Friday, November 4, 2011

home remedies to remove acne/pimples


                                   
Acne home remedies are arguably the best ways to get rid of pimples and blackheads and cure our acne condition. Many people have tried using acne medications and creams that can be bought over the counter or prescribed by the local pharmacy or clinic, but often find themselves stuck in a repeat scenario of acne recurrence after a short while. This should not be a surprise to us since most over-the-counter acne creams or medications are not curative like acne home remedies, but palliative in nature meaning they focus on treating the symptoms more than the skin condition.
Here are some acne home remedies that have been tested over time and proven to work well against persistent acne problems. Diet and topical medication play key roles in curing acne.
1. Go on a full fruit fast for at least a week and consume only fresh fruits like grapefruit, pineapples, pears, apples, mango, apricot, olive, papaya, etc. Stick to non-citrus fruits. You can choose to incorporate this one week fruit fast into your diet and repeat this monthly. It would cleanse your body system and improve your overall health on top of your acne problems.
2. Green vegetables are exceptionally helpful. Vegetables such as celery, seaweeds, broccoli and green pepper are good at detoxifying our bodies, and can improve our skin condition dramatically. Eat at least 5 servings of vegetables daily. Watercress helps to prevent mineral deficiencies in our body and skin and is a rich source of vitamins.
3. Avoid dairy products such as ice cream, margarine, milk and cheese because of its fat content. The same goes for junk food and carbonated drinks.
4. If you have to eat meat, cold water ocean fish such as salmon, cod or sardines, and poultry can be consumed. But the preparation method is important. They must not be fried.
5. Wash the affected acne spots with warm water twice and mild calendula or castile soup. Alternate the washing with cold applications.
6. Applying ice directly on the acne lesions would reduce the swelling. It is one of the oldest practices among acne home remedies.
7. Applying topical sulphur ointment (3 to 10%) is an effective acne home remedy in suppressing acne.
8. Tea tree oil can be applied directly to acne lesions because of its antibiotic nature.
9. Having Epsom salt baths twice in a week is yet another effective acne home remedy. Prepare a bath of about 50 litres of warm water and 1 kg of Epsom salts. Dip into the bath and wash thoroughly for about half an hour.
10. Applying toothpaste on your acne lesion would reduce the swelling while you sleep. This is one of the most simple and popular acne home remedies.

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Natural Home Remedies For Losing Weight


            
Natural Home Remedies For Losing Weight
  • The first thing, which you need to do, is to calculate your BMR that is your basal metabolic rate. It will help you find out how many calories you need to intake and how much pounds you need to lose.
  • Now make a diet chart incorporating all the good foods and setting out a reasonable goal for a week. For instance, you can set a goal of losing one pound a week and for that check, how much less calories you need to intake. Also make a proper exercising plan which includes swimming, yoga, cycling, using stairs, jumping ropes etc.
  • Eat an ample amount of fruits like apples, pear, and green vegetables like celery, spinach, broccoli, religiously on a daily basis because veggies are low calorie food. In order to cut down your weight, you need to reduce your fat intake and substitute it with natural fruits and vegetables, which will boost your metabolism.
  • You also need to cut down on your salt intake as it aids in increasing the body weight. You can also incorporate sea vegetables to help you shed weight.
  • Reduce the amount of milk products like cheese, butter, etc from your diet since these are rich in fat. Choose lean meat like chicken and fishes like salmon, sardines etc, which are great source of antioxidants and help you lose weight.
  • Spices such as ginger, cinnamon, horseradish, mustard, cayenne, black pepper etc are very good in helping you lose weight. Find out ways to incorporate them in your diet.
  • Have a healthy breakfast comprising of oatmeal, high fibered cereals, fresh juices, and fresh salads.
  • Always keep counting the calories you intake. Reducing portion size would help you lose weight faster.
  • Drinking enough water will not only keep you hydrated but will also aid in losing weight. Having green tea also boosts the metabolism and helps in losing weight. Staying hydrated also protects from fatigue giving you energy to stick to your plan.
  • Stress is one of the major factors related to weight gain. When you are stressed, your adrenal glands releases adrenaline and cortisol into the bloodstream, which can make the body, conserve fat. Keep away from stress as much as possible. Take help of meditation, yoga, prayers etc.
  •  Intake of certain vegetables like bitter gourd and bitter variety of drumstick are helpful for loosing excess weight.
  • Having a spoonful of honey with lukewarm water is considered an apt and the easiest natural remedy to get rid of that unwanted fat. It has to be taken early in the morning and you can also choose to add a pinch of lemon juice to it.
  • Cabbage is a good natural home remedy for losing weight. This is because the vegetable slowdowns the change of sugar and other carbohydrates into fat. Cabbage can be eaten both raw as salad and cooked.

Monday, October 10, 2011

Health Benefits of Watermelon


              

One of the first things to understand about watermelon is that it contains plenty of powerful antioxidants.

Antioxidants are best understood as little warriors fighting a war. The war they fight isn't for money or land or oil, instead, it's for dominion over your body. Antioxidants pack some heavy firepower, and are very well equipped to defeat their enemies.
Luckily, antioxidants are on your side. Their enemies are things like cancers, tumors and anything which acts to have a negative effect on your body. They have been linked to preventing and even curing cancer, and are found mainly in fresh, organic fruits and vegetables.
The antioxidants in watermelon have been found to reduce the severity of asthma, and also to reduce the risk of various diseases including colon cancer, heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis and prostate cancer.
Talk about amazing health benefits of watermelon right!
  • Antioxidant firepower. Watermelon contains some of the most powerful antioxidants so far discovered.
  • Vitamin warehouse. Loaded with Vitamin C and packed with Vitamin A (due to its concentration of beta-carotene).
  • Stop getting the cold. Vitamin C is something most people associate to oranges. But watermelon has a lot of it, and it contributes to a strong immune system as well as slower aging.
  • Lycopene. A potent antioxidant that gives watermelon its bright red color. Up until recently, it was thought to be only in tomatoes. But recent studies have shown watermelon to have the highest lycopene content out of any fruit or vegetable.
  • Prevents prostate cancer. This is due to the antioxidants, especially lycopene.
  • Rehydration. Rich in electrolytes and 90% water so it's a healthy alternative to Gatorade, as well as tasting downright amazing.
  • Increased energy. Truckloads of Vitamin B contribute to increased energy production. Some food experts recommend watermelon for Vitamin B1, B6 and magnesium deficiencies.
  • Cope with anxiety and panic. Vitamin B6 increases the brains ability to cope with anxiety and panic.
  • Cooling effect. Scientists have found that watermelon has a special cooling effect.
  • Lose weight. Watermelon is completely, 100% fat free.
  • Cholesterol free. No need to worry if you have cholesterol problems.
  • Prevents macular degeneration. Another word for loss of vision, macular degeneration can be prevented by eating or drinking watermelon. Carrots are also in this boat.
  • Prevent heart disease. Another benefit of the antioxidants, and something you will find with most fruits and vegetables.
  • Prevent erectile dysfunction. Scientists are even saying it works similar to Viagra by relaxing the blood vessels.
A good way to look at a watermelon is just like a multivitamin, only with an amazing taste.
On a side note, green tea has been found to work synergistically with foods rich in lycopene (such as watermelon). When green tea is consumed alongside these foods, the beneficial effects are more pronounced.

Vitamins


  • Vitamin A - 1627 IU
  • Vitamin B1 (thiamine) - 0.094 mg
  • Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) - 0.06 mg
  • Niacin - 0.509 mg
  • Folate - 9 mcg
  • Pantothenic Acid - 0.632 mg
  • Vitamin B6 - 0.129 mg
  • Vitamin C - 23.2 mg
  • Vitamin E - 0.14 mg
  • Vitamin K - 0.3 mcg
*Contains some other vitamins in small amounts.

Minerals


  • Potassium - 320 mg
  • Phosphorus - 31 mg
  • Magnesium - 29 mg
  • Calcium - 20 mg
  • Sodium - 3 mg
  • Iron - 0.69 mg
  • Selenium 1.1 mcg
  • Manganese - 0.109 mg
  • Copper - 0.12 mg
  • Zinc - 0.29 mg
*Also contains small amounts of other minerals.

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Ways to Save Marriage


                                


If you are one of the married people who has problems regarding your married life, try to read and apply this simple ways, hope it can help. For those people who are in a nice relationships with their wife/husband, keep it up! and have time to improve your ways to keep your relationship stronger and you 
can add this ways below.

1. Yours, Mine & Ours -- As important as it is to build togetherness and intimacy based on mutual interests, it's just as important to have an inner and outer life of your own. Respect your differences and it will make the relationship stronger.

2. Time to Be Together -- Sure, you're working, cleaning, car pooling, making the kids do their homework, etc. But how important are all those things if your marriage falls apart? Make time to spend together. Take regular vacations together. Spend leisure time doing things you both enjoy. Commit to a weekly date night and make it as unbreakable as the staff meeting at work.

3. Take Care of Yourself -- Spend time every day on your appearance and your physical well being. Not only will your loved one like looking at you, but you'll feel better about yourself.

4. Communication Goes Both Ways -- Many relationships fail because of misunderstandings. Effective communication skills are necessary if your relationship is going to survive. Stay calm.

5. Criticize Gently -- Don't judge too harshly. If you criticize, do it as you would want others to criticize you. Be gentle.

6. The Children -- Yes, a child changes the dynamics of a relationship, but he or she doesn't need to destroy the sanctity of your marriage. Accept the fact that children will have problems and don't be reluctant to get outside help if it's needed.

7. Courting -- Gifts, compliments, and a loving embrace go a long way, especially when they're unexpected. Treat your spouse with the same courtesies you did when you were dating. Pretend you are trying to win your partner all over again.

8. Romance -- Keep your romantic images alive even when facing the harsh realities of life. Resolve to do just one romantic gesture for your mate every single day.

9. The Terms of Endearment -- Spell out the basics of your relationship in a yearly contract, or at least clarify them. Most disputes that break up marriages are over sex and money. Don't let surprises lead to trouble.

10. Renegotiating the Contract -- Marriage is like any other contract -- its terms and conditions must be reviewed and updated. Right before an anniversary is a perfect time


11. Willingness -- Admit that there is a problem and that you want to fix it. You and your partner need to be able to say, “I want to save my marriage,” and mean it. Without commitment from both sides, any expended effort will be wasted.


12. Money -- Money can be a huge stress to a relationship. Make sure to communicate and plan expenditures, savings, investments, and other financial issues. Being clear on the expectations of your financial relationship can often clear up other ‘issues’ between you that seemed to be so pressing.

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

8 Pillars Of Everlasting Relationship

            
Putting the knowledge of 8 Pillars of everlasting relationship to work well without fail, benefit you and your partner for an everlasting enjoyable relationship.

(1). Communication
 Virtually every aspect of a relationship is touched by communication. It is of great importance to know how to communicate well and effectively. Every expression makes and impression. Positive comments help to keep relationship alive while negative comments drags relationship to the ground. 


(2). Respect

This means accepting and loving your partner for the wonderful, unique human being they are. Respect who they are and don't try to make them be like you, understand that the ways that they differ from you don't need to be fixed. Your partner isn't your private property, it isn't conducive to a happy relationship to restrict their freedoms by treating them this way. Instead it is far better to encourage your partner to grow and become the person they want to be.


(3). Honesty
In a relationship, complete honesty is always needed. The principle behind it is that no one likes being lied to, and if a relationship is to flourish, it should be built on the foundation of honesty. This includes honesty to oneself, if you aren't honest to yourself how can you possibly be honest to your partner.


(4). Trust 
Trust is creating a safe emotional space for your partner. Trust is something that can be cultivated and nurtured, one should continuously and actively work on building a safe emotional space. Your partner should be able to trust you completely with everything from the smallest detail up to and including trusting you with their life.

(5). Commitment
Commitment means being prepared to accept disappointments that can occur in a relationship, and finding an honest way to work it out. Those who become serious in a relationship without preparing for any problems, disappointments, or adjustments can experience increased insecurities or resentments that can affect the overall health of their relationship.

