Home Remedies

Home Remedies for Oily Skin

Oily skin can be a pain to deal. The accumulation of excess oil on the outer skin layer often leads to whiteheads, blackheads, blind pimples and other skin irritations. But there is one big advantage. Oily skin tends to age better and develop fewer wrinkles than dry or normal skin. So, it’s not all bad.

The excess oil results from the sebaceous glands in the skin producing excess sebum. Those who have this condition usually have shiny skin and large pores.

Oily skin can be caused by genetics, dietary choices, too much stress or hormone changes in the body due to puberty. Women also are more prone to oily skin during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or menopause and while taking birth control pills.

Here are some home remedies for oily skin.

1. Egg Whites

High in vitamin A, egg whites can effectively dry out skin blemishes as well as tone and tighten up oily skin.

Whip one egg white until stiff and spread it on your skin. Allow it to dry and then wash it off with warm water. Do this twice a week.
Whip one egg white, add the juice from half a lemon and mix it well. Apply the mixture on your face, leave it on for 15 minutes and then rinse it off with warm water. This will tighten the skin and soak up excess oil.

2. Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is a good source of citric acid that works like an astringent. It also has antiseptic properties that can lighten skin discolorations and restore the skin’s pH balance.

Mix one teaspoon of fresh lemon juice with one-half teaspoon of distilled water. Apply it on your skin using a cotton ball. Leave it on for 10 minutes and then wash your face with warm water. Lemon juice can dry out your skin, so apply some oil-free moisturizer afterward. Do this once daily.
Mix one tablespoon of lemon juice, one-half tablespoon of honey and one tablespoon of milk. Apply this paste on your face and leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes before washing it off with cold water. If done once daily, this remedy will give you positive results within a week.

3. Yogurt

Yogurt contains lactic acid that helps gently exfoliate the skin and absorbs excess oil from the face.

Apply one tablespoon of plain yogurt thoroughly over your face and leave it on for 15 minutes. Then rinse it off with cool water. Do this once daily.
Alternatively, mix one tablespoon each of organic yogurt and finely ground oatmeal. Then stir in one teaspoon of warm honey. Apply the mixture on your face. Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes and then rinse with warm water.

4. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are great for oily skin due to their cooling, clarifying and astringent properties. The high vitamin C content in tomatoes is very helpful for acne-prone skin. Plus, the natural oil-absorbing acids in tomatoes help get rid of excess oil.

Cut a tomato in half and rub it on your skin.
Allow the juice to soak into your skin for at least 15 minutes.
Rinse your skin with cold water, pat it dry and apply a light oil-free moisturizer.

Note: You can also make a face mask by combining three tablespoons of tomato juice with one tablespoon of honey.

5. Apples

Apples work as a great exfoliating agent and they have mild antiseptic, astringent, and soothing properties that make them a great home remedy for oily skin. The malic acid in apples helps exfoliate dead skin cells and absorbs excess oil from the skin’s surface.

Grate half an apple and place the shreds on your skin. Leave it on the skin for 15 minutes and then wash it off with tepid water.
Mix one teaspoon each of grated apple, yogurt and lemon juice to form a smooth paste. Apply it all over your face and leave it on for 15 minutes. Then rinse your face with cool water.

6. Cucumbers

Cucumbers are also very beneficial for oily skin due to their cooling, astringent, and soothing properties. Also, the high vitamin and mineral content, including vitamins A and E, magnesium, and potassium, are good for oily skin.

Cut a fresh organic cucumber into thick slices, and rub them thoroughly on your face. Leave it on overnight and rinse with warm water in the morning. Do this daily before going to bed.
Alternatively, mix one-half teaspoon each of cucumber juice and lime juice. Apply this mixture to your skin, let it dry, and then wash it off with warm water. Do this daily. This remedy can also be used to lighten freckles and reduce sunburn.

7. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial properties that are good for acne caused by a combination of oily skin and bacteria. Also, it is a rich source of alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) that help tone and moisturize oily skin.

