Body hair removal is a very tedious, but still obligation and routine for most of people, especially for those with excessive hair growth. As much as it is a boring routine, the pleasure and self-confidence that freshly waxed legs, arms, face, and other regions give you is motivation and а reason to do it on regular basis. . Are you one of those people who at least once a month has problems finding the best way to remove body hair as painlessly as possible, without irritation, and from the root? Probably, you are familiar with all the most innovative ways of waxing, depilation, shaving, and laser treatments for that purpose, but you still do not know what to choose - that is not all! Below you are given amazing 100% natural recipes at your disposal to remove body hair naturally, out of which some are more favorable for the face, others have proven to be more suitable and effective for the legs and arms, the third is a gentle, but effective peeling for the armpit region, while the fourth one promises you slow growth of body hair, even remove body hair permanently Let’s start!
On any part of the body, hairs can be hidden, one way or another. You may wear leggings to hide your messy legs, you may wear a long blouse if you forgot to shave your armpits or forearms, but you just can't put a rag on your face to hide your facial hair. Facial hair is such a big problem for women, that believe it or not, they would really put something on the face because of the discomfort that facial hairs give. That is, no matter how much you remove the hair, it grows uncontrollably, or even when your facial hair is pulled out the pores become very open and the skin has a darker pigment.
The unpleasantness of women who are dealing with facial hair is enormous. That is why it is said that the one embarrassed because of the physical imperfections would try everything to eliminate a problem, in this case, the facial hairs specifically. Read below some ideas for effective and natural remedies for removing hair and natural hair removal remedies at home, by yourself. The recipes for natural remedies for removal of facial hair natural hair removal for the face include lemon, honey, egg, corn flour, etc.
Lemon and honey are a must in our kitchens, and despite the options to use them as seasonings in dishes, salads, sauces, and even for the routine of drinking hot tea, the blend can be absolutely used as a hair removal mask that stands side by side with professional products in beauty salons. In short, the proportion for the preparation of this blend is as follows:
Stir the three ingredients until you get a literally thick peeling blend for the face that will remove facial hair in the desired places. Apply the peeling blend and let it dry for 15 minutes on the face. Finally, just peel and wash with lukewarm water and stay in front of a mirror to admire the smoothness of your face. You can use this mask 2-3 times a week.
There isn’t anything more attractive than tidy, epilated legs, in spring or summer. It is not only a routine of the female body, but it is also a priority when beauty is at stake. Relax, and even when you forget to book an appointment at your salon, remember that you can always go to your kitchen without making an appointment. Simply be your own master of smooth and silky legs with the help of homemade blends such as sugar, lemon, white pepper, camphor, lentils, potato juice, water, etc.
There isn’t anyone who has not heard of sugar wax. Women have embraced this method of hair removal more or less. For some it is the only way to sort out the regions, but generally there isn’t anyone who has not tried homemade wax or sugar wax. But what does make homemade sugar wax healthier than the wax used in cosmetic salons? The homemade has lower impact on the skin because it sticks only to the hairs.. The cosmetic wax will likely irritate your skin seriously. And if you make a mistake with the recipe, then you have not reached so far with this article in vain. Make sugar wax for hair removal once again by yourself and never be more adept at it:
Camphor and white pepper in combination are not recommended for use / hair removal for any region except the legs, as the combination itself is irritating. To prepare the paste for leg hair removal, you need two tablespoons of camphor powder (previously ground) mixed with two teaspoons of white pepper and oil, e.g., olive oil in order to form a paste. Apply it on the feet and let it dry, for about 15 minutes at most, before washing it with warm water. Be careful, let it sit no more than 15 minutes, and if you notice immediate irritation, wash the applied paste immediately from the legs. In case you do not have irritation for the period of 15 minutes, use this paste continuously for 1-2 months to notice the difference. Not only will it remove unwanted hair, but it also has healing properties for various skin issues due to its antifungal and antibacterial properties.
This is a weird recipe for hair removal, however, make yourself sure. Leave one cup of lentils to sit in a bowl of water overnight. The next day, blend the lentils in a blender, then add potato juice of one whole potato (it can be squeezed in a juicer, or you can extract the liquid from the grated potatoes through gauze), add a tablespoon of lemon juice and honey to this paste. Apply the mixed ingredients on your legs (maybe the forearms as well as the face) and keep them for about 20 minutes, then peel the paste. Potatoes do not contain acids, but they contribute to the whitening of the hairs, and their removal property is due to the lentils. This paste does not have any side effects on your skin and therefore is suitable for more sensitive areas.
You can’t go more natural and simpler than this! With the help of this natural, volcanic stone, you will not only give a great peeling to your legs and forearms, but you will also remove the hairs in a way that the hairs get attached to the pores of the stone with pleasant circular strokes. Afterward, this method requires a good moisturizing massage with body lotion after the not so rough treatment. Believe me, your feet will speak for themselves this way. It is not recommended to use it on the delicate parts of the body because the stone itself is rough and your skin can quickly get irritated if you use it on the armpits, face or intimate parts of the body.
When it comes to underarm hair removal, the most painful start is the waxing process. The skin is extremely sensitive there because lots of glands are located in that area. So, think twice when you consider waxing on that part unless you want to do it with laser or some other less rigorous treatments. You can always do underarm hair removal at home, painlessly, practically and naturally, which is most important for this region.
There is no place in this world where baking soda does not take its place. It is a bottomless well. Its use is simply so versatile and easy to apply. Hair removal with baking soda is a piece of cake. Put baking soda in a bowl and add as much water as you need to get a thick mixture and simply make an underarm peeling, but why not on other parts of the body as well as the intimate ones. Baking soda paste will become the natural hair removal cream for private parts that you will use most often.
Chickpea flour peeling was the method of our grandmothers and mothers back in the primitive past when beauty salons did not exist at all. Mix half a cup of chickpea flour with lavender or olive oil. Finally, add curd to this mixture and apply underarm by doing it on one armpit and then on the other. Or, consider taking your best friend as a personal assistant to apply the peeling as you lie down with your arms raised to give a chance for this cream to dry. Finally, massage the armpits with water until the peeling is removed. The benefit of the application of chickpea flour is indisputable, i.e., it is the best natural peeling for removing impurities and unwanted hair.
Imagine! You did more banana oatmeal than you can actually eat. With the rest, you can remove unwanted underarm hairs, believe it or not! This combination of oats and bananas is a peeling, but a mild one and therefore feel free to use it in this area. Banana will affect your skin positively as it acts as a skin nourishing softener. Mix banana and oatmeal paste and apply it on the armpits by massaging in the opposite direction of your hair growth, then leave on for about 20 minutes. Finally, just rinse off with water and pat dry.
Considering the above-mentioned methods for hair removal, it can be said that in addition to the painful and expensive waxing at the salons, a natural way of doing it with natural ingredients does exist. But if you thought that's all, we strongly argue that even a laser that reduces hair growth to permanent removal can be replaced with a homemade treatment. Keep reading about hair removal home remedies that reduce hair growth with simple ingredients like turmeric paste and milk, and papaya.
Turmeric paste and milk for body hair removal, as well as the reduction of hair growth, is not a conclusion obtained from recent research, but a well-transmitted, centuries-old practice among Indian women. The simplest of all possible combinations of recipes with this season, for this purpose, is turmeric paste. Namely, three teaspoons of turmeric and one teaspoon of milk need to be well blended. Once the thick paste is made, apply it to the desired place and leave it to act for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes remove the mixture with water, a cloth and circular motions. The turmeric in this paste has the property of soft glue that helps the hairs to stick to it and be easily removed. With regular weekly use, you will notice the slower pace of your body hair growth.
Papaya paste is somewhat different from all the above home treatments. Different than all other remedies, with regular use the papaya will permanently remove your natural hair. Papain, the enzyme in this fruit, weakens hair follicles and inhibits their growth over time. You will be amazed by this powerful tropical fruit for the wonders you did not know it could do. So, prepare about one to two tablespoons of papaya puree to which you will add turmeric powder. The mixture prepared in this way should act for 15 minutes on your skin, then be washed off with lukewarm water. For effective and long-lasting results, it is necessary to repeat this routine up to twice a week.
The good thing about these 11 Solutions for Natural Hair Removal with Ordinary Kitchen Ingredients is that they become more and more popular nowadays.
When everything seems to be turning your back, and even your beautician does not have a vacant term for the regular waxing, always look to the bright side and head towards your kitchen. So, what will you choose for the next time, banana oatmeal, lentil and potato paste, or maybe papaya paste to remove the unwanted hair permanently?
Atherosclerosis is a form of cardiovascular disease that affects the blood vessels of the cardiovascular system, especially the arteries. It is a disorder that slowly but surely disrupts the function of the arteries and thus, the most vital functions of the heart and brain as well. Plagued arteries do not carry adequate blood flow to the brain and heart and therefore result in fatal strokes and heart attacks. The precision of female hormone testing varies depending on the specific test used, the woman's hormone levels, and the laboratory conducting the test. They are very accurate if performed correctly by an experienced laboratory.
Proper nutrition is crucial because having clogged arteries require discipline.
In order to make your diet easier and more proper, I advise you to include this rich list of beneficial foods for arterial wall damage.
