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Homemade Herbal Cough Lozenges
Herbal
cough lozenges are extremely soothing and contain natural medicines
to help relieve symptoms of a dry cough, sore throat, or need a
little something extra to help your body fight off an illness.
Natural remedies for common illnesses have long been forgotten since
the introduction of prepackaged medicines. However, these handy
herbs and concoctions have been waiting around for us to take notice
of them again.
Herbal
cough lozenges are fairly easy to make and can be stored ahead of
time for up to 8 weeks. Find the right herbs to assist in alleviating
the symptoms. You want to look for herbs that have soothing qualities
to the lungs, assist in thinning mucous, dull throat pain, and have
antibacterial qualities, etc. Medicinal herbs such as the ones listed
below have healing qualities and sooth the body when it’s immune
system is down.
Peppermint:
peppermint contains the volatile oil menthol which helps soothe the
bronchial and help eases sore throats.
Spearmint:
just like peppermint but some think it works even better!
Ginger:
soothing and great tasting.
Horehound:
horehound had been used for decades for coughs and bronchial
upsets. It is a great herb for breaking up congestion. It contains
murubin which stimulates bronchial secretions.
Thyme:
thyme is another great herb that has antiseptic and antibacterial
properties. It is very useful for treating coughs and colds.
Mullein:
mullein is an herb that will help soothe the bronchial and lungs. It
is extremely gentle and effective. IT will help ease coughs.
Marshmallow:
marshmallow is very soothing and will help shrink inflamed
bronchial making it easier to breathe.
Slippery
Elm: like marshmallow this herb is used to help relieve
inflammation of the bronchial.
Sage:
sage leaves assist in soothing bronchial inflammation and also
possess healing properties.
Fennel:
fennel is soothing to irritated throats and helps relieve
coughing fits.
Source
– www.associatedcontent.com
Homemade
Cough Lozenges #1
Things
You’ll Need:
Sugar
Light
corn syrup
Water
Herbal
tea bag or assorted fresh herbs
Food
coloring (optional)
Powdered
sugar
Add
the teabag or the loose herbs to boiling water. Choose herbs like
peppermint leaves, horehound, thyme, slippery elm, fennel,
marshmallow, ginger, mullein and spearmint. Set a small plate over
the cup and let the herbs steep for at least an hour.
Remove
the teabag or strain the loose herbs from the water when cool.
Discard the teabag or the loose herbs.
Mix
the herbal infused water, sugar and corn syrup in a small saucepan.
Heat over a low flame until the sugar is completely dissolved. Bring
the mixture to a boil.
Reduce
the heat. Use a damp cloth and carefully wipe away any sugar crystals
that have formed up the interior sides of the pan. Heat the mixture
for another 2 or 3 minutes then remove from the stove. Add the food
coloring.
Use
cooking spray to coat a cookie sheets or candy molds. Use a teaspoon
to drop small amounts of the mixture onto the cookie sheet or fill
small hard candy molds with the syrup mixture. Allow the cough drops
to set, harden and cool completely before touching them.
Place
a few tablespoons of powdered sugar in a plastic bag. Toss the cough
drops in the powdered sugar to coat them.
Store
the cough drops in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Put a
handful of them in plastic wrap or a small resealable bag to share.
Source
– www.ehow.com
Homemade
Lozenges #2
Things
You’ll Need:
1
cup dried herbs (mix and match according to your preference and what
you have on hand)
3
cups boiling water
3
1/2 cups brown sugar
2
teaspoons peppermint extract if desired
candy
thermometer
Add
the tea bags to boiling water and steep the dried herbs in the tea.
For stronger tea, steep for about 30 minutes or so. Strain well using
a tea press or cheesecloth.
Add
brown sugar over medium heat and bring to a boil slowly. Stir
constantly to avoid sugar from scorching. When the brown sugar, herbs
mixture reaches 290 to 300 degrees and pulls apart in threads it is
done. At this point remove from heat and add the peppermint extract
if desired.
Pull
the mixture like taffy and make little balls. Or the easiest and
fastest thing to do is spread over a cookie sheet. When the herbal
mixture it hardend you can then break into pieces. Use wax paper to
store them. They will keep for up to 8 weeks.
Source
– www.associatedcontent.com
1 All Quick Tips to Beat the Flu Season
We
all know that when the weather begins to turn cold, it’s time to
get ready for the cold and flu viruses to start emerging.
Approximately 5 to 20 percent of the population gets the seasonal flu
during the late fall until the early spring.
Bear
in mind that some groups of the population are more prone to
contracting illnesses than others. Groups such as those 65 years and
older, children younger than five years old, pregnant women, those
with certain compromised immune systems, as well as health care
workers. If you live with or work around people in one of these
groups, take some proactive steps to get your immune system ready for
the flu season.
Take
your vitamins. A good multivitamin will do the trick in keeping your
immune system thriving, however,specifically taking Vitamins A , B,
C, D, and E has been shown to promote a health immune system.
Speaking
of Vitamin D, many are unaware that during the winter months, their
body becomes deficient in Vitamin D. A deficiency of vitamin D
triggers infections, autoimmune diseases (multiple sclerosis, type 1
diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease),
cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Further, Vitamin D has been
shown to be more effective in preventing the flu than a flu vaccine.
The best source of vitamin D is sunshine! It’s important to get
out and enjoy at least 10-15 minutes of sun per day (without
sunscreen). As winter approaches, and it becomes harder to get
natural sunlight, it may be necessary to take a daily vitamin D
supplement.
