More details about asthma - some facts and information

Meaning of the word, derived from ancient Greek. Asthma is a word meaning 'panting or shortdrawn breath'. As the word means, one of the common symptoms of an asthma patient is that they get frequent attacks of breathlessness, in between which he/she may even be completely normal. It is an allergic condition resulting from the reaction of the body to one or more allergens, and is the most troublesome of respiratory diseases.

Symptoms of asthma: Primarily, gasping for breath. Patients suffering from asthma appear to be gasping for breath. In more detail, what happens is, actually, they have more difficulty in breathing out than breathing in, and this is caused by spasms or sudden involuntary muscular contractions of the smaller air passages in the lungs.

Asthma Causes: Allergy can be caused by weather conditions, but there are other factors as well. Asthma may be caused due to an allergy caused by different factors such as weather conditions, food, drugs, perfumes, and other irritants. Allergies to dust are the most common.

Cures for asthma: Asthma treatment using Honey. Honey is one of the most common home remedies for asthma. It is said that if a jug of honey is held under the nose of an asthma patient and he inhales the air that comes into contact with it, he starts breathing easier and deeper. However, as with many natural treatments, you should not depend totally on them unless you are sure that they work.

Asthma treatment using Figs: Among fruits, figs have proved very valuable in asthma. They give comfort to the patient by draining off the phlegm. Three or four dry figs should be cleaned thoroughly with warm water and soaked overnight.

Asthma treatment using Lemon: Lemon is another fruit found beneficial in the treatment of asthma. The juice of one lemon, diluted in a glass of water and taken with meals, will bring good results.

Adding raw egg to your hair - learn how to do it

Raw egg is supposed to do a lot of wonders to your hair; my wife was wondering what is the exact process to add raw egg to hair since it seems a bit yucky and messy. I looked around and found these articles that helped:

http://www.ehow.com/how-does_4579022_what-benefits-using-eggs-hair.html (this was the easiest to go through)

http://www.maolik.com/something-useful/egg-in-hair-for-shine-and-luster (link)

http://www.dailyglow.com/hair-care-treatments/hair-mask-recipes.html (link)

To reap the benefit of healthier hair provided by eggs, apply raw eggs to your hair regularly. Crack at least 2 eggs into a bowl and mix thoroughly. For longer hair, you may need more eggs. Massage the mixed eggs onto dry hair. Make sure to really saturate your hair. This can get messy, so you may want to do it over the bathroom sink. Allow 15 minutes for your hair to absorb the eggs. Then rinse your hair thoroughly with cold water only. Cold water not only closes the hair follicle, but it won't cook the egg as warm or hot water can. After rinsing, shampoo as usual.

Health tip - Burberries help keep the brain fit

It is a normal situation, where the human mind gets more tired as the day progresses. So, as a person goes from morning to afternoon to evening, the person gets progressively loses the sharpness of mind, and attention. So, people try all sorts of mechanisms to retain that sharpness during the day, with coffee being one mechanism, getting some siesta or sleep during the day being another. Now, in some research, it is being found that Blueberries can play a vital role in ensuring that memory and concentration remains sharp many hours later. Now, once such a product comes into the market, it would be a hot seller (link to article)

Researchers found that a large helping of the fruit - described by some as nature’s ‘superfood’ - boosts concentration and memory up to five hours later. The study, reported at the British Science Festival, also claims that blueberry can help fight dementia in the long term. British scientists who made the discovery believe the antioxidants in blueberries stimulate the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain - and keep the mind fresh.
The results were repeated with another group of 40 volunteers, this time pensioners. He said that he was now concentrating on the long term effects of eating blueberries and particularly their effect on the hippocampus, the part of the brain related to memory.

Imagine, getting a product advertised as a natural, smooth, and tasty way to keep the brain refreshed. It would become a natural addition to offices and colleges all over.

Ad: Click Here to learn how to make your mind sharper!

The Sharp Brains Guide to Brain Fitness: 18 Interviews with Scientists, Practical Advice, and Product Reviews, to Keep Your Brain Sharp (Paperback)

Good health tips - Homemade Skin Recipes and Masks

Beauty products can claim that they are organic or natural on the bottles but be not totally truthful. The actual natural products can comprise a small part of the cream, oil, or shampoo. The fillers and other preservatives in the products could be irritating to even the healthiest of faces. Natural beauty recipes use vegetables, herbs, fruits, and flowers as their base.

- Lemons : They are tart but true to your skin. Lemons can ease a sore throat and also lighten dark spots on the skin. As a natural astringent, it pulls impurities out of the skin leaving it smooth and beautiful. Half a lemon is all you need to rub away many skin problems. Mix a bit of reduced lemon juice with water for a naturally lemon scented hair spray.
- Roses : Red, white, yellow, or pink, they are all fragrant and beautiful. Rose petals are soft and when added to a hot bath, transfer that fragrance to your body. You can create your own all natural rose water by steeping roses and adding a bit of coconut milk.
- Strawberries : They make the best shortcake and fruit glazes. The seeds are murder on your bridgework but great for removing dead skin. Combined with coarse salt and olive oil, strawberries and their seeds make a perfect natural exfoliate for the body.
- Bananas : Cream one and use it as a beauty treatment. Bananas contain an important electrolyte in the body - potassium. Restore the moisture balance in your skin with a facial mask made from banana. Mix your creamed bananas with egg white and yogurt to create the mask.
- Honey : Honey contains a wealth of antibacterial properties for a healthy body. Those properties can be transferred to the skin with a honey facial mask. For dry skin, mix some natural honey with cooked oatmeal. Oily skin requires an astringent like vinegar in combination with the honey. Splash your face with warm water to open pores and then apply the all natural mask.

