Fungi in the face: treatment and secrets to heal your skin

Creams, ointments, and tablets and you still cannot remove the mushrooms in your face? They go away but come back again? Is your skin tired of treatments? If you really want to say goodbye to fungi and restore the health and beauty of your face, before following any treatment, you need to know some secrets of the skin and why fungi are generated.
Pharmaceutical treatments

The problem with pharmaceutical treatments, tablets, ointments and more is that they just focus on treating a symptom and don’t cure the root that causes the fungus. That's why you may notice that skin heals, but after a while, it gets worse. If you focus only on removing the symptoms, then there isn’t a complete cure, and the fungus will not go away.
Why fungi appear in the face?

Fungi are a health problem that affects the skin and mucous membranes anywhere in the body. When attacking the facial skin, they often cause a little more concern as this represents a conflict not only about health but aesthetic.
The main causes of the fungus on the face are:

    If there are problems in the intestines, the skin will have them too. If there are toxins accumulated in the intestine and aren’t evacuated efficiently, these will be reabsorbed by the blood and travel through the body going out through the skin. Thus, the skin begins to become sensitive to suffer all kinds of conditions, including infections and fungi.
    A weakened immune system: if the immune system is functioning improperly, the low defenses allow the body and skin to host harmful organisms. The immune system is weakened mainly by poor diet and too much stress, pressure and constant anger.
    Improper diet: too much junk food, fats, processed sugars and refined flours are a poison to the body, since they contain no nutritional value and only cause the body to store much waste matter which, with body heat, it decomposes and creates a perfect environment to harbor bacteria, viruses and diseases.
    Emotions: the face talks about what we feel deeply. Infections in the face talk that maybe there are certain situations in our environment that may make us feel anxious or threaten us. These situations cause internal stress which tense facial muscles and prevents proper absorption of nutrients and blood flow, this makes skin prone to getting infections.

22 Home Remedies for Acne & Pesky Pimples

Your skin is your friend. You like your skin. Your skin likes you. It protects you from the elements and literally keeps you together. You in turn do your best to protect it from any kind of damage. Then, one day, acne rears its ugly head, and you suddenly hate your skin. What do you do then? Turn to harsh chemicals, and expensive scrubs? That’s a fine way to thank a friend who’s been there for you since day one. Your epidermis isn’t at fault here-it can’t help that your hormones are causing all that extra sebum to clog up your pores, or the fact that bacteria is running rampant. If your skin could talk it would say something along the lines of “patience, grasshopper. Treat me right and I shall repay you in kind.”

That’s just a guess, anyways. The point is, natural acne remedies are a good way to get rid of it, or at least hold it at bay. They make you step back and really figure out what’s going on with your skin, and how to work with it. Chances are, your skin will repay you in kind for not simply ravaging it with strange chemicals-and your wallet will probably thank you too.

1. Apply some apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a powerhouse when it comes to acting as an acne remedy. Why? It kills off the bacteria that may be causing all the trouble in the first place. It also becomes alkaline, and balances the pH of your skin, which in turn makes it harder for bacteria to thrive. To top it off it’s an astringent, like lemon juice, and will help dry up excess oil. Keeping that in mind, don’t overdo and dry out your skin too much. This could cause the sebaceous glands overproduce to compensate, therefore triggering an outbreak.

You will need…
-Pure unfiltered apple cider vinegar
-Fresh water

Directions
Wash your face with water and pat dry. Using a ratio of 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water, dip a cotton ball into vinegar and apply it directly to the blemish. Leave on for at least 10 minutes, or overnight. Reapply several times a day, washing face thoroughly after each time. Make sure to use a moisturizer afterwards as well if you feel like your skin is getting dry.

Apply Some Apple Cider Vinegar

2. Make a cinnamon and honey mask

Honey is sticky, and cinnamon is spicy, and it seems like they’re both things you’d want to avoid getting near your skin. Surprisingly, while it may sound strange, honey and cinnamon make a (literally) killer combo when it comes to acne. Cinnamon has antimicrobial properties, so it can help stop bacteria from getting out of hand. If it does, the honey is a natural anti-biotic, ready and waiting to wipe the little buggers out.

You will need…
-2 tablespoons of honey
-1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- paper towels

Directions
Rinse your face with water and pat dry. Mix 2 tablespoons of honey and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon together until they are thoroughly blended and have formed a sort of paste. Apply the mask to your face (or spot treat) and leave on for 10-15 minutes. Rinse off completely, and pat your face dry. This is a sticky mixture, so make sure you have some paper towels at on hand.

