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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

8 Natural Remedies That May Help You Sleep

Before you rush to the drugstore to buy an over-the-counter (OTC) sleep medication, try one of the following natural sleep remedies. Many of these can not only help you fall asleep and stay asleep, but they may also promote muscle relaxation.
Sleep well, sleep better

If sleep has plunged to the bottom of your to-do list, you're not alone. Although the National Sleep Foundation recommends getting seven to nine hours of sleep a night, the average American logs only six hours and 40 minutes. What gives? Blame crazy schedules and, of course, sleeping woes. Before you rush to the drugstore to buy an over-the-counter (OTC) sleep medication, try one of the following natural sleep remedies. "These are safer and have fewer side effects than OTC medications," says Jacob Teitelbaum, MD, author of From Fatigued to Fantastic and medical director of the national Fibromyalgia and Fatigue Centers. Many of these can not only help you fall asleep and stay asleep, but they may also promote muscle relaxation.

Magnesium and calcium

Magnesium and calcium are both sleep boosters, and when taken together, they become even more effective. Plus, by taking magnesium, you cancel out any potential heart problems that might arise from taking calcium alone. Take 200 milligrams of magnesium—lower the dose if it causes diarrhea—and 600 milligrams of calcium each night.

Wild lettuce

If you've suffered anxiety, headaches, or muscle or joint pain, you might already be familiar with wild lettuce. It's also effective at calming restlessness and reducing anxiety—and may even quell restless legs syndrome. When using a wild-lettuce supplement, take 30 to 120 milligrams before bed.

Hops

Beer fans will no doubt be familiar with the calming effect of hops, the female flowers used in beer making. For sleep purposes, though, this extract has been widely used as a mild sedative for anxiety and insomnia. Take 30 to 120 milligrams before climbing under the covers.

Aromatherapy

Lavender is the trick here, as studies have proven that it aids in sleep. It's also a cheap, nontoxic way to slip into a peaceful slumber. Find a spray with real lavender and spritz it on your pillow before bedtime. Or buy a lavender-filled pillow.

Melatonin

Melatonin is the hormone that controls sleep, so it's no wonder that it naturally induces sleep. Although some experts recommend taking higher doses, studies show that lower doses are more effective. Plus, there's concern that too-high doses could cause toxicity as well as raise the risk of depression or infertility. Take 0.3 to 0.5 milligrams before bed.

Yoga or meditation

Choose gentle yoga or stretching, not vigorous power or ashtanga yoga, which could energize you instead. Try easy yoga stretches in bed followed by simple meditation. Close your eyes and, for 5 to 10 minutes, pay attention to nothing but your breathing.

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.