- Aphrodite Apple Mask :
* 1 T Applesauce
* 1 T Wheat Germ
To Make: Purée apple in a blender or add applesauce to a small bowl. Mix in the wheat germ to form a paste.
To Use: Apply to washed, scrubbed, and steamed face. Allow mask to set for 10-15 minutes. Tone then moisturize.

- Avocado Carrot Cream Mask :
This mask combines avocados, which are rich in Vitamin E, with carrots, which are high in beta-carotene and antioxidants, and cream, which is high in calcium and protein. These ingredients will rebuild skin collagen, improve tone and texture, and fade age spots.
* 1 avocado, mashed
* 1 carrot, cooked and mashed
* 1/2 cup heavy cream
* 1 egg, beaten
* 3 tablespoons honey
Combine all ingredients in a bowl until smooth. Spread gently over your face and neck, and leave in place 10-15 minutes. Rinse with cool water and follow with your favorite toner.

- Cucumber Honey Toner :
* 1 medium Cucumber, peeled and cut up into pieces
* 2 tsp. Honey
Puree cucumber in a blender. Line a sieve with cheesecloth and set the sieve over a glass bowl or measuring cup. Pour the cucumber puree through the sieve and let it stand for 15 minutes for the juices to drip into the bowl. Pour the clear juice into a clean bottle and add honey.
To use, shake the bottle and saturate a cotton pad with the lotion. Sweep over face, neck and chest morning and night, and let it air dry (about 3 to 4 minutes). Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Makes about 1/2 cup.

- Ginger Skin Creme :
Ginger invigorates, and oil soothes. Try this double dose for dry skin.
* 2-inch piece of fresh ginger
* 2 teaspoons light sesame oil
* 2 teaspoons apricot kernel oil
* 2 teaspoons vitamin E oil
* ½ cup cocoa butter
Preheat oven on lowest setting. Finely grate the ginger just enough so that you have about an 1/8 teaspoon of ginger "juice." To obtain the juice, squeeze the freshly grated ginger over a small bowl. Place the ingredients (including the ginger) in a glass container and heat just until the cocoa butter is melted and the oils are blended. Pour into a clean, dry container and store in a cool dry place. You can add a few drops of orange or other essential oil for a nice twist.

- Kiwi Facial Cleanser (for dry or oily skin) :
* 1 kiwi fruit
* 2 tablespoons of plain yogurt
* 1 tablespoon orange water
* 1 tablespoon apricot or almond oil
* 1 tablespoon honey
* 1 teaspoon finely ground almonds
* 2 drops orange (or your favorite citrus) essential oil
Puree the kiwi fruit in a food processor until liquid. During processing, add yogurt, orange water, almond or apricot oil, and ground almonds. Process until thick and cream like. Add essential and stir to mix. To apply, massage gently over neck, face and décolleté to cleanse. Rinse well. Makes one application.

- Peach Lotion (for dry or normal skin)
* 1 Peach
* 4 drops tincture of Benzoin (known to be STRONG sensitizer)
* 2 oz. coconut or sweet almond oil
* 1 1/2 oz. orange flower water and 1 or 2 drops orange oil
Wash, drain, mash, and then strain the juice from 1 peach through muslin or cheesecloth. Add to it 4 drops of tincture of benzoin, 2 oz. coconut or sweet almond oil, 1 1/2 oz. orange flower water and 1 or 2 drops orange oil. Beat together until it is fluffy and pour into a clean 4 oz container. It will keep for a longer period if you store it in the refrigerator. Use the lotion to moisturize your skin whenever it feels dry.

Ad: Click Here for a Diet Solution Program!

Good Calories, Bad Calories: Fats, Carbs, and the Controversial Science of Diet and Health (Vintage)

Natural Body Scrubs for Healthy Skin

Body scrubs have always been a beauty must. Body scrubs have proliferated lately, with recipes including grains, nut shells, sea shells, salts and other minerals scrape-scrape-scraping away the layers and leaving fresh, new skin behind.

1. BODY SCRUB FORMULA 1
* 2/3 cup ground nuts or seeds (see helpful hints).
* 1/3 cup oatmeal, brown rice flour, or whole wheat flour.
* Enough liquid to make a paste (water, yogurt, milk or aloe vera gel).
* 1/2 to 1 teaspoon herbs (lavender, for example)–optional.
Combine the dry ingredients in a blender until they are reduced to a coarse meal. Pour the meal into a glass jar with a screw top. When you want to have a body scrub, scoop out about 1/4 cup‚s worth of the meal, and place it in a bowl. Stir in enough of the liquid to make a paste. Scoop up the paste with your hands or a washcloth, and rub over your body. Store the glass jar with the meal in the freezer.

2. BODY SCRUB FORMULA 2
* 1/2 cup Sugar.
* Any cold pressed oil (olive / sunflower / peanut) enough to dampen the mixture.
Mix the ingredients well and gently massage this scrub all over the body. Use a light soaping before shower and then rinse. Repeat twice a month.

3. BODY SCRUB FORMULA 3 - Anti wrinkle scrub
Mash 1/2 paw paw with 4 Tbsp rice flour. A few drops of orange oil and mix well. Apply to face, lightly scrubbing in circular movements. Don't leave on face for than 5-10 minutes. Moisturize with natural plant oil. Rinse well.

4. BODY SCRUB FORMULA 4 - Anti toxin Srub
Mash 1/2 punnet of Strawberries with 4 Tbsp rice flour. Apply to face, lightly scrubbing in circular movements. Don't leave on face for longer than 5-10 minutes. Moisturize with natural plant oil. Rinse well.

5. BODY SCRUB FORMULA 5
* Turmeric powder, 1 tsp
* Citrus blend, 2 Tbsp
* Apricot kernels, grounded, 1 Tbsp
* Glycerine soap, powdered,1 Tbsp
* Aloe vera gel, 1 Tbsp
* Almond oil or Rice bran oil, 1Tbsp
* Sandalwood oil, 1 tsp
Mix all the ingredients well, add water, and apply.