Eat
Healthy Foods. Everyone knows it’s important to eat healthy,
but I think that most people underestimate the power that food has on
the immune system. If you’re eating healthy and are exposed to
certain illnesses, you have a greater chance of not catching it. Some
foods that will provide you with optimum health are:
Organic
fruits & vegetables
Fermented
foods such as kombucha, yogurt, etc.
Organic,
pastured meats & eggs (including 100% grass-fed beef)
Healthy
fats, such as coconut oil, olive oil, avocados, nuts.
Avoid
sugar, especially refined sugars. Sugar weakens the immune system.
If you need sweeteners, use raw honey, maple syrup, & stevia.
Drinking
teas high in antioxidants such as green tea can stimulate production
of immune cells.
Raw
honey has antibacterial, antifungal, & antiviral properties
(LOCAL raw honey is best, especially for allergies).
1
Tbsp. apple cider vinegar per day.
Eating
nuts such as almonds have an immune-strengthening antioxidant.
Drink
lots of water. Simply put, water helps to filter the impurities
out of your body. Over time, this keeps your body functioning and in
optimum health.
Get
plenty of sleep: You workaholics out there need to pay attention
to this. If you body does not get the needed amount of sleep each
night, your health depreciates. Get a minimum of 7-8 hours per night.
Further, if you feel your body coming down with an illness, stop
pushing yourself and give your body what it needs: rest.
Exercise:
Staying active 3-5 days a week for 20-30 minutes has been shown to
not only help you stay healthy, but also increases your resistance to
illness and helps you reduce stress all at the same time. How’s
that for making the most of your time?
Keeping
your body in balance and following the five listed tips can assist
you in keeping your immune system strong during the months it is
under attack.
Cold and Flu Remedies from the Pantry
With
fall setting in, cold and flu season can’t be far behind. As
miserable as a cold or flu might be now, with the pharmacy shelves
bursting with over the counter remedies, one day relief might not be
that close at hand.
Most
of our prep kits have a stash of OTC medications but in a long-term
disaster situation it will be important to make those last as long as
possible. You might be surprised to discover that your kitchen
cupboards may hold the key to curing your stuffy nose, scratchy
throat, cough and chills.
Turning
toward natural remedies now will give you the knowledge and skills
you need to keep your family well during the onset of a disaster or
extended disaster. Consider learning ways to make homemade lozenges
to soothe sore throats, or possessing basic knowledge on which herbs
may be used to treat cold/flu symptoms. Further, knowing how to
combine these together to make cold/flu syrups will only better your
family’s chances at beating the cold/flu season when OTC medicines
aren’t as readily available.
Listed
below are some other homeopathic ways to care for yourself and your
family when you are ill.
Lemon-Ginger
Jelly: Place lemon slices and ginger shavings into a small jar.
Cover this with honey. Keep this in the refrigerator. In a few days
you will have a “jelly” – stir one tablespoon into a cup of hot
water for a tea that will soothe your throat and stuffy nose.
Honey
Cinnamon Cough Remedy: Sprinkle powdered cinnamon onto a
tablespoon of honey to calm a cough caused by a scratchy throat.
Peppermint
tea: Peppermint tea will aid in relieving congestion and opening
up the sinuses, plus sipping the hot beverage will help you combat
chills.
Chicken
Noodle Soup: Chicken soup loaded with garlic and onion is full
of antioxidants that will boost your immune system while helping keep
you hydrated, relieving irritation in your throat and mucous
membranes and warming you up if you are suffering from chills.
Chicken noodle soup has also been proven to have some antiviral
properties which can help shorten the duration of a cold or flu.
Steam:
Simmering a pot of water on a heat source can put humidity into the
room, which helps loosen mucous from nasal passages to ease breathing
and soothe coughing. Certain herbs, like basil or mint, or aromatics
like eucalyptus or tea tree oil, can be beneficial when added to the
pot of water.
Water:
Keeping well-hydrated is important when you are blowing your nose ten
thousand times per day. Drink water, juice, ginger ale or sports
beverages but avoid drinks containing caffeine. Staying hydrated has
the added benefit of offsetting fatigue. If you can, spike your
water with lemon juice for a burst of vitamin C.
Salt
Water: Gargling with salt water can calm a scratchy throat and
help get rid of mucous. It has the added benefit of being mildly
antibacterial. Dissolve one tablespoon of salt into one cup of
water.
Ginger
Tea: Chinese medicine has turned to ginger root for thousands of
years to combat viruses and infections, while boosting the body’s
natural immunities.
These
remedies have stood the test of time – give them a shot and you
might be surprised to find out that you don’t actually need the
over-the-counter chemicals to relieve your symptoms!
Promote Eye Health
Beyond carrots
You've probably heard that carrots and other orange-colored fruits and vegetables promote eye health and protect vision, and it's true: Beta-carotene, a type of vitamin A that gives these foods their orange hue, helps the retina and other parts of the eye to function smoothly.But eating your way to good eyesight isn't only about beta-carotene. Though their connection to vision isn't as well-known, several other vitamins and minerals are essential for healthy eyes. Make these five foods a staple of your diet to keep your peepers in tip-top shape.
Leafy greens
They're packed with lutein and
zeaxanthin—antioxidants that, studies show, lower the risk of
developing macular degeneration and cataracts.
The yolk is a prime source of
lutein and zeaxanthin—plus zinc, which also helps reduce your
macular degeneration risk, according to Paul Dougherty, MD, medical
director of Dougherty Laser Vision in Los Angeles.
Citrus and berries
These fruits are powerhouses of vitamin C, which has been shown to reduce the risk of developing macular degeneration and cataracts.