The good, old apple cider vinegar is not science fiction, but a part of every cabinet at home. Its naturalness is a real touch with nature. A good ratio should be found for its use in order not to damage your teeth or your stomach, etc. Other risk factors such as triglycerides, high blood pressure and high blood sugar should be considered in the fight against atherosclerosis - all that can be regulated by balanced and regular use of apple cider vinegar. This supplement also positively affects lipid status.
Idea: Always consume apple cider vinegar on an empty stomach, or half an hour before lunch or dinner. Add about 2-3 tablespoons in 100 ml and consume it on a regular basis.
Arteries cleansing with a well-balanced diet is a real enjoyment directly from Mother Nature. Make changes to your diet that will exclude foods at the expense of the gifts of nature that participate in the daily hygiene of the arteries. These include most fruits and vegetables such as pomegranate, apple, berries, citrus, cruciferous and leafy vegetables, followed by healthy oils such as canola and olive oil; seafood; healthy desserts such as chocolate and cocoa, and of course, the enjoyment of coffee is not excluded. Follow the detailed list of foods that unclog arteries naturally and effectively in the arteries.
Food is poison and medicine at the same time, is the good old wisdom from our ancestors. They knew exactly how to use the food in a good way. Here are some food categories such as vegetables, fruits, seeds, etc., which in the fight against clogged arteries act as remedies for you.
These small, juicy, rounded, colored, seeded or not, sour or sherry fruits are a package of multivitamins, minerals, antioxidants that meet the body's needs to deal with heart issues, stimulate the body to provide protection to the cardiovascular system. Berries as clear arteries food directly affect inflammation of the cardiovascular system, including the arteries. The impressive nutritional value of the berry juice helps to dissolve the plague and prevent cell damage. The overall benefits are enormous, in a way that the risks of a severe stroke or a heart attack are reduced by improving LDL cholesterol, high blood pressure, and blood sugar.
Watermelon is a whole-body cleanser. It is good for optimizing the blood flow through arteries and stimulating the production of nitric oxide.
This fruit is a sweet and healthy pleasure and has an abundance of vitamins A and C. Also, the accumulation of manganese is prominent that helps a great deal in the fight against blood clots. The risk of heart attack will be significantly reduced with persimmons in the regular diet.
Every time I remember I have to eat an apple today I always repeat the cute saying “one apple a day keeps the doctor away”. Antioxidants in apples such as Catechin, Quercetin, Florizin, and Chlorogenic acid have anti-inflammatory effects, improve high blood pressure, while pectin helps to balance cholesterol. In total, the health-packed apple contributes to atherosclerosis prevention.
Flavonoids are a group of plant, bioactive secondary metabolites important for a range of health benefits with a particular focus on atherosclerosis, its development and progression. Flavonoids are especially emphasized in citrus fruits. These citrus flavonoids do not allow free radicals to oxidize the bad cholesterol that is a risk factor for atherosclerosis. Moreover, vitamin C and the abundance of antioxidants are important for the health of the arterial walls, which if accumulated may cause heart disease and heart attack.
Pomegranate is a MUST practice in your diet for a healthy life - it is simply the savior of your heart. The most powerful antioxidants are accumulated in the pomegranate that bombards the free radicals in the human body. In addition to preventing atherosclerosis and slowing down the progression of the disease, it fights the hardening of the arteries, too. Antioxidants stimulate nitric oxide in the body which plays a role in the proper blood flow through the arteries.
Avocado is a fruit that has a versatile benefit on the human body. There is simply nothing that is useless about it, or that would harm your body. So it is with the benefits of avocado on the arteries. Firstly, avocados boost good cholesterol, while lowering bad cholesterol. Secondly, the avocado outperforms the banana in terms of potassium content, whose role in preserving the arteries is leading.
If it is really true that the food (fruits and vegetables) that resembles some human organs are good for those same organs, then I would agree that the tomato is great for heart health. If cut horizontally it resembles a heart with ventricles and atria. Interesting, right! Not to mention the scientific studies that have really confirmed the beneficial and nutritional effects of tomatoes on heart health. The carotenoid pigment lycopene regulates heart function and organs through the regulation of the lipid profile and soluble vasomotor biomarkers associated with the onset and progression of atherosclerosis. Lycopene reduces inflammation of the cardiovascular system, stimulates the good at the expense of bad cholesterol, cleanses blood vessels, etc. According to a study of 40 participants, the consumption of a tomato sauce with virgin olive oil is the most effective formula for the fight against clogged arteries, even a level above the consumption of raw tomato.
Beetroot is very low in calories, rich in minerals and vitamins, but indescribably useful for blood flow through the blood vessels because of the molecule that is responsible for this property. Nitrates in beets are important molecules that are converted to nitric oxides - an oxide that relaxes blood vessels and normalizes their inflammation improves blood flow through blood vessels and consequently regulates high blood pressure. Nitrate is essential for the health of the heart muscle, the heart system, and everything that contributes to the onset and development of atherosclerosis and the consequent death as a result of it.
Onion, is a vegetable of the Allium group, rich in sulfur elements and compounds that have significant benefits for the whole organism. When it comes to atherosclerosis, there is much to say about this available vegetable that is used daily in the diet. Namely, sulfur compounds do not allow inflammatory processes to develop in the entire blood vessels in the human body, then prevent clotting in the blood. During the extremely important studies regarding the intake of Allium vegetables, it has been proven that onions reduce mortality caused by atherosclerosis.
Cruciferous vegetables have so few calories and an impressively rich nutritional profile. I'm afraid to say that these vegetables are underrated. However, I emphasize that the nutrients and bioactive compounds in these vegetables slow down the progression of atherosclerosis, i.e. prevent the onset of the disease. In a study of 1,500 women, a diet rich in cruciferous plants found that lower carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) was the cause. Cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale and other vegetables of this type prevent the accumulation of calcium in the arteries, and generally, death is caused by diagnosed atherosclerosis.
Leafy vegetables are not excluded when it comes to accumulated arteries and the prevention of atherosclerosis. Here, there are so many to list, such as kale, arugula, Swiss chard, lettuces, spinach and etc. In addition to minerals, vitamins, and iron, which are abundant in leafy vegetables, potassium must be mentioned. The potassium prevents calcification of arteries, and thus contributes to the prevention of atherosclerosis. Also, the natural form of nitrates in leafy vegetables contributes to the formation of nitric oxide (which I mentioned above). Nitric oxide is crucial for maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system, up to 15.8% according to the conclusion of studies on the consumption of leafy vegetables.
Seaweed salad combined with a piece of salmon or mackerel is a bomb of vitamins, minerals, anticancer and anti-inflammatory molecules, carotenoids and proteins to balance high blood pressure and varicose veins, and anything else that can further threaten atherosclerosis.
Asparagus is as beneficial for cardiovascular health as it looks good and tempting in various dishes. It is “ ointment” for inflamed blood vessels and excessive cholesterol in the blood, conditions that create a favorable environment for onset of atherosclerosis.
Beans differ from other legumes in the way that they are too rich in dietary fiber which is important for a healthy heart. The first reason is that it balances the levels of both cholesterols and their deposition in the arteries. If you practice regular consumption of beans, this practice will certainly improve the overall function of the cardiovascular system, in terms of the reasons for atherosclerosis onset like high blood pressure, healthy arteries, type 2 diabetes, and the condition itself.
Again, like many of the foods mentioned above, the richness of dietary fiber in cereals helps the health of the heart. Moreover, a diet rich in whole grains contributes to thinner carotid artery walls so that blood flow to the brain can be optimized. Otherwise, the chances of heart attack or stroke are very high as a consequence of the thickening of carotid arteries.
The importance of oats in the fight against clogged arteries and the risks associated with it, has to do with many aspects of their nutritive values. Oats help to prevent inflammatory proteins - cytokines with the help of powerful avenanthramides, and adhesion molecules. Oatmeal stimulates the increase of the delivery of oxygen to the heart in the case of atherosclerosis.
The consumption of nuts should not be compromised. They are a great alternative to snacks for diabetics since nuts significantly reduce blood sugar, optimize the function of arteries, and hence reduce the risk of clogging and hardening. Nuts and seeds are so small but so powerful in their role. Magnesium in nuts does not allow the deposition to occur in the arteries. Eat a handful of hazelnuts, almonds, cashews, pistachios if not daily, at least three times a week.
Similar to nuts, flaxseed is the big wheel of healthy nutrition. Flaxseed reduces and prevents the accumulation of cholesterol in the arteries. In atherosclerosis, the strength of the small seed is secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG), which is responsible for the processes in the arteries in the fight against plague in the arteries.
Fatty fish and seafood are a superfood when atherosclerosis is at stake. In a study, it was concluded that participants who ate more fatty fish per week than those who ate less, or in other words, 13.3% of those who ate less fish, developed atherosclerosis, compared with 6.6% of those who ate more fish, developed atherosclerosis. Omega 3 fatty acids in seafood are the best value for the heart and its entire system. If the expression of cell adhesive molecules is increased in case of inflammation, thus a favorable environment for the development of atherosclerosis will be likely created. Omega 3 fatty acids deal with excess triglycerides and reduce the chances of dying from a heart attack. Let me remind you that eating fresh fish is not comparable to any fish-based supplement when you want to help yourself substantially to the problem of atherosclerosis.