8 Home Remedies for Stomach Aches & Cramps

Stomach acheStomach aches, also broadly called “abdominal pain,” are tricky things to find remedies for unless you know the cause. Ranging from indigestion and irritable bowel syndrome to gastritis and GERD, an aching tummy can stem from many things. Assuming you are dealing with an uncomplicated stomach ache, these remedies can help bring relief from the pain and discomfort that’s making you miserable.

1. Enjoy a Cup of Chamomile Tea

Chamomile can help ease the pain of a stomach ache by working as an anti-inflammatory (for example the lining of the stomach can become inflamed as a result common gastritis, caused by bacteria) and by relaxing the smooth muscle of the upper digestive track. When it relaxes that muscle, the contractions that are pushing food through your system ease up a bit and lessen the pain of cramping and spasms.

You will need…

-1 teabag of chamomile tea OR 1-2 teaspoons of dried chamomile
-A mug
-Hot water

Directions

Pour boiling water over a teabag and cover your mug, letting it steep for 10 minutes. If using dried chamomile, place 1-2 teaspoons in a mug and cover with boiling water. Cover the mug and let steep for 15-20 minutes. Sip slowly.

chamomile tea

2. Use a “Hot” Pack

I put hot in quotations because you don’t truly want it hot-just very warm, but comfortably so. You can also use a hot water bottle for this as well. Heat helps to loosen and relax muscles, so if you find yourself cramping up, some warmth can go a long ways for relieving you of the dreadful discomfort.

You will need…

-A hot pack, hot water bottle, or something similar
-A cozy place to lie down

Directions

Find a place to lie down, and rest the hot pack on your belly. It should be a comfortable temperature, but definitely warm. Do this for at least 15 minutes, or as long as you need to, reheating as necessary.

7 Natural Remedies for Sore Throats

Give these natural throat soothers a try before reaching for those antibiotics.

Sore Throats May Not Require Antibiotics

Over the past few decades, we’ve seen a rise in bacteria capable of resisting our modern antibiotics. The result has been potentially dangerous and even deadly infections.

The overuse of antibiotics can contribute to resistant bacteria, so doctors now ask patients to think twice about asking for prescriptions. Sore throats, for example, are often caused by viral, not bacterial infections. That means antibiotics won’t help. We have some natural solutions, however, that may make you feel better.


Allergies, dry air, and outdoor pollution, as well as illnesses like the common cold, flu, measles, chickenpox, mononucleosis (mono), and the croup, can all cause sore throats. These illnesses are all viral infections that will not respond to antibiotics.

Bacterial infections are responsible for only a small percentage of sore throats, including those linked with strep throat, whooping cough, and diphtheria. Most doctors recommend calling a doctor only in cases of severe sore throat accompanied by a fever, or when swollen tonsils block the throat.


licorice-root

Even if a sore throat isn’t serious enough to warrant a trip to the doctor, it’s still painful and may interfere with a good night’s sleep. Fortunately, there are a number of at-home remedies you can use to soothe the pain and irritation.

Licorice root has long been used to treat sore throats, and recent research shows it is effective when mixed with water to create a gargle solution. A 2009 study, for instance, found it soothed patients’ throats and diminished coughing after surgery.

7 home remedies for hair loss you probably haven’t tried yet!

Have you noticed strands of hair on your comb or down the drain when you wash your hair? Is this stressing you out? Stop and take a deep breath right now as stress will only worsen the situation. It is in fact, a major cause of hair fall. (Read more about causes of hair fall). According to hair experts, losing 50-100 strands of hair every day is fairly normal. It is only a cause of concern when you lose more than that. But you can stop hair fall in its tracks with these simple home remedies. Here’s how you can make them.

1. Onion juice

Onion is a rich source of sulphur which helps in hair growth by increasing collagen production. Using its juice on the scalp can help in controlling hair fall.

Steps:

    Chop one onion finely and squeeze out its juice.
    Apply the juice on your scalp and let it stay for 15 minutes.
    Now rinse with a mild shampoo and let your hair air dry.
    Use this twice a week to see results.

2. Garlic

Like onion, garlic too has high sulphur content. This is the reason why it is used in traditional hair regrowth medicines.

Steps:

    Crush a few cloves of garlic.
    Add coconut oil to it and boil the mixture for a few minutes.
    Let it cool down a bit and then massage it on your scalp.
    You can leave it on for 30 minutes and then wash your hair.
    Do this two times in a week.

The best homemade remedies to treat hay fever and seasonal allergies

Homemade remedies for hay fever can quickly reduce seasonal allergy reactions, providing relief from symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, itching, congestion and coughing. Hay fever affects the mucous membranes of the sinuses, nose, throat, eyes and palate. Grasses and plant pollens are the cause of inflammatory reactions that stimulate the immune system, and are made worse by the presence of chemicals, dust and pollutants. Research indicates that approximately 20 percent of the population suffer some form of hay fever.