You can make a homemade toner by diluting one-fourth cup of apple cider vinegar with three-fourths cup of distilled water. Apply this toner on your skin using a cotton ball. Leave it on for five to 10 minutes. Then rinse it off with cool water. Do this several times a week to see positive results.
Mix one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and drink it every night before going to bed. This will help balance hormones, which in turn will control the production of excess oil in the skin.

Note: If you do not have apple cider vinegar, you can use white vinegar.

8. Milk

Milk is a great oil-free cleanser that can make oily skin soft and supple. Milk has alpha hydroxy acids that gently exfoliate the skin and also help maintain the skin’s natural pH balance.

Mix two or three drops of sandalwood or lavender oil with two tablespoons of milk.
Apply the mixture on your face using a cotton ball.
Gently massage the skin for a few minutes to improve blood circulation and then go to sleep.
In the morning, wash your face with cold water.
Do this daily.

Source :http://www.top10homeremedies.com/home-remedies/home-remedies-oily-skin.html/2

Natural Treatment For Piles

Piles refer to the venal inflammation located near the anal passage. With its location either on internal or external side of the anal cavity; piles are marked by bleeding, irritation and extreme discomfort in passing bowels. Generally caused by faulty diet and genetic tendencies; constipation and piles are inter related, with one aggravating the condition of other.

• Herbal cure for piles

Banana is known to be a good laxative; but boiled bananas consumed twice a day is one of the effective home remedies for piles. Make sure to have ripe bananas boiled.
Glass of butter milk made out of sour curd with a dash of lime and rock salt is also effective to cure the symptoms of piles.
Homemade curd with a dash of mustard powder is also effective in curing the conditions of piles
A concoction made out of ginger, honey, sweet lime and mint is also effective in keeping the system cool and free from toxins.
Juice made out of radish is another of the natural options whereby you are able to flush out your system; thereby minimizing the painful discomforts of piles. Regular consumption of the juice varying between one forth to half a cup will prove to be effective.
Equally effective is the juice of turnip leaves in curing the conditions of piles.
Sometimes an enema prepared with warm water boiling neem leaves and that of wheat grass may be administered to patients suffering from piles so as to clean the system of all its wastes.
For people suffering from piles, it is advisable that they go for whole grain cereals rather than the refined ones. Gruel of the boiled rice in addition to ripe banana and curd is one of the wholesome nutrients.
Crushed leaves of bitter gourd are also one of the homemade ways whereby you can treat piles naturally.
Roasted and powdered seeds of cumin with half tea spoonful being added to water also serve as a healthy option for protecting harmful effects of piles.
Juice of onion added to water with dashes of sugar also proves to be a healthy option.
Powdered seeds of mango serve as another remedial option if taken with honey.
Application of baking soda on the swollen veins also serves to reduce inflammation.
Juice extracted from carrot and beet root may be applied on a long piece of gauze to be applied on the swollen veins.

SOURCE :http://www.prokerala.com/health/natural-treatment/piles-home-remedies.htm

Epsom Salts

Tried and true, a cup or two of Epsom salt dissolved in a warm tub of water works wonders for aching muscles. Use warm, not hot, water. Warm water will dry out your skin less. Soak for 15 minutes or until the water has cooled, up to three times per week. Not recommended for those with health conditions such as heart problems, high blood pressure or diabetes.

How do Epsom salts work? Epsom salts are made up of magnesium sulfate. Magnesium is natural muscle relaxant, and as a salt they help to pull excess fluids out of the tissues, reducing swelling.

Heat or Cold

A warm shower or bath also triggers the muscle to relax, which can be great for tension knotted shoulders or muscles tight from overuse. For bruising or inflammation, an ice pack applied to the affected area for up to 20 minutes can reduce swelling and soreness.

Oral Magnesium

Low levels of magnesium in the body can lead to general muscle aches and muscle cramps. You may want to consider a magnesium supplement, but you can start by including foods that are high in magnesium in your diet. Some of the top food sources for magnesium are molasses (see below), squash and pumpkin seeds (pepitas), spinach, Swiss chard, cocoa powder, black beans, flax seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, almonds and cashews.

Blackstrap Molasses

Another Earth Clinic user (Ackbar) says 1 tablespoon of blackstrap molasses in a cup of coffee each day cured his chronic muscle pain. This is likely due to the magnesium content. Another way to get combine ACV and molasses is the old fashioned drink called Switchel, which was commonly used before the age of brightly colored sports drinks and juices shipped from around the world.