6. SUGAR BODY SCRUB
* 8 Cups turbinado (raw) or light brown sugar.
* 1 ½ to 2 Cups avocado, untoasted sesame oil or jojoba oil.
* ½ to 1 Cup apricot or peach kernel oil.
* Essential oil (we used ginger and vanilla).
* honey for smoothing the texture.
Mix well and apply.

Cancer research: Blueberry leaves can help stop Hepatitis C Virus

Hepatitis C is an infectious disease affecting the liver, caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). In some cases, those with cirrhosis will go on to develop liver failure or other complications of cirrhosis, including liver cancer. An estimated 270-300 million people worldwide are infected with hepatitis C. Hepatitis C is a strictly human disease. No vaccine against hepatitis C is available. This virus was first isolated in 1989, and hence is a relatively new virus. It is to find vaccines that can reduce the number of people infected by preventing high risk people from getting the virus that research is targeting. There is one research that seems to have found a chemical that can stop the virus (link to article):

Hiroaki Kataoka and colleagues at the University of Miyazaki (U-M) in Japan believed that since HCV is localised in the liver and can take 20 years or more to develop into disease, a dietary supplement might help slow or stop disease progression.
So they screened nearly 300 different agricultural products for potential compounds that suppress HCV replication and uncovered a strong candidate in the leaves of rabbit-eye blueberry (native to the southeastern US). They purified the compound and identified it as proanthocyandin (a polyphenol similar to the beneficial chemicals found in grapes and wine). While proanthocyandin can be harmful, Kataoka and colleagues noted its effective concentration against HCV was 100 times less than the toxic threshold, said a U-M statement.

All such research eventually suceeds when these chemicals succeed in their trials and are rendered fit to be used in humans.

Research: Extract from red sea coral can treat skin cancer

Research for combating cancer goes off into many different paths - one area is to determine the genes that kick off the cancer cells, or provide an indication of whether there is a higher risk of cancer; another area is to find naturally occurring ingredients that can either decrease the chance of getting cancer, or reduce / stop the incidence of cance once a person has been afflicted with the cancer. As a part of this, researchers have found an extract from coral found in the red sea that acts against skin cancer (link to article):

The team led by SDSU distinguished professor Chandradhar Dwivedi looked at the chemo
preventive effects of sarcophine-diol, made from a substance called sarcophine that can be isolated from soft coral found in the Red Sea. They found that sarcophine-diol has the potential to inhibit cell growth of cancers, and induce orderly, programmed cell death of skin cancer cells.
The study showed that treating human skin cancer cells with different concentrations of sarcophine-diol for different lengths of time reduced the viability of cancer cells in each case. Sarcophine-diol also inhibited the proliferation or uncontrolled growth of cancer cells. It also induced apoptosis, or programmed cell death, in cancer cells.

Further research is required in this area, but this a postive trend in the cure against skin cancer.

Research: Drug based on herbs lower risk of getting prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is a diseases that affects a significant portion of men, with the chance of getting prostate cancer getting higher as men getting older. It has been recommended that older men go in for regular medical tests to make sure that they are not at early stages of prostate cancer. In a recent drug trial, men who had an increased risk of developing prostate cancer were administered the drug, and it was found to be effective in some cases (link to article):

A novel herb-based therapeutic called Zyflamend has been found to be linked with minimal toxicity and no serious adverse events in men at high-risk for developing prostate cancer in its phase I clinical trial.
"Since we know that men with HGPIN have an increased risk for developing prostate cancer, new strategies formulated to decrease cancer risk, prevent or delay surgery, and improve quality of life, will be greatly beneficial for these men," said senior author of the study Dr. Aaron E. Katz, an associate professor of Urology at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. The researchers say that basic science studies have suggested that Zyflamend may have an anti-inflammatory mechanism of action, and the agent has been found to be effective in decreasing the proliferation of prostate cancer
in cell culture.

Cancer research: A gel that prevents skin cancers

Increasing level of sun exposure has been shown in the past to be related to an increased risk of developing skin cancers, and is the reason why the increase of the hole in the Ozone was supposed to result in more skin cancers and health problems. It is also the reason why there is an increased focus on skin creams and sun-blockers for those who have a much higher exposure to the sun. But there are problems with unprotected higher exposure to the sun. Sun spots have an enhanced risk of developing into skin cancers if untreated. Now an Australian company has come out with a gel made from radium weed sap that removes sun spots (link to article):

Peplin, the Queensland-based pharmaceutical company, says that its gel can remove sun spots, which can develop into invasive skin cancers if left untreated. Dr. Peter Welburn, General Manager of the company, has revealed that human trials have shown that the gel can treat sun spots and lesions in just two days.
According to him, the gel successively removed every sun spot on 27 per cent of patients, with 44 per cent having partial success. "This is the first product that has demonstrated benefit in treating sun spots on the face, neck and difficult areas to treat like the arms and back of hands,’’ News.com.au quoted him as saying. He, however, conceded that the gel did not treat melanomas.

Nature has many cures present through either plant or animal extracts that can help in treating cancer; it is just about science being able to find them and developed them commercially.

