When we are sick we don't feel like running all around trying to pick up the things we need to help us feel better. It is so much easier if we keep these things on hand. Many of these foods we use on a regular basis, and it could help you from getting sick or if you do get sick you won't be sick for long. You can either refrigerate them or keep them in your kitchen cabinets. 1. Fresh Garlic - It's good for high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar - Aids in digestion and helps acid reflux or heartburn.
3. Flax seeds or Flax oil - Helps with breast cancer, prostrate cancer, and is good for constipation due to it's high fiber content.
4. Lemons - Good for coughs and colds adds great flavor to tea's.
5. Honey - Also, good for coughs, colds, flu, diarrhea if mixed with hot water.
6. Ginger root - Is good for colds, coughs, flu, digestion, cholesterol and is also a natural blood thinner.
7. Black Seed - It is good for many health ailments as Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh) says it is good for everything except death.
8. Turmeric - It's uses include coloring food. It is also good for cuts, burns and bruises.
9. Molasses - Is a source of calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron.
10. Oatmeal - Helps lower cholesterol.
11. Cranberry Concentrate - Helps with urinary tract infections.
Dana Scarton (NYT, Dec 16, 2008) says losing your pinkie finger seems like small change, but it isn’t.
…First, you lose 50% of your hand strength. Wow—half!
…The author snapped her right pinkie, which soon could not bend. She couldn’t make a fist, hold a tennis racket,or vacuum (don’t laugh, that last could be bad).
…She broke the metacarpal—the bone that extends into the hand. This happens more to the pinkie than any other finger or the thumb. It’s a “border digit”—doctalk for on the outside.
…Sometimes breaks in the pinkie don’t even hurt—yet can take plates and screws to fix.
…This, the author says, is followed by physical therapy—which hurts! You don’t want scar tissue forming.
…Sure enough, after all this, an MRI showed that scar tissue had immobilized the flexor tendon.
…She needed another operation to free it—then more PT. That little finger carried a big punch—thankfully, she can now form a fist.
Street Food: Lima ventures into Latin America to uncover the new-found confidence of the Peruvian capital, which is discovering a modern identity through its food and making the most of its diverse influences.
The Peruvian capital, founded by Spanish conquistadors, has exploded with population influxes from Peru's own Andean highlands and from abroad, particularly China and Japan.
Today, Lima is home to almost nine million people.
For many years, it was a city of mostly segregated neighbourhoods. But today this is changing - and the change is being led by cuisine.
Lima's cuisine is gaining worldwide recognition for its freshness and creativity. Its trademark plate, ceviche, combines many different influences and is putting the country on the world's gastronomical map.
One of Lima's most popular street food favourites is called 'five flavours' - it is a rice and pasta dish with Italian, Chinese, Andean, Japanese and African influences.
Street Food - Lima ventures into Latin America to uncover the new-found confidence of the Peruvian capital, which is discovering a modern identity through its food and by making the most of its mix of indigenous and foreign.
But it is not all a success story; in the slums of Lima many native Andean people eke out a living, drawing into question how much the mix taking place in Peru's cuisine is really taking place in society at large.
Beauty is one of the popular topic people talk about. Rather than using synthetic cosmetic products people prefer homemade herbal cosmetics to keep them young for longer time. These herbal cosmetics are not only inexpensive but also effective and safe. This article discusses two useful homemade herbal beauty tips that are very useful in our daily life.
Herbal Beauty tips 1 - Natural method to make hair dark
Usually hair turns grey with age but nowadays we often see young people with the problem of grey hair. In case of premature graying, open air, exercise, massage of the scalp, dietary regimen and ingestion of the raw vegetables is recommended.
There are so many methods to make hair dark but natural methods should be preferred. Henna is one of the methods to make hair dark or brown and no doubt it is good for hair conditioning.
Recently, a plant Salvia Officinalis can be used to darken the hair. In this method 15 grams of Salvia Officinalis is taken into one liter water. Steep leaves in water for two hours then strain. Pour over hairs and leave on for half an hour then rinse out.
Herbal Beauty tips 2 - Fragrant herbal bath
Our body usually gets tired due to hectic working schedules and wants some relaxation at weekends to energize for the coming week. So below is an herbal homemade recipe for fragrant herbal bath that not only will give immediate relief to the tired muscles but also to the rheumatism problem.
Take the following ingredients - Humulus lupulus (450 g), Thymus serpyllum (25 g), Salvia Officinalis (25 g) and Lavender (25 g). Put the ingredients into a muslin bag and tie securely. Hang the bag from the hot tap while the bath is running, so that the hot water passes through it, extracting the natural oils and fragrance of the herbs. This bath will help relax tired muscles and relieve rheumatism.
