The Medicine Cabinet in Your Garden

 

Written by Jenny Catton

 

Next time you’re suffering from a sniffle, indigestion or insomnia, forget taking a trip to the chemist and instead look to your own garden for a natural remedy. Many different plants, herbs and flowers have medicinal qualities and have been used for centuries to treat everyday ailments. Most are easy to grow and provide a cheaper, more natural and convenient alternative to manufactured drugs.

Of course it’s important to take precautions when creating your own treatments from the plants in your garden. If you’re in any doubt about your particular ailment, speak to your doctor to get a professional diagnosis before taking natural remedies. And always seek advice before you stop taking conventional medicine. It’s also important to be confident about what herbs or plants you are using – make sure you have correctly identified a plant before using it as a medicine as many garden plants can be poisonous. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should always be particularly careful and speak to their doctor before taking natural remediesas some herbs are known to cause miscarriage or other problems.

Here are some minor ailments that can be treated with plants that are commonly found in the garden:
Indigestion

Try making your own mint tea to ease indigestion. Pick the mint leaves and wash before infusing in hot water and then strain to make a refreshing drink. You can sweeten this with sugar or honey if you wish.
Bad Breath

Parsley is great for combatting bad breath. Chew on the leaves to neutralise nasty niffs – it’s particularly good after eating garlic.
Insomnia

You’ll probably see lots of products in your local chemist for treating insomnia and many of them contain lavender as it’s renowned for its relaxing and calming properties. Take dried lavender from your garden to make lavender sachets to pop under your pillow to encourage a restful night’s sleep.
The Common Cold

Many people believe that garlic can help reduce the symptoms of colds and flu. You could eat it raw but a more palatable way to use garlic is to make a garlic tea using two or three cloves of garlic and hot water, and then add honey or sugar to sweeten.

Another option for tackling colds is Echinacea. This flowering plant has become very popular in recent years for its alleged ability to fight off a cold if taken at the right time. In some studies, Echinacea has also been shown to reduce the length of a cold.
Puffy or tired eyes

Forget expensive eye creams; a couple of slices of cucumber from your garden provide a cheap, natural way to reduce puffy skin around your eyes. Use straight from the fridge for maximum refreshment.

 

 

Nausea

Ginger is great for treating nausea. Grate a little into hot water and strain to make a tasty tea. Add lemon and honey for extra flavour. This drink may also be useful for treating a sore throat. Ginger likes warm conditions so you may find that it grows better as an indoor plant.

For more ideas about natural remedies for minor ailments, visit: www.naturalnews.com/natural_remedies.html

The post The Medicine Cabinet in Your Garden appeared first on .

Categories: garden, garlic, Hot Water, medicine, medicine cabinet, minor ailments, Natural, natural remedies, plants

The Medicine Cabinet in Your Garden

 

Written by Jenny Catton

 

Next time you’re suffering from a sniffle, indigestion or insomnia, forget taking a trip to the chemist and instead look to your own garden for a natural remedy. Many different plants, herbs and flowers have medicinal qualities and have been used for centuries to treat everyday ailments. Most are easy to grow and provide a cheaper, more natural and convenient alternative to manufactured drugs.

Of course it’s important to take precautions when creating your own treatments from the plants in your garden. If you’re in any doubt about your particular ailment, speak to your doctor to get a professional diagnosis before taking natural remedies. And always seek advice before you stop taking conventional medicine. It’s also important to be confident about what herbs or plants you are using – make sure you have correctly identified a plant before using it as a medicine as many garden plants can be poisonous. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should always be particularly careful and speak to their doctor before taking natural remediesas some herbs are known to cause miscarriage or other problems.

Here are some minor ailments that can be treated with plants that are commonly found in the garden:
Indigestion

Try making your own mint tea to ease indigestion. Pick the mint leaves and wash before infusing in hot water and then strain to make a refreshing drink. You can sweeten this with sugar or honey if you wish.
Bad Breath

Parsley is great for combatting bad breath. Chew on the leaves to neutralise nasty niffs – it’s particularly good after eating garlic.
Insomnia

You’ll probably see lots of products in your local chemist for treating insomnia and many of them contain lavender as it’s renowned for its relaxing and calming properties. Take dried lavender from your garden to make lavender sachets to pop under your pillow to encourage a restful night’s sleep.
The Common Cold

Many people believe that garlic can help reduce the symptoms of colds and flu. You could eat it raw but a more palatable way to use garlic is to make a garlic tea using two or three cloves of garlic and hot water, and then add honey or sugar to sweeten.

Another option for tackling colds is Echinacea. This flowering plant has become very popular in recent years for its alleged ability to fight off a cold if taken at the right time. In some studies, Echinacea has also been shown to reduce the length of a cold.
Puffy or tired eyes

Forget expensive eye creams; a couple of slices of cucumber from your garden provide a cheap, natural way to reduce puffy skin around your eyes. Use straight from the fridge for maximum refreshment.

 

 

Nausea

Ginger is great for treating nausea. Grate a little into hot water and strain to make a tasty tea. Add lemon and honey for extra flavour. This drink may also be useful for treating a sore throat. Ginger likes warm conditions so you may find that it grows better as an indoor plant.

For more ideas about natural remedies for minor ailments, visit: www.naturalnews.com/natural_remedies.html

The post The Medicine Cabinet in Your Garden appeared first on .

Categories: garden, garlic, Hot Water, medicine, medicine cabinet, minor ailments, Natural, natural remedies, plants

The Medicine Cabinet in Your Garden

 

Written by Jenny Catton

 

Next time you’re suffering from a sniffle, indigestion or insomnia, forget taking a trip to the chemist and instead look to your own garden for a natural remedy. Many different plants, herbs and flowers have medicinal qualities and have been used for centuries to treat everyday ailments. Most are easy to grow and provide a cheaper, more natural and convenient alternative to manufactured drugs.

 

Of course it’s important to take precautions when creating your own treatments from the plants in your garden. If you’re in any doubt about your particular ailment, speak to your doctor to get a professional diagnosis before taking natural remedies. And always seek advice before you stop taking conventional medicine. It’s also important to be confident about what herbs or plants you are using – make sure you have correctly identified a plant before using it as a medicine as many garden plants can be poisonous. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should always be particularly careful and speak to their doctor before taking natural remediesas some herbs are known to cause miscarriage or other problems.

 

Here are some minor ailments that can be treated with plants that are commonly found in the garden:
Indigestion

Try making your own mint tea to ease indigestion. Pick the mint leaves and wash before infusing in hot water and then strain to make a refreshing drink. You can sweeten this with sugar or honey if you wish.

 
Bad Breath

Parsley is great for combatting bad breath. Chew on the leaves to neutralise nasty niffs – it’s particularly good after eating garlic.

 
Insomnia

You’ll probably see lots of products in your local chemist for treating insomnia and many of them contain lavender as it’s renowned for its relaxing and calming properties. Take dried lavender from your garden to make lavender sachets to pop under your pillow to encourage a restful night’s sleep.

 
The Common Cold

Many people believe that garlic can help reduce the symptoms of colds and flu. You could eat it raw but a more palatable way to use garlic is to make a garlic tea using two or three cloves of garlic and hot water, and then add honey or sugar to sweeten.

Another option for tackling colds is Echinacea. This flowering plant has become very popular in recent years for its alleged ability to fight off a cold if taken at the right time. In some studies, Echinacea has also been shown to reduce the length of a cold.

 
Puffy or tired eyes

Forget expensive eye creams; a couple of slices of cucumber from your garden provide a cheap, natural way to reduce puffy skin around your eyes. Use straight from the fridge for maximum refreshment.

 

 

Nausea

Ginger is great for treating nausea. Grate a little into hot water and strain to make a tasty tea. Add lemon and honey for extra flavour. This drink may also be useful for treating a sore throat. Ginger likes warm conditions so you may find that it grows better as an indoor plant.

 

For more ideas about natural remedies for minor ailments, visit: www.naturalnews.com/natural_remedies.html

Categories: garden, garlic, Hot Water, medicine, minor ailments, Natural, natural remedies, nbsp, plants

Every Embarrassing Myth You’ve Ever Believed About Periods

Where did you learn what you know about sexual wellness? Was it from a well-informed, reputable source? Of course not. As girls, we often pick up everything we know about sex from whispers in corridors and, frankly, our wellbeing can suffer as a result. Therefore, we spoke to wellness writer and U by Kotex* Community Leader Jordan Miller, and got her to address a few sexual health myths that are in severe need of debunking!

 

1. Will swimming in the sea whilst on your period get you eaten by sharks? ‘I will totally admit that I’m scared to death of sharks,’ says Miller. ‘But that has nothing to do with my period and a lot more to do with the movie Jaws. There has never been a documented case of a shark attacking a swimmer because she was menstruating. So, go ahead, dive in and have fun.’

 

2. Are you not allowed to wash your hair during your period? Miller notes, ‘Thank goodness this is a myth, since I can’t imagine giving up my daily shower, especially during my period. There’s no reason for you to change any of your regular grooming and hygiene habits just because you’re having your period. In fact, a warm bath or shower will help you stay clean, and some girls say it helps with their cramps, too.’

 

3. Is bed rest a must during your period? According to Miller, ‘You should get plenty of sleep during your period, but you should always get plenty of exercise, too. You’ll feel better if you get up and get out there (especially since exercise has been shown to alleviate cramps and brighten your mood)!’

 

4. Does hot water increase your period flow? ‘The good news and the bad news: pretty much the only thing that will change your flow is your own body,’ Miller explains. ‘So you can’t make it lighter (sorry!), and you can’t make it heavier. And a nice warm bath or shower, or a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel can help with cramps.’

 

5. Is it impossible to get pregnant during your period? The commonly cited advice that you can’t get pregnant during your period ‘isn’t true, despite what a lot of people believe,’ Miller comments. ‘Tell your friends. Tell every female you know who’s sexually active or plans to be any time soon. You CAN get pregnant during your period. Once inside you, sperm can live for three to five days. Ovulation can occur during, or soon after, the bleeding phase. If you don’t want to get pregnant, either don’t have sex, or use birth control every single time you do.’

 

6. Are irregular periods bad for your reproductive health? Miller advises, ‘First, talk to your health care provider if you’ve missed your period. It can take anywhere from six months to a year to become regular after the first time you get it. And, for some girls, it never becomes completely regular. There are lots of things, including stress, illness and intense exercise, that can mess with your cycle. That’s why you should consult a heath professional first.’

 

7. Is there an age you have to be before you should use tampons? ‘If you’re old enough to have your period, you’re old enough to use a tampon.’ Miller asserts. ‘Just read the instructions and warnings and be sure to use it correctly. It helps to ask your mom or another trusted adult for guidance. Tampons shouldn’t cause pain or discomfort.’

 

8. Are all menstrual cycles are 28 days? Miller points out the 28-day cycle is ‘only an average. Days in the menstrual cycle vary from woman to woman. Your body will tell you what your cycle is, not other people.’

Categories: cycle, Hot Water, miller, Myths, nbsp, period, Periods, Pregnant, tampons, warm bath

How to Prevent Dry Skin This Winter & All Through Year

Dry skin is, ironically, a real dampener on your wellbeing. When your skin is flaky and itchy, all you can think about is getting fast and effective relief, and never having to go through that irritation again. This means you might find yourself reaching for a moisturiser with a hefty price tag, but enhancing your skin wellness isn’t just about slapping on a cream and being done with it; it depends on all kinds of factors, such as how you clean your skin, the air around you, and even your clothes. Try our top tips for soothing your dry skin:

 

1. Don’t get overheated: According to dermatologist Andrea Lynn Cambio, MD, even though that steamy shower feels good, the hot water is actually drying out your skin. If your shower or bath is hot, rather than warm, it strips your body of its natural oil barrier that otherwise works to trap moisture and keep your skin smooth and hydrated. As well as turning down the temperature, you should also dial it back on how long you spend in the tub. Skincare experts recommend short, warm showers or baths that last no longer than five to 10 minutes, and you should gently pat dry and moisturise your body afterwards.

 

2. Cleanse gently: When you’re in the shower, make sure you use a gentle soap that doesn’t contain any fragrances, deodorants or antibacterial additives, as these can be harsh on your skin. Dermatologist Carolyn Jacob, MD, notes that cleansers that contain ceramides help your skin to hold in moisture, as these fatty molecules make up the outer barrier of your skin. However, you lose ceramides as you age, making products containing the molecules essential to your anti ageing wellness. You should avoid any toner, peel or other astringent that has been made with alcohol, as this dries your skin, and Jacob warns that exfoliating too much or too hard can irritate and thicken your skin, so be gentle.

 

3. Shave smartly: When you shave unwanted hair away, you also scrape off natural oils, which is why shaving can irritate dry skin. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends shaving after a shower, as it is during this time that hairs are softer and more pliable. Make sure your razor is sharp and you clean reusable blades with rubbing alcohol between uses. Never neglect to use a shaving cream or gel, and make sure you shave in the direction the hair is growing.

