Top 16 Homemade Face Packs to Remove Sun Tan – Natural Remedies

Summer is almost here and it’s time to store away the sweaters and jackets and usher in the pretty summer dresses. After the long cold winter, it is time to enjoy the sunshine with family and friends in beaches and parks. Despite all the happiness and fun, at the end of the day most of us are left with ugly and unattractive sun tan on face and hands that are not easy to get rid of. Most of us go for a quick bleaching session or use chemical laden cosmetic products for instant tan removal, but all these take toll on our skin in the long run. When it comes to side-effects free healing of tanned skin, home remedies using natural ingredients is the best option because it soothes and nourishes the skin and removes the tan in a caring, gentle manner.

Natural Home Remedies for Removing Sun Tan

Harmful Effects of Sun Tan:

Excessive exposure to ultra violate rays (UVA and UVB) of the sun accelerates melanin production in the skin that leads to darkening of exposed skin. Sun tan usually occurs on body parts that are exposed to sun such as, face, neck, arms and legs. Sun tan causes various skin problems such as:

Top 16 Home Made Remedies for Sun Tanned Skin Using Natural Ingredients:

Instead of splurging on expensive cosmetic products that are loaded with harmful chemicals and bleaching agents, use these nourishing and wholesome face packs prepared from au naturel ingredients that are easily available and hustle free to make.
Cucumber, Rose Water and Lemon Juice Pack:

The acidic property of lemon acts as a natural bleach in removing tan and fighting pimples.  The cucumber juice and rose water acts as cooling agents for soothing the blemished skin. Take a table spoon each of cucumber juice, lemon juice and rose water and mix in a bowl. Apply with cotton on tanned areas, wait for 10 minutes and wash off with cold water. Apply this pack every day after you get back home from the sun.

5 Natural Remedies For Pink Eye

3 Reasons To ♥ Pink Eye

1. It’s a nice break from giving the stink eye. Gotta mix things up, you know?

2. You can use it to repel awkward interactions – “Don’t come near, I’m CONTAGIOUS!”

3. Sorry, that’s all I’ve got. Who actually loves pink eye???

Fortunately, there are several natural remedies for pink eye out there that mamas swear by. Today I’m going to share them with you, along with studies I’ve found related each remedy. But first, let’s ask one very important question . . .
Is It Viral, Bacterial, or An Allergy?
Viral Pink Eye Is . . .

    Typically marked by clear, watery drainage
    Contagious
    Likely to start in one eye and move to the other
    Not treatable with antibiotics. “Most viral pinkeye cases have no specific treatment – you just have to let the virus run its course, which is usually four to seven days” (source)
    Often somewhat alleviated by some of the comfort measures listed below. Immune system support may also be helpful.
    Often difficult to discern from bacterial pink eye

Bacterial Pink Eye Is . . .

    Typically marked by greenish yellow drainage
    Contagious
    Likely to start in one eye and move to the other
    Usually treated with antibiotic eye drops. Some who prefer to avoid antibiotics use some of the natural approaches below.
    Often difficult to discern from viral pink eye

7 Reasons It’s OK to Cry Your Eyes Out

“Crying is all right in its way while it lasts. But you have to stop sooner or later, and then you still have to decide what to do.” – C.S. Lewis

Crying is our emotional connection with the world. This simple act is often seen as a weakness when it actually demonstrates the strength in us. It allows us to celebrate the positive and helps us to let go of the negative things in our lives.

There are three types of tears:

    Continuous tears that keep the surface around the eye moist in order to protect against infection.
    Reflex tears that flow when something irritates the eye area.
    Emotional tears that have a different chemical make-up and can be a natural painkiller.

Regardless of the type of tears you are shedding, crying is a natural reaction of our body and one that promotes a healthier mind.
Here are seven reasons why it is perfectly okay to cry:
1. Tears help you let go and move on.

Pretending everything is okay doesn’t solve anything, and all it does is lead to a wealth of pent-up emotions. A good cry is a great way to release the need to hold onto something that is no longer of service. Carrying around emotional baggage can affect your mental health so cry and let it out.
2. Tears have numerous health benefits.

Crying releases toxins and kills bacteria. It is our body’s natural defense mechanism against all those pesky germs found in common public places. Our body is designed to protect us and will take any necessary measure to prevent bacteria from getting in. It also works to get rid of foreign elements, so remember that next time you try to stop the tears.

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.

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.

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.

8 Things You Can Start Doing Now to Look Younger

Who Says You Have to Look Your Age?

