In this at home video workout, Jen Hilman shows us stretches for back pain. Incredibly relaxing and stress melting, this yoga for flexibility will be your favorite video yet. Feel some back pain relief after following along to this stretch routine ....
Olive Oil has been used on the body since ancient times. Naturally, olive oil is packed with anti-aging antioxidants and hydrating squalene, making it superb for hair, skin and nails; and of course, it's an essential in any DIY beauty maven's kit ....
1. Preshampoo Hair Treatment
First, warm the olive oil in the microwave for in hot water. Then apply it generously to the ends of hair and scalp. Leave it in for up to 10 to 20 minutes, and then shampoo it out.
2. Lip Scrub
Combine coarse sugar with a teaspoon of oil for a chapped-lip fix. You can also add a splash of lemon juice for added flavor and acidic exfoliating properties. You can expand the recipe for your whole body.
3. Eye-Makeup Remover
Slathering olive oil all over your face won't cause bigger problems or clog pores. In actuality, the oil grabs onto other oil-based products, making it a great pre-cleaning step to remove stubborn eye makeup. Follow it up with warm water and a pH-balanced face wash.
4. Ear-Wax Remedy
If you often have ear-wax buildup, turn to olive oil to flush out the clog. For three or four nights, put a few drops in the ears before bed to help loosen excess wax.
5. Shine Serum
There's no need to buy a separate hair product to impart shine on second-day strands. Just rub a few drops of olive oil on flyaway ends after styling for an extra-glossy finish.
6. Shaving Cream
Slather legs with olive oil before applying the blade. You'll ward off razor burn and bumps with the help of this natural lubricant.
7. Antibacterial Balm
If you're taking an all-natural approach to medicine, you can whip up this DIY recipe for Neosporing knockoff. It includes antibacterial olive oil along with lavender, calendula, and tea tree oil to ward off germs and scarring.
8. Cuticle Conditioner
Want to grow longer, stronger nails? Use olive oil as your cuticles' softener.
9. Eczema Remedy
The best and most widespread use for olive oil is as an intense moisturizer. This product works great as an allover treatment for extra-dry skin. Since it's natural, it's the ideal pick for eczema and more.
10. Diaper-Rash Treatment
There are very few product that are safe for both babies and adults. Olive oil is perfect for the sensitive skin on a baby's bottom and as a moisturizing remedy for cradle cap too.
11. Cracked-Heel Repair
Split, rough heels need moisture to heal. After exfoliating with a pumice stone, apply olive oil to feet. Put on socks to lock in the hydrating treatment as you sleep.
12. Makeup-Brush Cleaner
Cleaning your makeup brushes should be a monthly ritual. You can use a DIY cleanser that's two parts antibacterial soap and one part olive oil.
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Do you think in colors, vibrations or physical sensations? ...
Aloe Vera is one of the most common platns with beauty benefits; it contains antioxidant properties that can aid in soothing of the skin, which is why you usually see it listed as a main ingredients in after-sun products. If you suffer from stubborn acne, you can also apply aloe vera extracts on your skin, which may do the trick in terms of clearing it up. If your skin tends to be on the sensetive side, you may also have trouble with makeup removers causing irritation. Instead of grabbing the wipes, try dipping a cotton ball in aloe vera gel and removing your eye makeup with it. Apply the same gel to sunburn spot for relief. Bonus: This succulent plant can be maintained without much watering, so it's easy to care for.
Elderflower is popular for medical purposes, but is often sought after for skin care. Elderflower oil can be used as a skin ointment to sooth rashes and treat scars. It also has antioxidant elements that act as anti-aging, making it a great option for a natural skin care treatment.
Green Tea (Camellia Sinensis) is always there when we need to alleviate a nasty cold. Not only is camellia sinensis useful during cold season, but it can also be used in various ways for beauty. If you have problems with dandruff and hair loss, then using green tea as a hair wash might be your solution. Boil some green tea like you normally would for drinking, and let it cool down all the way. Rinse your hair with it in the shower for smooth, shiny hair.