Source :http://commonsensehome.com/home-remedies-for-sore-muscles/

Home Remedies for Vomiting

Vomiting is generally not a serious health problem. Most often, it is your body’s reaction to a temporary problem. Some of the main causes behind vomiting are excessive eating, pregnancy, drinking too much alcohol, food poisoning, viral infections, and stomach disorders.

1. Ginger

Ginger is good for your digestive system and blocks unnecessary secretion in the stomach that can cause vomiting. It works as a natural anti-emetic. To prevent vomiting:

Try some ginger tea with a little sugar or eat some fresh gingerbread or fresh ginger slices with salt.
Alternatively, you can mix one teaspoon each of ginger juice and lemon juice and consume it several times a day.
Another simple alternative is to chew a piece of fresh ginger with or without honey.

2. Rice Water

Rice water helps alleviate vomiting, especially when it is caused by gastritis. While preparing rice water, use white rice not brown rice as it is rich in starch and easier to digest.

Boil a cup of rice in one to one and a half cup of water.
Strain the solution.
Drink this rice water.

3. Cinnamon

Cinnamon helps to treat nausea as well as vomiting. Pregnant women should not use this remedy.

In a cup of boiling water, add one-half teaspoon cinnamon powder or one cinnamon stick and steep for a few minutes.
Strain the water and sweeten it with one tablespoon of honey. Sip it slowly.
Do this at least two to three times a day.

4. Mint

Mint tea can provide relief from vomiting.

To make mint tea, add one tablespoon of dried mint leaves to a cup of boiling water. Steep it for half an hour, strain it and your tea is ready.
You can chew the mint leaves used for making the tea. If fresh mint leaves are available, you can even chew them to cure vomiting.
You can make an alternative soothing solution by combining one teaspoon lemon juice to mint juice and have it at regular intervals.

5. Vinegar

The smell of vomit can sometimes cause more vomiting.

To freshen your breath and prevent further vomiting, rinse your mouth with one teaspoon of vinegar diluted in half a cup of water.
Apple cider vinegar also can help stop repeated vomiting. Mix one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and one tablespoon of honey in a glass of water. Drink it twice daily.

6. Clove

Cloves have antiseptic and anesthetic properties that help in digestion and can also cure vomiting.

You can chew some raw cloves or use a few cloves to make a cup of tea to treat vomiting.
You can also put a few drops of clove oil in a glass of warm water and drink it slowly.
Another way to use cloves during vomiting is to mix the powder of dried cloves with honey and swallow it.

Foods that make your hair grow faster, denser and healthier

What foods make your hair grow faster? Just like the rest of your body, your hair needs vitamins, minerals and nourishment, for it to be able to grow and stay healthy. Changing your diet to make your hair grow thicker and longer may not give you instant results, but it will give you long lasting ones. Here are ten foods that you can add to your healthy and balanced diet that are known to promote the growth of thick, long and healthy hair:

1. Eggs – wonderful, versatile source of protein

Your hair is basically made up of protein, and eggs are a fantastic and versatile source of protein. So, including eggs into your diet is another good tip on how to make your hair grow faster. Chicken and duck eggs contain minerals, such as sulphur, iron and zinc, which are also needed for healthy hair growth.

2. Beta-carotene in sweet potatoes

You also need plenty vitamin A for good hair growth. Every cell in your body, in fact, needs vitamin A and it also helps in the production of the natural oils in your scalp, so it will stop your head from becoming dry and itchy. Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A, as also are carrots and pumpkin.

3. Salmon – a true superstar of hair-healthy foods

How to make your hair grow faster? Eat more salmon! Salmon is a true superstar in our list of foods for long and thick hair. Salmon contains plenty of the Omega-3 fatty acids that your hair needs for becoming healthier, thicker and glossier, so salmon is the perfect healthy hair growth food to add to your diet.

4. Avocado – fabulous source of natural fatty acids

Avocados are another great source of amazing, natural fatty acids. Great on their own, with salads or in sandwiches, avocados are packed with the good fats that your body and hair need and, you can always use them in a hair mask too, if you don’t feel like eating them.

5. Oysters – the treasure house of zinc

A lack of zinc in your diet can lead to hair loss and oysters are very rich in zinc, as well as they contain plenty of protein. If you don’t like the taste of oysters, you can also get zinc from fortified breakfast cereals and whole grain bread.

6. Vitamin C rich blueberries, kiwis, limes, strawberries, lemons and oranges

Fresh fruit, such as blueberries, limes, strawberries, kiwis and oranges contain lots of vitamin C, and your hair really does need vitamin C, because it plays a vital role in the blood circulation in the tiny vessels that feed your hair follicles. With insufficient vitamin C content in your diet, your hair is more vulnerable to breakage. Brussels sprouts are also particularly rich in Vitamin C.

7. Iron, zinc and protein in lean red meats

A lack of iron in your diet can also be a cause of thinning hair. Including lean red meat, such as beef, veal and lamb in your balanced diet will provide you with both protein and the essential mineral – iron.

8. Get your greens: spinach, collards, Brussels sprouts, kale and broccoli

Another good suggestion on how to make your hair grow faster is to include into your healthy diet fresh green leafy vegetables, like spinach, collards, kale, Brussels sprouts and broccoli, which are a great source of the vitamins and minerals that are needed for healthy hair growth. Spinach and Brussels sprouts, in particular, are a wonderful source of beta carotene, iron and vitamin C, all of which will feed and nourish your hair and promote a healthy supply of blood to the hair follicles.

9. Hair-healthy nuts: walnuts, cashews, butternuts, almonds, macadamia nuts, pecans and hazelnuts

Walnuts, cashews and butternuts contain a significant amount of Omega-3 fatty acids and are also rich in vitamins and biotin, which helps make your hair grow faster, thicker and longer, as well as to protect the cells of your hair from the sun. Almonds also are very high in biotin. You can eat walnuts, cashews, butternuts and almonds as a snack, use walnut or almond oil as a salad dressing or as a cooking oil, to reap all the benefits that these nuts have to offer. Macadamia nuts, pecans and hazelnuts are also very hair-healthy, but avoid buying them covered in sugar, chocolate or salt.

10. Protein in lean turkey, duck, emu or chicken

To get all the protein that your hair needs to grow long and thick, poultry is a great alternative to red meat. Chicken, duck, emu and turkey provide all the building blocks that your hair needs to grow healthier and denser, and their meet also contains a good supply of iron and zinc.

There are many other foods that help your hair grow faster and thicker. Hair is almost all protein, so make sure to include protein-rich food in your healthy and balanced diet.

Info from : www.beautyandtips.com

There is always something extra to be done which makes you stand out of the crowd. Yes, I am talking about face packs and scrubs. These packs and scrubs give your face that extra instant glow and charm. Use them twice a week and voila, that perfect glow is all yours!

1. Oatmeal and cinnamon scrub:

This scrub is suitable for all skin types. It is rich in anti oxidants and proteins, thus promotes cell growth.

In 2 teaspoons of oatmeal, add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon powder.

Mix them with 1-2 teaspoon of milk to form a fine paste.

Apply all over the face and scrub gently in circular motions.

Rinse after 15 minutes with warm water.

2. Green tea scrub:

Tea leaves are rich in flavanoids which maintain the collagen production in the skin. It maintains the elasticity of the skin, makes your skin glow and reverses the signs of ageing.

Boil a spoon full of tea leaves in water. When it imparts colour, remove from the flame. Cool it and add 2 teaspoons from it in the bowl.

In this, add 2 teaspoons of brown sugar. (Here I have used white sugar).

Finally add 1 teaspoon of cream and mix well.

Apply all over the face and scrub gently in circular motions.

Rinse off with cool water after 10 minutes.

3. Sooji scrub:

This is one of unusual ingredient, but do you know that Sooji can also be used as a scrub as it also removes the dead cells, dirt and oil giving you a glowing skin.

Mix 3 teaspoons of Sooji to 1 teaspoon of milk.

Mix well to form a paste and apply on face.

Scrub gently and keep until it is dry.
Rinse off with warm water.

4. Lemon sugar scrub:

The sugar granules help to get rid of dead cells and lemon cleanses, bleaches and also removes tan. It is one of the nature’s best skin lightening agent.

In 2 teaspoons of sugar, add 2 teaspoons of lemon juice.

Mix slightly and apply on face. Scrub in circular motion and keep for 10 minutes.

Rinse off with warm water to reveal a glowing skin.

5. Papaya face pack:

Ripe papaya contains BHA or beta hydroxy acid which act as a mild exfoliater. This gently removes the top dead cells of the face and gives a radiant and younger looking skin. It also clears the dirt and oil that can lead to acne and break outs on the face.

Take a ripe papaya and cut it into small pieces.

Add a teaspoon of sandalwood powder into it. You can also use fuller’s earth (multani mitti). It absorbs the excess oil from the skin making it soft and supple.

Then add 1 teaspoon of honey. Honey is a natural moisturiser and will also hydrate the skin. It also reduces the blemishes on the skin.

Mix all of them to get a paste consistency.

Apply it all over your face and neck.
Keep it for 20 minutes and rinse with cool water.

It also acts as a skin firming and anti ageing face pack.

6. Egg pack:

An egg white is protein, vitamin, and mineral rich so it nourishes your skin. It is known to cleanse, exfoliate and lighten the skin complexion. The egg white also helps to counter the wrinkles and gives you a youthful and glowing.

Extract the white of an egg in the bowl and whip it to foam.

Then add a teaspoon of yogurt and a teaspoon of lemon juice.

Mix to form a smooth paste and apply all over the face.

Leave it for 15 minutes until it dries and wash with warm water.

7. Almond mask:

Into this add 1 teaspoon of rose water, as it acts as a natural toner for the skin and imparts a healthy glow.

Add 2 teaspoons of whole milk and mix well to from a smooth paste.

Apply all over the face and keep for 15 minutes to allow the skin to absorb it. Rinse off with warm water.

8. Milk and honey mask:

This is an old age formula for healthy and radiant skin. Many legends say that Cleopatra’s beauty routine always incorporated honey and milk. Raw milk contains skin-friendly ingredients such as saturated fat, protein, calcium and vitamin C. Honey is also known for its moisturising and antibacterial properties.

Mix 2 teaspoons of milk with 1 teaspoon of honey.
In this add 1 teaspoon of besan (gram flour) and mix well to form a homogenous paste.
Apply all over the face and leave it for 20 minutes, allowing the pack to dry.
Rinse off with warm water.

9. Orange mask:

Orange contains large amounts of citric acid and vitamin C, which refreshes the skin and relieves the acne. The orange peel as well as its juice can be used to treat acne and pimples.

Grind a few pieces of the orange peel to from a paste.

In this add 2 teaspoons of rose water and mix well.

Apply all over the face and leave it for 15 minutes. Rinse off with cool water.

10. Vegetable pack:

Vegetable face pack helps to improve the blood circulation, cleanses, firms the entire face naturally and makes your face glow. The vegetables tone your skin and also provide enzymes that help to balance and cleanse the skin at the same time.

Chop the vegetables like carrot, potato and cabbage into small pieces and boil them.

Keep the vegetable water aside as it can be used to wash your face.

Mash all the boiled vegetables together and add a teaspoon of milk to form a paste.

Apply all over the face and leave it for 15 minutes. Rinse off with cool water.

11. Multani mitti mask:

This is a great cleansing mask as multani mitti has high absorbing properties. It is rich in minerals so it improves the blood circulation.

In a teaspoon of multani mitti, add 1 teaspoon of curd and milk.

Then add a 1 teaspoon of besan and ¼ teaspoon of turmeric powder.
Mix well and apply on the face.

Rinse off after 20 minutes.

12. Tomato pack:

Tomatoes contain “lycopene” which is an anti oxidant and hence helps in lightening the skin. It also keeps wrinkles away and provides a healthy glow.

Make a paste of a small tomato. To this add ½ teaspoon of lemon juice and mix well.

Apply this on the face and leave it for 15 minutes. Rinse off with cold water.

Info from: www.stylecraze.com