Naturally Combat Mosquitos

Thai Lemon Grass - Planting it around you make mosquitos hard to find you

Turn on a Fan
Mosquitoes are lightweights. A fan blowing at a speed of two miles per hour simply is overpowering to a mosquito. So another option is to strategically place fans around your deck or patio to get a good bug-free breeze going.

Pagination

Plant Lemon Grass 
Thai lemon grass contains citronella oil, which has a strong scent that makes it hard for mosquitos to find you. At the same time, lemon grass is a beautiful mounding perennial. Plant some on your property wherever your family and friends like to congregate.

Dress Appropriately
Certain species of mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors like black, blue, and red. And they are all attracted to heat. So stay cool by wearing lighter colors. While you're at it, try to avoid wearing scented perfumes or lotions.

Change Your Lightbulbs
Mosquitoes aren’t attracted to all kinds of light—just some. Instead of standard bulbs, opt for LEDs, yellow "bug lights", or sodium lamps. That should reduce the number of mosquitoes swarming as you go in and out of the house during evening hours.

Try Out Catnip Oil
Believe it or not, the essential oil in catnip, nepetalactone, repels mosquitos more effectively than DEET. Though you may have to dodge your neighbor's cat as a result, catnip oil-based insect repellant does a good job of protecting exposed skin.

Build a Bat House
In only one hour, a bat can eat hundreds of insects, mosquitoes included. Build or buy a bat house, hang it in a well-ventilated area, and let those web-winged creatures do their thing. 

Spray On Garlic
Yes, really. Garlic makes an effective natural mosquito repellant. Mix one part garlic juice with five parts water. Put the solution in a spray bottle and spritz yourself as needed. As a side benefit, you will also repel vampires!

Remove Standing Water
Standing water is where mosquitoes make more mosquitoes. Limit the insects' ability to breed by clearing your gutters of clogs, filling in sunken parts of your lawn, and regularly changing the water in your bird bath or kiddie pool.

Use Natural Insect Spray
Use Natural Insect Spray m0ade with natural essential oil

(Seen on Yahoo Singapore)
http://sg.entertainment.yahoo.com/news/10-ways-to-combat-mosquitoes-naturally-160831018.html?page=1


WTH NOTES: 
WIth dengue now looming around and a few deaths recorded, I think it's time to take action to fight and prevent dengue. There are useful information on this blog which I hope you will share with as many people as possible.

Other than this post on Naturally Combating Mosquitos, here are other previous posts which maybe helpful for you in your fight against dengue.

Mosquito Trap (Dengue Prevention)

Dengue Fever Remedy

Health Benefits of Papaya

Papaya is great for the skin and can be used as a face pack to get its benefits. It helps to get rid of acne and it helps to open clogged pores. The fermented flesh of papaya also called as papain helps to dissolve the dead cells, giving fresh and glowing skin as a result.

Papaya is a fruit that is rich in fiber and lowers cholesterol levels. It contains enzymes that help prevent oxidization of cholesterol, which in return helps to prevent heart-attacks.

The antioxidants in papaya help in controlling premature ageing. This quality of the papaya helps you to get a younger look.

The seeds of papaya too possess medicinal properties. They are very good in treating intestinal worms in the body.

Papaya helps in preventing constipation and aids in digestion. The enzyme papain is a digestive enzyme that helps in natural digestion.

Papaya juice helps in curing infections of the colon by clearing the pus and mucus from it. You need to take it regularly to heal quickly.

Papaya is good to cure the skin infections and wounds that don’t heal quickly.

It is low in calories and high in nutritional values. Hence, it is a good food for those who want to lose some weight.

For pregnant ladies, regular consumption of a small slice of papaya helps to cure nausea and morning sickness.

Papaya contains anti-inflammatory enzymes that help in relieving pain for those who are suffering from arthritis, edema and osteoporosis, and it also possesses anti-cancerous properties that can help preventing cancer.

Papaya is rich in Vitamin A and Vitamin C that helps in boosting the body’s immunity and hence is very good for those who are suffering from fever, cold or flu.

Shampoos that contain papaya are very good to control dandruff.

Raw papaya helps in controlling the menstrual irregularities in women. Papaya helps to ease menstrual cramps and helps in promoting regular flow of menstruation.

Here were some good reasons to eat papaya at least once in a week. Papaya can be taken with fruit salads, or in other cuisines or can be applied directly on the skin, it is bound to show some positive results and benefit your health.

(Seen on Facebook, Learning Petals)

Naturally improve your vision with Eye Exercise

How To Improve Eyesight Naturally...Restore Vision Naturally With Eye Exercises and Diet

In what way eye exercises help
Eye exercises play a major role in managing sight problems such as eye irritation,eye pain, eye blurriness, how long to take effect itchy eyes, eye infection, eye dryness,eye sight defect, and so on.

* Eye exercise instructions-
o Include eye exercise in your regular exercise schedule.
o Don’t be too fast to perform the exercise. Sit down calm, relax and do the eye exercises.
o Gradually increase your exercise duration, but only about 25 minutes is necessary.
o Don’t strain your eyes though. Take it slowly, but be consistent.

* Eye concentration: Mark a small black spot on the wall of your home with a black pen. Sit down comfortably on a blanket or a chair. Start focusing at the black spot for as long as you can .This will help make your eyes strong.

* Eye open and close: Open your eyes widely and close it tight (Be gentle in doing this exercise to avoid eye pain) Repeat this exercise for ten times with a 1 second pause on each set.