Homemade remedies including treatment with herbs, homeopathy and common household ingredients provide natural antihistamines, relieve symptoms and prevent their return.

Treatment with herbs
Homemade remedies consisting of herbal recipes are often highly effective at providing allergy relief for hay fever sufferers.

Chamomile tea is reputed to relieve hay fever symptoms. Some herbalists suggest smearing chamomile and lemon oil on a tissue and inhaling to prevent hay fever symptoms.

Ginger tea and raw honey works to break up chest congestion and loosen phlegm. It strengthens the immune system and acts as a natural antihistamine.

Green tea blocks the production of histamine and is one of the best homemade remedies for building the immune system.

Peppermint tea relieves nasal and sinus congestion. Drink it cold to sooth coughing associated with hay fever and allergies.

6 Natural Allergy Remedies

Tis the season for sniffling, sneezing and itching. Breathe easier with these medically proven natural allergy remedies.

Allergies plague millions of people, and many only get marginal relief from drugs, which can also have frustrating side effects. Natural allergy remedies, however, often have fewer side effects, and can combat allergic reactions to plants such as the notorious ragweed, shown here.

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As the golden days of summer begin to fade, thoughts often turn to the last sun-ripened tomatoes and bringing in the harvest. But if you or someone you know are among the more than 26 million Americans who suffer from seasonal allergies (or the estimated 50 million who suffer from all types of allergies), you may be focused more on pollen counts, the first freeze, and stocking up on tissues and allergy meds than on harvesting tomatoes.

Members of the sniffling, sneezing and itching allergy demographic typically rely on numerous drugs and sprays for relief — often with mixed results. Many pharmaceutical treatments relieve sneezing and itching, but do little to treat congestion, and vice versa. In fact, at a recent meeting of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, Dr. William E. Berger reported that nearly a third of allergy patients think their medications don’t work. Plus, pharmaceutical remedies are often expensive and frequently come with unwanted side effects, such as drowsiness and nasal irritation. The sedative effects of these drugs can impair driving ability and cause a mental disconnect that many users find irritating.

Annual bouts with pollen aren’t just uncomfortable, they also take a toll on mental well-being. Studies have shown that during ragweed season, allergy sufferers often experience a general sense of fatigue — especially mental fatigue — and are more prone to feelings of sadness. People who suffer from allergies also are up to 14 times more likely to experience migraine headaches than those who don’t have allergies.

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.
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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.

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.

Home Remedies for Shingles

Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is an infection caused by the varicella zoster virus. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), an estimated one million cases of shingles occur in the United States every year.

The varicella zoster virus also causes chicken pox. When a person gets chicken pox, the virus remains dormant in the nerve tissues of the body even after treatment. Shingles occurs when the virus gets reactivated. It is not yet known what causes the virus to reactivate.

Anyone who had chickenpox can get shingles. The elderly and those who had chickenpox before one year of age are at higher risk. Also, people with weak immune systems and those suffering from health conditions like cancer, lymphoma, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and leukemia are at higher risk of shingles.
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The main characteristic of shingles is a red skin rash with pain and burning sensation. The rash is usually on one side of the body and occurs in small patches mostly on the trunk, buttocks or face.

The rash can be very itchy and can develop into blisters. Other symptoms of shingles are headache, fever, body pain, fatigue and sensitivity to light.

Shingles can clear up on its own in about three to four weeks. There are antiviral medications that are very effective for treating shingles. You can also use some natural home remedies to help ease the discomfort of shingles and possibly speed up the healing process.

Here are the top 10 home remedies for shingles.
1. Cold Water

Cold water can help control the pain from blisters. It can also help ease itching and irritation.

    Soak a towel in cold water, wring out the excess water and gently place it on the blisters. Leave it on for 20 minutes and then remove it. Repeat until the pain decreases.
    Also, you can take a cool bath to help ease pain. Soak in cool water for several minutes, and then pat dry your skin completely.

Note: Do not use ice packs or water that is too cold. Also, make sure to wash any used towels to prevent spreading the virus.

Health Benefits of Coconut Oil

The health benefits of coconut oil include hair care, skin care, stress relief, cholesterol level maintenance, weight loss, boosted immune system, proper digestion and regulated metabolism. It also provides relief from kidney problems, heart diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes, HIV, and cancer, while helping to improve dental quality and bone strength. These benefits of oil can be attributed to the presence of lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid, and their respective properties, such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-fungal, antibacterial and soothing qualities.

Coconut oil is used extensively in tropical countries especially India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Philippines etc., which have a good production of coconut oil. At one time, the oil was also popular in western countries like the United States and Canada, but there was a strong propaganda campaign in the 1970s spread by the corn oil and soy oil industry against coconut oil. Coconut oil was considered harmful for the human body due to its high saturated fat content until the last decade (2000s) when people began to question the claims of the propaganda. Next, let’s look into some more details of how coconut oil works in our body.
How is lauric acid used by our body?

The human body converts lauric acid into monolaurin, which is supposedly helpful in dealing with viruses and bacteria that cause diseases such as herpes, influenza, cytomegalovirus, and even HIV. It also helps in fighting harmful bacteria such as listeria monocytogenes and helicobacter pylori, and harmful protozoa such as giardia lamblia.

As a result of these various health benefits of coconut oil, although its exact mechanism of action was unknown, it has been extensively used in Ayurveda, the traditional Indian medicinal system. The Coconut Research Center has compiled a list of potential benefits of coconut oil in both traditional and modern medicine.

Before we move on to the benefits of coconut oil in detail, we should first understand its composition.
Composition of Coconut Oil:

More than ninety percent of coconut oil consists of saturated fats (Don’t panic! It’s not as bad as it sounds, read to the end of this review and your opinion may change), along with traces of few unsaturated fatty acids, such as monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Virgin coconut oil is no different from this.

10 Natural Depression Treatments

Being depressed can make you feel helpless. You're not. Along with therapy and sometimes medication, there's a lot you can do on your own to fight back. Changing your behavior -- your physical activity, lifestyle, and even your way of thinking -- are all natural depression treatments.

These tips can help you feel better -- starting right now.

1. Get in a routine. If you’re depressed, you need a routine, says Ian Cook, MD. He's a psychiatrist and director of the Depression Research and Clinic Program at UCLA.

Depression can strip away the structure from your life. One day melts into the next. Setting a gentle daily schedule can help you get back on track.

2.Set goals. When you're depressed, you may feel like you can't accomplish anything. That makes you feel worse about yourself. To push back, set daily goals for yourself.

"Start very small," Cook says. "Make your goal something that you can succeed at, like doing the dishes every other day."

As you start to feel better, you can add more challenging daily goals.

3. Exercise. It temporarily boosts feel-good chemicals called endorphins. It may also have long-term benefits for people with depression. Regular exercise seems to encourage the brain to rewire itself in positive ways, Cook says.

How much exercise do you need? You don’t need to run marathons to get a benefit. Just walking a few times a week can help.

4. Eat healthy. There is no magic diet that fixes depression. It's a good idea to watch what you eat, though. If depression tends to make you overeat, getting in control of your eating will help you feel better.

Although nothing is definitive, Cook says there's evidence that foods with omega-3 fatty acids (such as salmon and tuna) and folic acid (such as spinach and avocado) could help ease depression.

5. Get enough sleep. Depression can make it hard to get enough shut-eye, and too little sleep can make depression worse.

What can you do? Start by making some changes to your lifestyle. Go to bed and get up at the same time every day. Try not to nap. Take all the distractions out of your bedroom -- no computer and no TV. In time, you may find your sleep improves.

6. Take on responsibilities. When you’re depressed, you may want to pull back from life and give up your responsibilities at home and at work. Don't. Staying involved and having daily responsibilities can work as a natural depression treatment. They ground you and give you a sense of accomplishment.

If you're not up to full-time school or work, that’s fine. Think about part-time. If that seems like too much, consider volunteer work.

7. Challenge negative thoughts. In your fight against depression, a lot of the work is mental -- changing how you think. When you're depressed, you leap to the worst possible conclusions.

The next time you're feeling terrible about yourself, use logic as a natural depression treatment. You might feel like no one likes you, but is there real evidence for that? You might feel like the most worthless person on the planet, but is that really likely? It takes practice, but in time you can beat back those negative thoughts before they get out of control.

8. Check with your doctor before using supplements. "There's promising evidence for certain supplements for depression," Cook says. Those include fish oil, folic acid, and SAMe. But more research needs to be done before we'll know for sure. Always check with your doctor before starting any supplement, especially if you’re already taking medications.

9. Do something new. When you’re depressed, you’re in a rut. Push yourself to do something different. Go to a museum. Pick up a used book and read it on a park bench. Volunteer at a soup kitchen. Take a language class.

"When we challenge ourselves to do something different, there are chemical changes in the brain," Cook says. "Trying something new alters the levels of [the brain chemical] dopamine, which is associated with pleasure, enjoyment, and learning."

10. Try to have fun. If you’re depressed, make time for things you enjoy. What if nothing seems fun anymore? "That's just a symptom of depression," Cook says. You have to keep trying anyway.

As strange as it might sound, you have to work at having fun. Plan things you used to enjoy, even if they feel like a chore. Keep going to the movies. Keep going out with friends for dinner.

When you're depressed, you can lose the knack for enjoying life, Cook says. You have to relearn how to do it. In time, fun things really will feel fun again.

The best home remedies for eczema

Eczema is an irritating skin disease that ranges from chronic, itchy minor rashes to raging acute eczema flare-ups with open, oozing sores that require bandaging.

Eczema is often attributed to some sort of food or airborne allergy and can be minimized by determining the allergens and adjusting accordingly. Most eczema sufferers resort to using pharmaceuticals pills, creams, or steroids.

Of course, what many tend to ignore is that improving life style choices of diet and exercise does more to curb skin problems than topical or oral pharmaceuticals.

Eliminating chemically sprayed veggies and fruits, processed foods (even so-called "natural" cereals), junk foods, sugars, and artificial sweeteners goes a long way toward curing chronic, adverse health of any type, including skin conditions.

Minimizing stress and adding moderate exercise has also proven to be effective. Sweat can act as a trigger or exacerbate eczema. So avoid sweating whenever possible or shower immediately afterward sweating.

Increase your omega-3 intake with avocadoes, fresh salmon or tuna from unpolluted waters, eggs, organic raw nuts, and organic hemp, chia or flax seeds. Two tablespoons or more of flax seeds need to be ground with a coffee grinder just before consuming them.

While you're working on a permanent cure, there are natural, homemade applications that help relieve symptoms without the dangerous side effects of prescribed or over the counter (OTC) pharmaceuticals.

Ten home remedies for symptomatic relief
(1) Organic cold pressed virgin coconut oil is better than those pricey creams that a dermatologist offers.

(2) Apply vitamin E oil, especially natural D-alpha tocopherol with mixed natural tocopherols. You can break open gel capsules for the oils. Avoiding synthetic vitamin E oil is tricky. So read labels closely, research, or ask a reliable sales person. Avoid vitamin E acetate.

5 All-Natural Tips To Get Rid Of Facial Redness

 Whether your face flushes easily, is constantly red, or changes from day to day, facial redness can really make you crazy. In my holistic dermatology practice, it's one of the symptoms my patients find most upsetting by far. Acne sufferers may have background redness all over or, even worse, splotchy red patches. People with rosacea become easily red from triggers like the sun or a glass of wine. A condition called perioral dermatitis causes redness around the mouth, chin, nose and even up near the eyes.

Whatever the cause of your facial redness, here are some simple home treatments that are both gentle and effective.

1. Cucumber masks

Although there's been no scientific research validating cucumber's effect on facial redness, it has been documented as a natural home remedy for hundreds of years. Early records date back to 1649, when botanist and physician Nicholas Culpeper wrote of its benefits in clearing red from the face. Many people still swear by it. For best results, grate a cucumber or put it through a food processor to use as a face mask. For added cooling, use a cucumber straight from the fridge.

2. Anti-redness diet

The most important aspect of an anti-redness diet is to reduce systemic inflammation. Step one is to follow the general guidelines of an anti-inflammatory diet.

Also work to clear internal heat from the body. Avoid food and drinks that add "fuel to the fire," such as alcohol, spicy foods, and drinks that are hot in temperature.

Fish oil supplements and probiotics can be helpful. Cooling foods such as apple, celery, coconut, cucumber, melon, peach, papaya, and spinach should also be included.

Natural Remedies for Anxiety

No Rx needed

You're anxious, worried, freaked. You're upset about (pick one): money, health, work, family, love. Your heart is beating fast, your breathing is shallow and rapid, your mind is imagining doom, and you wish you could just relax…now! Whether you have a full-blown anxiety disorder or are just freaking out, you may not want to try medication—at least not yet.

There are many safe nondrug remedies for anxiety, from mind-body techniques to supplements to calming teas. Some start working right away, while others may help lessen anxiety over time.

Chamomile

If you have a jittery moment, a cuppa chamomile tea might help calm you down. Some compounds in chamomile (Matricaria recutita) bind to the same brain receptors as drugs like Valium.

You can also take it as a supplement, typically standardized to contain 1.2% apigenin (an active ingredient), along with dried chamomile flowers. In one study at the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, in Philadelphia, patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) who took chamomile supplements for eight weeks had a significant decrease in anxiety symptoms compared to patients taking placebo.

L-theanine (or green tea)

They say Japanese Buddhist monks could meditate for hours, both alert and relaxed. One reason may have been an amino acid in their green tea called L-theanine, says Mark Blumenthal, of the American Botanical Council.

Research shows that L-theanine helps curb a rising heart rate and blood pressure, and a few small human studies have found that it reduces anxiety. In one study, anxiety-prone subjects were calmer and more focused during a test if they took 200 milligrams of L-theanine beforehand.

You can get that much L-theanine from green tea, but you'll have to drink many cups—as few as five, as many as 20.

Hops

Yes, it's in beer, but you won't get the tranquilizing benefits of the bitter herb hops (Humulus lupulus) from a brew. The sedative compound in hops is a volatile oil, so you get it in extracts and tinctures—and as aromatherapy in hops pillows.

"It's very bitter, so you don't see it in tea much, unless combined with chamomile or mint," says Blumenthal. Hops is often used as a sedative, to promote sleep, often with another herb, valerian. Note: Don't take sedative herbs if you are taking a prescription tranquilizer or sedative, and let your doctor know any supplements you are taking.

Valerian

Some herbal supplements reduce anxiety without making you sleepy (such as L-theanine), while others are sedatives. Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is squarely in the second category. It is a sleep aid, for insomnia. It contains sedative compounds; the German government has approved it as a treatment for sleep problems.

Valerian smells kind of nasty, so most people take it as a capsule or tincture, rather than a tea. If you want to try it, take it in the evening—not before you go to work! Valerian is often combined with other sedative herbs such as hops, chamomile, and lemon balm.

Lemon balm

Named after the Greek word for "honey bee," lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), has been used at least since the Middle Ages to reduce stress and anxiety, and help with sleep. In one study of healthy volunteers, those who took standardized lemon balm extracts (600 mg) were more calm and alert than those who took a placebo.

While it's generally safe, be aware that some studies have found that taking too much can actually make you more anxious. So follow directions and start with the smallest dose. Lemon balm is sold as a tea, capsule, and tincture. It's often combined with other calming herbs such as hops, chamomile, and valerian.

5 Best Home Remedies For Hand Tremors

Trembling hands or hand tremors is one of the most difficult conditions that makes every task difficult. From eating to holding or writing to shaving, everything becomes tough. Tremors can occur at any age, but is commonly found in people above 40 years of age. Though researches have failed to provide the exact trigger for tremors, it is believed that some abnormal communications between certain brain areas result in tremors. However, the underlying causes of tremors can range from benign to malignant.

Excessive consumption of coffee which releases adrenaline, alcohol which affects the central nervous system, tension and anxiety can all result in hand tremors. Try cutting down whichever is applicable to you and see if the tremor reduces. Other causes for hand tremors can be Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, old age, Parkinson’s disease, thyroid problems, low sugar, medications and so on. If there is a serious underlying cause, medications should be taken. If tremors occur due to a benign cause, it can be termed as essential tremor. This can affect any part of your body, but generally trembling occurs mostly in hands. You can always depend on home remedies which are effective and easy, if you are suffering from the less dangerous essential tremor.
Home Remedies For Hand Tremors
Teas And Oils For Hand Tremors

Chamomile Tea For Hand Tremors In most of the cases, hand tremors occur due to anxiety or stress. Teas from herbs such as chamomile, lavandula, cloves and wild thyme works best as stress busters. Once the stress level comes down, hand tremors will also disappear.Tea tree oil, chamomile and lavender oil also works best to control tension. The anti-inflammatory property makes these oils a great remedy for hand tremors.
Valerian For Hand Tremors

Valerian For Hand Tremors Valerian is an herb that can help calm your nerves, relax and sleep peacefully. Grind the root of Valerian and mix it with a few ounces of water, keep it for 5 minutes before you consume. This will give good results in controlling hand tremors.
Load On B Vitamins For Hand Tremors

B Vitamins For Hand Tremors Hand tremors which fall under the essential tremor category is generally a neurological condition. Eating foods rich in B complex can help calm the nerves to a great extent. Leafy vegetables, egg yolks, beans, whole grains are some of the best options.
Exercise And Yoga For Hand Tremors

Yoga For Hand Tremors You can work towards stopping hand tremors from your home by practicing yoga or exercise. If stress is the main reason for your condition, spend a few minutes meditating or doing yoga.Exercises such as walking, jogging, swimming and deep breathing can also help you relax. Sleeping peacefully improves your mental condition, brings down your stress levels considerably and stops hand tremors.
Foods To Avoid For Hand Tremors

Avoid Alcohol For Hand Tremors Certain foods push up the activity of the nervous system, which eventually leads to tremors. Such foods need to be avoided from your diet. Foods with caffeine or alcohol should be a strict ‘no’. Also, avoid sauces, dressings and condiments. Refined sugars increase the blood sugar and result in insulin imbalances that can cause tremors. It is better to avoid ice-creams, desserts, cakes made of refined sugars. Hand tremors can be controlled and in most of the cases treated completely at home with the help of the above discussed home remedies.

How To Make Non-Toxic Homemade Sunscreen

Chemical Sunscreens Can Be Really Scary . . .

Most of the active chemical ingredients contain potent endocrine disruptors, and experts believe exposure to them is changing us for the worse. And as we talked about yesterday, many “healthy” mineral sunscreens contain nanoparticles which have been linked to accelerated skin aging, cancer and environmental toxicity. Not to mention that many of them use omega-6 rich oils such as soy and sunflower/safflower, which may disturb the healthy balance of fats most likely to resist oxidation.

Most days we skip sunscreen altogether and use antioxidants instead, but on days we are going to be out much longer than usual we do use sunscreen.

Based on all the scary stuff I just mentioned you may be asking if there are ANY sunscreens I’d recommend. Thanks to this sunscreen review by Katie over at Kitchen Stewardship, the answer is yes. Most days I skip the sunscreen and let antioxidants do the work, but for long days at the beach Green Screen is something I would be comfortable using on my family. It’s not perfect – it contains a small amount of soy – but it’s very good overall.
(Where to buy my top sunscreen pick)

Loving Naturals also has a pretty good one. They actually list the micron size of their zinc oxide – it’s within range of normal particles so I’m guessing it’s not micronized. The only thing I’d change is switch out the omega-6 rich sunflower oil for something else. Not a huge deal to me, though. And yay! They have a baby version, too!

Where to buy my #2 sunscreen pick
What’s The Difference Between Nano-sized and Micronized?

Good question! Micronization is a grinding process, not a size. It can be used to make nanomaterials (100 nanometers or smaller, usually around 10-50), or something smaller than nanosize but larger than the non-micronized “bulk” form that has been shown to be non-toxic (200-500 nanometers).

From what I understand, micronization appears to create at least some nanoparticles through it’s process even when the targeted size is larger . . . kind of like leftover sawdust. So even if it is “non-nano” micronized there is still a possibility it contains nanomaterial. Bulk forms that have not been subjected to micronization do not carry that risk. This may not be a factor at all (reports are conflicting), but for now I’m staying away from them.

Natural Remedies For Ear Infections

Ear Infections That . . . Aren’t

So, this may be an odd way to start a post on ear infections, but before we get into the nitty gritty of comfort measures and natural remedies, I want to take a moment to discuss one of the most common misconceptions about ear infections.

And that would be . . . the infection part. According to Dr. Allan Lieberthal, pediatrician and lead author of the American Academy of Pediatrics new guidelines for diagnosing ear infections, the medical community has contributed to the “over-diagnosis of [ear] infection.” (source)

How does this happen? My good friend and former chiropractor, Dr. Haggerton, explains:

“For those of you who have . . . taken your child into the pediatrician because they are hurting, acting funny, and/or pulling at their ears and the doc looked in their ears with the otoscope and said ‘Yep, it’s red, little Johnny’s got an ear infection. I’ll write you a script for an antibiotic.’

Think about that for a minute, how did the doctor know just off of the color of the tympanic membrane that your child had an infection?!?

They didn’t.”

    Lifetime Family Wellness Center: Pediatric Ear Infections

Doctor looking at little girl ear infection

The truth is, a red and slightly bulging tympanic membrane can be a sign that fluid is not draining well, but it’s not necessarily a sign of ear infection. And even if an infection is present, according to CBS News Medical Correspondent Dr. Jennifer Ashton most ear infections are viral in nature and won’t respond to antibiotics anyway. (source)

So what will that course of antibiotics really do to help your child? If the earache has been misdiagnosed – absolutely nothing. Or worse, according to Consumer Reports it may actually cause future ear infections! (source)

So if ear infections are over-diagnosed, what else causes earaches? According to Dr. Haggerton . . .

“with children, the eustachian tube (ear canal) is not slanted down like ours as adults.. Their canal is straight across or horizontal, [meaning] your baby doesn’t get much help from gravity to get the fluid to drain out of the lymph nodes and the ears into the throat and out of their body. The problem comes when fluid and congestion build up in the lymph nodes in the neck and throat and cannot be moved or flushed out of the child’s body. That fluid has to go somewhere so if the fluid can’t go back ‘down’, then it will frequently back up into the child’s eustachian tube and cause fluid pressure on the back of the ear drum.”

    Lifetime Family Wellness Center: Pediatric Ear Infections

Wrinkle Treatment: 12 Hacks And Home Remedies To Naturally Prevent Wrinkles

Wrinkles are the inevitable signs of aging we can’t avoid unless we go under the knife, lasers, or chemical peels, but they’re expensive and only lessen the appearance. Nature has a way of supplying what we need, and as long as we know what we’re looking for, we can find our at-home remedies throughout our kitchen and bathroom cabinets.

Unfortunately, when skin ages it loses its collagen, which is the skin’s main tightening protein responsible for creating a smooth taut surface. This makes everyone susceptible to the fine lines, sagging and hollowness that appear on the face. The effects of aging on the dermal layer are significant. Not only does the dermal layer thin, but also less collagen is produced. With those odds against you, how do you prevent wrinkles?