They're filled with vitamin E,
which slows macular degeneration, research shows. One handful (an
ounce) provides about half of your daily dose of E.
Fatty fish
Tuna, salmon, mackerel,
anchovies and trout are rich in DHA, a fatty acid found in your
retina—low levels of which have been linked to dry eye syndrome,
says Jimmy Lee, MD, director of refractive surgery at Montefiore
Medical Center, in New York City.
Home Remedies To Control Hair Fall
Hair
fall is no longer a condition barred by age! 15 or 50, when most of
us walk out of the shower, the drain is clogging and when we brush,
we loss a huge chunks and we don’t know what to do about it. Hair
fall was in the earlier days attributed as a sign of aging and was a
cause for a great deal of embarrasment. But today, we no longer count
by age but rather count by so very many other reasons. No matter what
the cause, the embarrassment associated does not reduce even by a
fraction.
We
hunt for a solution with great intensity. And here are they, a few
simple techniques you can implement at home to reduce and control
hair loss. But if you suffer from intensive hair fall, the best
solution would be to consult a dermatologist before the damage
becomes permanent!
Before
we step into the solutions, lets take a peek at what might be causing
your hair fall.
Causes:
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Lack
of proper nutrition |
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Aging |
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Hormonal
changes |
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Stress |
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Split
ends |
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Heredity |
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Prolonged
illness |
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Medication
like steroids |
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They
all sound so very general don’t they? And that is the very problem.
They are so general and common place that most us cannot avoid the
hair fall issue at all. We have to face them at some point of time or
the other.
To
curb hair fall, you need to include a few basic practices into our
routine along with the treatments that you adopt for better results.
Here are these little things that will help.
Be
gentle with wet hair. Avoid rubbing your hair dry and also avoid
combing through wet hair. Your hair is more susceptible to breakage
when wet and the result will a a clump in your brush and stray
strands at your feet.
Massage
your scalp region as frequently as you can. This stimulates flow of
the blow of your head which in turn promotes the growth of hair and
better health.
Don’t
always opt for styles that require you to tie your hair up tight. As
sleek and fashionable as this may look, it puts a great deal of
pressure on the hair which adds to the breakage and hair fall.
Hair
styling is essential when you step out. You need to look good at all
times in today’s world. But it is necessary that you submit your
hair to as less of heat treatment as you can! The heat tends to dry
the shaft out making it dry and frizzy which over a period of causes
the hair to brittle. The ultimate result will be hair fall.
Do
not wash hair with hot water for the very same reason, always use
cold water or water at room temperature. Dry and frizzy hair when you
walk out of the shower is the indication that the water was too hot
for your hair.
All
said and done, jut these simple precautions are not going to cut the
line. It will always hold true that only when you are healthy inside
will your hair be healthy too. Your hair is made up of proteins and
is a alive at the roots. And like any other living it also requires
nutrients to remain healthy and grow. There are a few things that you
can add to your diet to ensure that you intake sufficient quantities
of these nutrients. First and foremost will be proteins of course.
They are the building the building blocks of the hair shaft after
all. The next in the list will be vitamins. The vitamins that are
essential for the hair are Vitamin A, B complex, C, and E. Each of
these perform a significant role. Vitamin B complex is most popularly
known for its importance in the hair growth and hair fall control.
Vitamin C prevents premature graying. Last but not the least, Iron.
Deficiency of iron can be a source of severe hair fall. Which why
women suffering from anemia exhibit a great amount of hair fall.
Work
out. Yeah you read that right work out, Exercise increases the blood
flow through the body and that helps in stimulation of the scalp.
If
you already have dry hair, then rethink your coffee habit and
evaluate your caffeine consumption. caffeine further depletes the
body of its natural resources of nutrients. And the nutrients
required for hair are not spared either! So cut back on the coffee
and move on something more healthy and that which promotes good
health.
Drink
a lot of water and stay hydrated.
Keep
the scalp clean and as far as possible away from chemicals. Use a
shampoo that is mild.
Trim
your hair regularly to avoid the troubles of split ends.
Home
remedies for hair fall
Despite
all of the latest technology and galleries full of products that
have launched in the recent past to curb the hair fall problem, the
most effective of remedies for hair fall is still the most effective.
Here are some hair fall home remedies you can try.
1.
Coconut Milk:
Coconut
milk is among the richest sources of tissue-nourishing, plant
derivatives. Grind the grated coconut and squeeze it to remove its
juice. Massaging coconut milk (juice) on the scalp can also help in
the management of hair fall.
2.Aloe
vera:
Aloe
Vera juice is very effective to stop hair loss. Pure aloe gel can be
applied directly to the scalp. This is helpful for preventing hair
loss due to irritated, dry or infected scalp. Aloe Vera balances the
pH level of scalp. After massaging the head with aloe gel, wait for
few hours and then wash the hair with lukewarm water. You should do
this twice a week for best results.
3.
Oil Massage:
Regular
massaging the scalp for a few minutes every day with lukewarm oil
will lead to stimulation of blood flow to the scalp. Coconut oil
helps in controlling hail fall. Other recommended oils are: Jojoba
oil, almond oil, mustard oil, lavender oil. Jojoba oil is especially
good because it replaces the sebum in the scalp. It also helps to
control dandruff.
4.
Neem Treatment:
Neem
is one of the most sort after herbs on the country! It has many
benefits, both health and beauty. And when it comes to beauty, it has
some very effective hair benefits too.
How
to use:
Boil
neem leaves in water until the water level falls to half its initial
quantity and then cool it.