Olive oil is the basis of the Mediterranean diet, and this type of diet is associated with the prevention of diseases due to age and prolongation of human life. Instead of getting fat from the wrong sources, focus on a diet rich in olive oil. For example, a leafy vegetable salad with olive oil or a tomato sauce with olive oil in the long run for long-term benefits such as unclogging arteries and overall heart health. Monounsaturated fatty acids will protect you from heart disease and stroke in general.
According to a scientific study where spices such as cinnamon, black pepper, ginger, turmeric and many others have been tested, the conclusion is that their effects on atherosclerosis are very promising. Specialized doses of these spices will likely treat atherosclerosis patients, or will likely reduce the risk of those who are predisposed to this ailment.
Cinnamon is a prominent spice mostly because of the wonderful aroma it provides in combination with vanilla pudding, or freshly baked cinnamon rolls. In type 2 diabetics, with only 1 gram of daily intake, blood markers will likely improve. Cinnamon also controls the balance between good and bad cholesterol, and thus blood pressure. In short, it optimizes heart function and controls atherosclerosis.
The properties of black pepper as a subject of research, according to the study, are promising considering the improved lipid status, cholesterol balance, and blood pressure in rats, ie all risk factors for developing atherosclerosis.
Has an anti-inflammatory effect on the tissues of the organs, while the active capsaicin helps clear the plaque of the arteries, so it can be said that it has a role in maintaining the purity of the arteries.
Antioxidant action maintains the health of the walls of the arteries in the fight against atherosclerosis, with at least one cup of turmeric tea per day.
Optimizes circulation and prevents blood clots and accumulation of arteries with plaque.
If negative reasons prevailed in your dilemmas whether and why not coffee, now I reveal to you another reason why “yes”! Coffee is natural and contains antioxidants that find their way to their goal. Even though you may not know it , up to two cups of coffee a day is not threatening to your heart, but a factor in reducing the chances of atherosclerosis. Remember, find the dose called "in medias res".
Green, long-popular tea has impressive benefits. This is tea for both winter and summer. All the power is due to the flavonoid antioxidants and anti-cyanides of green tea that optimize the work of the heart system. Hence, this tea helps the body's metabolic function, impaired lipid profile, unbalanced blood pressure and prevents the development of various cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis. Moreover, the phytochemicals studied in this tea have the function of diuretics and calcium channel blockers.
Canola oil is derived from the seeds of the plant, and the advantage of this oil is the high level of unsaturated fats and Omega 3 fatty acids from any other oil. In this way, it has an effective effect on cholesterol, high blood pressure, and inflammation, ie they are beneficial in the prevention of atherosclerosis.
Of course, I was thinking of you too - lovers of chocolate flavors and aromas. A healthy diet does not exclude a healthy dessert from quality chocolate or cocoa. Chocolate products are polyphenolic components that stimulate nitric oxide for healthy arteries, without plaque, damaged walls, and inflammation.
Dietary discipline is the key when treating a health problem. Dietary disorder in many respects contributes to any disease progression. In addition, read how to alleviate your condition with atherosclerosis through diet, ie how to break down the plague in the arteries through daily routines. Foods that unclog arteries are just at hand, so try these routines for a while.
Choose avocados, at least 3 times a week. A suggestion on how to combine this package of healthy fats is the following:
For breakfast, cut avocado slices and add them to your sandwich instead of high-calorie, unhealthy spread. If you prefer to start the day with a fresh detox smoothie, then add avocado, a little seed mix and you are good to go. Make guacamole sauce - add olive, garlic, chopped tomato and so on in a strong combination in the fight against atherosclerosis.
Exhaust the best of pomegranate juice. For a fresh start, every morning grab pomegranate juice to repair your arteries, and its bombastic values will start dissolving the plague from the arteries for a very short period of time.
Plan for fatty fish and other seafood
Eat seafood three times a week. On the first day, bake fresh mackerel with garlic and olive oil, you can also add cruciferous vegetables. The second time prepares the risotto with seafood, while on the third day, fry a piece of fresh salmon in olive oil, each side for 10 minutes.
You will get the required daily dose of citrus beneficial compounds by drinking citrus juices enriched daily with water throughout the day, for example, lemon water, or other citrus juices mixed in a jug full of water.
Combine powerful teas
Teas are certainly good for the body whether you are prone to clogging of the arteries or not. Start each day with a freshly brewed cup of turmeric tea, ginger tea, or green tea. Sweeten them as you wish, and you can also add cinnamon for the magic of scents.
Olive oil should be considered as a base to make the fried food variant a healthy option. In the morning, consume one tablespoon of olive oil. Do not leave out the daily portion of fresh salad, too.
In the end, the above-counted foods, fruits, vegetables, beverages, meats, are not only good for dealing with cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, but also for the overall health of the human body. At the very least, delicious pomegranates, juicy apples, fresh broccoli and cauliflower, aromatic spices such as turmeric and ginger and all the more or less mentioned will have a great effect on the prevention of this disease.
We all know how good honey, lemon, and water are for our health. But, can you imagine what a healthy elixir you’ll get if you combine these three ingredients into one drink?
Not only is lemon honey water a super tasty and refreshing drink, it’s also a drink that can bring numerous benefits to your health. From helping you lose weight to improving your digestive system, regularly consuming lemon honey water can greatly help you maintain your health. So, before we discuss the reasons why including this drink in your diet is good for you, let’s remind ourselves of the nutritional value and health benefits of each of the powerful ingredients in this drink.
One peeled lemon contains:
Lemons are loaded with vitamin C, which is known to improve our immunity. Vitamin C can also help prevent certain conditions, such as pneumonia, diarrhea, and malaria. Lemons are also a rich source of antioxidants which can help prevent or reduce inflammation and protect your body from infections that viruses and bacteria cause.
In one study, patients with CaOx (calcium oxalate stone formation) were asked to take lemonade therapy. The final results showed that lemons increase the volume of urine and prevent kidney stone formation (1). This effect is probably due to the citric acid which is present in high amounts in lemons.
Another study has revealed that lemon juice decrease the level of calcium in the urine and it can be a helpful tool for treating urinary calcium stones in those suffering from hypocitraturia (2).
One study has revealed that fruits and vegetables which are a high source of vitamin C lower the risk of coronary heart disease (3). Another study has indicated that citrus fiber decreases the levels of HDL (high density lipoprotein) cholesterol (4).
Iron deficiency in the blood is a common cause of anemia. Although lemons are not high in iron, they’re packed with citric acid and vitamin C, which help iron get better absorbed from other foods.
5. They Help Fight Cancer
Lemons are a good source of cancer-fighting compounds as well as antioxidants, which is why they may be pretty helpful in preventing or treating malignant tumors. One study has indicated that lemons can hinder the proliferation of breast cancer cells (5). Moreover, another study has found that the flavonoid hesperidin, present in lemons, has anticancer properties (6).
One tablespoon of honey has:
Raw honey also contains many minerals, such as calcium, zinc, phosphorus, iron, potassium, selenium, and magnesium.
Honey has a good amount of antioxidants, such as phenolic acids and flavonoids, which can help prevent cell damage in your body. One study has revealed that due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, honey can impede the proliferation of malignant tumors and protect the gastrointestinal, respiratory, and nervous system. Honey can also protect the cardiovascular health and it has antidiabetic properties (7).
Honey has been shown to decrease the severity and frequency of coughs.
Honey has been used for years to treat burns, wounds, and skin ulcers thanks to its antibacterial nature.
4. It Controls Levels of Blood Sugar
One study has shown that honey protects you against metabolic syndrome thanks to its antidiabetic, hypotensive, anti-obesity, and hypolipidemic properties. It lowers levels of blood sugar and enhances sensitivity to insulin, which further normalizes the levels of glucose in the blood (8).
A review of clinical trials and laboratory studies has revealed that honey can protect your heart health by modulating your blood pressure, improving your lipid metabolism, and regulating your heartbeat (9).
Furthermore, the propolis, a compound present in honey, is used to treat atherosclerosis and helps fight diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension, it’s been stated in one study (10).
One cup of water has:
Water also contains other minerals, such as magnesium, copper, and zinc.
Even low levels of dehydration may prevent your body from functioning properly. You should drink water whether you’re thirsty or not so as to keep your body constantly hydrated. You particularly need to drink water when you’re exercising or doing any physically demanding activity and when you are in a hot temperature.
Dehydration may cause migraine and headaches in some people. In one study, 102 men were included and divided into two groups – the control room and intervention group. The study showed that increased intake of water improved symptoms of headache in 47 percent of participants in the intervention group against 25 percent in the other group (11).
Your hydration levels affect the function of your brain. One study which included 25 young women showed that mild dehydration degraded their mood, lowered their concentration, and caused them to develop symptoms of headaches (12).
A similar study was performed on 26 young men and showed that dehydration impaired some areas of cognitive performance, increased feelings of fatigue both at rest and while doing exercises, and increased feelings of anxiety and tension at rest in participants (13).
One study has indicated that increased intake of water lowers urinary stones recurrence (14).However, more research is needed to establish whether drinking high amounts of water can hinder the initial formation of urinary stones.
Regularly consuming water can help prevent or lower symptoms of constipation by promoting a regular bowel movement.
Water can help you shed pounds because it promotes feelings of satiety, meaning it makes you feel full for longer, and it improves the rate of your metabolism.