When it comes to how old you are, age really is just a number. Researchers at the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis recently published a study stating that there are a lot more factors that should go into determining age than how long you’ve been alive. There are plenty of super-simple things you can do to keep your complexion healthy and radiant regardless of what birthday you most recently celebrated. Andrea Robinson, the former head of beauty for Ralph Lauren and Tom Ford and the author of “Toss the Gloss: Beauty Tips and Tricks for Women 50+”, shares her insider knowledge on what anti-aging products really work, makeup tips that are guaranteed to make you look younger, and more.

Use the Right Skin Care Products

When shopping for skin care products, there are three powerful ingredients you should look for to maintain youthful-looking skin, says Robinson. One, check the label for a serum containing antioxidants like vitamin C (Robinson likes Elizabeth Arden Prevage Anti-aging Daily Serum), which will help brighten your skin; two, add retinoids, which increase cell turnover and stimulate collagen renewal, to your routine; and three, start using an alpha hydroxy acid exfoliator to remove the top layer of dead skin cells (Robinson is a fan of Peter Thomas Roth Un-Wrinkle Peel Pads, which are gentle enough to be used daily).

Wear SPF Every Day

Whether it’s humid and 90 degrees outside or chilly and rainy, sunscreen is a must no matter what. So add it to your daily routine if you haven’t already, since sun damage not only causes wrinkles, but can leave you vulnerable to skin cancer. “Use at least an SPF 30, but don’t waste your money on anything higher than SPF 50 since there is little evidence that higher SPFs provide more protective benefits,” Robinson says. Try Paula’s Choice Moisture Boost Daily Restoring Complex SPF 30, which is packed with vitamins and helps moisturize dry skin.

5 Reasons Why Skin Cancer Surgery Isn’t So Scary

Get the inside scoop on Mohs surgery, the most popular treatment option for basal and squamous cell carcinomas.
Wear a wide-brimmed hat to minimize your sun exposure.

Veva Vesper has dealt with more than her fair share of skin cancer in the last 25 years. The 69-year-old Ohio resident has had more than 500 squamous cell carcinomas removed since the late 1980s, when the immunosuppressant medication she was taking for a kidney transplant caused her to develop them all over her body — everywhere from the corner of her eye to her legs.

While Vesper’s story is unusual, skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. In fact, it’s currently estimated that one in five Americans will get skin cancer in his or her lifetime. 

Mike Davis, a 65-year-old retired cop, and like Vesper, a patient at The Skin Cancer Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, has a more familiar story. Earlier this year, he had a basal cell carcinoma removed from his left ear — the side of his face most exposed to UV damage when driving on patrol.

The buildup of sun exposure over your lifetime puts you at greater risk for developing basal and squamous cell skin carcinomas as you age. Both Vesper and Davis had Mohs surgery, the most effective and precise way to remove the two most common types of skin cancer.

RELATED: Spotting the Signs of Skin Cancer

“The benefits of Mohs surgery are twofold: One, you’re going to remove just the cells you need to without having to take a lot of unnecessary tissue, and two, Mohs surgery can tout cure rates of 99 percent,” says Dendy Engelman, MD, a dermatologist and Mohs surgeon in New York City and the director of dermatologic surgery at New York Medical College.

4 Natural Remedies for Nausea

Nausea plagues us all from time to time. Reaching for peppermint, ginger, or an acupressure wrist band may be all you need to get nausea relief.

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Everyone experiences nausea at one point or another. Whether it's related to pregnancy, acid reflux, or cancer treatment, natural remedies may provide some nausea relief. Stocking up your pantry with natural treatments for nausea can help you sail through the worst of it next time.

Nausea arises in a variety of situations, and understanding the cause is important to deciding the most appropriate treatment. For example, pregnancy-related nausea requires a different response than nausea due to cancer treatment.

Pregnancy is a most crucial time for natural treatments. Especially in early pregnancy, when you want to avoid taking medications as much as possible, nausea can be draining and fatiguing. Most natural remedies will work during this stage, however. Every woman’s response is different, so it may take some experimenting to find out which natural treatment provides the greatest nausea relief.

Ginger

Ginger has been used for thousands of years to treat nausea, stomachaches, and diarrhea. "[It's] an excellent treatment for nausea, especially in pregnancy,” says Lauren Richter, DO, assistant medical director of the clinic at the Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore. Other types of nausea helped by ginger include post-surgical nausea, nausea due to chemotherapy, and even motion sickness. Dr. Richter recommends using raw ginger in cooking, drinking it as a tea, or, for those who are not enamored of its taste, eating candied ginger. “Dissolve it in the mouth like a mint,” she says.