Saturday, October 1, 2011

TIPS TO STAY FIT AND SEXY




Tips to Stay Fit and Sexy

Many of us want to know how people stay fit and what else they do to maintain their healthful appearance. There is no secret formula or overnight fix, becoming and staying fit and healthy takes time and perseverance. After all, if it was as easy as popping a pill or buying the latest gadget guaranteed to make us all look and feel younger everyone would be fit and looking sexy. The fact that becoming fit requires a lot of hard work and healthy living is why there aren't more people doing it.
  1. One of the first things that people should remember is that exercise is a requirement to achieving the body that you want and needs to be continued once you have achieved the results you were after. It's not necessary to live in the gym, but adding a well-structured exercise regimen to your weekly workout routine will help you achieve and maintain your new body.
  2. Nutrition is also a key factor in looking fit and sexy. Proper nutrition will allow for your body to work in the way you desire and provides benefits for your skin and hair. Not only does your body need the proper nutrients in order be at its best, the same is true for your skin and hair. The healthier you are the healthier you will look.
  3. Hydration is also something that should always be included in your workout and diet regimens. By staying properly hydrated throughout the day, your skin will become healthy and less dry. Your body also requires the proper hydration during any type of physical exertion. Maintaining proper hydration will help make your workouts more productive and will reduce the amount of fatigue you feel during a workout. Hydrating properly will also reduce the occurrence of cramps during and after a workout.
  4. Staying active is also a proven way that many people can stay fit and sexy no matter what age. It is important to remember that age should never be an excuse for anyone to stop moving, exercising or working out. Simply walking around the park or playing catch can help keep your body in the shape that you desire. There are exercises for everyone and age should never be used as a reason to not be active.
  5. Another important element that many fit and sexy people have is confidence. Being confident in yourself and believing that you are the best version of you that can be achieved is one of the best ways to stay sexy. Being healthy helps, but if you have confidence in yourself, nothing is unattainable. Confidence can help you succeed in anything that you decide to do.
  6. Being happy in all aspects of your life can also lead to a healthier and sexier lifestyle. When you're happy it shows, your skin glows, your hair seems shinier and your mood is up. Being happy tends to give your overall appearance a boost and tends to make you want to be healthier and make decisions based on how well your personal life if going at the moment.
  7. Maintaining proper hormone levels through different stages of one's life can affect your health levels and happiness levels. Everyone goes through changes in their life, if your hormone levels are not where they should be, you may feel tired and depressed. It is important to have your hormone levels checked every time you see your doctor. Keeping your levels in check will help keep you feeling healthy and may increase your self-image which makes you feel sexier.

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Home Remedies for Removing Dandruff


                     

Home Remedies for Removing Dandruff




  • Causes of dandruff include alkaline-rated shampoos and soaps, yeast infections, fungus, zinc deficiency or poor nutrition. There are two types of dandruff: dry dandruff causes the head to itch, and the skin of the scalp flakes into small white scales; waxy dandruff is caused when the sebum is mixed with the epidermis and scales are mixed together to form patches of dandruff scales. Home remedies can help remove the unsightly dandruff and leave your scalp clean and free of scales.

Oil Therapy

  • Use coconut oil and one lemon to remove dandruff. Juice the lemon. Heat the oil and lemon in a pan on the stove and take to the bathroom. Let sit until it is quite warm, but comfortable to the touch. Place a towel in the oven on a cookie sheet to heat while waiting for the oil to cool. Apply the hot oil treatment to the hair and scalp. Gently work the oil into the scalp with massaging fingers. Get the towel from the oven and wrap the towel around the hair and let it sit for 10 minutes. Wash the hair with a mild shampoo when done.



    Beer Therapy


    Beer, which contains plenty of vitamin B and yeast, can help do battle with whatever’s causing your dandruff (including killing off a nasty fungal infection). Rinse your hair with a few ounces of beer every night to help revitalize your scalp.

Egg Therapy

  • Use two beaten eggs with two tablespoons of water. Apply the egg mixture to the scalp and gently massage the mixture into the scalp. Allow the mixture to remain in the hair for 15 minutes. Use lukewarm water to rinse the mixture out of the hair. The mixture works to remove hair fall and dandruff.

Vinegar Therapy

  • Use 1/2 cup of white vinegar and 1/2 cup of water. Mix the two together. Apply the mixture to dry hair and massage into the scalp. Rinse the vinegar mixture from the hair with warm water. Wash hair with a mild shampoo and conditioner. Use this mixture twice a week before shampooing the hair.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Ten (10) Herbal Medicines in the Philippines Approved by the Department of Health (DOH)


Ten (10) Herbal Medicines in the Philippines
Approved by the Department of Health (DOH)



Here are the the ten (10) medicinal plants that the Philippine Department of Health (DOH) through its "Traditional Health Program" have endorsed. All ten (10) herbs have been thoroughly tested and have been clinically proven to have medicinal value in the relief and treatment of various aliments:

1. Akapulko (Cassia alata) - also known as "bayabas-bayabasan" and "ringworm bush" in English, this herbal medicine is used to treat ringworms and skin fungal infections.

2. Ampalaya (Momordica charantia) - known as "bitter gourd" or "bitter melon" in English, it most known as a treatment of diabetes (diabetes mellitus), for the non-insulin dependent patients.

3. Bawang (Allium sativum) - popularly known as "garlic", it mainly reduces cholesterol in the blood and hence, helps control blood pressure.

4. Bayabas (Psidium guajava) - "guava" in English. It is primarily used as an antiseptic, to disinfect wounds. Also, it can be used as a mouth wash to treat tooth decay and gum infection.

5. Lagundi (Vitex negundo) - known in English as the "5-leaved chaste tree". It's main use is for the relief of coughs and asthma.

6. Niyog-niyogan (Quisqualis indica L.) - is a vine known as "Chinese honey suckle". It is effective in the elimination of intestinal worms, particularly the Ascaris and Trichina. Only the dried matured seeds are medicinal -crack and ingest the dried seeds two hours after eating (5 to 7 seeds for children & 8 to 10 seeds for adults). If one dose does not eliminate the worms, wait a week before repeating the dose.

7. Sambong (Blumea balsamifera)- English name: Blumea camphora. A diuretic that helps in the excretion of urinary stones. It can also be used as an edema.

8. Tsaang Gubat (Ehretia microphylla Lam.) - Prepared like tea, this herbal medicine is effective in treating intestinal motility and also used as a mouth wash since the leaves of this shrub has high fluoride content.

9. Ulasimang Bato | Pansit-Pansitan (Peperomia pellucida) - It is effective in fighting arthritis and gout. The leaves can be eaten fresh (about a cupful) as salad or like tea. For the decoction, boil a cup of clean chopped leaves in 2 cups of water. Boil for 15 to 20 minutes. Strain, let cool and drink a cup after meals (3 times day).

10. Yerba Buena (Clinopodium douglasii) - commonly known as Peppermint, this vine is used as an analgesic to relive body aches and pain. It can be taken internally as a decoction or externally by pounding the leaves and applied directly on the afflicted area.

Tips on Handling Medicinal Plants / Herbs:

• If possible, buy herbs that are grown organically - without pesticides.

• Medicinal parts of plants are best harvested on sunny mornings. Avoid picking leaves, fruits or nuts during and after heavy rainfall.

• Leaves, fruits, flowers or nuts must be mature before harvesting. Less medicinal substances are found on young parts.

• After harvesting, if drying is required, it is advisable to dry the plant parts either in the oven or air-dried on screens above ground and never on concrete floors. 

• Store plant parts in sealed plastic bags or brown bottles in a cool dry place without sunlight preferably with a moisture absorbent material like charcoal. Leaves and other plant parts that are prepared properly, well-dried and stored can be used up to six months.Tips on Preparation for Intake of Herbal Medicines:

• Use only half the dosage prescribed for fresh parts like leaves when using dried parts.

• Do not use stainless steel utensils when boiling decoctions. Only use earthen, enamelled, glass or alike utensils.

• As a rule of thumb, when boiling leaves and other plant parts, do not cover the pot, and boil in low flame.

• Decoctions loose potency after some time. Dispose of decoctions after one day. To keep fresh during the day, keep lukewarm in a flask or thermos.

• Always consult with a doctor if symptoms persist or if any sign of allergic reaction develops.

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Salt Uses & Tips

Salt Uses & Tips

Sea Salt in bowls
Beside making food delicious, it's believed there are more than 14,000 uses for salt, and our grandmothers were probably familiar with most of them. A number of these uses were for simple things around the home before the advent of modern chemicals and cleaners. Many of these salt uses are still valid today and can be much cheaper and more environmentally-friendly than more sophisticated products. We make no guarantee about the results if you try any of these uses and tips, but there must be something to them since they have been handed down over the years in many households. Most of these salt uses have stood the test of time.


The most familiar use of salt undoubtedly is in the kitchen and on the dining table. Salt accents the flavor of meat, brings out the individuality of vegetables, puts "oomph" into bland starches, deepens the flavor of delicate desserts, and develops the flavor of melons and certain other fruits. No other seasoning has yet been found that can satisfactorily take the place of salt.
But, there are many other uses for salt around the home, as well. Salt is an excellent cleaning agent, either on its own or in combination with other substances. A solution of salt and turpentine restores the whiteness to yellowed enamel bathtubs and lavatories. A paste of salt and vinegar cleans tarnished brass or copper. A strong brine poured down the kitchen sink prevents grease from collecting and eliminates odors.


Salt helps destroy moths and drives away ants. A dash of salt in laundry starch keeps the iron from sticking and gives linen and fine cottons a glossy, like-new finish. A thin paste of salt and salad oil removes white marks caused by hot dishes or water from wooden tables.


A box of salt is also an important item in many bathrooms. In mild solutions, it makes an excellent mouthwash, throat gargle or eye-wash; it is an effective dentifrice; it is an effective antiseptic; and it can be extremely helpful as a massage element to improve skin complexion.

Salt Uses & Tips: In the Kitchen

Boiling Water - Salt added to water makes the water boil at a higher temperature, thus reducing cooking time (it does not make the water boil faster).


Peeling eggs - Eggs boiled in salted water peel more easily.


Poaching eggs - Poaching eggs over salted water helps set the egg whites.


Testing egg freshness - Place the egg in a cup of water to which two teaspoonfuls of salt has been added. A fresh egg sinks; a doubter will float.


Preventing browning - Apples, pears and potatoes dropped in cold, lightly salted water as they are peeled will retain their color.


Shelling pecans - Soaking pecans in salt water for several hours before shelling will make nut meats easier to remove.


Washing spinach - If spinach is washed in salted water, repeated cleanings will not be necessary.


Preventing sugaring - A little salt added to cake icings prevents them from sugaring.


Crisping salads - Salting salads immediately before serving will keep them crisp.


Improving boiled potatoes - Boiled potatoes will be given a fine, mealy texture by sprinkling with salt after draining, then returning them to the pan and shaking them back and forth quickly to get rid of the excess moisture.


Cleaning greasy pans - The greasiest iron pan will wash easily if you use a little salt in it and wipe with paper.


Cleaning stained cups - Rubbing with salt will remove stubborn tea or coffee stains from cups.


Cleaning ovens - Salt and cinnamon take the "burned food" odor away from ovens and stove burners. Sprinkle spills while oven and burners are still hot; when dry, remove the salted spots with a stiff brush or cloth.


Cleaning refrigerators - Use salt and soda water to clean and sweeten the inside of your refrigerator. It won't scratch enamel either.


Extinguishing grease fires - Salt tossed on a grease fire on the stove or in the oven will smother flames. Never use water; it will only spatter the burning grease.


Improving coffee - A pinch of salt in coffee will enhance the flavor and remove the bitterness of over-cooked coffee.


Improving poultry - To improve the flavor of poultry, rub the fowl inside and out with salt before roasting.


Removing pinfeathers - To remove pinfeathers easily from a chicken, rub the chicken skin with salt first.


Cleaning tarnished silverware - Rub tarnish with salt before washing.


Cleaning copper pans - Remove stains on copper pans by salting area and scouring with a cloth soaked in vinegar.


Cleaning coffee pots - Remove bitterness from percolators and other coffee pots by filling with water, adding four tablespoons of salt and percolating or boiling as usual.


Removing onion odors from hands - Rub fingers with salt moistened with vinegar.


"Sweetening" containers - Salt can "sweeten" and deodorize thermos bottles and jugs, decanters and other closed containers.


Cleaning sink drains - Pour a strong salt brine down the kitchen sink drain regularly to eliminate odors and keep grease from building up.


Brightening cutting boards - After washing them with soap and water, rub cutting boards with a damp cloth dipped in salt; the boards will be lighter and brighter.


Fixing oversalted soups - If soup has been oversalted, cut up a raw potato or two and drop into the soup. The potato will absorb the salt.


Cleaning dried-on egg - Salt not only makes eggs taste better, but it makes "eggy" dishes clean easier. Sprinkle salt on dishes right after breakfast; it makes them a whiz to clean when you have time.


Preventing food from sticking - Rub a pancake griddle with a small bag of salt to prevent sticking and smoking. Sprinkle a little salt in the skillet before frying fish to prevent the fish from sticking. Sprinkle salt on washed skillets, waffle iron plates or griddles, heat in a warm oven, dust off salt; when they are next used, foods will not stick.


Preventing mold - To prevent mold on cheese, wrap it in a cloth dampened with saltwater before refrigerating.


Whipping cream and beating egg whites - By adding a pinch of salt, cream will whip better and egg whites will beat faster and higher.


Keeping milk fresh - Adding a pinch of salt to milk will keep it fresh longer.


Setting gelatin - To set gelatin salads and desserts quickly, place over ice that has been sprinkled with salt.


Salt Uses & Tips: Cleaning

Cleaning brass - Mix equal parts of salt, flour and vinegar to make a paste, rub the paste on the brass item, leave on for an hour or so, then clean with a soft cloth or brush and buff with a dry cloth.


Cleaning wicker - To prevent yellowing, scrub wicker furniture with a stiff brush moistened with warm saltwater and allow to dry in the sun.


Cleaning grease spots on rugs - Some grease spots can be removed with a solution of one part salt and four parts alcohol and rubbing hard but carefully to avoid damage to the nap.


Extending broom life - New brooms will wear longer if soaked in hot saltwater before they are first used.


Removing wine stains - If wine is spilled on a tablecloth or rug, blot up as much as possible and immediately cover the wine with salt, which will absorb the remaining wine. Later rinse the tablecloth with cold water; scrape up the salt from the rug and then vacuum the spot.


Removing rings from tables - White rings left on tables from wet or hot dishes or glasses can be removed by rubbing a thin paste of salad oil and salt on the spot with your fingers, letting it stand an hour or two, then wiping it off.


Restoring sponges - Give sponges new life by soaking them in cold saltwater after they are washed.


Settling suds - If a washing machine bubbles over from too many suds, sprinkle salt on the suds to reduce them.


Brightening colors - Wash colored curtains or washable fiber rugs in a saltwater solution to brighten the colors. Brighten faded rugs and carpets by rubbing them briskly with a cloth that has been dipped in a strong saltwater solution and wrung out.


Removing perspiration stains - Add four tablespoons of salt to one quart of hot water and sponge the fabric with the solution until stains disappear.


Brightening yellowed cottons or linens - Boil the yellowed items for one hour in a salt and baking soda solution


Removing blood stains - Soak the stained clothing or other cloth item in cold saltwater, then launder in warm, soapy water and boil after the wash. (Use only on cotton, linen or other natural fibers that can take high heat.)


Removing mildew or rust stains - Moisten stained spots with a mixture of lemon juice and salt, then spread the item in the sun for bleaching; and finally, rinse and dry.


Color-matching nylons - Good nylons that don't have a match can be made the same color by boiling them a few minutes in a pan of lightly salted water.


Fixing sticking iron - Sprinkle a little salt on a piece of paper and run the hot iron over it to remove rough, sticky spots.


Cleaning fish tanks - Rub the inside of fish tanks with salt to remove hard water deposits, then rinse well before returning the fish to the tank. Use only plain, not iodized, salt.


Salt Uses & Tips: Health & Beauty

Gargling - Stir 1/2 teaspoon salt in an 8-ounce glass of warm water for use as a gargle for sore throats.


Cleaning teeth - Mix one part salt to two parts baking soda after pulverizing the salt in a blender or rolling it on a kitchen board with a tumbler before mixing. It whitens teeth, helps remove plaque and it is healthy for the gums.


Washing mouth - Mix equal parts of salt and baking soda as a mouth wash that sweetens the breath.


Bathing eyes - Mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a pint of water and use the solution to bathe tired eyes.


Reducing eye puffiness - Mix one teaspoon of salt in a pint of hot water and apply pads soaked in the solution on the puffy areas.


Relieving tired feet - Soak aching feet in warm water to which a handful of salt has been added. Rinse in cool water.