To have a regular bowel movement and prevent constipation, your body needs to be adequately hydrated. Lemon honey water drink can help you achieve this. Honey is known to have antibacterial properties, which may have a positive impact on the gut and balance your digestive system.
We already said that increased intake of water can improve your metabolism and make you feel satiated for longer. Well, drinking lemon honey water can have the same effect on your body. If you drink it before a meal, it can make you feel full, meaning it’ll curb your appetite and cause you to eat less food.
One study which examined the impact of inadequate hydration on obesity and body mass index among 18 do 64-year-old US adults found that participants that weren’t hydrated adequately had higher risk of developing obesity and had higher body mass index (15).
Additionally, if you’re someone who likes drinking sugar-sweetened beverages, such as sodas, you might consider replacing them with lemon honey water since by drinking this healthy drink, you’ll reduce the amount of sugar and calories you consume.
Like we already said, honey and lemon contain compounds that can improve your immune system and help you feel better when you’re sick. One study has indicated that consuming adequate amounts of vitamin C improves symptoms of the common cold and infections of the respiratory tract and reduces their duration. Moreover, vitamin C lowers the rate and improve the effects of diarrhea, malaria, and pneumonia infections (16).
And last but not least, a warm mug of this natural and tasty drink undoubtedly soothes a sore throat.
Thanks to the individual components of the three ingredients, lemon honey water represents a powerful healthy shot that can provide you with a good amount of energy during the whole day or when you’re exercising.
While the 4 above-mentioned health benefits of lemon honey water are based on science, there are a few more that are not scientifically proven. They are the following:
Readers usually ask the following questions:
Consuming this drink every day does not pose any threats to your health.
You can have this drink at any time of the day. No matter what time you consume it, it has the same above-mentioned health benefits. But, don’t forget to rinse your mouth after you drink lemon honey water so as to hinder erosion of your tooth enamel and neutralize the acid.
You can drink one mug of this drink every day prepared using the recipe given below.
Many people like drinking this beverage during the cooler months. It’s usually made of honey, lemon, whiskey, and hot water. You can substitute the whiskey for brandy or dark rum.
Ingredients
Instructions
Many people say that hot toddies help alleviate symptoms of the common cold, such as coughs. However, it does contain alcohol, so you should be careful not to drink too much of it, especially if you’re already taking medications for your cough.
Ingredients:
Do you feel a stabbing pain in your heels every time you get out of bed in the morning? Well, if your answer is yes, know that this type of pain can be caused by various conditions.
Having sore heels as soon as you make the first steps when you get out of bed can be really uncomfortable and frustrating. Even easy tasks, such as going for a walk or playing with your children, can become more difficult. And if you’re wondering why you often have sore heels in the morning or how this pain can be treated, bear with us since in this article, we’ll explain the possible causes of heel pain and what you can do to alleviate the pain. So, without further ado, let’s dive right into it:
When the Achilles tendon, which is a group of tissues connecting the calf muscles to the bone in the heel, gets inflamed, this condition is known as Achilles tendinitis. Common symptoms of this condition are feeling pain and stiffness in the heel. Symptoms can be more severe when getting out of bed in the morning since there may be restricted blood flow to this area while resting.
One characteristic thing about Achilles tendinitis is that if you have this condition, you’re more likely to feel discomfort and tenderness during the day, not just in the morning.
Plantar fasciitis is a condition which occurs when the ligament, known as plantar fascia, stretching from your toes to your heel gets swollen and inflamed. When this happens, you feel a sharp pain or tenderness in your foot or heel. Symptoms of plantar fasciitis may be more intense after you wake up in the morning since there’s not enough blood supply to your foot when you are resting.(1).
One question that many people commonly ask is:
Well, when you regularly put too much weight on your heel for a longer period of time without resting it or giving it a chance to recover, this results in overuse. Certain habits and activities can cause this overuse. Let’s take a look at the most common ones:
In addition, those who compete in athletics commonly suffer from plantar fasciitis as a big amount of pressure is put on their heels and feet. To ease heel pain, athletes can change their trainers every 500 miles or go swimming and cycling several times a week.
If you have this condition, to alleviate pain, try walking a couple of minutes when you get out of bed so as to warm up the site where you feel the pain.
Increased athletic activities, doing physical exercises or activities improperly as well as overuse can all result in a stress fracture. The pain can develop during several days, even weeks, and you may have difficulty walking.
When hormones and chemicals in your body are disrupted, this can cause your ankles, heels, and feet to become swollen and inflamed. This can also hurt the tibial nerve.
If you have heel pain when you get out of bed as well as some symptoms of hypothyroidism, we advise you to get your thyroid checked by your physician.
Those suffering from this condition are more likely to feel pain in the heel when they get out of bed. The reason for this is that rheumatoid arthritis causes the joints and the tissues surrounding them to become inflamed, and it’s exactly this inflammation which makes people diagnosed with RA more susceptible to plantar fasciitis.
To prevent plantar fasciitis, people suffering from RA should do regular physical exercises, but with caution, so as not to worsen the pain or inflammation.
If plantar fasciitis is the cause of your feet pain, you first need to understand the function of the ligament plantar fascia. Plantar fascia plays an important and demanding role in distributing your steps’ weight over wide area and as long as possible and providing your arch with support. Since it’s quite flexible and stores energy when it bears your steps’ weight, this prevents the weight and pressure from damaging bones and muscles in your foot.
However, if you put too much weight or pressure on or overstretch your plantar fascia without enabling it to recover on its own, it begins to break down and this causes inflammation or pain. The pain is most commonly felt under the heel.
You might be wondering why a hurt and damaged plantar fascia should only hurt when you get out of bed. Well, the reason is actually pretty simple: When you are resting or sleeping, the damaged plantar fascia moderately contracts. However, once it starts to bear weight, the weight and pressure come like a shock to it. So, the plantar fascia needs to stretch again and this can hurt a lot. To get rid of pain and discomfort, wait for a couple of minutes and then continue moving.
Feeling a stabbing pain in the feet in the morning is torturous and frustrating enough. The pain gradually alleviates as you walk around, but it’s wrong to leave it untreated. The longer you allow it to bother you, the more difficult it is to get rid of it completely. If you leave it untreated for a longer period of time, it can lead to chronic pain and prevent you from staying physically active and performing everyday activities.
Mild and moderate pain in your heels can be effectively treated at home in the following ways:
Gently massage your foot with your hand by applying mild pressure on the whole area of the foot. You can also roll the bottom of your foot on a tennis ball or foam roller. This activity eases tension in your feet and stimulates the flow of your blood
Lie in bed and elevate your feet a bit. Wait a few minutes and then get up. The pain will alleviate a bit.
Wrap a pack of ice cubes or a bottle of frozen water in a towel and hold it over your feet for around 15 minutes. You can do this a couple of times a day.
This is a good way to activate the muscles in the sore foot.
-Roll a towel and put it under your foot and pull on the ends.
It can – but it’ll take you 6 to 12 months to get rid of this problem completely. By using the above-mentioned remedies, you can help the sore foot heal more quickly.
If you leave this condition untreated, it may cause chronic pain which can prevent you from performing everyday activities. Additionally, it’s essential that you don’t alter the way you walk while trying to ease pain because this can lead to hip, foot, back, and knee issues.
If none of the above-mentioned remedies helps you get rid of pain, i.e. if the morning pain in your heels persists for weeks and/or interferes with your everyday activities, consult your doctor so that they can evaluate your situation thoroughly and treat the affected foot appropriately. They may suggest wearing special shoes, physical therapy, injection, or a surgical procedure (2).
Moreover, be quick to see your doctor if any of the following symptoms appear:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC3687890/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC3951039/
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a serious condition affecting almost half of the population in the U.S. according to the American College of Cardiology (ACC) (1). Blood pressure represents the force which is used by the blood against your arteries’ walls. Arteries are blood vessels which carry blood high in oxygen from your heart towards different parts of your body (2).
High blood pressure reading is 120-129/less than 80 mm Hg – as is stated by the ACC. If left untreated, hypertension increases the risk of stroke, heart disease, aneurysm formation, and kidney failure. High blood pressure is also called a “silent killer” since, in most cases, it doesn’t show any visible symptoms until it’s considerably damaged the heart.
Hypertension is most commonly treated with medication and lifestyle changes. Prescription drugs greatly help control your blood pressure, but they do not work effectively if you have bad eating habits or if you’re not physically active. So, if you’re someone who has high blood pressure, here’s some good news: You can manage your hypertension in a natural way. By using some ingredients that you already have in your kitchen and making certain changes to your lifestyle, you can control your blood pressure successfully.
Many people don’t like the way it smells, but consuming garlic can help reduce high blood pressure in people with hypertension. 210 participants were included in one study and they were divided into seven groups. Five groups were given garlic tablets for 24 weeks, whereas two groups received placebo and Atenolol tablet. The results showed that both diastolic and systolic blood pressure were considerably reduced in participants who were treated with garlic tablets. Moreover, garlic tablets were proved to have exactly the same effect on blood pressure as Atenolol (3).
This super tasty spice has been used by people to treat different cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension, for years. One review of nine trials which included 641 participants has found that taking cinnamon supplement considerably decreased systolic blood pressure by 5.39 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure by 2.6 mm Hg in participants. Additionally, cinnamon supplementation had a stronger effect on systolic blood pressure in participants who took less than 2 grams of cinnamon for longer than 12 weeks (4).