* Eye rolling- Roll your eyes clockwise for 5 counts, followed by anti-clockwise movement for 5 counts this strengthens your eye muscles.

* Eye movement- Move your eyes up and down slowly. Then from left to right for 5 counts each. To enhance flexibility of eye movement.

* Eye Twitching : blink your eyes frequently to improve nourishment to the eye muscles to avoid dryness.

* Blood circulation to eyes: Yoga too has a great impact on eye health.

Food that is good for Eyes

1.Carrot
2. Eggs
3. Milk
4. Apricots
5.Berries
6.Black Currants 7_ Cold-water Fish
8.Collard Greens
9.Grapefruits
10.Grapes
11.Lemons
12.Spinach
13.Fish Oils

Harmful for your eyes
1.Foods and additives containing Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)
2.Looking directly into the sun for some time.
3. Drugs which are harmful to the eyes 
4. Cell phone, games may also be harmful

(Seen on Facebook, Learning Petals)

Health Benefit of Garlic

I really love to eat raw garlic with honey. This is my source of power.
Did you know that chopped up garlic makes mosquitoes disappear?? Sprinkle them all around your patio but be careful because as soon as you do, the mosquitoes will swarm trying to get away from that area...Yes it is that powerful!! Share this with all your friends and family, click share to put it on your wall...everyone needs to know this since they are predicting heavy mosquito infestations this year!

11 Health Benefits Of Garlic

Garlic has been known for its health benefits since ancient times. It can treat so many infections in the body right from the common cold to cough and bronchitis. It was also helpful in curing plague actually.

1. Raw garlic can also be used to treat common problems like cane and pimples. Eating two to three pods of raw garlic every single day will help to keep the cholesterol levels in control in our body. It can also fight high blood pressure and lower it considerably. All this can be done just by having a few garlic pods is a part of your everyday diet.

Some of the other health benefits of garlic pods are that we can use them to cure small infections like pin worms and other kinds of worm. You can have a few garlic pods along with warm water in the morning and it acts as a deforming medication for you.

2. Garlic boosts your immune system.

3. Garlic is anti-aging, its antioxidant power neutralizing free radicals that procure aging and disease.

4. Garlic helps reduce plaque build up (atherosclerotic heart disease).

5. Garlic thins the blood and helps to prevent blood clots (fibrinolyisis) hence reducing the risk of strokes.

6. Garlic helps to prevent cancer, particularly of the digestive system, and reduces the size and arrests the growth of certain tumors.

7. Garlic lowers and regulates blood sugar levels.

8. Garlic helps to remove heavy metals such as lead and mercury from the body - natural body detoxification.

9. Garlic is anti-inflammatory.

10. Garlic (raw, containing allicin) is a natural antibiotic and can kill even drug resistant strains of bacteria such as MRSA as well as Helicobacter pylori, the bacterium known to cause stomach ulcers and implicated in stomach cancer.

11. Garlic is anti-fungal and reduces yeast infections in body parts.


(Seen on Facebook, Learning Petals)

10 Natural remedies for Treating Diabetes

Diabetes Treatment using Natural remedies

Diabetes is a chronic nutritional disorder in which the body cannot utilize the glucose completely, resulting in elevated sugar levels in blood and urine. The lack of insulin or no insulin in the body is responsible for Diabetes. The condition is common in people who are obese and lack in physical activities. Diabetes is a fatal disease, means once an individual gets this deadly disease, he will have to suffer for the whole life. That’s not all; it can also be a precursor to several other types of health disorders like cardiovascular diseases, obesity and chronic illnesses of the eye. So, it is very important to keep the diabetes in control by regulating the sugar levels.
Diabetes Treatment using Natural remedies 

The majority of diabetic patients rely upon the medications for controlling the sugar levels. Though it is a very imperative way to manage the cases where diabetes seems to have turned into a deadly condition, but it is always better to look for natural treatments and home remedies. The reason is that the natural remedies don’t have any side effects, which are allied with stronger medications, plus they are also practically verified to be highly beneficial. Check out some of the most effective Indian Natural Remedies to cope with the Diabetes.

Aloe Gel – A Very Good Blood Sugar Stabilizer for the Diabetics

As everyone knows, the aloe vera gel is an excellent home remedy for minor burns and some other skin conditions. Besides this, aloe gel is also proven beneficial as a natural diabetes remedy on the basis of some studies. A number of clinical studies have been performed, which reveal the antidiabetic properties of aloe gel. There are a number of active phytosterol compounds present in the aloe gel, which are shown to aid in decreasing the blood glucose (sugar) and glycosylated hemoglobin levels. As well, it stimulates the insulin production which is necessary for the sugar control in the body.

Aloe gel also provides blood circulation enhancement effect by reversing the "sludge blood", and this effect further strongly benefits the diabetic patients who are suffering from peripheral neuropathy (numbness of hands and feet). Aloe gel is believed to boost the antioxidant defenses of body that is often impaired in diabetics.

How to Take It as A Natural Diabetes Remedy?
The patients can simply gulp a teaspoon of the aloe juice two times every day. Consumption of aloe gel for three months put a significant drop in hasty blood sugar levels in diabetic patients. It also lowers the cholesterol levels.
You can also make a natural concoction, which is very effective for diabetes. Add 1 tsp of turmeric in a few tsp of ground Bay Leaf (Tejpatra), and blend this mixture with an equal amount of aloe gel. Take this concoction every day, before lunch and dinner.