Witch Hazel is one that might surprise you. Consider it your new best friend for a gently acne-fighting solution. Anti-acne products can often be strong and irritate your skin, but witch hazel works to soothe skin overall. Mix lemon juice with witch hazel extract and water to create a skin toner. This will help get rid of scars left by acne and give you a bright glow.
Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) will not only make your garden smell good, but it will also help your skin when you've gotten a nasty insect bit. It contains ferulic acid, which protects the skin against damage. You can also make a lemon-balm ointment to cure sunburn and sores.
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Here's a tutorial on how to make non-fluoride toothpaste for sensitive teeth that is safe for the whole family to use ....
Our modern fast-moving lifestyle, unhealthy eating habits, excessive stress, sleep deficiency, lack of sport and physical activities and many other factors negatively influence our health both physically and mentally. Most of us can not change our everyday habits overnight but what can we do is following simple body hacks. Seemingly insignificant, these little tricks can be surprisingly helpful and efficient. From controlling drunkenness symptoms to managing stress before a big exam, check out these hacks that life is trying to hide from us ....
Aloe vera is the go-to natural alternative for so many health, beauty and wellness benefits. And it is so easy to grow and harness the benefits directly from the plant ....
Venous disease may have multiple contribution factors. From body postures to emotions, many things affect your circulation. But all the factors can be divided into two steps. Follow those two steps and you will not only rid of varicose veins, but also get healthy looking legs for the rest of your life ....
Step 1: Reduce the pressure on your veins
Your veins, especially those in your legs, have to pump the blood ''up hill'' to the heart, against gravity. If you are prone to varicose veins, this extra work on your lower body can cause your veins to enlarge.
Fortunate, simple lifestyle changes can greatly reduce the pressure your veins have to endure. Talk with your doctor see which of the options of STEP 1 are best for you.
- Exercise correctly
Recommended: Swimming, fast-paced walking, biking, tai chi, yoga and stretching
Not Recommended: Skiing and water skiing, squash, tennis, football, weightlifting, boxing, karate, judo, taekwondo, stairmaster, running
If for any reason you want to continue practicing the sports that are not recommended, make sure to wear compression stocking and reinforce your veins with the right supplements.
Breathing is also very important to prevent varicose veins during a workout. If you block your breathing when applying force during an exercise, you are causing intense pressure on your venous system. Remember to always breathe out when exerting effort. Never hold your breathe.
- Wear the right pair of shoes
Now that we are talking about clothes, don't wear any underwear or pants that are tight at the waist or in the groin. This acts as tourniquet that restricts blood flow and can increase your risk of developing varicose veins.
- Maintaining healthy body weight
- Drink enough water throughout the day
- Wear compression stockings
- Elevate the foot of your bed
Step 2: Reinforce the walls of your veins
The latest studies point to the fact that alterations in the vein wall precede any other change during varicose vein formation. Your goal then is to find which options you can use to increase your venous tone. Because of genetic factors predisposing you of varicose veins, you many need to take a few extr 'reinforcers' compare to the average individual.
- Avoid the heat, seek the gold
If you are not used to taking cold showers, start slowly. Try lowering the temperature gradually each time.
- Take natural supplements
Pine Bark contains high levelvs of special bioflavonoids called )PCs (oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes).
OPCs are antioxidant chemicals that appear to have the ability to improve collagen, reduce capillary leakage, and aids in controlling inflammation.
Diosmin Circulation Essentials formula includes an important substance called Diosmin. This unique bioflavonoid is derived from the rind of several citrus fruits and has been clinically shown to be a highly effective way to improve circulation and strengthen the veins in the legs.
It is the most effective ingredient to treat varicose veins, and best of all, it now available to you in a simple supplement.
Grape seeds are high in flavonoids which are powerful antioxidants that enhance capillary and vain function. Extracts of grape seed can definitively relieve the pain and the swelling of venous insufficiency and varicose veins.
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This circuit routine uses cardio and resistance to work all areas of our abs and burn fat. Warm up for three minutes, then do each exercise for one minute break between the 3-4 circuits ....
Your home should be a place where you feel blissful and content after a long day at work. Anna Williamson is back in the studio sharing with us her top 6 ways to make your home into a happy place so that your life is relaxed and peaceful when you are there ....