Chinese cat’s claw, also known as Uncaria rhynchophylla, has been used in traditional medicine in China to treat different conditions, including hypertension, for a long time. This plant contains hirsutine which in one study performed on rats has been shown to have the ability of dilating arteries and decreasing systolic blood pressure (5).
Besides containing different nutritive compounds, thyme contains rosmarinic acid which in one animal study has been shown to lower systolic blood pressure solely in animals having high blood pressure (6). However, more research is needed to determine whether this plant has the same effect in people.
This spice is a rich source of fiber, manganese, iron, calcium, and magnesium. One animal study has investigated how celery seeds affect blood pressure. The study indicated that the seeds reduced blood pressure in rats with hypertension, but didn’t have any impact on rats having normal blood pressure (7). Additionally, celery seeds contain fiber and one systematic review has suggested that increased intake of fiber can lower diastolic blood pressure (8).
This plant has been used in the traditional Ayurvedic practice to treat different diseases, including hypertension, for many years. In one animal study, this plant has been shown to reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure in rats through stimulating the inner lining of their veins, arteries, and capillaries to release nitric oxide (9).
However, one study which examined the effect of Bacopa monnieri on cognitive performance in older people found that while this plant may improve cognitive performance in these people, it had no effect whatsoever on blood pressure (10). Therefore, more research is needed so as to determine if Bacopa Monnieri can decrease blood pressure in people too.
This herb is an inseparable part of our diet due to its distinct flavor and nutritive compounds. Parsley has a good amount of carotenoids which are natural pigments and they have been shown to reduce blood pressure (11). Moreover, one animal study revealed that parsley extract lowered arterial, systolic, and diastolic pressure in rats (12). Nevertheless, more research is needed to establish whether parsley can lower blood pressure in people as well.
Ginger is known for its ability to regulate cholesterol levels, improve blood circulation, and control blood pressure. One study which included 4628 participants, aged 18-77 has found that consuming ginger lowered the risk of high blood pressure and coronary heart disease (13).
Besides being a rich source of nutritive compounds, in one piece of research, basil has been associated with one important health benefit – reduced level of blood pressure. Namely, basil contains eugenol – a compound that has been shown to dilate ear arteries and lower blood pressure. The research was performed on rats and it found that eugenol lowered systemic blood pressure in these animals. However, more research is needed to determine if this compound has the same effect in people (14).
You can also lower your blood pressure by making certain changes to your lifestyle. These changes include:
Consuming potassium is an effective way to lower high blood pressure as it enables your body to eliminate sodium and it relieves pressure on your veins, arteries, and capillaries. To get adequate amount of potassium, include more fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole foods into your diet. Foods that are a rich source of potassium include:
Shedding pounds can play an important role in regulating blood pressure. One study has indicated that losing weight more than 5 percent considerably decreased high blood pressure at workplace. On the other hand, gaining weight raised the risk of hypertension (15).
Combining diet and exercise can lower high blood pressure. One study has indicated that exercising is related to reductions of about 2.0mm Hg in diastolic and 3.5mm Hg in systolic blood pressure. Participants which were asked to eat foods rich in fiber, low-fat dairy products, vegetables, and fruits showed reductions of 3.0mm Hg in diastolic and 5.5mm Hg in systolic blood pressure. Moreover, losing 8 kilograms was associated with reductions of around 6.5mm Hg in diastolic and 8.5mm Hg in systolic blood pressure. Combining weight loss and exercise in patients being overweight and having hypertension was shown to reduce diastolic blood pressure by 7.9mm Hg and systolic blood pressure by 12.5mm Hg (16).
Doing physical exercises regularly improves the health of your heart. A healthy and strong heart needs less effort to pump blood, thereby reducing the force against the walls of your arteries, which decreases your blood pressure.
One study that included 1408 participants found that the blood pressure of participants decreased in the hours coming after an exercise session. Additionally, jogging was found to make the greatest changes to both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. It was also found that walking doesn’t lower the diastolic blood pressure and that when participants exercised for longer, this resulted in greater reduction in their systolic blood pressure (17).
Stress is one of the main causes of hypertension. When you’re under stress for a longer period of time, this causes your heart to beat faster and your blood vessels to constrict. Additionally, when you’re under stress, you tend to eat more fast food and foods containing added sugars as well as drink alcohol or smoke more. These unhealthy habits have a negative impact on blood pressure. Research has shown that lowering your stress levels in the following two ways has a positive effect on blood pressure:
There are countless reasons why smoking is bad for your health. But, one of the main reasons is that smoking represents a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Smoking temporarily elevates blood pressure. Moreover, cigarettes contain chemicals that damage your veins, arteries, and capillaries.
However, more research is needed to establish a link between hypertension and this bad habit. But, what is known is that both hypertension and smoking increase the risk of heart disease – so giving up smoking may lower this risk.
Dietary salt has been considered as one of the main causes of hypertension for years. Moreover, one study has shown that decreasing salt intake reduces blood pressure, and as a result, it reduces diseases which are associated with blood pressure (20). Another study which enrolled 3230 participants has found that consuming less salt for four weeks or longer significantly reduces blood pressure in people with hypertension and people who have normal blood pressure. Scientists suggest that consuming 5 to 6 grams of salt a day instead of 9 to 12 grams will greatly impact blood pressure (21).
In one study, consuming one soda daily resulted in increased blood pressure and a higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome (22). Additionally, another study found that reduced intake of sugars and sugar-sweetened drinks was considerably related to lower blood pressure. So, eliminating such drinks and sugar from one’s diet can be an effective way to decrease high blood pressure (23).
One study included fifty people who practiced Raja yoga for five years and 50 people who didn’t. The results showed that mean values of diastolic and systolic blood pressure were less in participants who practiced meditation (24).
When it comes to deep breathing, participants in one study were divided into two groups. Those in the first group were asked to breathe deeply for 30 seconds, while participants in the second group were asked to rest without taking deep breaths. The results indicated that there was a greater reduction of systolic blood pressure in participants who practiced deep breathing (25).
It’s globally estimated that the risk for high blood pressure caused by consuming alcohol is 16 percent. Drinking alcoholic drinks regularly, regardless of the type, increases blood pressure. Men are recommended to drink 1-2 drinks daily, whereas the recommended dose for women is 1 drink per day in order to obtain any presumed cardiovascular benefits of consuming alcohol. People who have high blood pressure are advised to stick to those levels (26).
Berries are a rich source of polyphenols, which are compounds that have a positive effect on the heart. In one study, one group of participants were asked to consume foods low in polyphenol and another group was asked to eat foods high in these compounds. The results showed that increased intake of foods that are a rich source of polyphenols, such as berries and dark chocolate, affects positively the risk of developing cardiovascular disease in participants with high blood pressure (27).
Yes, eating a lot of chocolate will certainly have a negative effect on your heart, but eating small amounts of it will definitely help it. The reason for this is that cocoa and dark chocolate are packed with flavonoids. Flavonoids are compounds which are known for their ability to dilate blood vessels.
One review of 133 trials, which aimed to assess the effect of foods rich in flavonoids on cardiovascular disease, flow-mediated dilation as well as blood pressure, found that eating chocolate raised dilation and lowered diastolic and systolic blood pressure (28).
One study has found that foods which are loaded with calcium moderately reduce blood pressure (29).
Besides dairy products, other foods that are high in calcium include: Sardines, pilchards, beans, and leafy greens.
Folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, plays an important role in controlling blood pressure. One study has revealed that taking folic acid supplement prevents cerebrovascular and cardiovascular events in patients diagnosed with high blood pressure and it lowers blood pressure (30).
One study has shown that increased intake of magnesium along with making positive changes to lifestyle and diet can help people having hypertension control their blood pressure (31). Additionally, one review indicated that 100 milligrams increase in intake of magnesium a day reduced the risk of high blood pressure by 5 percent (32).
One review of eight randomized controlled trials that included 614 patients diagnosed with hypertension has shown that vitamin C considerably reduced their blood pressure (33). Additionally, another piece of research has shown that increased concentration of vitamin C in the blood is associated with lower blood pressure (34).
One review of twenty-four studies which included 1697 participants indicated that consuming green tea or taking supplements containing green tea during 3 to 16 weeks considerably reduced both systolic and diastolic pressure in participants (35).
A note about high blood pressure natural remedies: Although the above-mentioned remedies are a helpful tool for treating hypertension, you should solely use them under your doctor’s supervision.
Are you tired of seeing freckles on your skin every time you look at yourself in the mirror? Well, here’s some good news: You can get rid of freckles and hyperpigmentation once and for all. From serums, creams and natural home remedies to laser treatment, there are many ways you can make your skin look clear and evenly toned.
In this article, we’ll discuss what causes freckles and hyperpigmentation, in what ways you can get rid of them, and how you can prevent them. So, without further ado, let’s jump right in to it.
Freckles are flat, brown spots that appear on your skin. They mostly appear on your face, chest, shoulders, and arms, and they usually appear after exposure to the sun. They are harmless and painless, but some people find them annoying.
Hyperpigmentation occurs as a result of overproduction of melanin which is a natural pigment from which our hair, skin, and irises get their color. Hyperpigmentation can be caused by the following factors:
Although some freckles and dark spots can lighten without treatment, they do require some time – around 6months to a year.
