Healthy Body

There was a time when if you wanted whiter teeth, it seemed that the only option was to go to the dentist and have the teeth bleached. Now there are numerous tooth whitening products on the market that you can use at home. But both of these options involve using potentially dangerous chemicals, and they can even make teeth very sensitive, replacing one problem with another more serious one.

But there is good news: there are many ways in which we can brighten our teeth naturally. By using some preventive measures and making treatments out of herbs and things we can find around the house or at the grocery store, we can make our pearly whites whiter. Here are some tips:

* As always, brushing and flossing regularly is the most important thing we can do for our teeth. It helps prevent cavities and fight plaque and tartar, and it also reduces staining. Brush after every meal if possible. If you don’t have a toothbrush handy, rinsing your mouth well is better than nothing.

* Avoid using too much fluoride. Although fluoride is included in toothpastes and water supplies, too much of it can discolor your teeth.

* Avoid tobacco use, and go easy on the coffee and tea. These are three of the most common culprits of tooth staining.

* Cola, wine, and even certain fruits and vegetables can also stain teeth. That doesn’t mean we have to stop eating fruits and vegetables, just that we should take special care to brush well after eating some of them.

* Some fruits are excellent tooth whiteners. Strawberries, for example, can be rubbed directly on teeth or mashed up and brushed on. The inside of an orange peel is also great for whitening. You can rub it directly on your teeth, or make a paste of dried orange peel and ground bay leaves to brush on. A mixture of lemon juice and salt also works well.

* Use baking soda. Many of the toothpastes on the market include baking soda in their ingredients because it is so effective. But you don’t have to buy a special toothpaste. You can mix baking soda with a dash of salt and add a little vinegar to make a homemade tooth whitener.

* Take care when choosing a mouthwash. Most have alcohol in them, and some even have ingredients such as chlorhexidine that can discolor teeth. Herbal antibacterial mouthwashes are available that kill germs and freshen breath without harmful chemicals.

Whitening your teeth does not have to be expensive, and you don’t have to use harsh chemicals. By using preventive measures and natural remedies, you can make your smile brighter without harming your teeth in other ways. Â

It is shocking how many dangerous chemicals the average person has in their home. Everyday cleaning products often contain substances that can be harmful to the environment, pets and humans. Making our own cleaners allows us to control what is in them, but it can be tricky to figure out what ingredients can be safely used on what surfaces. Making your own glass cleaner is a good start. Here are five natural glass cleaners that you can mix up at home:

#1: Vinegar is a great window cleaner. You can either use it full strength, or mix it half-and-half with water. The scent takes some getting used to, and it will burn if you get it in your eyes, but vinegar is very safe and effective.

#2: 1/2 cup of lemon juice and 2 cups of water makes a pleasant-smelling glass cleaner. You could also add in a small amount of castile soap for greater effectiveness.

#3: Many naturalists use cornstarch in their natural glass cleaner mixtures. It is said to reduce streaking. 1 tablespoon of cornstarch can be mixed with a quart of warm water and 1/4 cup of white vinegar. For best results, clean windows with this mixture when it’s shady so that the sun doesn’t cause them to dry too quickly.

#4: Rubbing alcohol is good for cleaning windows, and it helps prevent frost in the wintertime as an added bonus. 1/2 cup of rubbing alcohol to 1 quart of water is enough to be effective. Be sure that the area is well ventilated when cleaning with rubbing alcohol, and keep the mixture out of the reach of children.

#5: If you have been using store-bought cleaners to clean your windows, a natural cleaner could cause streaks due to the residue left behind by those cleaners. To prevent this, wash windows with a mixture of 1/4 cup of castile soap, 1 cup of vinegar, and one gallon of water. After this initial cleaning, your natural cleaners should do a nice job of keeping the windows clean and streak free.

In addition to making your own natural cleaners, cleaning windows with old newspapers has several benefits. It is cheaper than using paper towels, it further protects from streaking, it doesn’t leave lint behind, and it reduces waste.

Making our own homemade natural glass cleaners is a great way to make our homes safer and help protect the environment from the harsh chemicals that can be found in commercial formulations. You probably have most or all of the ingredients you need in your home already, and if you don’t they can be purchased very inexpensively at a grocery or discount store. While it’s always a good idea to keep cleaners where children can’t reach them, most of these cleaners are non-toxic and virtually harmless.