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It's recommended that the average person eat 2000 calories a day. The recommendation is to have a variety of food groups, but we just want to eat out favorite food all the time. So how much should we eat?
When we are feeling a little under the weather, not everyone wants to take a pill or go to the doctors every time they have a headache or sore throat. Here are some life hacks that could improve your health. Try some of these natural remedies and see if they will help your situation out.
Please Note: These won't work for everyone and if you do have something severe it is best to see a doctor ....
1. If you're trying to quit smoking got to a sauna 3 days in a row. You'll sweat out the nicotine and it'll be easier to quit.
2. Putting a Tums pill on a painful mouth ulcer will cause it to go away in a matter of hours.
3. You can shrink a pimple in minutes by putting a dab of Listerine on it. The alcohol will dry it up and cause it to fade.
4. The gel from an Advil liquid gel will cure a pimple right away.
5. Chewing the same flavor gum when taking a test as you did when studying will improve your memory.
6. Next time you have a bad sore throat, eat marshmallows.
7. Fix your sleep schedule: Your circadian rhythm can be manipulated by your eating schedule. Stop eating during 12-16 hour period before you want to be awake. Once you start eating again, your internal clock will be reset as though it's the start of a new day. Your body will consider the time you break your fast as your new ''morning''.
8. 30 minutes of exercise can make you 10% smarter.
9. Get rid of unwanted hair anywhere. For one week, rub 2 tbsp coffee grounds mixed with 1 tsp baking soda. The baking soda intensifies the compounds of the coffee breaking down the hair follicles at the root.
10. Eating salmon can help your hair grow faster.
11. Smiling naturally lifts the muscles in the face and slows down the rate at which we age.
12. Lemon juice with a pinch of salt (warm) every morning lowers cholesterol levels and brings down your weight.
13. Drinking half a glass of water before bed and half a glass when waking up can serve as a psychological cue to remember all of your dreams.
14. Exhale on alternate feet while running to avoid cramps. This prevents adding extra stress to one side of your body.
15. Cauliflower dipped in BBQ sauce tastes almost the same as chicken nuggets and it's infinitely healthier.
16. Mash up a strawberry with half a teaspoon baking soda create a paste. Spread the mixture onto your teeth with a toothbrush or your finger and let it sit for five minutes. Rinse out your mouth and brush your teeth with your regular toothpaste. Strawberries contain an enzyme called malic acid that removes stains from teeth.
17. If you drink more water during the day, your body has less effort to do at night. This means, you can get less sleep if you're well hydrated.
18. If your throat itches, scratch your ear. Doing so stimulates the nerves in your ear and create a reflect in the throat which causes a muscle spasm that kills the itchy feeling.
19. Grape juice can be used to relieve sever migraines.
20. Take an empty tissue box and attach it to a full tissue box with rubber bands. Then as people need a tissue, they can throw it away in the empty box. Works great if you have a cold.
21. Trying to eat less? It helps your mind think there's more food, and it limits what you can pile onto your plate.
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Dandruff may be the result of a dry scalp, or a skin condition called seborrheic dermatitis. It could also be caused by eczema, psoriasis, or, very commonly, an overgrowth of a yeastlike fungus called malassezia. If you want to treat dandruff naturally, here are 11 remedies to try ....
Aspirin
Aspirin contains the same active ingredients (salicylic acid) as many medicated dandruff shampoos. Keep flaking in check by crushing two aspirins to a fine powder and adding it to the normal amount of shampoo you use each time you wash your hair. Leave the mixture on your hair for 1-2 minutes, then rinse well and wash again with plain shampoo.
Tea tree oil
One study showed that shampoos with just 5% tea tree oil significantly improves the severity of dandruff. You can also add a few drops of tea tree oil to your favorite shampoo as you wash normally.
Baking soda
Your kitchen could hold the key to an itch-free, flake-free scalp. Wet your hair and then rub a handful of baking soda vigorously into your scalp. Skip the shampoo and go right to rinsing. Baking soda reduces overactive fungi that can cause dandruff. Your hair may get dried out at first, but after a few weeks your scalp will start producing natural oils, leaving your hair softer and free of flakes.