Rinse
out your hair with the mixture once a week.
5.
Amla:
Boil
dried amla in coconut oil till the oil turns black in color. Massage
your scalp with this oil. This is an effective and very easy home
remedy to check hair loss.
There
are also other ways where we can include amla in our hair care
routine.
Use
amla and shikakai powder than you can buy in ayurvedic stores. Mix
them both and make a paste. Apply this to your hair. Leave it on for
a few minutes and wash off after a few minutes.
Caution:
If you have dry hair, skip the shikakai.
The
most effective method, however is to drink amla and shikakai juice.
Yes, it tastes terrible but if skip the preference of the taste buds
once a day, the results will definitely be worth it.
6.
Hair fall preventive packs:
When
hair fall is really severe, then a preventive hair pack is the way to
go. Here are a few packs, you can try at home.
Pack
1: Aloe Vera mixed with herbal Amla, shikakai and neem powder gives
lustrous hair.
Pack
2: Henna, egg whites and curd when used together stops hair fall.
Pack
3: Honey, olive oil, cinnamon mixed together make for a soothing yet
effective hair growth pack.
7.
No Junk Please:
Unhealthy
lifestyle, eating junk and all these unhealthy habits leads to hair
loss due to high level of toxins in the body. So, start drinking lots
and lots of water.
Caution:
When
you using hair fall remedies at home it is necessary to keep a few
tips in mind. A few necessary precautions. Here they are.
Check
to make sure that you aren’t allergic to any of the ingredients
mentioned in the preparatory products. Even though herbs cause a lot
less reactions than chemicals, some people are known to have
allergies to a few specific ingredients.
Always
follow the instructions precisely. Some herbs are used for many
different purposes and when the preparation changes, the use may also
vary. This will not help your condition but it may also cause further
harm.
While
you follow these basic daily and weekly suggestions to reduce hair
fall, you need to supplement it with some products that you can use
everyday or twice during the week. Shampoos are the best example for
such products. Supplementing these treatments with a good hair fall
defense shampoo can be really useful.
10 Easy Best Body Care
As
much as we all vie for that perfect face and look, there’s probably
one area where we all tend to get a little lazy – taking care of
our bodies. While makeup and various other beauty products will do
much to enhance our looks, unless and until we take good care of our
bodies, the end result won’t always be pleasing. So here are a few
body care tips to make sure you take care of your body – inside and
outside.
Body
Care Tips For Women
1.
Treating dark elbows and knees:
Squeeze
out some fresh lime juice
Alternatively
cut out some fresh lime wedges
Rub
these over the dark/discoloured areas around the elbows and knees
Leave
on for about 20 minutes
Soak
a towel in hot water and scrub over the area
2.
Soft glowing skin:
Take
1 tbsp rose water, 1 tbsp glycerine and 1 tbsp lime juice
Mix
together and store in a bottle
Apply
this daily for about half an hour before bath or at bedtime for soft
glowing skin
3.
Treating warts around the fingers:
Take
a raw potato and slice it
Apply
the juice on the area around the nails where you have warts (dried
out damaged skin)
Using
a piece of cotton, massage the area gently
Wash
off after about 10 minutes
4.
Treating puffy tired eyes:
Take
some cotton balls and rose water
Dip
the cotton ball in the rose water and place these over the eyes
Keep
on for about 20 minutes
Lie
back and relax
It
will help treat any puffiness you have around the eyes and also help
relieve tired eyes
5.
To get smooth skin:
Take
5 tsp olive oil and about 50 gm papaya paste
Mix
the two together
Apply
over dry areas on the skin
Do
this twice daily to get naturally smooth skin
6.
Face mask to treat wrinkles around the eyes:
Take
3 tsp raw milk and 3 tsp honey
Mix
both together
Warm
the mixture slightly
Apply
this around the eye region and leave on for about 30 minutes
Wash
off with warm water
This
is a natural solution to reduce and prevent wrinkles around the eye
region
7.
Natural conditioner for hair:
Take
some raw milk (preferably cold)
Before
bathing, apply this over your hair using a brush to comb through, or
using your fingertips or using a spray bottle
Leave
this on for about 30 minutes
Wash
off with your regular shampoo
Milk
acts as a natural conditioner, leaving your hair soft and silky
8.
Reduce dark spots: Take 1 cup of curd and 1 egg
Mix
both together
Apply
on your face, especially over any dark spots
Leave
on for about 1 hour
Wash
your face with water
It
will help lighten and reduce any dark spots on your face
Will
also make the skin naturally glowing
9.
Reduce dandruff:
Take
a hibiscus flower and mash to get the juice out
Apply
this on your scalp, especially over dandruff-affected areas
Leave
on for about 1-2 hours
Rinse
off with cold water
Do
this twice a week to reduce dandruff
10.
Softening rough hands and feet:
Take
half cup of curd and half tsp vinegar
Mix
together
Massage
this over your hands, palm and feet
Leave
on for about 5-10 minutes
Wash
off with regular water
Hope
you will find these body skin care tips useful. Do let us know once
you try!
Reduce Hair Fall
All
of us dream of having healthy, shiny and beautiful locks – hair
that would be our crowning glory but unfortunately hair fall seems to
have become a constant problem. Hair loss is a common issue that
affects millions around the world at some point in their lives.
Though hair fall is painless, it can be a distressing experience to
lose hair on a daily basis considering that women associate hair with
beauty. No one wants to go bald (something many men accept as the
natural result of ageing) or look old prematurely.
How
many times have you seen your comb or brush covered with hair and
felt worried?