Research: Using a herbal extract to fight pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer is a dangerous form of cancer (details: Malignancy of the pancreas. Pancreatic cancer has been called a "silent" disease because early pancreatic cancer usually does not cause symptoms. If the tumor blocks the common bile duct and bile cannot pass into the digestive system, the skin and whites of the eyes may become yellow (jaundiced), and the urine darker as a result of accumulated bile pigment called bilirubin).
Cancer of the pancreas has markedly increased in incidence over the decades and now ranks as the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the US. Despite the high mortality rate associated with pancreatic cancer, its causation is poorly understood. Smoking is known to be a major risk factor. Cigarette smokers develop cancer of the pancreas two to three times more often than do nonsmokers. Quitting smoking reduces the risk of pancreatic cancer. Cancer of the pancreas is rarely curable. The overall survival rate is less than 4%.
Hence, research that delves into how to find cures for pancreatic cancers is very imporatant; and finding of naturally occurring or laboratory created compounds that could help in the cure is very important. Here is some information about a promising herb that could help in stopping the development of pancreatic cancer (link to article):

Thymoquinone, the major constituent of the oil extract from a middle-eastern herbal seed called Nigella sativa, reduced the release of inflammatory mediators in pancreatic cancer cells, according to Hwyda Arafat, associate professor of surgery, Jefferson Medical College (JMC).
Nigella sativa seeds and oil are used in traditional medicine in the Middle East and in other parts of Asia, for treating some immunity and inflammatory disorders, Arafat said. Previous studies have also shown it to have anti-cancer effects on prostate and colon cancers, said a Jefferson release.

Any development in the fight against pancreatic cancer is very useful, and if this herb does turn out to be an important tool in the effort, then this development would be a watershed. Giving hopes to the family of those who are suffering from pancreatic cancer is also equally important.

Site for menstrual cramps

Menstrual cramps are a major pain area for many women. A lot of them believe that there is nothing that can be done to reduce the effect / impact of these cramps. However, here is a website that promises to provide natural remedies to reduce the effects of menstrual cramp. Link to the website.
An example of a remedy from the site:
Treat menstrual cramps using a heat pack - I have always suffered from severe menstrual cramps all my life. I have tried all the medication available over the counter and none work as good as the good old heat pack remedy. Either purchase a heat pack or make a square bag out of two pieces of material sewn together and put a heap of rice in it then sew the end up. You can put this heat pack in the microwave to heat it then simply place it on your abdomen. It works wonders, believe me.

There are more such remedies on the site.

Natural remedies for migraine

Migraine is an affliction that can cause a person severe pain. The pain in the head can incapacitate a person totally, preventing them from working when the pain is happening. Migraine is also something that afflicts a large number of people.
There are some natural remedies for migraine, and here is a website that promises to help (link), (link2)

Many migraine sufferers have turned to natural treatments once the cause has been determined. If stress is the culprit, you may find meditation or self-hypnosis an invaluable aid in relieving tension. If you suffer on a monthly basis because of menstruation or another hormone instability, herbal supplements formulated specifically for PMS symptoms will be beneficial. Some foods like Chocolate, Cheese, Nuts or any food containing MSG may cause a headache and therefore should be avoided. But until you have tried to narrow down the causes you may find your migraine or headache keeps coming back.

Athletes Foot cure? - No harm in trying

I suffered with severe athletes foot for years before heeding the advice of my dad. The soles of my feet were covered with a thick layer of fungus and blisters would appear on my heels and between my toes. I tried everything possible from home remedies to drugs. My dad told me how to cure it and I have not had the problem in at
least 10 years.
Put on pure cotton socks. Use canvas shoes that are about ready for the trash can or can be discarded if they fall apart after the treatment. Put on the socks and shoes and pour regular isprophyl alcohol into each shoe to saturate the socks and shoes.
Keep these shoes on all day, preferably outside while working. Remove the shoes and socks at night and take a shower or bath to clean them thoroughly. That's it. You will notice nothing for at least a week or maybe more. Finally, your feel will peel tremendously and your feet will be a smooth and pink as when you were a kid.
My dad tells me that the alcohol soaks through the first layer of skin that is infected with the fungus and effectively kills it from underneath the tough outer layer of skin of which a topical ointment is hard to penetrate. The peeling is a result of the killed fungus letting go of the skin.
There might be a slight warmth on your feet when you put the alcohol on, but it does not burn or blister. It does not effect the non-fungus areas of your feet,only the infected areas.
I usually do this treatment about once a year in the summer, but I have not had to do it for couple of years now. I believe this because it did work for me. I told my Dermatologist about this and told him if he had any patients with this problem that I could cure it for the cost of a pint of rubbing alcohol!

Natural remedies for summer injuries and ailments

It´s summer, and accidents are bound to happen. And there are a slew of natural products and home remedies to to treat all of the season´s most common injuries. Here are natural treatments for four of the must common summer maladies.

SUN RELIEF
Spent too much time in the sun? While there are plenty of _tips and tricks
to treat scorched skin (link), you can also opt for peppermint oil, calendula oil, or St. John´s Wort extracts. All three help to reduce body heat and inflammation. Apply by adding a few drops to an oil-free lotion or to a cool bath. And to promote healing and prevent peeling, try spritzing your skin with some lavender essential oil diluted
in water or treat yourself to a slathering of avocado oil, which enriches the skin with natural vitamins and moisture.

BUG OFF
To keep the bug bites at bay, make your skin less appetizing to pesky mosquitoes and biting flies. Start by taking B-complex vitamins, and eating more garlic and onions. Bugs are also turned off by the taste of some essential oils, so dab on lemongrass, evergreen, eucalyptus (for mosquitoes) or lavender, basil, and geranium (for flies).
And if bugs get the best of you? Relieve itchy spots with undiluted drops of lavender or peppermint oil, or rub a crushed basil leaf onto each bite. For painful stings, try holding a crushed garlic clove on the sore area for 20 minutes, then rinse. Apis, a homeopathic remedy, may also work to control swelling and soreness associated with stings and bites. And for even more ways to deal with bites and stings, read Tips for getting bugs to buzz off and how to deal with bites and stings.