Fenugreek Seeds – A Most Efficient Natural Remedy To Ease the Typical Diabetes Symptoms

Clinical and experimental studies have shown that Fenugreek Seeds or Methi seeds are most efficient in alleviating the typical diabetes symptoms. The credit for the antidiabetic properties of fenugreek seeds goes to an alkaloid trigonelline, which helps in lowering the blood sugar level, as well as, nicotinic acid and coumarin. It has been proven by the studies that the daily consumption of fenugreek seeds can significantly lower the blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetic patients. If the diabetic patients take an efficient dose of Methi seeds daily, they can diminish the reactive hyperglycemia. The seeds can be taken by the diabetic patients in different ways.

How to Take It as A Natural Diabetes Remedy?
The patients can simply swallow a teaspoon of the Methi seeds with water two times daily.
Soak the seeds in water for a night and then dry the soaked seeds at morning. Make a powder of this dried seeds. Take one teaspoon of this powder two times daily.
Soak the seeds in water overnight and consume this water concentrated seeds’ juice on an empty stomach early in the morning. You can make this natural concoction stronger by grinding the seeds and filtering them through a filter paper or cloth.
Mix 100 gm Fenugreek seeds with 50 gm turmeric and white pepper, and grind them. Consume 1 tsp of this powder with a glass of milk two times every day.

Chapattis – An Incredibly Useful Routine for Managing the Diabetes

A daily routine of taking a lot of fibers in the natural form is one more beneficial way to manage the diabetes. It has been found that the fibers play an important role in controlling the diabetes. Consuming the chapattis on a regular basis is a best way for getting fibers in the natural form. You can even raise the fiber content in your chapattis, for increasing the worth of them in managing your diabetes. For that, mix the refined wheat flour with a combination of flours obtained from various cereals, which are high in soluble fiber. For example, the flours of barley and lentils like soya bean and gram (Chana Dal).

How to Take It as A Natural Diabetes Remedy?
Consume the chapattis made of wheat, barley and gram or/and soya bean on a daily basis, and get a plenty of fibers in natural form to manage your diabetes.

Indian Blackberry – Unbelievable Diabetes Remedy By Means Of All the Plant Parts

Indian Blackberry or Jamun is one of the extraordinary plants where almost all the plant parts, including berries, leaves, and seeds are supposed to aid in controlling the blood sugar levels. These purple fruits have incredible properties to cure the diabetes, and they are found beneficial in reducing the blood sugar level and enhancing the blood circulation.

How to Take It as A Natural Diabetes Remedy?
Crush the blackberry seeds to make a fine powder. Take one teaspoon of this powder along with water on empty stomach every morning to control your diabetes.
Take the powder of blackberry seeds and mix it with the powder of bitter gourd in same proportion. Taking one teaspoon of this powder along with water at both morning and evening will surely work wonders.
You can also make tea of Blackberry leaves without adding sugar for benefiting your diabetes. This tea neutralizes the sugar levels, as well as, cleanses the system.

Banaba or Jarul Powder – A Most Potent Herbal Powder to Regulate Blood Sugar

The herbal plant Banaba is being cultivated in only a handful of nations along with India. The plant extract of Banaba or Jarul is very beneficial for the diabetic patients. The plant is abundant in the most potent biochemical compound Corosolic acid, which helps in regulation of blood sugar levels and insulin levels by stimulating the faster glucose metabolism. Ultimately, it helps in combating the diabetes.

How to Take It as A Natural Diabetes Remedy?
Make an herbal tea by using the herbal powder or herbal extracts of Banaba plant. Daily consumption of this herbal tea is advantageous in battling with the Diabetes.

Bitter Gourd – A Bitter Veggie Packed With Sweet Benefits
No one likes the bitter things, but it is better to take a veggie rather than medicines. Bitter gourds or Karela are found to have efficiency in regulating the high sugar levels, which can prove lethal for diabetics. Bitter gourds are loaded highly with antioxidants and many rare micronutrients, which make them worth for controlling the diabetes.

How to Take It as A Natural Diabetes Remedy?
Mix 15 gm of Karela juice in 100 gm of water, and take it three times a day to control blood and urine sugar levels and curing the disease. This should be done for 3 months.
Consume the Karela cooked in ghee for a period of 3 months, and your diabetes will be brought down by a significant amount.
Dry the bitter gourds indoors and make a powder from them. Take 6 gm of this powder daily to combat diabetes.

Neem, Tulsi and Bel Patra leaves – Incredible Household Herbs with Many Therapeutic Values

All of these three herbs have a lot of medical values. Besides improving the body immunity, all these household herbs are also helpful in the glucose oxidation process and easy insulin secretion, which aids to combat with the diabetes.

How to Take Them as A Natural Diabetes Remedy?
Drink a glass of water along with ten neem leaves, ten tulsi leaves and ten belpatras on an empty stomach in the early morning. It will help to keep the sugar levels under control.
You can also boil all these leaves together for enhancing their potency. Drinking the filtered extract of the boiled leaves is found more potent and more beneficial.
You can simply chew seven leaves of neem on an empty stomach early in the morning with water

Lady Finger 
Please note that another name for Lady Finger is "OKRA ".

Take two pieces of Lady Finger and remove/cut both ends of each Piece. Also put a small cut in the middle and put these two pieces in glass of water.
Cover the glass and keep it at room temperature during night.
Early morning, before breakfast simply remove two pieces of lady Finger from the glass and drink that water.
Keep doing it on daily basis. Within two weeks, you will see remarkable results in reduction of your SUGAR. My sister has got rid of her diabetes. She was on Insulin for a few years, but after taking the lady fingers every morning for a few months, she has stopped Insulin but continues to take the lady fingers every day. But she chops the lady fingers into fine pieces in the night, adds the water and drinks it all up the next morning.