And now let’s see what treatments for freckles and hyperpigmentation there are:
Microdermabrasion is a procedure which involves the use of small particles or a special applicator to sand away dead cells of the skin. It doesn’t require recovery period, but it can cause the skin to become swollen or irritated.
Chemical exfoliators are acids which are used to remove the dead cells of the skin. They contain acids, such as:
The overuse of chemical exfoliators can cause inflammation or irritation. So, if you’re using such products, use them in small amounts because your skin requires time to repair.
One study which examined how effective hydroquinone was in treating facial melasma, which commonly causes hypepigmentation, showed that hydroquinone was an effective hypopigmenting agent in treating this condition and led to fast clinical improvement (1).
The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) labels hydroquinone as GRASE (Generally Regarded As Safe and Effective) active ingredient and classifies it as a bleaching drug product for skin (2).
As an ingredient in cosmetic products, hydroquinone can be safely used. However, a higher concentration of this compound can be harmful or toxic. So, if you’re using cosmetic products that have hydroquinone, use them for a short period of time. And if you notice any unwanted side effects, stop applying them on your skin.
Laser treatment is an aggressive method for fading dark spots. There are laser treatments which remove pigmentation and there are others which work by burning off the skin’s dark layers. So, this method is definitely one that can help you get rid of freckles and hyperpigmentation fast.
One 2015 study which included 50 participants who had freckles, aged 6-43, has found that 1,064 nm Q switched Nd:YAG laser is an effective tool for treating freckles. There was improvement in almost all participants (3).
Laser treatment is usually a safe method. But, it may have side effects as well, such as:
If you’re considering receiving laser treatment, consult your doctor first as they may recommend that you take certain creams or medicines before the treatment. They can also advise you to avoid taking certain prescription drugs before the laser treatment. Also know that it may take you up to 14 days to recover from the procedure, and in order to achieve good results, several sessions are generally required.
A lot of fading creams have hydroquinone, which is considered to fade darkened areas of the skin and inhibit the production of melanin. Fading cream is also known as bleaching cream, and you can buy it by a doctor’s prescription or over the counter.
This type of cream can have unwanted side effects. For instance, it can cause:
In addition, there’s evidence that hydroquinone can cause cancer in mice and other rodents, but there’s no information about the carcinogenic effect of this compound in humans (4).
Chemical peel is treatment which involves applying a chemical solution to remove areas of the skin that are damaged. Freckles are removed by using skin peel which has trichloroacetic or glycolic acid and which is inserted in the middle layers of the skin. When the damaged skin is peeled off, the epidermis forms new skin cells. Potential side effects of chemical peels include:
In addition, if you undergo this treatment, it’ll take you around two weeks to recover. You’ll also be required to apply ointment to your skin as well as avoid exposing to the sun until you’ve recovered completely.
After the treatment, your doctor may advise you to use a retinoid cream or hydroquinone, or maybe both of them, so as to avoid side effects.
Cryosurgery is a local treatment which involves using extreme cold that liquid nitrogen produces to remove skin cells which are abnormal. People who consider undergoing this treatment should know that it doesn’t require long recovery time and anesthesia and it is usually safe. However, cryosurgery may have side effects, such as:
Products such as Renova and Retin-A have retinoic acid that helps increase the production of collagen and elastin, thereby lightening age spots and promoting the growth of new skin. One piece of research has shown that retinol can be used in treating photoaging. Retinol is a substance that belongs to the group of retinoids and it’s known for its ability to improve dyspigmentation and the texture of the skin (5).
However, retinoid solutions can have unwanted side effects. They can increase skin sensitivity to sunlight. So, if you’re using such products, ensure to wear sunscreen before exposing to the sun. Other potential side effects of retinoid solutions include:
Besides the above-mentioned ways to get rid of freckles and hyperpigmentation, you can use natural home remedies for the same purpose.
All the above-mentioned natural remedies are generally harmless. However, some people may be allergic to some of the compounds present in them. Additionally, you should not use essential oils or lemon juice undiluted.
Hyperpigmentation on the neck can occur as a result of skin disorders, exposure to the sun, certain prescription drugs, or hormonal disorders. Getting rid of neck hyperpigmentation usually requires medical treatment, but the following natural home remedies may help you get satisfactory results as well:
When buying such products, look out for these ingredients: Vitamins E and C, beta hydroxy acid, and alpha hydroxy acid. These acids may help decrease pigmentation.
To reduce neck pigmentation, you can prepare masks by using natural ingredients at home. For example, you can mix lemon, honey, papaya, banana, and gram flour. Apply the paste to the skin of your neck, leave it for 2o minutes and then rinse it off with warm water. This mask is packed with vitamins and minerals that can help lighten the darkened skin. You can use the mask twice or thrice a week.
Milk can help lighten the darkened skin thanks to the lactic acid present in it which is known to fade dark spots. All you need to do is soak a cotton ball in a glass of milk and rub it over the skin. You can rinse it off after approximately half an hour.
The acetic acid present in this vinegar is known to fade pigmentation. However, do not use plain apple cider vinegar – dilute it with water and then apply it to your skin. You can do this once or twice daily.
Skin-lightening products may have unlisted compounds like steroids, which can lead to rashes, pimples, and permanent discoloration. Other products may have mercury present in them, which is toxic.
The above-mentioned laser treatment can remove freckles for good, either after a single session or several sessions. However, if you often expose your skin to the sun without protecting it by using sunscreen with SPF of 30 or higher, new freckles can appear on your skin.
Does this question sound familiar? Well, like we already said, freckles can be removed by using certain methods, surgical procedures, or homemade remedies. Removing freckles takes time, usually up to 2 weeks. However, you can try using certain ingredients or foods that you already have in your kitchen to get rid of them. Those are the following: Lemon, apple cider vinegar, almond oil, and turmeric. These are all believed to fade freckles.
Maintaining the health of your skin is the best solution to prevent freckles and dark spots. You can take care of your skin in the following ways:
Wearing sunscreen when exposing to the sun, or even on cool days, prevents new freckles from appearing on your skin. Good sunscreens are those that have avobenzone, titanium dioxide, or zinc oxide and SPF of higher than 30. You should apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes prior exposing to the sun and reapply it right after sweating or swimming.
Using products that contain hyaluronic acid or glycerin moisturizes your skin. Using products containing retinol may help increase cell turnover. Additionally, high-quality moisturizers can restore the fat barrier of the skin, thereby protecting it from the sun’s rays.
Stay away from skin-care products that burn, cause skin rashes or sting. You don’t want to make hyperpigmentation worse by irritating it.
We know how hard sometimes it is to keep yourself from picking at blackheads or acne and scratching pimples or bites, but it’s a fact that doing so will only make them worse. Moreover, it can further increase the inflammation which causes discoloration of the skin.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), applying liquid bleach to the skin should be avoided at all costs (6). Liquid bleach is harmful and it can cause burns.
Can lemon juice help you lose weight if you consume it for one week straight with no solid foods whatsoever?
The 7-day lemon diet promises to master cleanse your body by removing the toxins from it. Beyonce has used this diet. However, even though the concept is very popular, it doesn’t have any scientific proof or lasting results.
Namely, the Lemon Diet is a lemon detox diet that consists of consuming only three liquids for a period of 7 days. The approved liquids are:
The claim is that by following the lemon diet for 7 days (or more) you will lose weight, detox your body, and feel healthier, happier, and more vital. Plus, you will also remove your cravings for unhealthy food.
The question remains: Can lemons help you lose weight? Or, in other words, will you lose weight by drinking lemon water?
I think it all had begun with the book The Master Cleanser by Stanley Burroughs where he introduces this popular diet. The book becomes popular and gets many variations of it, such as Peter Glickman’s Lose Weight Have More Energy and Be Happier in 10 Days, a book that continues Stanley’s legacy.
In this article, I will discuss the truth behind these claims, and we will discover together whether the lemon cleanse diet works and more importantly, whether it is safe or not.
The 7-Day Lemon Diet forbids the consumption of solid foods for a week. The only calories and nutrients that will enter your body will be from the lemon juice, the salt water, or the laxative tea. So, it is obvious that you will lose weight.
However, the weight loss will only be short-term since this diet doesn’t have nutritional value and is high in sugar. So, if your plan is to lose weight and improve your health in the long run, this is definitely NOT for you.
Since this diet is liquid-only, it can be difficult for most people to go with their day not eating any solid foods. So, it is highly advisable to ease into it first. Take a few days to prepare your body. Here’s some advice on how you can do that:
Days 1 & 2: Remove meat, alcohol, caffeine, dairy, added sugars, and processed foods. Eat only raw food, fruits and vegetables.
Day 3: Start drinking smoothies, soups, and vegetable and fruit juices as a complete meal.
Day 4: Start drinking only fresh-squeezed orange juice and water. And before you go to bed, drink laxative tea.
Day 5: Start the lemon cleansing diet.
All the calories will then come from the lemon-maple-cayenne homemade drink. Here’s the recipe:
Mix the ingredients and drink the beverage whenever you feel hungry. The daily recommendation is 6 servings.
Also, don’t forget to drink one quart of warm salted water every morning in order to stimulate your bowel movements. Plus, herbal laxative tea is also allowed and you can drink it before going to bed.