Not
only while combing but even when oiling or shampooing, hair fall can
occur. According to the beauty experts, it is normal to lose about
100 strands of hair in a day. Beyond this may be considered as severe
hair fall.
A.
What causes Hair Fall?
The
common reasons behind hair fall can be perceived as a lack of
essential nutrients in the body, excessive use of chemicals through
hair coloring and hair styling treatments, improper and unhealthy
dietary habits, hormonal imbalance, certain medications, dandruff,
alopecia and other scalp disorders.
Even
stress and tension can lead to hair fall. Hence try not to let these
become a part of your life or if you are stressed out due to some
reasons, consider meditation, Yoga or deep breathing exercises to
reduce and counter it as they perfectly help in hair fall control.
Also, make it a point to get adequate sleep every night.
Any
medical issues should be taken care of to avoid severe hair fall that
can lead to baldness. Thyroid is a common problem affecting thousands
of women over the country and this condition may lead to rapid hair
fall. So consider getting yourself tested for this after consulting
your doctor.
Here
is a detailed post on what causes hair loss in women.
B.
Easy Tips To Hair Fall Control
Now,
let us look at some easy tips on how to stop hair fall:
1.
A wide-toothed comb should ideally be used for the hair to gently
detangle it and then the regular fine-toothed comb may be used to
style the hair as per one’s need. This will reduce the risk of the
hair breakage and hair fall while combing.
2.
It is best not to comb the hair while it is wet as this leads to
greater chances of hair breakage and fall. Let it be dry or semi-dry
before combing.
3.
Do not rub your hair vigorously with your towel. This will only lead
to unwanted hair breakage. Use the towel instead to gently soak out
excess moisture.
4.
Clean your combs every week. If you look minutely, you will see that
combs become unclean and dirty over time; so they need to be cleaned
with a brush, soap and water as using that dirty comb continuously
can lead to hair fall as well. You can do this easily when taking a
bath or shampooing each week. This is a necessary precaution to take
for hair fall control.
5.
Hot oil treatments is one of the most frequent answers to the
question of how to reduce hair fall!
The
tradition of oiling the hair to enhance and retain its natural beauty
hails from ancient India.
Instead
of opting for an expensive parlor treatment, it is best to use
natural products that are safe, produce no side effects and are also
effective.
Natural
oils such as coconut, olive, canola, jojoba, sesame etc. can be used
to massage the scalp for countering hair fall and encouraging new
hair growth. You have to warm the oil of your choice by heating it;
ensure that it’s not too hot but bearable, gently massage your
scalp with this using your fingers or even a cotton ball may be used.
Next, wear a shower cap, leaving it on for about 1 hour and rinse off
using a mild shampoo.
Here
is a detailed post on how hot oil massage prevents hair loss.
As
we know, hair fall problems can be related to the scalp – issues
such as dandruff, dryness and flakiness etc. With a natural hot oil
treatment twice every week, the blood circulation in the scalp area
can be stimulated causing the hair follicles to stay active and hair
loss can be countered through deep conditioning and eliminating these
scalp issues, and at the same time your hair receives the much-needed
nourishment and care which will help in strengthening and making it
beautiful.
6.
Try to switch to shampoos that are sulfate, silicone and paraben-free
to avoid loading the scalp and hair with harsh chemicals that damage
hair, making it brittle and more prone to breakage. Controlling
chemical damage is certainly a sure shot way to ensure hair loss
prevention.
Some
such options are available from brands like The Body Shop, Soul Tree,
Rustic Art, Organic Surge; The Nature’s Co. etc
7.
Wash your hair at least every 3 days with a gentle hair cleanser or
shampoo to remove all accumulated dust, dirt, oil and bacterial build
up. Keep it clean at all times to avoid hair fall due to unclean
scalp and scalp infections. This is a necessary step to follow as an
answer to how to prevent hair fall.
How
to Stop Hair Fall? Care for Your Hair:
if
you have been wondering what more you can do in your quest on how to
control hair fall, here are few more suggestions.
8.
Do not subject your hair to frequent chemical treatments, excessive
blow drying, ironing and coloring as these can lead to hair loss.
9.
Hair styles such as wearing tight ponytails, pigtails or braids on a
daily basis, using elastics and rubber bands to pull back hair
tightly can cause hair fall.
10.
Natural Juices to counter hair fall: An ingredient from our kitchen
can effectively help to tackle hair fall problems – it is the good
old onion.
It
is an amazing natural remedy to fight hair fall and also effectively
increases the growth of your hair. Some simple and easy ways to use
onion in treating hair fall and promote new hair growth.
11.
Eat Healthy to Minimize and Prevent Hair Fall:
Give
importance to a balanced diet to counter hair loss as this one of the
most important answers to your question of how to prevent hair fall.
Nutritional deficiencies in the body are a major cause of hair loss.
Iron-rich
foods; those rich in zinc, Vitamins A, B complex, Vitamin C, Vitamin
E, Omega-3 fatty acids and proteins should be consumed to overcome
these deficiencies, add moisture to your hair, leading to a healthier
scalp, lesser hair fall and fewer split ends and at the same time for
getting thicker, stronger hair that shines with good health. This is
a long term and effective way to cure hair fall.
Consider
adding more of these to your diet – carrots, oats, whole grains,
brown rice, green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, lentils, sweet
potatoes, pumpkin seeds, oysters, nuts such as walnuts and almonds,
flaxseed oil (Linseed oil) or grounded flaxseeds, fish such as salmon
and tuna that are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, eggs, beans, yogurt,
low-fat cheese.