Wood furniture is beautiful, and it is important to give our most prized pieces some tender, loving care. That means preventing spills on them and polishing regularly. Most store-bought furniture polishes, however, are full of chemicals that can be unsafe and not environmentally friendly. But there are natural ingredients that can be used to make safer and less expensive furniture polish. Here are five recipes:

#1: 10 drops of lemon oil, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and a small amount of olive oil. This mixture is great for everyday dusting. The key is to get the right kind of lemon oil. Many brands contain petroleum distillates, which are not environmentally friendly. You can find pure lemon oil at an herb store or online.

#2: 1/4 cup of vinegar and a few drops of jojoba (if you can’t find jojoba, olive oil is an acceptable substitute). The type of vinegar you should use depends on the type of wood you are polishing. Apple cider vinegar is slightly more effective, but it could stain lighter woods. If you are concerned about staining, use white vinegar instead.

#3: 2 1/2 ounces of olive oil, 1 1/2 ounces of coconut oil, 1 ounce of beeswax, 1 ounce of carnauba wax, and 4 ounces of distilled water. Put oils and waxes in a double boiler and melt them, then pour in the water and mix thoroughly. Rub the mixture into your furniture and work in with a soft cloth.

#4: Juice of one lemon, 1 teaspoon of olive oil, and 1 teaspoon of water. Put a thin coat on furniture, let sit for a few minutes, and buff with a soft cloth.

#5: 1/8 cup of linseed oil, 1/8 cup of vinegar, and 1/4 cup of lemon juice. Linseed oil has a pleasant fragrance and polishes well. But it is important to get the food-grade kind, as the type found in hardware stores contains ingredients that may dry your furniture out.

When mixing your own cleaners, it’s important to consider the shelf life of the ingredients. Most oils and lemon juice can turn rancid, but some will last longer than others. Vinegar has an unlimited shelf life, and it is a preservative, so cleaners containing it will last much longer.

Making your own furniture polish allows you to be in control of its ingredients. That means you don’t have to worry about having an allergic reaction or exposing yourself and your family to substances that may be harmful to your health. It also means that you can be more considerate of the environment than using store-bought polishes will allow. Natural furniture polish provides an inexpensive and effective way to care for your furniture and protect your family and the environment at the same time.

Herbs are often some of the most important ingredients in recipes. They give Mom’s lasagna that special touch, add a distinctive flavor to Grandma’s pastries, and make Dad’s pickles the best around. But there is much more to herbs than just cooking.

Beauty Herbs

Many herbs are known for their beauty, and herb gardens are often planted just for looks. But herbs can also be used in skin creams to soften skin or treat skin conditions, or in hair treatments to lighten, darken, or moisturize the hair.

Chamomile can be infused in milk to make a great cleanser for oily skin. Mint can be used to make a good toner, and rosemary infusions can darken and condition hair. These are just a few of the many beauty uses of herbs.

Aromatic Herbs

Herbs are frequently used in gardens for their wonderful scent. Herbs such as lavender, hyssop and bergamot are often planted for both their beauty and their lovely smell. These characteristics make gardens easy on the eyes and a pleasure to walk by.

Fragrant herbs are often used in potpourri. They are also used in many formulations for aromatherapy. The aforementioned lavender, for example, has a soothing scent that is used to calm nerves and promote restful sleep. Herb stores often carry essential oils for use in aromatherapy, and many products such as lotions, soaps and shampoos also make use of herbal aromatherapy.

Medicinal Herbs

Herbal medicine has been around for centuries, and it is still thriving today. Herbs provide relief from a wide variety of ailments, and they often have fewer and less severe side effects than the chemicals offered by traditional medicines. It’s no wonder that more and more people are becoming interested in herbal remedies.

You don’t have to go to the herb shop to get an herbal remedy. You can grow the herbs you need right in your own garden. Herbs such as chamomile and garlic, for example, have a number of medicinal uses and can easily be grown in an herb garden.

Culinary Herbs

Although cooking isn’t the only thing you can do with herbs, it is one of the most fun. Fresh herbs can be used to make a variety of delicious dishes. And some herbs can be used for medicinal, culinary, and beauty or aromatic purposes. Herbs such as sage, rosemary and thyme have a variety of cooking uses, and can be used for other purposes as well.

There are many herbs that you can grow in your garden, and most of those herbs have multiple uses. They are nice to look at and smell, and they may add flavor to your favorite dish, soothe your worries away with their scent, or cure what ails you.

If you go to the spice section in the grocery store, you will see many types of herbs. How many of those do you use in your cooking? Did you know that you can grow many of them in your own garden?

Herb gardens are great for cooking purposes, but they can also be home to medicinal and fragrant plants. And if all of those benefits aren’t enough, they are quite beautiful as well.