GET RID OF RASHES
If you find your skin crawling with the telltale red bumps of poison ivy, oak, or sumac, don´t despair. Instead, grab some Calamine lotion or topical clay to relieve the inevitable itch while speeding up the healing process. Then, take the edge off by soaking a compress with eucalyptus or witch hazel and apply to infected areas (both work as natural pain relievers and drying agents).

MEND MINOR MISHAPS
Burned by your barbeque? Look no further than your pantry for instant relief. Shake some soy sauce on the tender spot to ease the pain and put the kibosh on blisters. And when it comes to cleaning and soothing minor cuts and scrapes, tea tree oil and witch hazel are excellent ointments, while lavender and calendula ointments also promote healing and a healthy inflammation response in the skin.

Organic Gardening tips

1. Mulch your flower beds and trees with 3" of organic material - it
conserves water, adds humus and nutrients, and discourages weeds. It gives your beds
a nice, finished appearance.

2. Mulch acid-loving plants with a thick layer of pine needles each fall. As
the needles decompose, they will deposit their acid in the soil.

3. The most important step in pest management is to maintain healthy soil.
It produces healthy plants, which are better able to withstand disease and
insect damage.

4. Aphids? Spray infested stems, leaves, and buds with a very dilute soapy
water, then clear water. It works even on the heaviest infestation.

5. Compost improves soil structure, texture, and areation, and increases the
soil's water holding capacity. It also promotes soil fertility and
stimulates healthy root development.

6. Look for natural and organic alternatives to chemical fertilizers, such
as the use of compost. Our use of inorganic fertilizer is causing a toxic
buildup of chemicals in our soil and drinking water.

7. When buying plants for your landscape, select well-adapted plant types
for your soil, temperature range, and sun or shade exposure.

8. Landscaping your yard is the only home improvement that can return up to
200% of your original investment.

9. Plant trees! They increase in value as they grow and save energy and
money by shading our houses in the summer, and letting the sun shine through for
warmth in the winter.

10. Think of trees and their locations as the walls and roofs of our outdoor
rooms, when you are planning their locations and sizes.

11. Grass won't grow? Find an appropriate ground cover for the exposed earth
and fill the problem space, creating an interesting bed shape.

12. Plant vines on walls, fences, and overhead structures for quick shade,
vertical softening, and colorful flower displays.

13. If gourmet cooking is in your plans, organically grown herbs make
wonderful landscape plants. They flavor foods, provide medicinal properties, and
offer up fragrances. And most thrive on neglect.

14. Shade gardens are low maintenance - they require less watering, slower
growth, and fewer weeds to fight.

15. Everyone loves flowers! Annuals are useful for a splash of one-season
color. But since replacing them each year is expensive, concentrate them in
just a few spots.

16. There is no need to work the soil deeply when adding compost or soil
amendments. Eighty five percent of a plant's roots are found in the top 6" of
soil.

17. The best organic matter for bed preparation is compost made from
anything that was once alive, for example leaves, kitchen waste, and grass clippings.

18. Dig an ugly hole when planting a tree or shrub. A hole with "glazed"
sides from a shovel will restrict root penetration into the surrounding soil.

19. Planting from plastic containers? Carefully remove the plant and tear
the outside roots if they have grown solidly against the container.

20. Think of mulching as "maintaining the forest floor": add 1" to 3" of
compost or mulch to planting beds each year.

21. Natural fertilizers, compost and organic materials encourage native
earthworms. Earthworms are nature's tillers and soil conditioners, and
manufacture great fertilizer.

22. Bare soil should not be visible around a new planting. Always cover with
a layer of mulch, any coarse-textured, loose organic material.

23. Think "biodiversity". Using many different kinds of plants encourage
many different kinds of beneficial insects to take up residence in your yard.

24. Organic pest control is a comprehensive approach instead of a chemical
approach. Create a healthy biodiversity so that the insects and microbes will
control themselves. Using natural products and building healthy soil is the
best long-term treatment for pests.

25. Weeds? Spot-spray with common full-strength household vinegar, on a
sunny day. It's an organic weed killer that's safe for you and the environment.

26. Mulch! The rain and irrigation water runs off the land, eroding and
depleting your unprotected soil.

27. Residential users of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides apply more
pounds per acre of these chemicals then farmers do. As these pollutants run off,
they harm aquatic life and contaminate the food chain. If you keep your soil
healthy, you won't require chemical fertilizers.

28. Some mulching benefits are protection of roots from the sun's heat, and
protection of plant crowns from winter cold.

29. To prevent diseases and pest infestation , avoid piling mulch against
tree trunks. Spread mulch out as far as the drip line.

30. For effective weed control use a layer of coarse mulch 3" or more in
depth. Some hardy grasses may need to be rooted out for successful removal.

31. For a good start, water the ground thoroughly before and after applying
a mulch cover.

32. Use plants in your landscape that are either native to your area, or
were imported from areas with similar climate and soil. They require a lot less
water and care, and won't die off in the winter.

33. Compost is what happens when leaves, grass clippings, vegetable and
fruit scraps, woodchips, straw, and small twigs are combined, then allowed to
break down into a soil-like texture. Use it instead of commercial fertilizers.

34. Formal gardens are for you if you love symmetry. They work best around a
focal point like a fountain, sculpture, specimen tree, or group of plants.

35. Some flowers, including sweet peas, iris, foxglove, amaryllis, lantana,
lupines, clematis, dature, poinsettia, and oleander, are poisonous.

36. When buying annuals or perennials, select plants that are budded but not
yet in bloom, so their energy the first two or three weeks in your garden
will be directed toward making larger and stronger plants with better-developed
root systems.

37. To increase water conservation, look for drought-resistant plants.
Usually these plants have silver leaves, deep taproots and small leaves.
Succulents are also able to withstand dry weather.