Disclaimer: This article is not meant to provide health advice and is for general information only. Always seek the insights of a qualified health professional before embarking on any health program.
Over the past few years we have seen a variety of hair trends come and go. In many cases the trends seem to go from one extreme to the other, one season everyone will be sporting full long locks, the next they have had it all chopped off. So what happens when the trends change again and its all about long hair once more; let's face it no ones hair grows that fast! Well luckily for you there is a little helping hand in the form of hair extensions.
Jennifer Aniston, Sandra Bullock, and Nicole Kidman are just a few famous women who have worn hair extensions in the past few years. Unlike other hair trends however that seem to come then go, hair extensions have actually managed to hang around. Many celebrities are still seen sporting them and salons are seeing an increase in the amount of people that want hair extensions placed in.
There are many reasons that you may decide that you want extensions, one of the main and most obvious ones being when you are waiting for your hair to grow and you use hair extensions as a substitute until it does. Other people use hair extensions to add fullness to their hair and of course you could use hair extensions as a way of adding colour to your hair. Many people are often worried to place bleach or hair dye on their natural hair so hair extensions offer a fun alternative, they allow you to add sections of bold, bright colour without causing any damage to your natural hair.
The possibilities that are open to you when it comes to hair extensions are almost endless. They have so many different uses, meaning you can create a unique look that is perfect for your hair type as well as your face shape. So once you have decided on the type and style of hair extensions that you are going to have applied all that's left to do is decide on the salon where you are going to have your extensions applied and removed.
You may be thinking that choosing your salon is one of the least important decisions that you are going to have to make but choosing your salon is one of the more important decisions that you will have to make when it comes to getting your extensions.
Hair extensions are only good when they are used on the right hair type and when they are applied by a professional who knows what they are doing. If you decide on the wrong type of extension as well as the wrong method of application then you will not only be left with extensions that don't look right; you will be left with extensions that could end up causing some serious damage to your natural hair. This is why choosing a salon with experience and professional training is so important as they will be able to advise you on the best method of application and type of extension for your hair type.
It is a good idea to approach a salon that has experience in a range of hair extension application methods this way they will be able to discuss a range of methods with you so that they can find the one that defiantly works best. Read more...
Soap and water are a thing of the past. No longer can you quickly wipe your face with a wet cloth before going to bed. If you want to age, continuing with this regime and you will age much sooner. Here is an easy, plan to follow. Beauty can be so simple.
* First of all, Cleanse your face in the morning and evening and keep it hydrated. If you do not want to spend much money on skin care products, you can try out various products at the drug store. The important point is that you are doing something positive for your skin. * If your skin is prone to breakouts, use a product that kills the bacteria and is not drying. Everyone needs to be hydrated. Dehydrated skin can cause more breakouts and also promote aging.
* Use a light exfoliation product at least once or twice a week. Helping your skin get rid of the dead skin cells will help your skin be more bright and not dull.
* Use a mask once a week to clean out your pores. There are some excellent clay based masks, oxygen based, or exfoliating masks. You want to clean out those pores. You do not want to see clogged pores, especially on your nose area..
* Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. I cannot stress this enough. A hydrated skin is more youthful and appealing. You will look younger and feel younger too. Be sure to include the neck area. That is the first place that shows signs of aging.,
* Use an eye cream to soften the fine lines under your eyes. Also on the sides of the eyes where the crows feet start.
* Add a light sunscreen. Maybe one with a little color. Everyone needs sunscreen. You can get sun on your face, driving your car or walking down the street.
* In the day, when you go out, wear a light powder or light foundation and a little blush for color. Even if you do not like to wear makeup, this will make you look more finished and healthy.
Mascara, and a little lipstick. That is the finishing touch. If you do not want to wear lipstick then a little gloss on the lips so they look hydrated.
Of course you may wear more makeup if you chose to do so. Clean hair whether it is worn up or down. Just having that finished look will make you feel good about starting your day.
Herbal cosmetics contain herbs and natural ingredients. They tone and nourish the skin both internally as well as externally and are free from harmful effects. Below are some important ingredients of herbal cosmetics along with their medicinal properties.
Important Ingredients of Herbal Cosmetics
Almond (Prunus dulcis)
The parts used are nut or seed, powder, oil pressed from the seed. The medicinal properties are demulcent, emollient, skin softener, used in body oils and lotions, nutritive, contains iron, calcium, potassium, copper, zinc, vitamin E, biotin, amino acids
Beeswax
The main properties of beeswax are - Obtained from the honeycomb of honeybees; holds fatty oils in emulsion in moisturizing creams and lotions; natural beeswax is dark yellow.