Relieving bee stings - If stung, immediately wet the spot and cover with salt to relieve the pain.


Treating mosquito and chigger bites - Soak in saltwater, then apply a mixture of lard and salt.


Treating poison ivy - Soaking the exposed part in hot saltwater helps hasten the end to poison ivy irritation.


Relieving fatigue - Soak relaxed for at least ten minutes in a tub of water into which several handfuls of salt has been placed.


Removing dry skin - After bathing and while still wet give yourself a massage with dry salt. It removes dead skin particles and aids the circulation.


Applying facial - For a stimulating facial, mix equal parts of salt and olive oil and gently massage the face and throat with long upward and inward strokes. Remove mixture after five minutes and wash face.


Removing tattoos - Called salabrasion, this technique involves rubbing salt on the tattoo and requires several treatments. Healing is required between sessions, but there is virtually no scarring. CAUTION: This is a medical procedure that can be done only by a physician.


Salt Uses & Tips: Household

Extinguishing grease fires - Keep a box of salt handy at your stove and oven and if a grease fire flares up, cover the flames with salt. Do not use water on grease fires; it will splatter the burning grease. Also a handful of salt thrown on flames from meat dripping in barbecue grills will reduce the flames and deaden the smoke without cooling the coals as water does.


Drip-proofing candles - Soak new candles in a strong salt solution for a few hours, then dry them well. When burned they will not drip.


Removing soot - Occasionally throw a handful of salt on the flames in your fireplace; it will help loosen soot from the chimney and salt makes a bright yellow flame.


Invigorating goldfish - Occasionally add one teaspoon of salt to a quart of fresh water at room temperature and put your goldfish in for about 15 minutes. Then return them to their tank. The salt swim makes them healthier.


Cleaning flower vases - To remove deposits caused by flowers and water, rub with salt; if you cannot reach the deposits to rub them, put a strong salt solution in the vase and shake, then wash the vase with soap and water.


Keeping cut flowers fresh - A dash of salt added to the water in a flower vase will keep cut flowers fresh longer.


Holding artificial flowers - Artificial flowers can be held in an artistic arrangement by pouring salt into the container, adding a little cold water and then arranging the flowers. The salt will solidify as it dries and hold the flowers in place.


Keeping patios weed-free - If weeds or unwanted grass come up between patio bricks or blocks, carefully spread salt between the bricks and blocks, then sprinkle with water or wait for rain to wet it down.


Killing poison ivy - Mix three pounds of salt with a gallon of soapy water and apply to leaves and stems with a sprayer.


Keeping windows frost-free - Rub the inside of windows with a sponge dipped in a saltwater solution and rub dry; the windows will not frost up in sub-freezing weather. Rubbing a small cloth bag containing salt that has been moistened on your car's windshield will keep snow and ice from collecting.


Deicing sidewalks and driveways - Lightly sprinkling rock salt on walks and driveways will keep snow and ice from bonding to the pavement and allow for easy removal. Don't overdo it; use the salt sensibly to avoid damage to grass and ornamentals.


Deodorizing shoes - Sprinkling a little salt in canvas shoes occasionally will take up the moisture and help remove odors.

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

NATURAL WAYS TO WHITEN SKIN



NATURAL WAYS TO WHITEN SKIN

                            




  • 1
    Wash your face with a washcloth and mild soap. Use the washcloth to rub in the soap. Rubbing exfoliates the skin, removing dead skin cells. Rinse your face clean with warm water.
  • 2
    Place the juice of one lime and one tomato in a blender. Apply a thin layer of the mixture to the skin and let sit for about 15 minutes. Any excess mixture may be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. Rinse the skin with cold water. Wash the skin with soap and water. The lime and tomato blend will give the skin a brighter appearance.
  • 3
    Before washing your skin before bed every night, apply a honey and lemon juice mask to your face. Mix one teaspoon each of honey and lemon juice together. Apply the mask and leave it on your face for 15 minutes. Rinse your face with warm water.
  • 4
    Apply an aloe vera lotion or gel twice daily to your face (morning and night).
  • 5
    Exfoliate the skin weekly with sugar and olive oil. Create a paste by mixing one tablespoon of granulated sugar and olive oil. Rub the mixture into the skin in a circular motion. Keep the paste away from the eyes.