Apple cider vinegar
Dr. Mehmet Oz swears by apple cider vinegar as a dandruff treatment, as the acidity of apple cider vinegar changes the pH of your scalp, making it harder for yeast to grow. Mix a quarter cup apple cider vinegar with a quarter cup water in spray bottle and spritz on your scalp. Wrap your had in a towel and let sit for 15 minutes to an hour, then wash your hair as usual. Do this twice a week.
Mouthwash
To treat a bad case of dandruff, wash your hair with your regular shampoo, then rinse with an alcohol-based mouthwash. Follow with your regular conditioner. Mouthwash's anti-fungal properties help prevent dandruff-causing yeast from growing.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil is a ''tried and true'' dandruff treatment, and it smells nice too. Before showering, massage 3-5 tablespoons of coconut oil into your scalp and let sit for about an hour. Shampoo normally. You can also look for a shampoo that already contains coconut oil.
Lemon
Dandruff relief may be no farther away than your refrigerator. Just massage 2 tablespoon lemon juice into your scalp and rinse with water. Then stir 1 teaspoon lemon juice into 1 cup water and rinse your hair with it. Repeat this daily until your dandruff disappears. Lemon's acidity helps balance the pH of your scalp, which helps keeps dandruff at bay.
Salt
The abrasiveness of ordinary table salt works great for scrubbing out dandruff flakes before you shampoo. Grab a saltshaker and shake some salt onto your dry scalp. Then work it through your hair, giving your scalp a massage. You'll find you've worked out the dry, flaky skin and are ready for a shampoo.
Aloe vera
Stop yourself from scratching by massaging aloe vera into your scalp before shampooing. The cooling effects of aloe vera will soothe the itch.
Garlic
Garlic's anti-fungal properties are perfect for eliminating dandruff-causing bacteria. Crush garlic and rub it into your scalp. To avoid that potent smell, lealwithfood.org suggests mixing crushed garlic with honey and massaging into the scalp before washing as usual.
Olive oil
An overnight olive oil soak is a folk remedy for dandruff. Massage about 10 drops into your scalp and cover with a shower cap overnight. Follow your regular shampoo routine in the morning. For a quicker cure, look for a shampoo that contains olive oil.
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Foot odor is not only the bane of your existence, but also a major turn-off to others. If you don't solve the problem immediately, it might make you lose a potential partner or client or even other relationships. Even though people should look (or smell) past beyond this problem to truly appreciate and love you for who you are, please do them and yourself a favor by curing your smelly fee. And here's how ....
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Diabetes is one of the fast growing lifestyle disorder that can be effectively manged with few lifestyle modifications and eating a healthy diet. Characterized by high blood sugar levels in the body, this condition affects the body's ability to either produce insulin or to use insulin effectively. Although there are numerous treatment options available to keep your blood sugar levels in control, home remedies can work wonders in achieving this task. Here are top 10 effective home remedies to maintain your blood sugar levels and lead a healthy life with diabetes ....
Holy Basil (tulsi) leaves
The leaves of holy basil are packed with antioxidants and essential oils that produce eugenol, methyl eugenol and caryophyllence. Collectively these compounds help the pancreatic beta cells (cells that store and release insulin) to function properly and increase sensitivity to insulin. An added advantage is that the antioxidants present in the leaves help beat the ill effects of oxidative stress.
Tip: Consume two to three tulsi leaves whole or about one tablespoon full of its juice on an empty stomach to lower the blood sugar levels.
Flax seeds (Alsi)
Due to their high fibre content flaxseeds help digestion and aid in the proper absorption of fats and sugars. Consuming flax seed helps reduce a diabetic's postprandial sugar level by almost 28 per cent.
Tip: Consume on tablespoon of ground flaxseed powder every morning on an empty stomach with a glass of warm water. However, do not have more than 2 tablespoons per day, as it can be detrimental to your health.
Leaves of bilberry (neelabadari) plant
The leave of bilberry have been used in Ayerveda for many centuries to control diabetes. Recently, the Journal of Nutrition stated that the leaves of the Bilberry plant contain high amounts of anthocyanidin, which enhance the action of various proteins involved in glucose transportation and fat metabolism. Due to this unique property, blibbery leaves are a great way to lower one's blood sugar levels.