Cocoa Butter
Cocoa butter is very common ingredient used in many beauty cosmetics. The properties of cocoa butter are: the fat is used in making ointments and cosmetic creams; has a chocolate aroma.
Honey
Honey has several heath benefits and is used widely in herbal cosmetics. Its main properties are emollient, humectants, antiseptic; helps skin retain moisture; can be applied to a wound as a cooling analgesic.
Benzoin (Styrax benzoin)
The parts used are the tree resin and tincture of benzoin. The main properties of benzoin are antiseptic, astringent, used to heal inflamed, irritated and cracked skin; improves skin elasticity; cosmetic fixative and preservative of fats.
Lemon (Citrus limon)
The parts used are pulp, rind, juice and essential oil. Its main properties are astringent, bleaching, anti-inflammatory; disinfectant; scent is stimulating and refreshing.
Mint (Mentha spicata)
The parts used are leaves and essential oil. Its main properties are antispasmodic, diaphoretic, stimulant, carminative; relieve stomach complaints; can be used for flavoring.
Lavender
The parts used are flowers and essential oil. Its main properties are antiseptic, anti-depressive and antimicrobial; calming effect to relieve stress; essential oil can be used externally for aching muscles and to help prevent scarring.
Myrrh (Commiphora molmol)
The parts used are gum resin and volatile oil. Its main properties are anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral agent; antiseptic, cooling and tonic; good for wounds that refuse to heal, boils and abscesses.
Have a healthier and natural glow on your skin!
Disclaimer: This article is not meant to provide health advice and is for general information only. Always seek the insights of a qualified health professional before embarking on any health program.
A smooth clean jaw line creates a fit youthful look to the face. As we age, our facial skin loses elasticity and we begin to see excess skin along the jawline.
What Causes Jowls?
• Skin Laxity-As our skin ages it loses elasticity and the skin along the jaw line begins to sag.
• Loss of Facial Volume-As we age or facial fat atrophies, the face is less full, and the skin envelope becomes lax and sags.
• Repeated Mouth Movements-Smiling and facial expressions pull at the corner of the mouth and create a fold or line over which sagging facial skin can fall. Above the mouth this fold is called the nasal labial fold. Below the mouth the line is called the marionette line-also called the pre-jowl sulcus.
How to Remove Jowls.
Traditionally jowls have been removed by performing a facelift. More recently new non-surgical methods have also been developed:
• Facelift-The facelift is still the "gold standard' for jowl removal. A properly done facelift can create a beautiful youthful jaw line.
• Filler injections-Liquid Face Lift Soft tissue fillers such as Restalyn™, Juvederm™, Radiesse™, and Perlane™ are biodegradable semi -solid medical compounds that can be injected underneath facial lines to plump the skin. More recently, a technique called the liquid face lift is used to inject these soft tissue filers into areas of the face which have lost fat. By increasing the volume in these areas the sagging skin can be lifted.
• Laser Skin Tightening with New Laser Liposuction- New laser liposuction technology using 924nm and 924/975nm laser fibers, can be used to tighten neck skin and skin along the jaw line. The technique must be done by experienced doctors to protect important nerves running along the jaw line near the mouth. However, early jowls have been successfully removed with this technique.
• Other Skin Tightening Techniques-Many non-surgical skin tightening technologies are available. These include Thermage™, LuxIR Deep™, Titan™, and Refirme™ among others. All of these technologies tighten skin by heating the collagen in the deeper skin layers. When the collagen is heated to 66 degrees centigrade, the skin collagen contracts and the skin tightens. Beware, that tightening with these methods is at best 20-30%, thus they are most effective on younger patients with early and mils skin laxity and early sagging.
Do not wait until you need a facelift. Learn more about soft tissue fillers and the newer laser skin tightening treatments that you can have to keep a smooth jaw line.
Eating right isn't just good for your health, it's good for your skin too, according to a study in the October issue of The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Over 4,000 women between the ages of 40 and 74 were studied and the results showed that women who ate more foods rich in vitamin C were less likely to have wrinkles, while higher linoleic acid intakes were associated with less dryness and skin atrophy. Conversely, an increase in fat and carbohydrates increased the likelihood of wrinkles and atrophy.
So what are the best food choices for healthier, younger-looking skin?
"Healthy skin, like a healthy body, does not come from one or two nutrients," says Lynn Goldstein, MS, RD, CDN, a dietitian at Weill Cornell Medical College. "Your skin is a sign of what is going on inside your body. You need to put good, healthy things inside to get the healthy look on the outside."
Foods to eat for healthy skin
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps lower your cancer risk, boost your immune system, and protect your heart. In addition, vitamin C helps promote healthy skin. Some of the best sources of vitamin C are citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits, strawberries, red bell peppers, broccoli, tomatoes, guava, papaya, and potatoes.