Cooking Herbs

There are many cooking herbs that you can grow in your garden. Basil, bay, dill and chives are just a few of the many delicious spices that come from easy-to-grow herbs. Most plants grow large enough to provide a bountiful harvest that you can share with friends and family.

Fresh herbs are much tastier than the store-bought ones because they haven’t sat around long enough to lose flavor. So a little bit goes a long way. Some cooking herbs are perennials, so they will come back for you to enjoy year after year.

Medicinal Herbs

Many herbs are known for their medicinal qualities. Yarrow, St. John’s wort, and hyssop are some of the most used medicinal herbs. Herbal remedies can be found for almost any common ailment, and they are less expensive and often have fewer side effects than traditional medicines.

Fragrant Herbs

Many herbs have a pleasant fragrance in addition to culinary uses and medicinal qualities. So some people grow herbs simply for their beauty and scent. Some fragrant herbs mingle well with regular flowers to add beauty and fragrance to a traditional garden.

Making Money with Herbs

Growing an herb garden can turn into a profitable business. Many herbalists dry and grind culinary herbs to sell, and some even make their own signature blends. Others grow medicinal herbs and sell them to companies that make herbal medicines, or directly to customers.

Herbs Make Great Gifts

Culinary, medicinal and fragrant herbs make thoughtful and useful gifts. You could give entire plants or cuttings so that recipients can grow their own. Or you could dry and grind culinary herbs that they can use in cooking. For a friend or family member who is sick, you could prepare an infusion or tincture and deliver it to him or her.

Another great way to present culinary or medicinal herbs is with recipes. You could print the recipe on some pretty stationery or a note card, package the other ingredients with it, and present it to someone who loves gourmet food or enjoys using home remedies.

There are many benefits of growing an herb garden. It puts the things you need for cooking and herbal remedies right at your fingertips. It allows you to use the ingredients fresh instead of buying them from the store, where it’s hard to tell how long they’ve been sitting on the shelf. And it allows you to make money from the herbs or give them as gifts. The many uses for herbs make herb gardening well worth the time spent.

Acne treatments have come a long way over the years. Once limited to precious few options that were sometimes ineffective, acne sufferers now have numerous treatment choices. Some treatments can be obtained from the family doctor, some require a dermatologist’s expertise, and some can be purchased at your local discount store or herb shop. Here are six of the most popular acne treatments available:

1. Retin-A

Those who primarily suffer from persistent blackheads and whiteheads can often benefit from Retin-A. Retin-A is derived from Vitamin A and promotes the shedding of material that clogs pores and causes blackheads and whiteheads.

Retin-A often causes irritation and flaky skin, and it usually takes several weeks before patients can see a difference. Those using the drug are advised to use a moisturizer regularly and avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight.

2. Antibiotics

Some doctors and dermatologists begin acne treatment with antibiotics. These are either taken orally or applied topically. The antibiotics work by decreasing the number of acne-causing bacteria in the skin and reducing the amount of fatty acids in the sebum.

The downside to antibiotics is that they can also kill the good bacteria that our bodies need to stay healthy. They are also associated with the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. These problems are somewhat less prevalent with topical antibiotics than with oral ones.

3. Photodynamic Therapy

One of the newer techniques in acne treatment is photodynamic therapy, also known as blue light therapy. Previously used to treat cancer and other diseases and ailments, it has also been found to be an effective alternative to systemic antibiotics in the treatment of moderate to severe acne.

Photodynamic therapy is conducted as a series of three to five treatments, with two to four weeks between treatments. It is not usually covered by insurance.

4. Tea Tree Oil

One of the most effective home remedies for acne is tea tree oil. It is used by diluting and dabbing it directly onto acne lesions. Tea tree oil is known for its antibacterial properties, and that is thought to be the reason why it is so effective against acne.

5. Garlic

Garlic is another natural antibiotic, and it can be used in a variety of ways against acne. You can cleanse the skin with a solution of one part garlic juice to three parts garlic, rub raw garlic on lesions, or take it internally. The key is to use fresh garlic, because it loses its effectiveness a short time after it is skinned.

6. Vitamins

Vitamins are good for overall health, and they can be a powerful weapon in the fight against acne. B Vitamins are especially beneficial, because they fight acne in several different ways. Vitamins A, C, E, and the minerals chromium and zinc are also great.

There are vitamins available in health food stores specifically for acne sufferers, but the best way to get these vitamins is to include them in our diets.

There are more options for acne sufferers than ever before. Whether you prefer traditional treatments, non-drug therapy or natural remedies, acne can be treated effectively.

Sinus problems are a very common ailment. Allergies, nasal irritants and colds can all trigger sinus trouble. When a large amount of mucus is present in the sinuses, it can easily lead to a sinus infection.

Doctors prescribe antibiotics to those with sinus infections. Sometimes they work. Sometimes they don’t and when the antibiotics don’t do their job, the bacteria could become resistant to them. That means that you’ll need stronger antibiotics and they may or may not do the job. If they don’t work, you’ll need even stronger ones. This can lead to long-term antibiotic use and that kills the good bacteria in your system, possibly leading to other health problems.

Because of these potential problems, many sinus sufferers are hesitant to use antibiotics. There are herbal remedies that may provide relief. They have fewer side effects and less potential for complications.

Grapefruit Seed Extract

Grapefruit seed extract is a powerful herbal antibiotic. It must be diluted in warm water before use. You can make a nasal spray out of it and use it every hour or two.

You can also dilute grapefruit seed extract and use it in a neti pot. A neti pot is a ceramic pot that is used to flush out the sinuses. It may be hard to get the hang of, but this method gets the grapefruit seed extract up into your sinuses, making it more likely to work quickly.

Garlic

Garlic kills bacteria and fungi. No matter which one is causing your sinus infection, garlic can help. It is best used fresh but the cloves must be crushed in order to obtain maximum effectiveness.

If you can’t stand to eat raw garlic, you could juice a couple of cloves and add the juice to a more palatable vegetable juice. It is crucial to use fresh, raw garlic and not garlic pills. These are not nearly as potent and will likely be ineffective on tough sinus infections.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Many people find apple cider vinegar effective in helping to prevent sinus infections. Drinking 1/8 to 1/4 cup per day diluted in water thins the mucus, making it less likely that an infection will form. If you already have an infection this can help increase drainage and decrease congestion.

Another thing that many have found effective is boiling equal parts water and apple cider vinegar, removing it from the stove, and inhaling the vapors. This will relieve congestion in addition to helping get rid of the infection.

Many people suffer from sinus problems every winter. The next time you get a sinus infection try using an herbal remedy. It might get rid of your sinus infection with fewer side effects and less expense than antibiotics.

Just because the weather is cold doesn’t mean you have to stay indoors. Getting out during the winter is important to help prevent cabin fever. Those who get out in freezing temperatures must be careful to avoid frostbite. Here are a few tips to help keep frostbite away.

If you catch frostbite before it gets too bad it can be effectively treated at home. The most minor cases of frostbite are called frostnip and if treated quickly they cause no permanent damage. A doctor, however, should treat anything beyond frostnip, as soon as possible.

What Are the Signs of Frostnip?

Frostnip shows itself as whitish, waxy skin. The area will also feel tingly. If you find signs of frostnip it is important to warm the area as quickly as possible. If you can’t get indoors, use other parts of your body to warm the frost nipped area. If your fingers get frostnip, for example, you could place them under your arm until they are warmed back up.

Once the area is warmed sufficiently the skin may turn red. It will be slightly painful and will probably feel like it has been burned. In some cases blisters may develop. The area will need to be well protected but usually there is no lasting damage.

What Happens if Frostnip Goes Untreated?

Untreated frost nipped areas will develop second-degree frostbite, also known as superficial frostbite. The underlying layers of skin will begin to freeze. The outside of the skin may feel somewhat stiff but the skin underneath will be soft and pliable.

If superficial frostbite is not treated promptly it could become deep or third degree frostbite. The tissue underneath the skin freezes solid and the area loses its sensitivity. The skin turns deep red or purple. Frostbite this severe warrants immediate medical attention. It could result in the loss of limbs without prompt treatment.

How to Treat Frostbite

Frostnip and minor superficial frostbite can be treated at home. If getting to a doctor right away is impossible there are some things you can do to treat deep frostbite until you can get medical help.

* Get indoors as quickly as possible. Remove any wet clothing and get your entire body warmed up. If your body temperature is too low you won’t be able to heal properly.

* Soak the area in warm water until it turns pink. You will probably have to add warm water periodically, because the coldness of the frostbitten area will cool it off quickly.

* Once the area is thawed out, dry it and wrap it in gauze. This will help prevent infection.

* Drink sage tea. This will improve your circulation, help warm you up and aid in healing.

* Gently apply witch hazel, olive oil or aloe vera to the frostbitten area. All of these will promote healing.

* Cover the frostbitten area with the inside of a banana peel. This will alleviate the pain and burning.

Frostbite is something that shouldn’t be taken lightly however, so if you believe it is more than just something that can be treated at home, see your doctor right away before the condition worsens and can’t be treated.

Colds are a common annoyance in the winter. The coughing, stuffy nose and lack of energy can really slow you down. While there is no cure for the common cold, there are ways to reduce its severity and make it go away more quickly.

There are numerous over-the-counter cold remedies available at the drug store. Natural remedies usually have fewer side effects and more health benefits. Here are some natural remedies for colds and coughs.

Lemon Juice and Honey

Lemon juice contains lots of vitamin C, one of the best vitamins for the immune system. Honey soothes the throat and helps combat cough. Diluting the juice of a lemon in a glass of warm water and adding a teaspoon of honey makes a simple but effective cold and cough remedy.

You could also add a few teaspoons of lemon juice and honey to ginger tea. Ginger is great for the immune system as well. Drinking either of these recipes once or twice a day will help you fight off a cold and reduce your symptoms.

Garlic

Garlic is a powerful antibiotic and anti-fungal. There are a number of ways that you can use it to fight off a cold.

* You can make garlic soup. This is done by boiling three or four cloves of garlic in a cup of water. Eat it once a day until your symptoms are gone.

* You can eat it raw. It is most effective this way, but some people can’t stand the taste. Juicing it and adding to other juices or the tea recipe above can make it more palatable. You could infuse it in vinegar or use it in a recipe that calls for raw garlic.

* Garlic tablets are a good alternative for those who just can’t stomach garlic. They are not as effective as regular garlic though.

Spicy Foods

If you are suffering from congestion there’s nothing like something hot and spicy to open up the nasal passages. Adding a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to any soup will help clear the sinuses and warm you up. If you feel up to eating a spicy curry is also great for this purpose.

Natural Supplements

There are numerous natural supplements that you can take to help get rid of a cold. Echinacea is an herb that stimulates the immune system and can shorten the duration of a cold. A large dose of vitamin C taken at the beginning of a cold may make symptoms less severe and taking the standard dose while you are sick may facilitate a quicker recovery. Doses higher than 2,000 milligrams a day, however, can be harmful.

Having a cold is no fun. Although you will have to wait for it to pass, there are natural remedies that can reduce both symptoms and duration. These remedies have fewer side effects and are often less expensive than the cold medicines sold at the drug store.

Sage is well known for its use as a seasoning in such foods as sausages, stuffing and many soups. Sage is more than just a flavoring agent. It has medicinal properties as well, and it can be used to alleviate numerous ailments.

Sage contains camphor and phenolic acids, both of which are antibacterial. It also contains thujone, an antiseptic, and tannins, which have astringent properties. Sage is also said to have anti-inflammatory properties. With all of these benefits, it’s no wonder that sage is a favorite of herbalists.

Sage for Problems of the Mouth and Throat

Sage is great for sores in the mouth and for sore throats. Gargling with sage tea mixed with apple cider vinegar and salt can provide relief for a sore throat. Rinsing the mouth with sage tea will help heal mouth sores. Adding a bit of chamomile will make the tea even more soothing.

Sage for Wounds

Sage compresses can be beneficial for most wounds. They were used in ancient times to relieve snakebites. Sage’s antibacterial and antiseptic properties make it a good treatment for cuts and abrasions. It is also said to be great for reducing the pain associated with bruises.

Sage for Digestive Problems

Sage is great for settling the stomach. It can also provide relief from flatulence. When consumed in moderation, sage is even said to help lower blood sugar. If you are diabetic it is important to discuss this use with your doctor.

Bathing in Sage

Putting sage in your bath can have numerous benefits. Sage is effective against skin ulcerations and rashes. It has been used to treat dandruff. Those suffering from stiffness of the muscles or joint aches and pains can benefit from soaking in a sage bath. As a bonus, the scent of sage can act as an insect repellent.

Sage for the Mind

Herbal aids are often used to increase mental alertness. Sage is often an ingredient in these and it can also be used on its own for the same purpose. Studies have also shown that sage can improve memory. It is thought that it may protect chemicals in the brain that are destroyed by Alzheimer’s disease.

Other Medicinal Properties

Sage has been used against many other ailments. Those suffering from menopause often use sage to combat excessive sweating associated with hot flashes. Acne, hypertension, colds and headaches are a few of the other things that people use sage for.

Using sage to combat health problems can save you money and prevent you from suffering the side effects associated with many modern medicines. Sage can easily be grown right in your garden, making it convenient and accessible. The many uses of sage make it well worth the small amount of time spent growing and caring for it.