38. When planting, take into consideration the plant's size at maturity.
Layer by height and bloom time for emphasis and constant color.

39. Soaker hoses deliver water directly to the base of the plant, reducing
moisture loss from evaporation. Early morning is the best time of day to water.

40. Compost balances both acid and alkaline soils, bringing PH levels into
the optimum range for nutrient availability. It contains micronutrients such
as iron and manganese that are often absent in synthetic fertilizers.

41. Avoid frequent, deep cultivation, which can damage plant roots, dry out
the soil, disturb healthy soil organisms, and bring weed seeds to the surface
where they will germinate.

42. Use the least-disruptive and least-polluting protections against a pest.
Try the following methods as applicable: first physical removal, barriers,
and traps; next, biological controls; then, appropriate botanical and mineral
pesticides.

43. Red, orange, and yellow in your landscape will draw the eye and bring
objects closer.To make a small garden feel larger, place warm colors in the
front of the space and cool colors in the back.

44. Cover street noise - sound pollution can be minimized by the use of
water features, such as a waterfall, or a pond with a fountain jet. Wind chimes
also help, as can bird feeders that attract songbirds.

45. Newly planted trees need supplemental water to avoid transplant shock,
so water deeply on a weekly basis throughout the growing season.

46. Give order to your garden by defining the boundaries with fences, stone
walls, or hedges. Include paths for movement.

47. Less than 2 percent of the insects in the world are harmful. Beneficial
insects such as ground beetles, ladybugs, fireflies, green lacewings, praying
mantids, spiders, and wasps keep harmful insects from devouring your plants.
They also pollinate your plants and decompose organic matter.

48. Plant newly purchased plants during the late evening or on a cloudy day.
They have a much better chance of surviving if planted during cloudy, rainy
weather than dry, sunny weather.

49. Compost introduces and feeds diverse life in the soil, including
bacteria, insects, worms, and more, which support vigorous plant growth.

50. Bright light washes out the cool colors, blue, green, and purple. They
are best used in shaded areas for maximum impact.

Home Remedies for Joint & Muscle Pains

Joint & Muscle Pains

The skeleton of our body has been provided with special joints or working surfaces where the bones come together. Flexible joints consist of special tissues such as cartilage, ligaments, tendons and capsule or covering for the joint. All these help to bind the bones together. But for real flexibility there must be sufficient lubricant to keep the joint movable and free from pain.
As a rule inflammation occurs most frequently in joints that are used a great deal, such as the fingers, knees, shoulders and spine. Most joint surfaces are smooth and hard, enabling them to carry heavy pressure when in use. The capsule protects the joint from injury and helps to hold the articulating bones in place.
Healthy cartilage is very elastic, able to recoil after any blow or pressure upon its surface. But when this useful substance degenerates there may be a rough grating sound when the joint is moved. Stiffness and pain may follow, particularly in the morning or after a period of rest. The joint may also begin to swell, as excess synovial fluid is poured out to help relieve the pain and heal the tender inflamed joint. All near by tissues, such as tendons, fascia, and muscles may also be involved.
The word arthritis means inflammation of the joints, but in early stages the whole body is usually involved. One or two joints may become completely deformed leaving the patient handicapped and somewhat weakened.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a serious disease that involves the joints but also the muscles, tendons, and other tissues of the body. Rheumatoid arthritis begins mildly with some swelling, pain and tenderness in the joints of the fingers, wrists, knees and feet. In this disease the joints on each side of the body are often involved at the same time. The joints feel unusually warm, and may appear red, and perhaps even contain some fluid.
Osteoarthritis is a chronic form of arthritis that may involve any joint but is more likely to occur in hardworking joints as the knees or fingers. The other causes of joint pain are: Joint injury, infections like viral infections, bacterial infections etc., joint strains, autoimmune diseases, and nervous system disorder.
Common symptoms of rheumatism are fever, immense pain & stiffness in affected muscles in case of chronic muscular rheumatism. Pain or tenderness in a joint which is aggravated by any movement or activity, such as walking, getting up from a chair, writing, typing, holding an object, throwing a ball, turning a key. Excruciating pain and stiffness in the joints in case of chronic articular rheumatism.


HOME REMEDIES FOR JOINT AND MUSCLE PAINS

Mix two teaspoons of lemon juice and a teaspoon of honey in a cup of warm water and take it twice daily. It is highly effective for the treatment of arthritis.
Take half teaspoon of turmeric powder with warm water twice a day. It is also beneficial in curing arthritis.
Application of hot packs and ice packs for 10 minutes also provides relief from joint pains.
Drinking alfalfa tea twice daily is also helps in the treatment of arthritis.
Drink some radish juice with sugar added to it to get rid of joint and muscle pains.
Soak Spiegel seeds in water, make a paste and apply it on the joints for immediate relief from pain.
Drink 15 grams of fresh bathu juice daily with an empty stomach without adding any salt or sugar to it.
Massage the affected area with any oil will to provide relief from the pain.
Drink a cup of papaya seed tea six or seven times daily for two or three weeks for relief from joint pain.
Eat porridge of 2 teaspoonfuls of winter cherry with ghee and molasses with an empty stomach for 15 days.
Improvement in the digestion and metabolism of the body is very important for the treatment.
Heavy meals, meat and fish, sour fruits and fried foods should be avoided, as they are difficult to digest.
Consumption of rice during nighttime should be avoided. Among fruits bananas are considered best as they provide strength to the joints and grease them.
Apple cider vinegar also helps to reduce the joint pains.
Take 1 teaspoon of turmeric juice in hot milk. It relieves of all pains in the body.