Some people recommend following this regime for at least 10 days for best results, but 7 days can also do the trick. However, there is no scientific research to back these sayings.
Finally, when you decide to stop the diet, it is recommended to slowly ease out of it. Again, you will need a few days to start eating regularly like you used to. Here’s how you can do it:
Day 1: Begin by drinking freshly-squeezed orange juice.
Day 2: Add vegetable soup to your menu.
Day 3: Start eating fruits and vegetables.
Day 4: You can now eat regularly. However, try putting the emphasis on whole unprocessed foods.
By following this diet you will most probably lose weight due to the low-calorie intake. Each serving of the drink has about 110 calories, with at least 6 servings consumed daily. Therefore, the majority of people will burn more calories than they consume, leading to (short-term) weight loss.
One study discovered that people who were drinking lemon water with honey for 4 days while fasting lost an average of 2.2 kilos (4.8 pounds). Plus, their triglyceride levels went down. (1)
Another study found that women who were drinking sweetened lemon drinks while fasting for 7 days lost an average of 2.6 kilos (5.7 pounds) and they also reported having less inflammation. (2)
And while this cleansing diet does lead to weight loss, there are no studies that show whether the weight loss is maintained long-term. There is research that shows that dieting only has a 20% long-term success rate. Therefore, the best is to make smaller but sustainable lifestyle changes for long-term weight control. (3)
Finally, when it comes to the claim that the lemon diet removes toxins, there is also no evidence that supports the claim. (4)
The reported side effects are:
The lemon diet is not recommended for:
As Dr. Hansa Bhargava, the Chief Medical Officer at Medscape Education says, “if weight loss is your goal, it may work temporarily. Anytime you limit your food intake, especially that drastically, you will lose some weight. The problem is, you will lose muscle mass. This diet puts you at risk for nutritional deficiencies, too. Also, you will likely gain the weight back really quickly once you start eating normally.” (11)
Therefore, this is not a diet that I would be following myself or recommend to anyone. If you want to lose weight best is to have a balanced diet with regular exercising.
When it comes to healthy living, the trend of detoxing is getting more and more popular. And rightly so. Our exposure to toxins has become an all-time high in today’s way of living, so it is highly important to find a way to help our body in the detoxification process.
And what’s better than a delicious drink that also helps you lose weight and removes toxins from your body?
That’s why we collected the 11 best full-body detox drinks you can try.
A summer delight. This refreshing detox drink will not only cleanse your body but will also soothe your upset stomach. Rich in antioxidants such as lemon and cucumber, this delicious beverage is also perfect for refreshing and revitalizing your skin.
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Pamper yourself with a lemony drink that will not only refresh you, but it will make your skin look more beautiful and glowing.
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Mix all the ingredients in a blender together with the crushed and serve ice-cold.
Detox your body with this powerful drink. The beetroot and pomegranate are very important in Ayurveda for its cleansing and detox benefits. Plus, the aloe vera in it will boost your immune system.
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When it comes to powerful sources of vitamin C and antioxidants, oranges are at the top list. Carrots, on the other hand, are full of beta-carotene which helps you lose weight and eases your digestion. Finally, ginger is a popular remedy for stomach cramps, bloating, and digestion. All these ingredients make this cocktail an amazing detox beverage that you should definitely try! Here’s how you can prepare it.
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Coming from India, this tea is dearly adored by tea lovers. With a hint of honey, ginger, and lemon, this drink has been used to cure cold and a sore throat and also serves as a mighty detox drink.
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What can we say about lemon detox water that has not been said? It is the number one drink recommended by fitness trainers from all around the world. And with a reason. It burns calories and gives you a feeling of fulness for a long time, so you won’t feel hungry as often.
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Ginger is an ingredient that is typically added to tea. It is a natural remedy for inflammation. However, adding ginger into lemonade can have a nice cooling effect on your body while also removing the toxins and cleaning your vital organs. A very nice summer delight. Enjoy!
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This sweet and sour refreshing detox drink will clear your body and mind. Plus, with the pink salt, ginger, and honey added to it - it is the perfect blend of delicious tastes. Here’s the recipe:
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Tea is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory ingredients. Detox haldi tea will become the best friend to your health due to its many health benefits. The turmeric in it will clean your liver, boost your immunity, and detox your body like a pro! Taste it!
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This delicious blend of orange, berries, blueberries, mint leaves, and oranges with chamomile tea will definitely make your day more beautiful apart from detoxing and refreshing your body and soul.
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Last, a lovely detox drink that will open all your senses.
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Everyone knows the importance of teeth and wants that pearly smile that makes them so attractive. But, teeth can be painful and you will probably need to follow a routine to keep them healthy, not just the teeth, the gums need special care as well. Yes, the gums are also very important.
Have you noticed your gums are slightly bleeding while brushing? Your dentist has told you that your gums are sensitive and they need special attention? Do not wait any longer make an appointment at your dentist as soon as possible as you probably have gingivitis and your gums are inflamed. Read this article to get to know more about this disease and see if there are any other treatment options to treat it at home. Yes, we offer you some natural solutions that are effective and easy to prepare and might save your teeth!
Periodontitis is a gum disease that damages the soft tissue and causes your teeth to loosen or even can even lead to tooth loss. It is a serious chronic inflammatory disease, caused by bacterial microorganisms. The first sign of periodontitis is the inflammation of the gums called gingivitis, a milder form of periodontitis.
As mentioned, the mild inflammation of the gums is called gingivitis and it is the early stadium of Periodontitis, usually has milder symptoms, and is a non – destructive disease. The gums are red and swollen and bleed while brushing. Your teeth do not shift and are not loosen as the gums are still healthy. There are two types of gingivitis:
They can both lead to Periodontitis if are not treated appropriately and sometimes if you have a weakened immune system or the bacteria is very aggressive. Periodontitis is a more severe condition and causes bone loss and permanent damage to the tissues around the teeth and teeth loss.
The most common cause of gingivitis is the accumulated plaque around the teeth, that accumulates naturally around them. It can also occur as a result of some risk factors and outdoor conditions as follows:
The sulcus or the space between the gum and the teeth may accumulate bacteria and food particles that can sometimes cause inflammation and swelling of the gums. If the gums start to separate from the teeth, a larger space is formed and there the harmful bacteria start to sprout. The space formed is the actual pocket and if it is leftover it will cause bone loss or erode the tissue that holds the teeth.
You should visit your dentist when you see the following symptoms:
When you have Periodontitis your gums are swollen, red and they bleed easily while brushing sometimes periodontal pockets have formed that lead to teeth loss. Debris is collected in these pockets and starts to infect the area, The plaque starts to enter into the pockets, and bone and tissues that hold the teeth start to decay.
But, these pockets are not an early sign of Periodontitis and they are the destructed tissue there are two forms of pockets:
Gingival pockets are caused by local inflammation and irritation and sometimes are drug-induced and may look are periodontal pockets. This phenomenon is called false pocket or pseudo pocket (it is an excessive gingival tissue that is healthy and not a real pocket). They do not require any treatment and you sometimes may be prevented and treated with good oral hygiene or professional oral hygiene.
If not treated, they may provoke periodontal pockets formation.
Periodontal pockets are rather sneaky as they may be asymptomatic. Dentists and periodontists can easily discover them using a periodontal probe and they should be treated by dental professionals.
Periodontal disease should be treated as soon as possible as it can damage the periodontal ligaments, gum tissues, and the bone itself.
It should be treated with a professional cleaning along with another prescribed oral home treatment. Besides flossing with your teeth twice a day with a manual or electric toothbrush, you need to use interdental brushes for the places the brush cannot reach. Your dentist will also remove the plaque that is built up around your teeth and put some anti-bacterial gel to support the healing process.
As mentioned, if left untreated, periodontitis can damage the gum tissues and lead to tooth loss.
It is caused by the bacterial plaque that accumulates around your teeth and if left untreated the accumulated plaque will harden and transform into tartar or calculus.
If the periodontitis progresses, the bacteria will go deeper into the gum tissues and starts to damage the teeth bone, and recedes the gums.
It can even be more dangerous than you think as the bacteria may enter your bloodstream and cause other health problems (obesity, pregnancy problems, cardiovascular diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, rectal cancer). In case of severe periodontitis, it requires surgery, so the patients can restore bone health.
So, how can you prevent it? You should:
When it is professionally diagnosed it should be treated and you might need to see your dentist and make several appointments to treat it. The treatment will differ as per the severity of the periodontitis. It can be classified as mild, moderate, or severe.
In case of mild periodontitis, it can be treated by a thorough cleaning by your dentist or dental hygienist and this is done by scraping and removing the plaque and the tartar with special instruments. Your dentist may also prescribe you a professional mouthwash such as chlorhexidine.
To treat moderate periodontitis, you need multiple root planning until the gums recovers and are healthy.
In case of severe periodontitis, where there is a great possibility of tooth loss, flap surgery or periodontal surgery, is performed by folding back the gum tissue and reattaching it to the healthy tissue. Your dentist might also reshape the gums and implement the bone graft procedure in the areas of bone loss. Your dentist might also apply local antibiotics during the cleaning and sometimes prescribe you an oral antibiotic.
Another modern therapy to treat gingivitis is laser therapy which can target the disease more accurately and is a treatment with a less invasive nature. Still, there are no supporting studies for this claim. However, the gum recovery is shorter.