Please. try it as it will not do you any harm even if it does not do much good to you, but U have to keep taking it for a few months before U see results, as most cases might be chronic.

Mango Leaves
Boil 15 Fresh Mango leaves in 1 Glass of Water. Leave Overnight. Filter This Water And Drink First Thing In The Morning

(Seen on Facebook, Learning Petals)

80 Awesome Uses of Coconut Oil

Be sure to buy organic unrefined coconut oil. Most Walmarts carry it on the aisle with the other cooking oils, also health stores should have them as well. Do not buy the cheaper non-organic versions which are not healthy versions. 

Personal Hygiene/Body:

1. Moisturizer – simply scoop some out of the jar and apply all over your body, including neck and face.
2. Eye cream – apply under the eyes to reduce puffiness, bags, and wrinkles. Use on the lids in the evening.
3. Preshave – coconut oil will prep skin for the pending damage caused by shaving.
4. Aftershave – coconut oil will help heal your skin after shaving without clogging pores.
5. Deodorant – coconut oil alone can be used as a deodorant, but even more effective in combination with cornstarch/arrowroot powder and baking soda!
6. Hair Conditioner/Deep Treatment - use as a leave in hair conditioner by applying a teaspoon of coconut oil to your ends and then running your fingers through your hair to distribute the rest! For a deeper treatment, rub in a tablespoon of coconut oil onto your dry scalp and gently work through to the ends. Put a shower cap on to prevent transfer onto bed linens and leave on overnight.
7. Hair Gel/Defrizzer – rub a little between your palms and either scrunch into hair (for curly hair) or finger comb in through from scalp to ends (for wavy/straight hair).
8. Toothpaste – there are numerous recipes out there but I just mix coconut oil and baking soda and dab a little of the mix on my toothbrush.
9. Make up remover – use a cotton swab and a dab of coconut oil and you would be amazed at how well it works!
10. Chapstick – just rub a little into lips and it not only acts as a softening agent but it also has an SPF of about 4 so you get a little protection!
11. Massage Oil – pretty simple; grab some and rub!
12. Lubricant – it is an all natural, perfectly safe personal lubricant. Not compatible with latex!
13. Sunscreen
14. Stretch Mark Cream – coconut oil is great at nourishing damaged skin. It may not be the magic stretch mark cure but it will help.
15. Nipple Cream – works great to nourish cracked, sore, or dry nipples. Apply to a cotton ball and leave on your nipples between feedings.
16. Diaper salve – very comforting on a rashy bum with no harsh chemicals. Also safe for cloth diapers.
17. Cradle cap – having issues with dry skin on your baby’s scalp? Coconut oil will not only nourish your baby’s skin, it also helps eliminate cradle cap. Just rub a teaspoon onto scalp daily.
18. Body scrub – mix coconut oil and sugar together and rub all over! Rinse off and your skin will be super soft! You can add in essential oils if you would like a specific smell.
19. Healing - when applied on scrapes and cuts, coconut oil forms a thin, chemical layer which protects the wound from outside dust, bacteria and virus. Coconut oil speeds up the healing process of bruises by repairing damaged tissues. Plus, it smells a heck-of-a-lot better than anything from the pharmacy.
20. Bug Bites – when applied directly to a bug bite, coconut oil can stop the itching and burning sensation as well as hasten the healing process.
21. Skin problems – coconut oil relieves skin problems such as psoriasis, dermatitis, and eczema.
22. Swimmers Ear – mix garlic oil and coconut oil and put a few drops in affected ear for about 10 minutes. Do this 2-3 times a day and it usually works within one or two days.
General Health and Wellness
23. Stress Relief - relieve mental fatigue by applying coconut oil to the head in a circular, massaging motion. The natural aroma of coconuts is extremely soothing thus helping to lower your stress level.
24. Digestion - the saturated fats in coconut oil have anti-bacterial properties that help control, parasites, and fungi that cause indigestion and other digestion related problems such as irritable bowel syndrome. The fat in coconut oil also aids in the absorption of vitamins, minerals and amino acids, making you healthier all around.
25. Fitness - coconut oil has been proven to stimulate your metabolism, improve thyroid function, and escalate energy levels, all of which help decrease your unwanted fat, while increasing muscle.
26. Nose bleeds - coconut oil can prevent nose bleeding that is caused by sensitivity to weather such as extreme hotness and extreme coldness. This condition happens when the nasal passages become dry because of cold or dry air resulting to burns and cracks in the mucus membranes so bleeding happens. To prevent this just put coconut oil in you nostrils. Coat your finger with coconut oil and then lie down and coat your finger inside your nose. Doing this will strengthen and protect the capillaries in the nasal passages. A Vitamin C supplement will also help prevent nose bleeding.
27. For breastfeeding moms, consuming 3 ½ tablespoons of coconut oil daily will enrich your milk supply.
28. Helps with weight loss & controlling cravings.
29. Helps keep blood sugar levels stable and/or helps with cravings in those with diabetes.
Health Problems (that coconut oil is known for aiding, relieving, or even curing when taken internally)
30. Eczema – in addition to taking it internally, many have success applying it externally, some don't
31. Skin problems
32. Toenail fungus
33. Hot flashes
34. Bleeding hemorrhoids (can also be applied externally twice a day)
35. HIV
36. Head lice
37. Improvements in menstruation regarding pain/cramps and heavy blood flow
38. Migraines (with regular use)
39. Mononucleosis
40. Parasites
41. Thrush
42. Relieve gallbladder pain
43. Has helped some people improve symptoms of an underactive thyroid gland, results have shown subsequent thyroid blood tests becoming normal
44. Energy boost
45. Flaky, dry skin
46. May relieve acid reflux and indigestion when taken with each meal
47. Adrenal fatigue
48. Alzheimers
49. H. pylori
50. Candida albicans
51. Asthma, even in children
52. Autism
53. Cholesterol - improves HDL ('good' cholesterol) to LDL ('bad' cholesterol) ratio in people with high cholesterol
54. Chronic fatigue
55. Circulation/feeling cold all the time
56. Stronger immune system
57. Mental Clarity
58. Depression
59. Helps with inflammation in Crohns
Health Problems (that coconut oil is known for aiding, relieving, or even curing when applied topically)
60. Athletes foot
61. Back pain/sore muscles
62. Canker sores
63. Acne
64. Cellulite
65. Herpes (applied topically and taken internally)
66. Genital warts (through topical application over 6 weeks, and coconut oil enemas twice a day depending on the location of the warts)
67. Circumcision healing – although I am personally against circumcision, I have read that coconut oil is a really great healer for this.
Cooking
68. Use 1 cup to 1 cup ratio when replacing other oils/butter in recipes with coconut oil.
69. Replacement for butter/lard/Crisco/PAM in it’s solid form – greasing pans, pie crusts, etc.
70. Replacement for various oils in liquid form – baking, cooking, sautéing, etc.
71. Nutritional supplement – melt and add to smoothies.
Other Uses
72. Insect repellent – mix coconut oil with peppermint oil extract and rub it all over exposed skin. Keeps insects off better than anything with Deet! Tons safer too.
73. Great for dogs and cats for general wellness. Just add a teaspoon to their water bowl daily.
74. Goo Gone - just mix equal parts coconut oil and baking soda into a paste. Apply to the “sticky” area and let it set for a minute. Then scrub off with an old toothbrush or the scrubby side of a sponge.
75. Chewing Gum in Hair Remover – just rub some coconut oil over the stuck chewing gum, leave in for about 30 minutes, then roll the gum between your fingertip. Voila! It’s out!
76. Polish Furniture - coconut oil with a little bit of lemon juice to polish wood furniture. However, I recommend you test it first on a very small, unobtrusive part of your furniture to make sure it works the way you’d like.
77. Polishing Bronze - all you have to do is rub a little oil into a cotton towel and then wipe down the statue. It cleans and helps deepen the color of your bronze.
78. Seasoning animal hide drums
79. Seasoning cookware
80. Moisturizing and cleaning leather products

