a reaction to antihistamines and some arthritis medications.

• Insect Bites and Stings

There are too many mosquitoes, ants, spiders, and bees out there to avoid them all. Whether you’re camping in the deep woods or just hanging out on your back deck, insect bites and stings are just part of the summer experience.

• Sunburn

If you’re fair-complected, sunburn is always a concern. When using sunscreen, be careful of the brand you use. Research has shown that many commercial sunscreens contain dangerous toxins that may increase your chances of developing skin cancer.

• Rashes

One of the most common summer skin problems is the dreaded rash. Sun allergy, hives, poison ivy, and heat rash can turn smooth, blemish-free skin into an itchy nightmare.

• Summer Acne

It doesn’t seem fair. The warmer the weather gets, the worse you’re acne and that’s when you’re showing off your skin the most. Heat, humidity, and excessive sweat irritates your pores, worsening acne breakouts.

How to Recognize Which Headache is Dangerous

Headaches are common in our daily life. Usually they are not serious and occur from stress, sinus, and tension. The problem arises when you have to differentiate between dangerous and non-dangerous headaches which are rare, but require immediate attention. Before you ignore a serious, urgent headache you should know when to see a doctor.

Recognize Which Headache is Dangerous

Here are some which require your attention:

• Thunderclap headache
This type of severe headache that occurs frequently, it develops within 60 seconds and has severe pain. Causes of a thunderclap headache can be bleeding in the brain after an injury, stroke, or aneurysm.

• Headache after injury
If you have experienced a head injury your headache requires special attention. A headache after an injury may indicate concussion and requires immediate medical treatment. Even a fairly minor injury to the head can cause an invisible bleed, causing pressure in the skull.

• Headache that is worse upon waking
A headache that’s worse in the morning and causes vomiting is a dangerous headache. As the day progresses it gradually improves but worsens with exercise, coughing, or bending and does not improve with regular headache medicines. Beware! This can be a sign of brain tumor. Per Casilda Balmaceda, M.D., an Assistant Professor of Neurology at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City, only 8% of those with brain tumors have headaches as the first and only symptom.


18 Natural Migraine Plus Headache Remedies

• Worst headache of your life
You can actually find the term, “worst headache of your life,” in medical textbooks to describe the pain linked with a subarachnoid hemorrhage caused by a ruptured cerebral aneurysm. It involves pain in the upper neck and head when lying still, stiff neck, inability to tolerate light, confusion, and vomiting. See a healthcare professional right away for diagnostic testing.

• Sudden headache
A headache that occurs suddenly without cause demands concern. These headaches can be severe and often make one side of the body numb, it can also cause weakness in your face, arms, and legs. This sudden headache can be a sign of a stroke. Other symptoms include loss of balance, difficulty in seeing from one or both eyes, and trouble walking or speaking. If you experience any of these symptoms you should immediately see your health care professional.

Simple Ways to Be More Attractive

We want one thing common: being more attractive. But the purpose for being attractive varies. What’s yours? Well, you needn’t share! To strike your attractive physique, maintain these tips and you will be surprised seeing how magically they work!

#1 Keep Smile

Keep a smile on your face. When you smile, you look more friendly and approachable. People feel comfort to deal with you. No matter what your are feeling inside, smile!

#2 Maintain Facial Hair

It is important to take care of facial hair. Men should shave regularly. If you want to maintain long beard, you should keep that neat and trim. Women should shape eyebrows properly.

#3 Keep Hair Tip-top

Your hair is just like your crown! So take care of it. A nice look is the first step to attract someone. Get regular haircuts as it is important for your hair to be healthy. Keep your hair clean and tidy. It is really important for attractive appearance.

#4 Wear Fit Clothes

Your dress is really important. People like one who is dressed properly. So, take care of what you are wearing. Buy the clothes that fit you properly. Oversized or too tight clothes make you look odd.

#5 Maintain Proper Eye Contact

Proper eye contact is important when you are talking to someone. If you maintain eye contact properly, people will feel important and be happy. Some people feel shy to maintain eye contact. That’s not a big problem. Start with your close ones. Maintain proper eye contact while talking to them. Then, try it with strangers.

#6 Walk Confidently

Be confident while walking. Do you know how to walk with confidence? Keeping your body relaxed and holding eyes and head up help you look confident. Making you look confident is a great part of being attractive. 

10 Home Remedies for Natural Anxiety Relief

If symptoms of anxiety are interfering with your daily life, consider these simple lifestyle changes that are proven natural cures for anxiety.

Try to drink three cups of chamomile tea a day when you're feeling anxious.

Why: Chamomile contains two chemicals that promote relaxation, apigenin and luteolin. A study at the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center found that patients with generalized anxiety disorder who took chamomile supplements for eight weeks had a significant decrease in anxiety symptoms compared to patients who were given a placebo.

Try to get between 1 and 3 grams of omega-3s a day.

Why: There is some evidence that omega-3 fatty acids may ease anxiety symptoms and lift your mood by lowering levels of stress chemicals such as adrenaline and cortisol in the body. Caned fatty fish, such as tuna and salmon, walnuts, and flax seeds are all great sources of omega-3 fatty acids. An Israeli study found that students given fish oil supplements had less test anxiety as measured by their eating and sleeping habits, cortisol levels, and mental

Breathe in lavender.

Why: One study found that people who received a massage with lavender oil were more upbeat and had less anxiety than people who had a lavender-free massage. Another found lavender massage can even lower systolic pressure the top blood pressure number that’s associated with stress. Try putting a few drops of lavender essential oil on your pillow or in your bath, or add a few drops to a cup of boiling water and inhale for a quick calm-me-down. You can even dab a few drops right on your skin—it’s one of the few essential oils that can be applied directly. The scent of vanilla has also been shown to alleviate symptoms of anxiety. In a study done at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, patients undergoing MRIs who breathed vanilla-scented air had 63% less anxiety than those who breathed unscented air.