Prepare a mixture by adding 1/8-teaspoon turmeric, 3 cardamom pods (optional), 1/4-cup water. Simmer 5 to 7minutes, then add: 1 cup of milk, 2 tablespoons almond oil (cold pressed). Bring just to the boiling point (but do not boil). Add honey or maple syrup to taste. Sip slowly as a hot tea. This is an effective home remedy for joint and muscle pains.

Take Aloe Vera juice to get relief from the joint pains.
Aquatic herb Bog bean works as an anti-inflammatory, eating this herb or taking the herb in a supplement form can dramatically help in fighting against the arthritis.
Taking alfalfa tea twice a day makes a good cure.
Another very effective home remedy for joint and muscle pains is - Mix two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar and 2 teaspoons of honey in a small glass of warm water. Take it once or twice a day to get relief.
Rub the aching joints with hot vinegar to get some relief from pain.
Mix two parts pure olive oil and one part kerosene. It makes a wonderful ointment for the affected joints.
Add one-tablespoon cod liver oil to the juice of one orange, whip and drink before sleeping.
One raw clove of garlic every day is very beneficial. This clove can be fried in ghee (clarified butter) or castor oil. Take for 2 months.
Guggulu is very helpful in curing arthritis. Eat half a teaspoon twice a day after meals with warm water.
Drink carrot juice, cucumber juice, eat cooked vegetables and/or vegetable soups, and drink coconut water for a healthy body.
On an empty stomach eat 2-3 walnuts or some coconut. This is also an effective home remedy for joint and muscle pains.
Avoid mental tensions that lead to stress. Lose weight, if necessary, to get close to your ideal weight. If you weigh less, there is less weight on your joints and less pain.

AYURVEDIC TIPS : TAKING CARE OF EYES

AYURVEDIC TIPS : TAKING CARE OF EYES

Although we use our eyes everyday, we rarely pay attention to them until there is some serious problem. You can maintain perfect eyesight for most of your life by following some simple remedies.

An Important Aspect of Health
If you were asked, "Do you take care of your eyes once a week or at least once a month?", the most common reply would probably be in the negative. The eyes are considered to tbe the most important organ in ourt body and yet, people neglect to care for them.

Although we use our eyes everyday, we rarely pay attention until there is some serious problem. Ayurveda advises to take care of health while in a healthy state. You can maintain perfect eyesight for most part of your life by following some simple remedies.

Every morning after waking up, fill your mouth with water, close the eyes and sprinkle water on them about 10-15 times. Be sure, as Ayurveda advises, to wake up before sunrise. Do not use hot water to wash the eyes.

Do not wash the eyes or face when the body is sweating, especially after hard physical exercise or after being exposed to heat and sun.

Do not stare continuously, specially while looking at long distance objects. Blinking or giving rest to the eyes is good. Do not look at the objects in bright sunlight for a long time. Avoid reading, writing or working with eyes in improper light, or when the light is not sufficient. Take a break and give rest to the eyes if you feel heaviness or tiredness in the eyes.

Staying up late in the night and sleeping after sunrise is harmful for the eyes. In case of staying up late, drink a cup of water after each hour or half hour.

Protect your eyes from dust, smoke, strong sunlight and strong wind. Avoid staying long in such conditions. In case you have to stay, blink often and massage the closed eyes gently with your palms.

Try to maintain regular and clean bowel movements. Constipation weakens the eyesight. In addition; too much anxiety, mental stress, grief, anger and worry are harmful for the eyes.

Regular eye exercise maintains perfect eyesight. One simple method of exercise is moving the eyeball - right and left; upwards and downwards and rotating it in the clockwise and anti-clockwise directions.

Another simple way of protecting of eyes is through 'palming'. Rub the palms of both hands for about 30 seconds, close the eyes and gently place the warm palms over the eyes.

Eating cabbage and carrots is very beneficial for the eyes. These should be eaten raw. It is all right to drink cabbage and carrot juice mixed together or separately.

If Triphala (an Ayurvedic preparation) is available, you can wash the eyes with 'Triphala water'. Put a teaspoonful of Triphala powder in a glass of water, and let it stay overnight. Strain the water and wash the eyes with it.

Putting one drop of honey in each eye once a week is also beneficial to the eyes. It causes a bit of irritation, but cleans the eyes.

Try these remedies and keep your eyes healthy and beautiful. These remedies can be used by everyone, including those having weak eyesight. Through these methods, one can even improve one's weak eyesight and maybe even give up the use of spectacles forever.

HEALTHY TIPS FOR ur HAIR

HEALTHY TIPS FOR ur HAIR ....!!!!!

Your hair enhances your overall personality and also reflects your health. But, healthy hair and scalp needs proper care right from the beginning. If you neglect your hair for long, it might turn brittle with split-ends and also cause dandruff. You may even experience untimely hair loss if you don’t take timely precautions.

Studies indicate that in 95 percent cases, hair loss is genetic, but many other factors such as diet, general health, vitamin and hormonal deficiencies, overuse of hair dye, physical and emotional stress also lead to uncontrolled hair loss. However, it is possible to control most of these factors that lead to untimely hair fall among individuals.
Though hair loss is not a life-threatening situation, but it may imply internal health problems. Besides, it may also spoil the level of self-confidence in the long run. As there is no permanent cure for hair loss, but it is possible to take some preventive measures to ensure healthy and shining hair. Some of these tips are listed below:

1.Role of Diet

A nutritious diet, which contains all essential vitamins and minerals, helps in minimizing the hair loss. Therefore, you must include green, leafy vegetables, raw oats, and whole grain cereals, eggs, dates, and raisins in your daily food regime. As the hair is made of protein, you are advised to stick to protein-rich diet, such as calves liver, brewer’s yeast, and wheat germ. These foods also contain Vitamin B, which is an important nutrient for hair. Outer coverings of potatoes, cucumbers, and green and red peppers are high in silica, which is essential to maintain the beauty and strength of your hair. Vitamin E also promotes hair growth and reduces hair fall. A person may experience hair fall due to thyroid dysfunction also. Therefore, you must include foods, which are good sources of vitamin A and iodine.