Another issue that might appear when you have gingivitis is the periodontal abscess. It is a red lesion that looks like a small red ball on the gum and allows the bacteria to grow. You can sometimes feel a sharp pain and in this case, you need to see your dentist as soon as possible as you will probably need to drink an oral antibiotic. You can treat it at home by pressing a cold pack on your cheek for about 10 to 20 minutes.
Aggressive periodontitis is less common than chronic periodontitis. Aggressive periodontitis progresses very rapidly. The bone loss looks different than in patients who suffer from chronic periodontitis and more intensive treatment is required to halt this disease.
One scientific study confirms that the is difficult to differentiate between two forms of periodontitis in patients. (3)
If you want non-conventional therapy for treating periodontitis, there are some natural remedies that can help you and support the ongoing medical treatment or you can use them to prevent it from happening. You can use these home remedies in case of milder symptoms of gingivitis or periodontitis. However, you need to visit regularly your dentist, periodontist, and dental hygienist to control all the symptoms.
One study indicated that omega 3 fatty acids, can reduce gingival inflammation and reduce the gingival index ( the severity of the inflammation). (4)
This is a great disinfectant and can kill all the accumulated bacteria in your mouth. You will need to rinse your mouth three times per day to see the results. To make a saltwater rinse you should:
Two studies were conducted and confirmed that lemongrass oil and tea tree oil mouthwash can improve the health of your gums when you have gingivitis. (5) (6)
To make the solution, put 2 -3 drops of lemongrass or tea tree oil into a cup of warm water and rinse your mouth three times per day.
Aloe vera is proven to be effective and is a traditional remedy used for the treatment of gingivitis. (7) It is already used as an ingredient in some toothpaste or mouthwashes. You can also drink aloe vera or simply use it as a mouthwash three timer per day and it doesn’t need to be diluted.
Turmeric, a plant that belongs to the ginger family, originates and is cultivated in India. It is known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It is proven as successful in treating gingivitis in one 2015 study. (8) You can buy turmeric gel that is available in most of the health food shops and put it on your infected gums. Leave it for 10 minutes and rinse it off.
This might be a challenging activity as you need to swirl the coconut oil in your mouth for about 30 minutes. You should take 2 tsp of coconut oil and swirl in your mouth and spit it out. Drink a glass of water before the cleaning and clean your teeth afterward.
Another rinse solution to help you with gingivitis is hydrogen peroxide. You will need:
One study showed that drinking green tea may improve the health of your gums and prevent gingivitis. (9)
Honey is a golden liquid that is widely known for its antibacterial properties and can help you to get rid of the bacteria accumulated on your gums. You can place it directly on your gums after brushing or mix it with water which is even a better solution as the enzyme in the honey glucose oxidase produces hydrogen peroxide when it is diluted into the water.
A healthy diet is essential for your overall health, and this includes having healthy gums and teeth. You need to eat some specific nutrients that are needed for keeping your gums and teeth healthy. You need to eat:
Regular brushing and flossing can help in removing all the accumulated bacteria in your mouth. You should brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride paste. If the accumulated plaque hardens, it will turn into tarter and it can be removed by a professional dental hygienist only. (10)
If you clicked on this article, you’re most probably struggling with chronic pain. You’ve tried to ease it using different conventional remedies but nothing appears to help. Well, prescription drugs and over-the-counters medications may not be the only way you can relieve pain. More and more people are using natural herbal pain relievers to control pain too.
Including pain relief herbs and techniques in your regimen can help you better manage your pain and lessen your discomfort. However, it’s worth mentioning that while herbal remedies have numerous health benefits, you have to be especially cautious when using them since they can cause side effects. They may cause allergic reactions as well as affect the efficacy of pharmaceutical drugs. For that reason, it is best to consult your doctor before using them so as to determine whether using a certain herbal pain reliever is good for your health.
Anyway, next time you find yourself struggling with chronic pain, before reaching for pills, consider using some natural, homemade remedies to ease your pain. You might be surprised by what herbs may help you kill your pain.
People commonly include cloves in different foods, such as rice dishes, pies, and meat. As a natural herbal remedy, cloves are sold as powder or in capsule. Oil from cloves is made as well.
Cloves have been used as a remedy to help treat various conditions. They can help treat the common cold and alleviate symptoms of nausea. They can also help ease the pain related to toothaches, headaches, and arthritic inflammation.
Eugenol, also known as clove oil, is oil made from cloves that are used to alleviate pain related to toothache. Applying a small amount of eugenol on the gums can ease toothache pain for a limited amount of time and make you feel a little bit better until you get to your dentist. However, be careful not to put too much oil on your gums as it may hurt them. Moreover, clove oil is rarely used to treat respiratory and gastrointestinal conditions.
And those who have bleeding disorders should be extremely cautious when using clove products as they may raise the risk of excessive bleeding.
Applying ice and heat to the place causing pain is one of the most widely used home body pain relief remedies. When you pull a tendon, muscle, or ligament, you can apply ice cubes on it so as to reduce inflammation and swelling. When the inflammation is no longer present, you can apply heat on the same site so as to make the sprained ligament, tendon, or muscle feel less stiff. Similarly, you can place ice cubes or a pack of ice on your forehead so as to ease pain associated with a headache. And if it is arthritis that you’re struggling with, you can place a heat pack on the sore joint.
For hundreds of years, willow bark has been used to reduce inflammation, which is the reason behind many pains. The bark contains the chemical ingredient salicin that has similar properties to Bayer, an ingredient in aspirin. In the beginning, the bark was chewed as it helped people treat fevers and pain. But, nowadays, you can buy the bark like a dried herb with which you can make tea. It can also be found as a capsule or liquid supplement.
Willow bark is known for its ability to relieve low back pain, inflammatory conditions, osteoarthritis, and headache. Nevertheless, using the bark as a natural remedy can cause side effects too. For instance, it can slow down your kidney function, may cause nausea and/or diarrhea, and may extend bleeding. In addition, if you are already taking medications, such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or warfarin, avoid using willow bark and consult your physician if you are taking other anticoagulant, pain, or anti-inflammatory medications.
Acupuncture is an ancient traditional Chinese practice that is used to ease pain by creating a balance between the energy pathways in the body. This practice involves penetrating your skin with small, solid needles. Which part of your body will be penetrated depends on the location of your pain. But, a needle can be placed further away from the source of your pain.
The point where a needle is inserted is thought to stimulate the releasing of chemicals in the body, such as serotonin, a chemical that alleviates pain.
A study carried out in 2012 revealed that acupuncture is an effective tool for treating chronic pain (1).
This oil is widely known for its ability to reduce inflammation. In one study, carried out in 2004, 250 patients with back or neck pain were told to consume 1200 milligrams of omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFAs), that is, docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid which are present in fish oil supplements. After 75 days of consuming fish oil, out of 125 participants, 59 percent stopped taking their prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for pain. 60 percent said that the pain in their joints had improved. 80 percent said that they were content with their pain improvement and that they would keep consuming the fish oil was stated by 88 percent of the patients (2).
In one study which examined the impact of mindfulness meditation on chronic pain, 43 of 109 patients were asked to practice mindfulness meditation over two and a half years and 47 patients stayed in the control group. The results showed that those patients who practiced mindfulness meditation had improved psychological health, reduced depression and anxiety, had greater acceptance of pain, and felt having control over the pain (3).
Have you ever wondered why curry sauce has that specific yellow color? Well, that’s because it contains the spice turmeric. People in India have used turmeric as a medicinal herb and spice for many years. Turmeric is probably the strongest natural pain reliever and it is widely known for its ability to treat a lot of health issues, such as:
Lavender oil is one of the most natural ways to relieve headaches. A 2012 study indicated that lavender oil can ease pain related to migraine headaches.47 patients who were diagnosed with migraine headaches were separated into cases that had to inhale lavender oil for 15 minutes and the rest stayed in the control group. The results indicated that headache severity was reduced in patients who inhaled the oil. The study also said that lavender oil has also been used as a sedative, analgesic and antimicrobial agent, and mood stabilizer (4).
However, we advise you not to consume lavender essential oil orally because it may be toxic. And if you apply it on your skin, make sure you use a carrier oil to dilute it.
Resveratrol belongs to one group of polyphenols and it’s found in the skin of grapes, seeds, and red wine. It has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and antitumor properties and it is believed to be a helpful tool for treating and preventing different types of cancer.
Ginger is the last on our list of natural chronic pain relievers. A 2015 review of various trials revealed that ginger may alleviate muscle pain modestly which results from prolonged running and decrease the inflammatory reaction to cardiorespiratory exercise. However, additional research is needed to examine how effective ginger is as an analgesic for other athletic activities (5).
Now, let’s see what natural pain relievers you can use to treat the following 5 conditions:
Besides the above-mentioned willow bark and ginger, other instant home remedies for a headache you can use are:
To alleviate pain associated with arthritis, you can use:
We all get stomach aches from time to time. Diet, stress, and different conditions can all cause stomach pain. Of course, if it’s not a serious type of stomach pain, you can effectively treat it at home. Here are three natural, homemade remedies for stomach pain:
Muscle pain can result from stress, excessive exercising, and minor injuries. You can relieve muscle pain using the following home remedies:
And last but not least, let’s see …
Deep and slow breathing can help reduce pain in the following ways:
