natural remedies to whiten skin

If you want to have a fairer skin, try this natural remedies available in your place.

1. LEMON JUICE. This is the oldest home remedy to lighten one’s skin. The acidity and vitamin C in the lemon serves as natural bleach for the skin and at the same time nutrients that encourages new cell growth. Lemon juice is also rich in antioxidants which can make the skin look fresh and young. In using lemon juice, simply dip a cotton ball on a freshly squeezed lemon juice and apply directly on the face. Be sure that there are no open wounds on the face because the acidity of the lemon could cause excruciating pain. Remember, the face has a lot of nerve endings which makes it very sensitive for pain. Be sure to allow the lemon juice to dry on the face first before going out of the house.

2. MILK. Milk, when taken in, is a good source of protein and calcium for the body. When it is applied topically, it can be a good way to lighten one’s skin. The lactic acid in the milk has a non abrasive exfoliating effect on the skin and at the same time its fat contents moisturize the skin. This is one reason why there are some who do milk bath every now and then.

3. HONEY AND ALMOND. These two ingredients works best if they are to be used together. They remove tan and at the same time moisturize the skin. To make a honey and almond face mask, simply mix 1 tsp. of milk powder, 1 tsp. of honey, 1 tsp of lemon juice and half tsp. of almond oil. Apply the mixture on the face for 15 minutes and then wash it off with clean water.

4. OATMEAL AND TOMATO. Oatmeal helps exfoliate the skin while tomato moisturize the skin and at the same time maintain its youthful glow. To make use of these two ingredients, simply mix the oatmeal with a tomato juice. Apply them mixture on the face for 20 minutes and wash it off with cold water.

The above remedies should be supplemented with the use of sun block creams especially when going out of the house. When opting to use sun screens, the best sun screen to have is those that are hypoallergenic, water proof and has a higher sun protection capability (such as SPF 80).

source: http://www.godembassy.com/

Few Ways to lessen/remove Wrinkles

Try this natural remedies to lessen or remove wrinkles

Egg whites
Whip up several egg whites in a small bowl. Massage onto your skin, allowing to sit and dry at least 15 minutes. Rinse off with warm water and let the natural B vitamins and rich Vitamin E work their rejuvenating magic.

Olive oil

Natural olive oil can help your skin stay soft and supple. Gently massage a few drops on your face before bedtime and rinse with a soft towel. You’ll wake to skin that’s soft and healthy looking.

Massage
Using your favorite gentle lotion, take a few minutes to give your face a massage with a firm but gentle touch. Focus on problem areas like your neck, under your eyes, and your forehead. For a treat, visit a reputable spa for a relaxing facial that concentrates on your problem areas.

Fruits and vegetables
Fresh fruits and vegetables filled with Vitamins A and D will help to plump your skin and make it seem to glow from the inside. Sip on fresh vegetable juice from your local juice bar or make your own fresh fruit and vegetable drinks at home.

Lemon juice
Slice a lemon and massage the juice into fine lines and wrinkles on your face. The acidity of lemon helps skin look brighter while reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Breathe in deeply for the added aromatherapy bonus of fresh citrus to revive your senses.

Sources: redbookmag.com, livestrong.com

Removing gallstones in a natural way

I personally experienced this natural way to remove my gallstones, so I've decided to share this so that you will know that this is true.

Gallstones may not be everyone’s concern. But they should be because we all have them. Moreover, gallstones may lead to cancer.
“Cancer is never the first illness,” Chiu Nan points out. “Usually, there are a lot of other problems leading to cancer. In my research in China, I came across some materials which say that people with cancer usually have stones.
“We all have gallstones. It’s a matter of big or small, many or few. One of the symptoms of gallstones is a feeling of bloatedness after a heavy meal. You feel like you can’t digest the food. If it gets more serious, you feel pain in the liver area.”
So if you think you have gallstones, Chiu Nan offers the following method to remove them naturally.
The treatment is also good for those with a weak liver, because the liver and gallbladder are closely linked.Regimen:

• For the first five days, take four glasses of apple juice every day. Or eat four or five apples, whichever you prefer.Apple juice softens the gallstones. During the five days, eat normally.

• On the sixth day, take no dinner. At 6 PM, take a teaspoon of Epsom salt (magnesium sulphate) with a glass of warm water. At 8 PM, repeat the same. Magnesium sulphate opens the gallbladder ducts.
• At 10 PM, take half cup olive oil (or sesame oil) with half cup fresh lemon juice. Mix it well and drink it. The oil lubricates the stones to ease their passage.
• The next morning, you will find green stones in your stools.
  “Usually they float,” Chiu Nan notes. “You might want to count them. I have had people who passes 40, 50 or up to 100 stones. Very many.”

“Even if you don’t have any symptoms of gallstones, you still might have some. It’s always good to give your gall bladder a clean-up now and then. You’ll find that your digestion is much better afterwards.

Surgery is expensive right? so why not try first in a natural way? but this method is suitable for smaller gallstones only. if it's bigger, please consult your physician.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

  
  

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.

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.

             

lemon grass is good for your health

 

Lemon grass is a perennial plant that is native to India and Nepal; it has a light, lemony scent and flavor, with a hint of ginger. Lemon grass is one of the wondrous herbs; it is very useful as medicinal plant and a delicious food flavoring. Few knows that the other name of Lemon grass is citronella, a popular scent in perfume, candles and soaps. Citronella is known for its calming effect that relieves insomnia or stress. It is also popular as a mild insect repellant.

In a study that was conducted it has shown that every 100g of edible lemon grass, when boiled can contain up to 24.205 micrograms of beta-carotene the powerful anti-oxidant that scientist believe can help prevent cancer. In another study it has shown that lemon grass oil has the potential as topical eye medication against keratomycosis, an inflammation of cornea often associated with burning or blurring of vision. Researchers note that lemongrass oil's antioxidant qualities and ability to inhibit the enzyme that promotes the growth of cancer cells are promising.

Health Benefits of Lemon Grass:

• It contains an antibacterial and antifungal properties
• It helps to detoxify the liver, pancreas, kidney, bladder and the digestive tract.
• Helps boost the immune system
• Helps reduce uric acid, cholesterol, excess fats
• It helps alleviates indigestion and gastroenteritis.
• Helps improve the skin by reducing acne and pimples
• It helps tone the muscle and tissues.

• Helps in menstrual troubles
• Helps reduce blood pressure and improve blood circulation
• Helps reduce cellulite
• Act as sedative for the central nervous system.
• May help prevent colon cancer.
• Helps in reducing fevers
• Help in flatulence and colic
• Relieves arthritic pain and rheumatism

Lemon grass for Cooking: The leaves and base of lemon grass are used as a food flavoring especially in Southeast Asian dishes. The long thin grey-green leaves are tough and fibrous, the outside leaves and the tips are usually chopped very finely or discarded from the dish before it is served.

How to Use Essential Oil: Apply 2 drops of concentrated lemongrass oil per ounce of organic unrefined almond oil, olive oil or any of you favorite oil. You can use the mixture to your skin as massage oil, lotion and moisturizer. As a relaxing scent add 1 - 2 drops in a cloth and inhale to relax your senses.

How to make Lemon grass Herbal Tea:

• Fresh Leaves: Pour 2 cups of water to ¼ cup lemon grass leaves, then boil and simmer for 3minutes. Let it cool and drink.
• Dried Leaves: Pour a cup of boiling water over 2 teaspoons of dried lemon grass leaves. Steep for 5-10 minutes before drinking.