(Seen on Facebook, Learning Petals)

Removing Wrinkles Naturally

Even though they say wrinkles make you wiser, there are many ways to look wiser without the wrinkles that are natural, there is no need to buy expensive anti-aging cream or treatments. You won’t need to expend more than a couple of bucks… here is where the real wisdom is. Bananas and their peel have been used for centuries to help with many skin conditions, including acne, wrinkles, warts, psoriasis and poison ivy.

1. Mash a banana until it has a creamy texture and apply it to your entire face for 30 minutes, bananas have so much more going for them than just a delicious and nutritious treat.

2. Coconut oil is the best option when it comes to natural wrinkle removal, since it rebuilds our skin tissue and will also leave your face skin moisturized and feeling smooth and beautiful.

3. Pineapple juice can easily rival any treatment, in fact it is much better, because they are packed with the enzyme bromelain which naturally eats away our top layer of skin when applied topically and leaves the new fresh skin underneath.

(Seen on Facebook, Learning Petals)

Milk & its Health Benefits

You are never too old to reap the rewards of drinking milk. It is a great source of vitamins and nutrients, and it has several health benefits, such as:

1. Glowing Skin
Cleopatra took milk baths to help her skin stay soft, supple and glowing. You can do the same, or you can drink a few glasses of whole milk each day to get its benefits. Milk has several nutrients which help skin look its best. It has lactic acid which can act as an exfoliant and enzymes to help smooth skin. It also has amino acids that help keep skin moisturized. Milk can help prevent damage from environmental toxins because it has antioxidants. However, if you have a sensitivity to milk or dairy products, milk can actually aggravate your skin.

2. Healthy Bones and Teeth
Milk is a great source of calcium, which is essential for healthy bones. Not only do young children need it while their bones are growing, but adults need it to keep their bones strong and to prevent osteoporosis. Milk is also great for strong teeth, and it helps prevent tooth decay and cavities. In order for the calcium to be absorbed by the body, vitamin D must be present. If you have a vitamin D deficiency, buy milk that is fortified with extra vitamin D to ensure that your body absorbs the calcium.

3. Muscles
Milk contains protein, which helps to rebuild muscles. Drink a glass of milk after you exercise to give your body what it needs to recover. It will help to keep soreness at bay while replenishing fluids that you lost during your workout.

4. Weight Loss
Studies show that women who drink low-fat or skim milk lose more weight than those who exclude milk from their diet. It is a great appetizer and it makes a healthy snack. Add a glass to your dinner, or drink a glass while eating a piece of fruit.

5. Less Stress
Milk is a great way to de-stress at the end of the day. A glass of warm milk will help to relax tense muscles and soothe frayed nerves. Milk has also been proven to reduce symptoms of PMS and boost energy. The next time you are feeling frazzled, try drinking a glass of milk while you soak in a bubble bath.

6. Healthy Body
Milk has properties that lower high blood pressure and risk of strokes. It reduces the liver’s production of cholesterol, and it can act as an antacid. Vitamins A and B in milk can help build good eyesight. Milk has also been show to help lower risk of certain cancers.
There are several varieties of milk on the market, such as whole, 2%, low-fat and fat free. If you are concerned about the growth hormones used in milk, choose to go the organic route. With all of the types of milk available, you should be able to find something that fits your diet and nutritional needs

(Seen on Facebook, Learning Petals)

TOP 12 ANTI-ASTHMA FOODS !!

There might not be a perfect cure for asthma, but we can find many superfoods with a nutrient profile that is particularly well suited for preventing and alleviating asthma symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing and chest tightness. Let’s take a look at 12 such foods and their asthma fighting qualities.

1. AVOCADOS - is one of the prime source of Glutathione, which has been shown to protect cells against free radical damage and to detoxify foreign substances such as pollutants. Without glutathione, other antioxidants would not be able not function efficiently. Avocados are also a good source of vitamin E, particularly for people whose asthma is linked to a nut allergy (nuts are one of the most common sources of vitamin E). However, if you have been diagnosed with a latex allergy, you may want to be careful with avocados, particularly non-organically grown produce. Many suggests that people who are allergic to latex are often also allergic to avocados and other foods that may contain substances called chitinases. Organically grown avocados not treated with ethylene gas contain lower levels of chitinases.

2. BROCCOLI SPROUTS - are true nutritional treasure and a great addition to your diet if you suffer from asthma. A recent study found that the study participants who ate broccoli sprouts for 3 days had an increase in antioxidant compounds that control the airway inflammation associated with bronchial asthma. The effect was most pronounced in those who ate the most broccoli sprouts. Available at many health food stores and grocery stores, broccoli sprouts make a great addition to salads, soups, salsa-topped dishes, and sandwiches.

3. APPLES - Studies show that apples possess some extraordinary properties that may provide protection against asthma. One study discovered that pregnant women who ate apples protected their child from developing asthma. Another study found that by drinking apple juice daily children could reduce their chance of suffering from wheezing by 50%. These beneficial effects of apples may be linked to their high concentration of bioflavonoids, such as quercetin. Quercetin is known to possess strong anti-histamine, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. When buying apples, be sure to purchase organically grown fruit: together with peaches, conventionally grown apples top the list of fruits that contain the highest levels of pesticides and other harmful chemicals.

4. BANANAS - Including bananas in your diet may help you breathe easier. According to a British study, children who ate just one banana a day had a 34% lower chance of developing asthmatic symptoms such as wheezing. The results where not surprising considering that bananas are one of the best sources of pyridoxine, commonly known as vitamin B6. Pyridoxine plays a critical role in the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), molecules that have been shown to help relax bronchial smooth muscle tissue.

5. GINGER - one of the oldest spices in the world, is well known for its cold treating powers, but it may also help alleviate asthma symptoms. Its asthma fighting properties are thought to be attributable to gingerols, strong anti-inflammatory substances that also give ginger its distinctive flavor. Fresh ginger, which is said to be the most effective form of ginger, is available year round in the produce section of your local supermarket.

6. SPINACH - Popeye was right about one thing: you'd better eat your spinach! The nutritional profile of spinach makes it an excellent health food and an important functional food to be included in any anti-asthma diet. One study with 68,535 female participants found that women with a high intake of spinach had a lower prevalence of asthma. This is not surprising considering that spinach features a host of important asthma preventing nutrients, including beta-carotene (spinach is one of the best sources of beta-carotene there is), vitamin C, vitamin E, and magnesium. It also has a substantial potassium content in proportion to its calorie content: a 100 calorie serving provides about 40% of the reference daily intake for this important anti-asthma mineral.

7. ROSEMARY - It contains rosmarinic acid, that may help alleviate asthma symptoms due to its strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The antioxidant power of rosmarinic acid is believed to be even stronger than that of vitamin E. In addition, rosmarinic acid encourages cells to create prostacyclins, which help keep the air passages of the lungs open and thus promote easy breathing. Rosemary can be used to flavor fish, roast meats, and tomato sauces, but also fruits, especially oranges.

8. SUNFLOWER SEEDS - are brimming of anti-asthma nutrients, as these mild nutty tasting seeds are loaded with vitamin E, potassium, and magnesium. They are also a good source of selenium, with 1 cup providing more than 1/3 of the recommended daily intake for this important mineral. Furthermore, sunflower seeds are among the seeds and nuts that are least likely to cause allergic reactions in people. But, be careful while consuming them, as they are quite calorie-dense.

9. SWEET POTATOES - are one of the oldest vegetables known to man and one of the most nutritious too. Sweet potatoes are one of the foods that are least likely to cause allergic reactions, which is great news since asthma is often linked to allergies. What’s more, sweet potatoes contain plenty of vitamin C and potassium as well as unique root proteins which, according to preliminary studies, may have significant antioxidant properties. The pink, orange, and yellow varieties are also one of the most concentrated food sources of beta-carotene (the more intense the color, the more beta-carotene).

10. KALE - This relatively unknown member of the cabbage family is a nutritional powerhouse packed with vitamins and other phytochemicals that have been shown to alleviate symptoms associated with asthma. Not only is kale a great source of vitamin C, it is also one of the most concentrated dietary sources of beta-carotene (kale contains 10 times the beta-carotene of broccoli). Kale can be eaten raw, for example as a substitute for iceberg lettuce in salads. The beautiful green leaves of kale can also be transformed into a savory warm dish by sautéing the leaves and mixing them with chopped onions, crushed garlic and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

11. TURMERIC - a spice that lends its yellow color to curries and many other foods, has long been used in traditional Asian medicine to treat asthma and many other conditions and diseases. In recent years, western medicine has started to pay greater attention to this extraordinary spice. Recent research suggests that turmeric possesses strong anti-inflammatory properties. Although best known for its use in Indian style curries, turmeric can also be used to add flavor and color to fish, seafood, meat, rice, vegetable, and pasta dishes.

12. MUSTARD GREENS - Chock-full of antioxidants and nutrients, mustard greens can make an excellent addition to your diet if you are susceptible to asthma attacks. In addition to being one of the best sources of beta-carotene, they provide a good amount of vitamin C and vitamin E. The nutrients in mustard greens can remove free radicals that cause smooth muscle contraction and airway constriction in people with asthma. Moreover, they may aid in the breakdown of histamine. Mustard greens with their distinctly peppery flavor are available throughout the year and can be found in the produce section of your local supermarket.

Like said before, no food can actually “cure” asthma; but only provide relief for asthma symptoms, in a long run of consumption. So, if you are asthmatic, or prone to frequent attacks, don’t forget these nutrient-rich foods that may help alleviate your asthma symptoms.

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Drinking Water Effectively

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Health Benefits of Oranges

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Natural Remedies for Gall Bladder Stones & Liver Health Tips

1. Fresh Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice can be used for dislodging the gall stones that have blocked the bile ducts. Squeeze lemon juice to form 1/4th of a cup. This has to be consumed first thing in the morning empty stomach without adding water. It could be a bitter task, but doing this every day for a week will ensure that your gall stones are dislodged from the gall bladder and bile secretion resumes duty again. Once the discomfort and pain is eased, you may stop this treatment.

2. Mixed Fruit Juices: Fruit juices that are of an acidic nature can melt gall stones. A great remedy for taking the benefit from all the fruit juices is to mix them together and consume every day until you get the gall stones removed from your system. For this, mix apple juice, lemon juice, grapefruit juice and pear juice every day. The combined action of these juices will help in dislodging the bile stones slowly, offering you great relief without other medications.
Drinking two cups of apple cider too helps in melting gall stones. Consume as many apples as you can during these days to exert its acidic influence on the stones.

Garlic: Garlic mixed with other potent juices and oils will exert great pressure on the gall stones and dislodge it in no time. Chop garlic into fine pieces and add olive oil and lemon juice to it. Take this four times a day. The gall stones will be softened and expelled through.

Radish: Take Radishes with every food to treat Gall stone

Avoid : Dairy products-Eggs-simple sugar- saturated fats

Intake: Maintain low fat food-Increase your fiber intake-Increaseyour vitamins

Best Liver Health Tips
Following are the most important tips that you can include in your daily life to protect your liver from disease and make it to work properly and efficiently:
Healthy Foods:

Fruits and vegetables are best source of keeping your liver strong and healthy. Fresh raw vegetables or boiled vegetables consist of vitamins and nutrients that keep your liver healthy.Beans, rice and whole grain are the food items that are good for liver health.

Water Importance:

Your drink water or any drink will pass through the liver and must have its effect on liver health. There is need that you only use clear and purify water. Drink much water as you can because water cleans your liver whenever it passes through it. Don’t store water for long time at open places for drinking. If you store water then bacteria’s born in it. So use fresh water or mineral water. Drink fresh juices of fruits and vegetables because this liquid food will wash your liver and removes the toxins and other wastes. Water is one of the thing that is responsible for liver health.

Alcohol & Smoking Effects on Liver Health:

Alcohol is one of the most dangerous things for liver. It damages and burn out the cells of liver. Alcohol creates infections, liver diseases, hepatitis and other liver diseases.

Similarly smoking also effect the abilities of your liver to remove toxins and work properly. For liver health it is very necessary to drink and smoking really or quite of these habits.

Drink Herbal Teas:

It is scientifically proven that herbal teas are good for liver health, and a way of treatment. Drinking lemon tea, ginger tea, peppermint, spearmint and dandelion root teas helps to increase the urination, wash the bacteria, toxins and viruses from the body.

Liver health & tensions/depressions:

Rest and mental relaxation is very necessary for good health. It is also proved that tension; stress and depression have direct impact on the liver health. Daily good sleep is also necessary for good liver health.

Medicine & Drugs effects :

Using too much medicines and heavy does have very negative effect on the liver and harm the cells of liver. Drugs are one of the main reason which cause the liver diseases and destroy its working. Don’t use any medicine without the doctor suggestion.

Food Precautions:

Liver removes the toxins from the blood. If you eat a lot of such things that are rich of toxins then it is difficult for liver to remove all of them. So try to avoid eating carbohydrate foods that have sugar, cheese white flour. Eat those food items that contain high nutrients.
Exercise Importance for Good Health:
If you have fatty liver disease or you want to get rid of this then exercise is very good treatment of this. Exercise improve your liver enzymes and very necessary for liver health.

These are the simple and best liver health tips so that your liver works properly and able to clean toxins, bacteria and viruses. If your every body part work properly then you will feel good otherwise you will never get any relaxation

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Parsley (Coriander Leaves) - Cleanse Kidney

Years pass by and our kidneys are filtering the blood by removing salt, poison and any unwanted entering our body. With time, the salt accumulates and this needs to undergo cleaning treatments and how are we going to overcome this?

It is very easy, first take a bunch of parsley or Cilantro ( Coriander Leaves ) and wash it clean

Then cut it in small pieces and put it in a pot and pour clean water and boil it for ten minutes and let it cool down and then filter it and pour in a clean bottle and keep it inside refrigerator to cool.

Drink one glass daily and you will notice all salt and other accumulated poison coming out of your kidney by urination also you will be able to notice the difference which you never felt before.

Parsley (Cilantro) is known as best cleaning treatment for kidneys and it is natural!

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Home Remedies to ease common cold

Everywhere you look, you’ll find someone sneezing, sniffling or stifling a sneeze. It’s like everyone has a cold that they’re just waiting to spread to you!

Home remedies for the common cold

The common cold

The common cold is one of the most widespread and prevalent viral infections out there. It can affect any human being irrespective of age, sex, heredity and geographical location. Although this infection is not considered very serious, it can be a reason for severe discomfort to the individual.

The immunity levels of the person play the most vital role in how frequently an individual contracts a cold. The trouble is that this infection is caused by so many viruses that it is not possible for our body’s immune system to develop immunity against each and every type of virus.

While there is no cure for the cold, there are some precautions and home remedies that can be very helpful in symptomatic relief.

Ease that cold – home remedies

Here are some simple home remedies that’ll help ease the symptoms of the common cold:

Lemon and honey - Lemon in warm water with one teaspoon of honey can be taken three times daily. Lemon increases the body’s resistance against the cold and its vitamin C content can be useful in washing out toxic components from the body and decreasing the duration of the disease.

Go for garlic - Garlic has antiseptic and antispasmodic properties. Boil 4 to 5 cloves of garlic in water and ingest the mixture three to four times daily. Garlic oil also helps in opening the respiratory passage. 3 to 4 drops of garlic oil mixed with 4 to 5 drops of onion can be very helpful in flushing all the toxic materials from the body, hence lowering the fever.

Ginger to the rescue - Ginger is an excellent remedy for the common cold. Boil it with water to make a decoction, which can be taken thrice daily, along with half a teaspoon of sugar. Add ginger to your tea for a soothing a delicious beverage.

Other tips to get over your cold

The best precaution you can take to avoid getting a cold is to eat a nutritious and healthy meal that enhances your immunity. It is better to avoid alcohol and cigarettes.

Use a towel or handkerchief while sneezing or coughing to check the spread of infection to others.

Avoid taking antibiotics, as they have no role in the treatment of these viral infections. They may weaken the body’s natural immunity and kill the healthy bacteria of the body, which will create a further favorable ground for the virus to multiply, with more virulence making the condition worse.

Drink lots of water and try to rest as much as possible. It is advised that when the acute symptoms of the disease are present, like soreness of throat, running nose, fever, chills, congestion of nasal passage etc., the food eaten should be light and diluted. After the acute symptoms are gone, go back to your normal well-balanced diet of seeds, nuts, cereals, grains vegetables and fruits. Avoid fish meat, cheese, and starchy foods.

Photograph by mcfarlandmo, via Creative Commons

Content and images taken from: http://sg.news.yahoo.com/aaah-choo-home-remedies-ease-common-cold-033046659.html

Boiled Coke with Lemon cures cold / flu

In Hong Kong, boiled coke and lemon is a common remedy for cold. Electrolyte drinks like 100 Plus is believed to ease diarrhea. Adding salt to your Sprite, 7Up or Ginger ale helps soothing sore throat. Drink soda to help you recover basic ails, does it sound like hogwash, and how does it work?

Mdm Pang Yet Lan who used to run a coffeeshop at Sim Place had a cold for weeks, then her Cantonese customer recommended boiled coke with lemon to her. “It worked wonderfully,” she says.

Boiled coke and lemon is a remedy that started in Hong Kong. There’s a story about a businessman who was trying to sell his coke during winter time, but people wanted hot drinks, so he boiled it with lemon and claimed that it will cure cold. That business trick became a ‘remedy’ that people in Hong Kong have been practicing for decades.

Many who tried soda drinks as remedy can’t really explain how it works. Mdm Pang believes that boiled coke with lemon or adding salt to Sprite helps detoxify. We consulted Dr Jeffrey Chua at local hospital to find out explanation behind these theories.

“Remedies like these are really a hit and a miss, it doesn’t work on everybody. Most of these remedies are passed on from generation to generation without really a scientific basis for it,” Dr Chua replies in an email.

According to Dr Chua, it’s a known fact that lemon contains vitamin C, which helps with cold. In his opinion, adding coke is just to make it tastes better and balances the tartness and acidity of lemon. Same explanation applies to the remedy of Sprite and salt that is said to soothe sore throat. Dr Chua explains that sore throat means there is inflammation and when there is inflammation, there is accumulation of fluids. “Salt is a natural dehydrator, it draws water out from our cells. Gargling (not drinking) salt water soothes sore throat. Soda like Sprite or 7 Up only add taste to the solution,” he adds.

As for diarrhea, he explains that “electrolyte drinks like 100 Plus and Gatorade taken after bowel movements helps the body replenish its loss fluids and electrolyte.” Again, he advised that this remedy is not a cure for diarrhea. In fact, he says that diarrhea has a lot of causes, as long as it’s not bacterial cause, the body will cure itself sooner or later.

So these remedies have been a theory for long, but it’s never been medically proven. Soda as remedy, is it a hit or a miss for you?

Content and images taken from: http://sg.entertainment.yahoo.com/news/boiled-coke-flu-052635683.html