Peppermint

Peppermint and peppermint oil are good for nausea relief and may also be helpful in dealing with indigestion or irritable bowel syndrome. “Peppermint is also wonderful for nausea,” says Richter. You can make a peppermint tea or suck on a peppermint candy. “This is also very safe in pregnancy.”

Acupuncture and Acupressure

For thousands of years, Eastern practitioners have been manipulating pressure points throughout the body to address physical symptoms, including nausea. One version of this approach, called acupuncture, involves inserting long, thin needles into the skin to balance the energy pathways and correct health problems. Just remember to only seek acupuncture treatment from a licensed professional, Richter advises.

Acupressure is a version of the same approach which can be performed at home or by a massage therapist. Both acupuncture and acupressure can help nausea caused by pregnancy, cancer, acid-reflux, and other situations. “Again, these therapies are particularly useful in pregnancy, where drug interactions are critical and most drugs are to be avoided,” notes Richter. “There are good reference books out on the market to instruct people on how to do acupressure at home on their own.”

Aromatherapy

Controlling the scents in your environment is another way to approach nausea relief. This means removing the scents that may be contributing to nausea and adding scents that can provide relief, such as peppermint oil or lavender.

“You can place a drop or two [of peppermint oil] on a tissue and inhale the scent when you feel nauseated, or put it in an essential oil diffuser,” says Richter. These essential oils also may be used in massage therapy. Some people may find they have a slight allergic reaction to essential oils placed directly on their skin, however. You should always use a neutral oil, like mineral oil, to dilute essential oils before putting them on your skin.

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

5 Natural Face Mask Recipes

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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

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.
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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.

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.


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• 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.

Home Remedies for Dermatitis

Dermatitis refers to inflammation of the skin. It can be of different types like contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, etc.

Symptoms of dermatitis include inflammation, swelling, itching, burning sensation and redness. Severe dermatitis can also produce blisters, crusting and scaling of skin.

Some of the common causes are an allergic reaction, certain environmental conditions, irritants, accumulation of toxins in the body, nutritional deficiencies, and genetics. People who have thin or dry skin are more prone to dermatitis.

There are many home remedies that can give you relief from dermatitis symptoms. For these natural remedies, you just need some common ingredients from your kitchen.

home remedies for dermatitis

Here are the top 10 home remedies for dermatitis.
1. Coconut Oil

The amazing antimicrobial and moisturizing properties of coconut oil can greatly help deal with the problem of dermatitis. It can significantly reduce redness, scaling and dryness within a few days.

Gently apply some warm coconut oil on the affected area to soften the skin. For best results, use virgin coconut oil daily before going to bed.
2. Oatmeal

An oatmeal bath can help treat skin irritation, itching and rashes. It will also help keep your skin moisturized.

    Mix one cup of fine powdered oatmeal in lukewarm bath water.
    Soak in this bath water for 15 to 20 minutes daily.
    Repeat this remedy daily for one month.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar

Another effective ingredient that can be used for treating dermatitis is apple cider vinegar. It will relieve inflammation and itchiness.

    Mix equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water. Use a cotton ball to apply this solution on the affected skin. Allow it to sit for about 30 minutes, and then clean the area with a damp cotton cloth. Repeat this remedy daily for a few weeks to see positive results.
    Another option is to consume two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar mixed in a glass of water two or three times daily.

Natural Remedies for Under-Eye Bags and Circles

“You look tired…” Ah. Those dreaded three words. Thanks to the lovely dark circles and bags that appear for a laundry list of reasons; heredity, water retention, allergies, toxins, hormones, etc., at times we don’t seem as alert and vibrant as we’d like. Try the natural solutions below and you’ll be struttin’ around, wide-awake before you know it.

Prevention

• A healthy well balanced diet is key but there’s new info that says eating two kiwis a day in yogurt can help to eliminate bags.

• Plenty of H20. Drinking water helps flush the toxins from your body as well as reduce water retention. Try restricting caffeine as this can also bloat you.

• No more salt. This is such a simple little tip with big results. Try limiting salt for a week and notice the difference.

Natural Remedies

• Place cotton balls soaked in milk under your eyes for a few minutes. The lactic acid in the milk helps reduce puffiness and darkness.

• Take protective eye wear or swim goggles; fill with water and freeze. Place on eyes for five minutes.

• Freeze a couple of spoons over night. In the morning rest them on your eyes until they are not cold any longer. If you make an effort to do this every morning you will see a big difference in about two weeks.

• Slice one small piece off of a potato, and cut the slice in half. Put each slice under your eyes and leave them under your eyes for 20 minutes.