Tip: Crush bliberry leaves in a normal and pestle and consume 100 milligrams of this extract everyday on an empty stomach.
Cinnamon (dalchini)
Also known as dalchini, it improves insulin sensitivity and lower blood glucose levels. Having as little as 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon per day can improve one's insulin sensitivity and help controlling weight, there by decreasing one's risk for hear disease.
Tip: Include about 1 gram of dalchini into your daily diet for about a month to help lower blood sugar levels.
Green Tea
Unlike other tea leaves, green tea is unfermented and is high in polyphenol content. Plyphenol is a strong antioxidant and hypo-glycaemic compound that helps control the release of blood sugars and helps the body use insulin better.
Tip: Steep a bag of green tea in hot water for 2-3 minutes. Remove the bag and drink a cup of this tea in the morning or before your meals.
Drumstick leaves
Also called moringa, the leaves of this plant are best known for their ability to boost one's energy. In the case of diabetics, the morninga leaf increases satiety and slows the breakdown of food and lower blood pressure.
Tip: Take a few drumstick leaves, wash and crush them to extract their juice. Now take about 1/4th cup of this juice and drink it on an empty stomach, every morning to keep your sugar levels under control.
Psyllium husk (Isabgol)
Also known as psyllium husk is often used as a laxative. When isabgol comes in contact with water, it swells to form a gel-like substance. This slows the breakdown and asorption of blood glucose. Isabgol also protects the stomach lining from ulcers and acidity.
Tip: Comsume isabgol after every meal, ideally with mild or water. Avoid having it with curd as it can leas to constipation.
Bitter gourd (Karela)
Rich in plant insulin-polypeptide-P, a bio-chemical that mimics the insulin produced by the human pancreas and thus, reduces sugar levels in the body. You may like to read about home remedies for diabetes. It is also known to be highly beneficial for diabetics owing to the two very essential compounds in lowering one's blood sugar levels.
Tip: Consume karela at least once a week either as subzi or in a curry. If you want quick results, try having a glass of karela juice on an empty stomack once in three days.
Neem
Found abundantly in India, the bitter leaf has a number of amazing medicinal properties. Neem enhances insulin receptor sensitivity, helps improve blood circulation by dilating the blood vessels, lowers blood glucose levels and reduces one's dependence on hypoglycaemic drugs.
Tip: Drink the juice of the tender shoot of neem leaves on an empty stomach for best results.
Indian blackberry (Jamun)
A glycoside present in the seeds of India blackberry prevents the conversion of starch to sugar. It lowers blood sugar and helps prevent insulin spikes. Jambul also has properties that can protect you form heart diseases and other vascular disorders.
Tip: Eat around 5-6 jamuns in the morning to control your blood sugar levels. Alternatively, you can also add a spoonful of jamun seeds powder to a glass of warm water or milk and drink this daily for better control of diabetes.
1. Place a cool compress on sunburned skin.
2. Take a cool shower or bath
- Add one cup of cider vinegar to a bath to help balance the pH (acid or alkalinity) of sunburned skin, and promote healing.
- Soak in an oatmeal bath. This is especially helpful for itchy sunburned skin.
4. Topical over-the-counter 1% hydrocortisone cream may help relieve sunburn paint, itch, and swelling.
5. Take over-the-counter pain relievers to help relieve pain and inflammation.
6. Apply cool, not cold, milk with a clean cloth to your skin. The milk will create a protein film that helps ease sunburn discomfort.
7. Vitamin E, an antioxidant, can help decrease inflammation caused by sunburn. Use Vitamin E oil on the skin, or take a regular dose of the supplement.
8. Apply freshly brewed tea after it has cooled to skin using a clean cloth. The tannic acid in black tea reportedly helps draw heat from sunburned skin, and also aids in restoring the pH balance.
9. Cucumbers have natural antioxidant and analgesic properties. Chill cucumbers, then mash in a blender to create a paste, and apply to affected areas including the face.
The best remedy is PREVENTION. Always use sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and avoid direct sun exposure.
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This workout will tone the body in 25 minutes ....