 

4. Shun the sun: Dry skin, wrinkles and roughness are all caused, to a large extent, by sun damage, and so wearing an SPF 30 sun cream every day can help to reduce the sun’s impact on your skin. Dressing correctly can also help you lessen sun damage, and Cambio points out that during cool weather you should ‘dress in layers to prevent overheating and perspiring excessively; both can irritate the skin.’ In winter, you can also prevent dry lips by using a lip balm with SPF 15 sun cream. When summer rolls around, light, loose, long-sleeved shirts and a wide hat can help to shade your skin.

 

5. Get the right moisturiser: Dermatologist Sonia Badreshia-Bansal, MD, advises, ‘Petroleum jelly makes a great moisturiser.’ However, you can also use mineral oil or your favourite cream or lotion – just find one that works for you. Leslie Baumann, MD, director of the Cosmetic Medicine and Research Institute at the University of Miami, recommends rich moisturisers containing shea butter, ceramides, stearic acid, or, her personal favourite, glycerin, as she says, ‘All are rich moisturisers that will help you replenish your skin barrier.’

Categories: Cleanser, cream, Dry Skin, Hot Water, nbsp, prevent dry, rich moisturisers, shower, skin, skin nbsp, Sun Cream

Germ-Free Tips for Cleaning Your Kitchen

Are you worried about maintaining a hygienic atmosphere in your kitchen? Well here’s presenting some tips that can help you clean the room well. Paying extra attention on how you rinse and wash the kitchen can keep the bacteria way.

 

Counter top

What happens: While you are baking a cake, you might spill some egg batter on the counter top and there is a possibility you don’t wipe the area well. Later you make yourself a turkey sandwich right there on the unclean surface.

Solution: Opt for a disinfecting spray after cooking any food. Choose a product that claims a 99.9 percent germ kill as this will keep the bacteria away.

 

Chopping board

What happens: The board is used to cut soft or hard pieces of vegetables as well as roast beef.

Solution: Wash the board with hot soapy water and rinse. Also spray the board with one teaspoon of bleach mixed with 16 ounces of water. Wash the board nicely in hot water of keep it in the dishwasher on high. Opt for a plastic or a glass board. Discontinue the usage of board if it has lot of knife cuts. If you prefer using a wooden one, see to it that your dishwasher has been treated with micro-ban, an antimicrobial compound.

 

Knife block

What happens: You are using a knife to cut a fish or meat. As soon as you are done chopping you wet the knife with water and keep it back in the block. This will cause mold that grows in less than a two days time.

Solution: Scrub the knife with soapy water or use the dish cleanser liquid. Hot water is preferable. Dry the knife properly with a cloth and keep it back in the block. You can also keep the knives in a drawer or a magnet strip.

 

Faucet filter

What happens: While you are preparing food, you may throw a dirty rag at the faucet or spill some food over there. In that case your faucet is attacked by bacteria. If you are using hard water, lime scale residue can also appear.

Solution: Once a week, soak the filter in white vinegar.

 

Sponge

What happens: You use the sponge to wipe almost everything from meat juices to small tidbits. You might keep it on the edge of your sink or in its holder.

Solution: Keep your sponge germ free by soaking it in water and bleach. You can also keep the sponge in a bowl of water and warm it in a microwave for 2-3 minutes. Don’t use this trick for a metal scrubber sponge.

 

Dish towel

What happens: Salmonella alert! While you are busy making a delicacy, you might rinse your hands on the dish towel right after cleaning or washing chicken pieces.

Solution: While you are cooking a raw meat, opt for paper towels and dispose them. Wash your hands immediately with water using soap.

 

Sink

What happens: All the utensils rinsed in the sink leave behind veggies or meat substances like blood or juices, a perfect environment for bacteria to grow.

Solution: Rinse the sink with bleach and water right after you cook. Especially if raw meat, poultry or eggs on the menu for the day.

 

The leftovers

What happens: You might get involved in cleaning the kitchen and the rest of the food is sitting right there.

Solution: After a meal, place the leftover food in the refrigerator. Bacteria grow faster between 40 to 140 degrees. See to it that the hot food kept outside cools down to less than 40 degree. While reheating the food, make sure the temperature goes beyond 165 degrees.

Categories: clean, dish towel, Food, germ, germ free, Hot Water, kitchen, nbsp, raw meat, soapy water, solution, Water