Do
not forget to drink plenty of water throughout the day to flush out
all harmful toxins from your body.
C.
Home DIY for Hair Fall Problem:
Homemade
hair masks are an inexpensive and a very useful option when the
question is how to control hair fall problems without exposing your
hair to any kind of harmful chemicals. They help to easily
strengthen, nourish and beautify your hair with suggested use.
12.
This DIY homemade hair mask is great for combating thinning hair and
hair fall problems.
Ingredients
Required:
Freshly
prepared strong green tea (good quality)
1
egg yolk
How
to Prepare:
Take
1 egg yolk in a clean bowl; add 2 tablespoons of freshly prepared
green tea to it.
Green
tea will be hot; so be careful.
Mix
nicely till such a frothy and creamy consistency is acquired as seen
in the image. If it becomes thicker, you can add more green tea to
dilute it.
Ingredients
Required:
Almond
Oil – 40 ml
Coconut
Oil – 40 ml
Castor
Oil – 10 ml
Aroma
Magic Stimulate Oil – 5 ml
Aroma
Magic Lavender Oil – 5ml
Vitamin
E capsules – 3 capsules
This
is for a 100 ml mixture. Also required is an empty bottle for storing
it and a measuring cap to take the required quantities.
I
have used the following (you may use brands you prefer):
Divya
Badam Rogan Almond Oil (from Baba Ramdev’s Patanjali),Patanjali
Tejus 100% Pure Coconut Oil, Castor oil from a local brand, Evion
Capsules (Vitamin E) and the two oils mentioned from Aroma Magic.
How
to Prepare:
Mix
the above-mentioned quantities of Almond, Coconut and Castor oil.
Now
add 5ml each of Stimulate Oil and Lavender Oil.
Slit
open and squeeze 3 Vitamin E capsules into the mixture.
Shake
the mixture well and store in a cool and dry place away from
sunlight.
How
to Apply:
This
needs to be used for massage on the entire scalp and hair for about
10 minutes on alternate days. Leave overnight and wash off with
shampoo.
Use
this remedy for hair fall with patience and I am sure you will see
the results very soon.
D.
Treatments to stop Hair Fall:
14.
Hair Spa:
This
is one of the most commonly used treatments for hair loss. Not only
is this a relaxing experience, but hair spa treatment also has a lot
of benefits as listed below:
-It
is meant to deep condition the hair, treating split ends and
repairing dry, damaged and dull hair as well as removing dandruff
which is another cause of hair fall.
-It
provides essential nourishment to the hair roots; fortifies the hair
follicles and revitalizes the scalp, thus making a way for newer hair
growth and countering hair fall.
-It
prevents scalp ageing and stimulates blood circulation in the scalp
area through the massage, helps in maintaining clean scalp and hair,
thus leading to healthier hair and reduced to no hair fall.
-It
also brings a welcome relief from stress and tension.
Many
beauty parlors and hair salons offer hair spa therapy and it is
wonderful to indulge yourself in this treatment once or twice a month
to combat hair fall and get bouncy, smooth and beautiful hair.
Charges will of course vary from one parlor to the other.
15.
Minoxidil (Rogaine):
This
is one of the most effective, FDA-approved and commonly prescribed
medications from doctors worldwide for arresting hair fall and
treating alopecia-related problems.
16.
Laser therapy:
A
non-surgical treatment, Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is a medical
treatment meant to effectively deal with hair loss or thinning hair
and stimulate new hair growth.
E.
Best Anti Hair Fall Products:
Here’s
a look at some of the best anti hair fall products available in the
Indian market:
17.
Trichup Hair Fall Control Oil:
A
popular and commonly used anti-hair fall product, this is known to
arrest hair fall, strengthen and nourish the hair roots and encourage
new hair growth. It also protects the hair from environmental factors
and chemical-induced damage, improves the hair texture and repairs
hair, making it strong and bouncy.
Directions
for Use as per their website:
Cleanse
off the hair with Trichup Hair Fall Control Shampoo. After thorough
drying, massage gently this oil on the scalp using finger tips until
it gets absorbed in skin. Keep overnight for better results. Repeat 2
– 3 times a week for minimum of 4-6 weeks.
18.
Dove Hair Fall Rescue Treatment:
This
is a recent launch from Dove. The Dove Hair Fall Rescue Treatment
contains patented Trichozole active with Ginseng and Soy Protein to
help combat hair fall in only 2 weeks of use.
It
has the following benefits for the hair:
-Strengthens
and nourishes each hair strand from the root, reducing damage
-Locks
hair firmly in its place, giving freedom from hair fall
Directions
for Use as per their website:
i.
Wash hair as usual and towel dry.
ii.
Break open flat nozzle cap and apply lotion directly on clean scalp.
iii.
Make series of partings and apply lotion evenly to the scalp.
iv.
Massage lotion for 2-3 minutes to let it penetrate into the roots of
your hair.
v.
Use entire content of one vial at each application and leave it until
next wash. Style as usual. (Must be left on for at least 8 hours)
vi.
For best results, apply on clean scalp soon after towel dry & use
every two days.
19.
Parachute Advansed Scalp Therapie:
Formulated
with Active Protein Complex and tested by dermatologists, this
penetrates into the roots of the hair, provides essential nourishment
to the hair follicles, replenishes hair, heals damage and controls
hair fall. Here is a detailed review of Parachute Advansed Scalp
Therapie.
Directions
for Use as per their website:
a.
Pour 5-6 ml of Parachute Advansed Scalp Therapie into your palm. For
longer hair, you may use 8-10 ml.
b.
Gently massage it onto your scalp for about 4-5 minutes.
c.
Leave it onto your scalp overnight or at least 8 hours
d.
Parachute Advansed Scalp Therapie should be used at least 3 times a
week, and for best results should be used daily.
20.
TRESemmé Hair Fall Defense Shampoo:
Very
reasonably priced, this shampoo from TRESemmé has gained a lot of
attention as it has been found to be useful against hair fall. It is
gentle enough for daily use; it strengthens and restores health to
damaged hair and prevents hair fall caused from breakage, thus giving
smoother hair. Here is a detailed review of Tresemme Hair Fall
Defense Shampoo.
Directions
for Use as per their website:
i.
Apply to wet hair, gently massage and work into lather.
ii.
Rinse thoroughly.
iii.
Use with TRESemmé Hair Fall Defense Conditioner.
iv.
For optimum results use the TRESemmé Hair Fall Defense range. Style
using your favourite TRESemmé styling products
Enriched
with the goodness of natural ingredients such as Henna, Brahmi,
Baheda, Fenugreek, Jojoba Oil, Amla, Bhringaraj, Olive Oil, Wheat
Germ Oil, Sesame Oil, this nourishing hair oil helps to fight and
prevent hair fall.
It
encourages new hair growth by stimulating the follicles of the hair,
strengthens hair, and reduces thinning of the hair and baldness with
regular use.
It,
however, is expensive for the quantity you get in one bottle.
Directions
for Use as per their website:
Massage
oil gently onto the scalp. Leave it overnight or at least for an hour
before wash.
Hope
this article on Hair fall will help you like it helped me. This may
answer your every question on how to reduce hair fall. Let me know
your own tips to stop and prevent hair fall in the comments below.
Naturally Clean Teeth
Your
teeth are a direct reflection of your whole body wellness. If you
have a healthy diet, then your teeth and gums will be healthy as a
result. There are certain foods that can be thought of as a
double-edged sword, in terms of keeping your body healthy and
cleaning your teeth at the same time.
Top
10 Teeth Cleaning Foods
As
we continue exploring natural alternatives to cleaning teeth, we must
mention these top ten beneficial foods for our teeth.
Tea
– Infused herbal teas a way to promote good dental health. Green
tea contains polyphenol antioxidant plant compounds that reduce
plaque and help reduce cavities and gum disease. Tea may help reduce
bad breath as well. Further, rinses can be made by preparing an
herbal infused tea in the usual way, or by simply stirring herb
powder into water. Hold the rinse in the mouth for a few seconds or
up to several minutes, gargle, and spit out.
Dairy
Products – Milk and yogurt are good for teeth because they
contain low acidity, which means that wearing of teeth is less. They
are also low in decay-inducing sugar. Milk is a good source of
calcium, the main component of teeth and bones.
Cheese
– Cheese contains natural cavity-fighting agents as well as
contains vitamins to strength the teeth and enamel. The calcium and
phosphate, which helps balance pH in the mouth, preserves (and
rebuilds) tooth enamel, produces saliva, and kills bacteria that
cause cavities and disease.
Fruits
– Some of our favorite fruits and vegetables are natural
abrasives and eating them scrubs your teeth in a natural and harmless
way. Fruits such as apples, strawberries and kiwis contain Vitamin C.
This vitamin is considered the element that holds cells together. If
this vitamin is neglected, gum cells can break down, making gums
tender and susceptible to disease.
Vegetables
- Vitamin A, found in pumpkins, carrots, sweet potatoes and
broccoli, is necessary for the formation of tooth enamel. Crunchy
vegetables such as carrots, cauliflower, brocolli and cucumbers may
also help clean gums because of the increased chewing it takes to
break it down. Onions contain antibacterial sulfur compounds. Tests
show that onions kill various types of bacteria, especially when
eaten raw. Celery protects teeth by producing saliva which
neutralizes acid that causes demineralization and cavities. It also
massages the teeth and gums.
Fresh
herbs – Chewing on herbs like parsley, cilantro, and mint helps
decrease odors caused by a buildup of bacteria. Dried herbs do not do
as good of a job as fresh herbs do, however, dried herbs can be used
in mouth rinses.
Seeds
– Especially sesame seeds reduce plaque and help build tooth
enamel. They are also very high in calcium.
Animal
Protein Sources - Beef, chicken, turkey, eggs and especially fatty
fish like salmon contain phosphorus which, with calcium, is one of
the two most vital minerals of teeth and bone.
Water
– Water cleans the mouth and produces saliva that deposits
essential minerals into the teeth. It keeps gums hydrated and washes
away particles from the teeth.
Whole
Grains - Whole grains contain B vitamins and iron, which help keep
gums healthy. Further, the magnesium that is also present is an
important ingredient for bones and teeth. In addition, whole grains
are high in fiber. High-fiber foods keeps saliva flowing, which helps
create mineral defenses against tooth decay. Foods such as bran,
brown rice, whole-grain cereals and pasta are good choices for whole
grains.
Alternatives Toothpaste
Contrary
to popular belief, your teeth are designed to last a lifetime. Over
the years the dental industry has made a killing selling the idea
that we need to brush our teeth with toothpaste and chemicals in
order to keep our teeth clean. In a SHTF or long-term emergency
scenario, tooth paste may be less accessible and we will need to fall
upon more traditional means to clean our teeth.
Although
certain foods can have a cleaning affect on your teeth, there are
other natural alternatives that you can turn to keep your teeth and
gums clean. Below are six alternatives to toothpaste that can be used
to not only promote healthy teeth and gums, but most of these
alternatives have antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that
assist in preventing dental issues such as gingivitis, canker sores
and gum disease.
Chew
sticks - Traditional peoples the world over use natural tooth
brushes made from healing plants. These primitive twig “brushes”
actually work quite well, and provide a natural-bristle, disposable
brush with healing herbs already incorporated right in the plant.
People would chew on the tip of a twig to make it spread out into
several small strands. They would then use it in the same way that a
toothbrush is used. If this is the only option to brush your teeth,
look for twigs that contain oils to help stimulate blood circulation,
tannins that tighten and cleanse gum tissue and other materials, such
as vitamin C, which maintain healthy gums. Bay, eucalyptus, oak, fir,
and juniper and twigs of the neem tree are good choices to make
primitive toothbrushes with.
Salts
- Salt is a multipurpose prep that every prepper should have a
good supply of. In the case of dental health, it is a mild cleanser
that can be used multiple times daily or as a mouthwash to help with
bad breath or used as a disinfectant rinse. Salt has a natural
healing property to it, as well as removes plaque, tartar and bad
breath.
Cleaning
teeth – Mix one part salt to two parts baking soda after
pulverizing the salt in a blender or rolling it on a kitchen board
with a tumbler before mixing. It whitens teeth, helps remove plaque
and it is healthy for the gums. Another recipe for cleaning teeth is
one teaspoon each of ground sage, baking soda, and table salt.
Washing
mouth – Mix equal parts of salt and baking soda as a mouth wash
that sweetens the breath.
Baking
soda - Baking soda is a classic amongst natural teeth cleaning
methods, and is harmless. It is very effective in removing stains and
killing plaque-causing bacteria, and it also reduces acids which harm
your tooth enamel. Hippocrates recommended a mixture of salt, alum,
and vinegar as a mouthwash for preventative measures. Here is a basic
recipe for baking soda toothpaste:
Ingredients:
=>
1/2 cup aluminum free baking soda
=>
5 drops peppermint essential oil
=>
2 drops cinnamon or clove essential oil
Mix
all ingredients together and use as you would normally for
toothpaste.
Essential
oils - Incorporating essential oils into your dental preparedness
supplies can function as natural antibacterial and antimicrobial
agents, as well as natural cleansers for a well-rounded mouth health.
Essential oils such as peppermint and spearmint can be mixed with
water to make dental rinses too.
Three
popular essential oils amongst preppers are:
Peppermint
Oil - Peppermint essential oil is the most popular oil used for
teeth cleaning. It helps freshen breath, kill bacteria, and clear
sinuses. 5 drops added to your teeth cleaning regimen will do the
trick.
Clove
oil contains eugenol, a natural pain killer and antibacterial.
Mix 2 to 3 drops of pure clove oil with 1/4 teaspoon olive oil.
Saturate a cotton ball with the mixture and place the cotton ball
beside the tooth.
Cinnamon
oil - Cinnamon naturally contains antimicrobial and
antibacterial properties and can help fight harmful mouth bacterias.
Cinnamon bark oil has been known to effectively destroy 21 different
types of bacteria. Rinsing with diluted cinnamon oil after you brush
your teeth, or using a toothpaste made from cinnamon oil may help
you kill harmful bacteria and prevent cavities. It’s warming
properties will also stimulate the blood circulation in gums. Note:
Using cinnamon oil can cause some irritation and inflammation,
therefore if you plan to use cinnamon oil, always dilute it first. If
you suffer from any inflammation in your mouth, discontinue using
cinnamon oil and the symptoms should disappear within 24 hours.
4
thieves oil - A combination of clove, lemon, cinnamon,
eucalyptus, and rosemary, this oil possesses both antimicrobial, and
antibacterial properties. A few drops of this oil can be used to
prevent and treat gum disease, drops can be applied orally to
maintain healthy teeth and reduce cavities, to clean teeth and be
used as an effective mouth wash, or applied to gums and teeth for
pain relief from toothaches.
If
you are faced with swollen gums, nightly gum packs made from herbs or
herbal infused oils rolled in gauze can be tucked into the corners of
the mouth. In auyervedic medicine, a combination of turmeric, aloe,
willow bark, vitamin E, and powdered alum can help relieve pain and
swelling. If this regimen is regularly used and followed with a
healthy diet and vitamin supplements, it can reduce symptoms
significantly.
Hydrogen
peroxide 3% - This product assists in healing canker sores, helps
kill off bacteria living in the mouth, and fights gingivitis. There
is conflicting information about the abrasiveness of hydrogen
peroxcide on teeth, so to be on the safe side, dilute this product
with water if you decide to use it in your mouth.
A
mouth rinse can be made by mixing equal parts of water and a 3%
solution of hydrogen peroxide. This mouth rinse should be swished
(not swallowed) around the entire mouth for 15-30 seconds. Using the
diluted mouthwash and then following it with your normal brushing
regimen will thoroughly clean the mouth and teeth, as well as kill
off harmful bacteria. Don’t limit using hydrogen peroxide to inside
your mouth, you can even clean your toothbrush with hydrogen peroxide
after use to kill off any remaining bacteria that may still be left
on the toothbrush.
Water
- This is the most basic a person can get with cleaning their teeth.
Brushing your teeth with water may not have any healing properties,
but it will at least get any residual food off of your teeth. And
anything is better than nothing at all.
To
conclude, without our normal dental items being readily available to
us during a long-term emergency, we may have to fall upon more
natural approaches to dental health. Having supplies and possessing
knowledge on natural alternatives to maintain healthy teeth and gums
will prevent and may control any current issues from exacerbating.
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