• Place two thin lemon slices directly onto your bags or circles. Don’t squeeze your eyes tightly but be careful not to open. After 20 minutes carefully rinse off with cold water.

• Soak two cucumbers in lemon juice for 3-5 minutes. To help get rid of dark circles and puffiness place cucumbers on your eyes for about 10-15 minutes.

Read more: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/natural-remedies-for-under-eye-bags-and-circles.html#ixzz3Y7mvc6u6

13 Natural Remedies for Depression

I’ve been on depression medication since I was 9 years old, well technically it was prescribed for anxiety in the beginning, but soon I was treated for both. In 3rd grade I was able to say, rather clumsily, “I am taking chill pills because there is an imbalance of serotonin in my brain.” Depression is like a worn-out unwanted companion that constantly clings to me, a burden, yes, but very familiar. Over the years I have realized that there are a lot of things that I can do that don’t require prescription medications to help keep my mood fluctuations under control. They take time and effort (there is no quick and easy fix!), but its well worth it in my mind. I still have not weaned myself off of my medications entirely, but it is a goal that I someday hope to achieve and one that I constantly strive for.

1. Eat a “happy” diet

Eating healthy can help with mood in general, but there are some foods that can help with serotonin, the chemical in the brain that contributes to “happy.” Prozac, for example, works by inhibiting serotonin reuptake inhibitors, which raises the levels in your brain. Some foods are serotonin enhancers, helping to raise those levels naturally. They include:

-Fish-oil, rich in Omega-3 fatty acids
-Healthy fat, such as coconut oil
-Flaxseed oil
-Sour cherries
-Eggs

omega 3

2. Steer clear of your coffee

While there are many claims for the benefits of coffee, when it comes to depression, it just doesn’t mix well. It’s true that caffeine will give you a quick boost in your mood, but you’re going to come crashing down. Being exhausted but wired and over-caffeinated doesn’t do anything good for the chemicals that regulate mood, and can in fact affect serotonin synthesis in the brain. This has been noted by the increase of 5-HIA, a component of serotonin, seen in the urine of coffee drinkers. This makes them at risk for lower levels of this all-important neurotransmitter.


3. Drink green tea

I know this seems terribly counterintuitive to number 4, seeing as how green tea also contains caffeine, but it has one other extremely important constituent: L-theanine. L-theanine works synergistically with caffeine to boost mood in such a way that you don’t get the same crash-effect. It has its psychoactive properties because it is able to cross the blood-brain barrier, and has been shown to reduce stress as well as boost dopamine and the brain inhibitory transmitter GABA.

Menstrual cramp remedies: Stop the pain naturally!

Cramp remedies… are you ready for this? Hello, ladies. I’m back talking about our “Aunt Flow.” Yes, Again. Lately, I’ve received some comments and emails asking me for menstrual camp remedies and heavy bleeding. It’s kind of a huge discussion, so I hope I can contain the essence here. Hopefully there is something useful for at least someone.

Without further ado… menstrual cramp remedies in 3, 2, 1…
What are menstrual cramps? Why do they happen?

Menstrual cramps are caused by contractions in the uterus. During each menstrual period, if there is no sperm to fertilize the egg, the uterus contracts to expel its lining. This process is driven by the release of hormone-like substances called prostaglandins.

These uterine contractions cause much of the pain felt during menstrual cramps. The contractions inhibit blood flow to the lining of the uterus. If the uterus contracts too strongly, it can press against nearby blood vessels. This cuts off the supply of oxygen to the muscle tissue of the uterus. Pain results when part of a muscle briefly loses its supply of oxygen. (1, 2)
Conventional menstrual cramp remedies
Pain Medication

Do a quick search for “menstrual cramp remedies.” Go ahead, I’ll wait. I bet you found lots of articles telling you to take ibuprofen at the first sign of menstrual discomfort. I personally try to avoid ibuprofen and most over-the-counter pain relief medications. They should be a last resort to dealing with pain, and preferably not a monthly addition to your diet.

Why? Well, without going into too much detail, ibuprofen can cause bad side effects in your digestive system, nervous system, and cardiovascular system. Um… that’s a lot of systems! (And pretty essential ones at that.) Learn more here.
Hormonal Birth Control

Another common suggestion for menstrual cramp remedies and heavy bleeding is to take birth control pills. This makes sense on some level since the latest research suggests that cramps and other menstrual issues start with hormonal imbalances. However, birth control pills are synthetic hormones. They override the normal hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian hormonal axis to prevent ovulation. In other words: very unnatural.