According to Goldstein, "A diet complete with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins is needed to keep the skin and the rest of the body looking and feeling great."
Although the study also found that linoleic acid is good for the skin, Goldstein cautions that you shouldn't eat too much. "Linoleic acid is a polyunsaturated fatty acid--an essential fatty acid called omega-6 fatty acid. It is most commonly found in safflower oil, sunflower oil, corn oil, soy oil, evening primrose oil, wheat germ, and pumpkin seeds." However, Goldstein notes that this fat is common in the food supply and most people actually get too much because corn oil and corn products are used in a wide variety of foods. "I would not suggest increasing this fat unless your diet has been evaluated by a dietitian and found to be low (in omega-6 fatty acids)."
Foods to avoid to prevent damage
You also can eat your way to unhealthy skin. The biggest offenders are fats and carbohydrates. Foods highest in fat include fatty red meat, dark-meat poultry, full-fat dairy, butter, lard, and oils, says Goldstein. Watch out for foods that are cooked with a lot of fat, including fried foods, desserts, cream-based sauces, and fast foods. Remember that fat is necessary in the diet, but excessive fat or saturated or trans fats are not healthy. Instead, eat more healthy fat like olive oil and omega-3-rich fats found in fatty fish, walnuts, and flaxseeds.
Many foods contain carbohydrates, and they are not all bad for your skin. According to Goldstein, "It is not enough to say 'reduce carbohydrates for better skin' because we do not want to reduce fruits and vegetables; we want to increase these foods. Instead, people should reduce the amount of processed carbohydrates that they eat such as white breads, pastas, and rice."
Goldstein notes that for healthier, younger-looking skin, you also should avoid sugar-filled foods like cookies, cakes, pastries, and candy. Goldstein also recommends that you avoid excessive alcohol intake, make sure to get plenty of water, and avoid excessive sun exposure to keep your skin at its youthful best.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
* Stay hydrated. Experts recommend eight to 10 glasses of water a day to avoid dryness.
* Moisturize. Using a quality moisturizer daily can help keep your skin healthy, especially during the winter months.
* Wear sunscreen, even in the wintertime. The sun's damaging ultraviolet rays can hurt your skin any time of year.
AVOCAdO MASQUE
1/2 ripe avocado
Mash avocado into a smooth paste with a fork and apply to your face. Leave on skin for about 10 minutes and then rinse. If desired, place a slice of cucumber over each eye for a cooling effect.
Avocado is good for softening and smoothing skin.
You also can use foods externally to achieve healthier, youngerlooking skin. Many foods, such as oatmeal, avocado and yogurt, are commonly used in skin products such as masques, moisturizers, scrubs, and cleansers. Here are two simple "recipes" for an easy, make-at-home masque and scrub.
Crohn's disease often produces unpredictable, painful symptoms, so even a schedule of moderate exercise can be difficult to maintain.
But research reported in the September issue of the Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine indicates that taking a 30-minute walk just three days a week may improve quality of life for people with a mild form of the disease.
That's encouraging news, because Crohn's disease treatments have limited effectiveness, according to gastroenterologist Brian Bosworth, MD, at the Jill Roberts Center for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases at Weill Cornell Medical College. "For people who have a mild form of the disease, exercise could be a great addition to their treatment program," Dr. Bosworth says.
Suffering with Crohn's
Crohn's disease is a chronic, inflammatory bowel condition for which there is no cure. Flare-ups can include abdominal pain, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, fever and weight loss. Episodes occur unpredictably and can last for days or weeks. "It's a terrible disease that greatly impacts a person's quality of life," Dr. Bosworth says.
Antibiotics and other drugs may battle bacteria and lessen the inflammation in the colon or help bolster the body's immune system, but they can't eliminate the symptoms entirely. And there is no special diet for preventing or treating Crohn's disease, though sometimes symptoms can be made worse by milk, alcohol, hot spices, and fiber.
How exercise helps
Researchers were unable to pinpoint how walking reduced symptoms of Crohn's disease, but Dr. Bosworth suggests that walking improves blood flow so that more oxygen reaches damaged tissue to help the healing process. However, Dr. Bosworth urges patients with moderate or severe forms of the disease to withhold participation in an exercise program until their symptoms are under control.
No matter what the patient's condition is, Dr. Bosworth recommends steady communications with a physician and biannual check-ups that include regular endoscopic surveillance. Crohn's disease is a risk factor for colorectal cancer.
"Crohn's disease patients are very attuned to their bodies, and when they're healthy, they're 100 percent healthy," says Dr. Bosworth, who has a Crohn's patient who runs marathons. "If exercise can help, that's very encouraging news. Keeping the body going helps keep the body healthy."