While genes do play a role in the aging process, the actions you take control many of the processes’ speed and level of damage. Take control and try an inexpensive banana face mask or set time aside for a 30-second face massage every morning to prevent and treat fine lines and wrinkles.


12 Wrinkle-Fighting Hacks & Home Remedies:

 1. Oils

Coconut oil is rich in antioxidants and can prevent the formation of free radicals that are one of the primary causes of early aging. It’s a natural skin-softening moisturizer and contains emollient, which helps reduce wrinkles that have already developed. Massage into your skin each night before bed to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while you sleep.

Olive oil was first used over 5,000 years ago when it was extracted from the olive tree, which Egyptians quickly adapted as a cosmetic product. It’s used more often as a moisturizer because it’s rich in antioxidants, vitamins A and E, which also help to fight the skin-damaging free radicals. Take a tablespoon of olive oil and massage it gently into the skin twice a day. It also works to protect against sun damage and after exposure.
2. Superfoods

Your skin is a combination of proteins, water, and fats, and it needs a healthy food supply for replenishment. Almonds pack skin-plumping and hydrating fats along with vitamin E, while a powerful antioxidant helps deter UV damage. Blueberries have a very concentrated combination of antioxidants and collagen-protecting vitamin C. Tomatoes are also packed with vitamin C, but they have the important component lycopene, which protects skin from sun damage and improves the vascular system, which will give you a natural glow thanks to the extra blood circulation.
3. Banana Mask

This powerfully healthy fruit isn’t just good for eating, but can also be used as a creamy face mask. Mash one banana up with a teaspoon of orange juice and a teaspoon of plain yogurt, then leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes. The vitamin A will help fade dark spots and blemishes, while vitamin B will prevent aging, and potassium will moisturize and hydrate skin cells. Vitamin E is known as “the protector” because of its strength in fighting free radical damage and bolstering the skin’s resistance to UV damage.

Home remedies Hemorrhoids

You can often relieve the mild pain, swelling and inflammation of hemorrhoids with home treatments. Often these are the only treatments needed.

    Use topical treatments. Apply an over-the-counter hemorrhoid cream or suppository containing hydro cortisone, or use pads containing witch hazel or a numbing agent.
    Soak regularly in a warm bath or sitz bath. Soak your anal area in plain warm water 10 to 15 minutes two to three times a day. A sitz bath fits over the toilet. You can get one at most drugstores.
    Keep the anal area clean. Bathe (preferably) or shower daily to cleanse the skin around your anus gently with warm water. Soap isn't necessary and may aggravate the problem. Avoid alcohol based or perfumed wipes. Gently dry the area with a hair dryer after bathing.
    Don't use dry toilet paper. To help keep the anal area clean after a bowel movement, use moist towelettes or wet toilet paper that doesn't contain perfume or alcohol.
    Apply cold. Apply ice packs or cold compresses on your anus to relieve swelling.
    Take oral pain relievers. You can use acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) temporarily to help relieve your discomfort.

With these treatments, hemorrhoid symptoms often go away within a week. See your doctor if you don't get relief in a week, or sooner if you have severe pain or bleeding.

Prevention
By Mayo Clinic Staff

The best way to prevent hemorrhoids is to keep your stools soft, so they pass easily. To prevent hemorrhoids and reduce symptoms of hemorrhoids, follow these tips:

    Eat high-fiber foods. Eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Doing so softens the stool and increases its bulk, which will help you avoid the straining that can cause hemorrhoids or worsen symptoms from existing hemorrhoids. Add fiber to your diet slowly to avoid problems with gas.
    Drink plenty of fluids. Drink six to eight glasses of water and other liquids (not alcohol) each day to help keep stools soft.
    Consider fiber supplements. Most people don't get enough of the recommended amount of fiber — 25 grams a day for women and 38 grams a day for men — in their diet. Studies have shown that over-the-counter fiber supplements, such as Metamucil and Citrucel, improve overall symptoms and bleeding from hemorrhoids. These products help keep stools soft and regular.

    If you use fiber supplements, be sure to drink at least eight glasses of water or other fluids every day. Otherwise, the supplements can cause constipation or make constipation worse.
    Don't strain. Straining and holding your breath when trying to pass a stool creates greater pressure in the veins in the lower rectum.
    Go as soon as you feel the urge. If you wait to pass a bowel movement and the urge goes away, your stool could become dry and be harder to pass.
    Exercise. Stay active to help prevent constipation and to reduce pressure on veins, which can occur with long periods of standing or sitting. Exercise can also help you lose excess weight that may be contributing to your hemorrhoids.
    Avoid long periods of sitting. Sitting too long, particularly on the toilet, can increase the pressure on the veins in the anus.