2.Washing routine

Your hair cleansing routine largely depends on your hair-type. People having oily hair may need to wash their hair regularly, while people having dry hair can wash it twice a week. Never use too hot or too cold water to wash your hair. While cleaning or massaging your hair, you should always use your fingertips and not your nails to gently clean your scalp.

3.Proper combing

You should use a wide-tooth comb to untangle your hair and comb in downward direction. Using a wooden or tortoise shell comb is a better idea than using a rubber comb. Avoid combing wet hair, as wet hair can easily break.

4.Drying your hair

If possible, allow your hair to dry naturally. Avoid using blow dryer as its heat can damage your hair, and also make it look coarse and lifeless.

5.Using proper conditioner

Protect your hair from sudden environmental changes, while going out to a beach or a pool. You must use an effective conditioner as it protects your hair from the sun, chlorine, and sea water. You should also wear a protective hat or a cap to avoid overexposing your hair to the sun, salt or chlorinated water and pollution.

6.Use of shampoo and conditioner

Always choose a simple formula shampoo, which costs you less money. Remember, the basic purpose of a shampoo is to wash away the dirt and the oil. Therefore, use a milder shampoo, which is less expensive and more beneficial for your hair. Apply a good quality conditioner once you clean your hair with the shampoo, but do not over-condition your hair.

7.Choose a comfortable hair style

Choose a hair style that truly reflects your style and taste while significantly enhances your personality. Often traditional hair styling products are rich of alcohol and other arsh chemicals, which may again harm your hair.

8.Knowing your sleeping pattern helps control

Hair loss Comb your hair gently while going to bed. You should also gently remove all bands or clips used during the day. Do you know that your sleeping pattern also affects the life and health of your hair? People who are restless even while they are sleeping may actually end up breaking their hair. So, if you belong to the restless community of sleepers, you should use s satin pillowcase, which allows your hair to move smoothly and thus cause less breakage.

9.Limit the use of alcohol and smoking

products Reduce alcohol consumption and also avoid using it on your hair. Avoid using hair care products that contain alcohol. This is because alcohol can make your hair look dry, brittle and prone to breakage.

10.Avoid using harsh chemicals

Certain harsh chemicals such as permanent hair color and perms can also affect the health and growth of your hair. Therefore, you must avoid coloring your hair more than once every 2-4 months.

MAKE YOUR OWN FLY PAPER

Ingredients:

1/4 cup maple syrup
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
Mix ingredients together in a small bowl. Pour over strips of brown paper and let soak overnight. To hang, poke a hole in one end of a strip and tie a string to it.

Home Remedies for RUBELLA (German Measles)

RUBELLA (German Measles)

Commonly called German measles, rubella is an acute, mildly contagious viral disease that produces a distinctive rash and lymphadenopathy.

Rubella and measles are both contagious viral infections best known by the distinctive red rash that may appear on the skin of those who contract either illness. However, rubella is neither as infectious nor usually as severe as measles, which is why rubella is also called three-day measles. There is one important exception: If a pregnant woman contracts rubella, especially during her first trimester, the virus can cause death or serious birth defects in the developing fetus.

The incubation period is 18 days with a duration of 12 to 23 days. The disease is self-limiting and the prognosis is excellent, except for congenital rubella, which can have disastrous consequences.

Causes:
The rubella virus, a toga virus, is transmitted through contact with the blood, urine, stools, or nasopharyngeal secretions of infected people. It's communicable from about 10 days before until 5 days after the rash appears. Rubella can also be transmitted transplacentally. Humans are the only known hosts for the virus.

Signs and symptoms
Low-grade fever (102 F or lower)
Headache
General discomfort or uneasiness (malaise)
Runny nose
Inflammation of the eyes (bloodshot eyes)
Rash with skin redness or inflammation
Muscle or joint pain
Encephalitis (rare)
Bruising (from low platelet count, rare)

Diagnostic tests
Clinical signs and symptoms usually are sufficient to make a diagnosis, so laboratory tests seldom are done. Cell cultures of the throat, blood, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid, along with convalescent serum that shows a fourfold increase in antibody titers, confirm the diagnosis. Rubella-specific immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibody also can be determined by laboratory testing.

Treatment
Because the rubella rash is self-limiting and only mildly pruritic, it doesn't require topical or systemic medication. Treatment consists of antipyretics and analgesics for fever and joint pain. Bed rest isn't necessary, but the patient should be isolated until the rash disappears.

Immunization with the live rubella virus vaccine (RA 27/3), the only rubella vaccine available in the United States, is necessary for prevention. The vaccine should be given with measles and mumps vaccines at age 15 months and a second dose during childhood.

Home Treatment
Rubella is usually a mild illness, especially in children and typically requires little special care at home. Monitor your child's temperature, and call your child's doctor if the fever climbs too high.

To relieve minor discomfort, you can give your child acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Avoid giving aspirin to a child who has a viral illness because the use of aspirin in such cases has been associated with the development of Reye syndrome , which can lead to liver failure and death.

Prevention
Since the introduction of rubella vaccine, the incidence of rubella has decreased by more than 99 percent. Most cases today occur in adults who have not been vaccinated. The rubella vaccine is usually given in combination with the measles and mumps vaccine. It is called the MMR vaccine. It is usually given when the child is 12 to 15 months old, and then again between 4 to 6 years of age.
Other ways to prevent the spread of rubella:

Children should not attend school for seven days after the onset of the rash.
Children who are born with rubella are considered contagious for the first year of life.
Assure that all of your child's contacts have been properly immunized.