Tuesday 28 May 2013

Stinging Nettle, An Edible Weed

Stinging nettles are an unknown herb that is very common among Europe and North America and are seen as a bothersome weed in your yard or at local parks. However, what people don't know is the amazing health benefits and the easy accessibility for which you can obtain this herb. It can be ingested as a tea or a cooked to look and taste much like spinach. This herb contributes to many health problems as well as can enhance your beauty in the sense of obtaining that healthy glow.
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Firstly, before you jump to shoving stinging nettles down your throat, here are some VERY important warnings you should know before ingesting stinging nettles.
* You MUST cook or boil YOUNG stinging nettle before ingesting. The reason for this is because young stinging nettles have not fully developed their "stingers," so it is easier to get rid of that hurtful acid on the plant, which has the same molecular structure as ANT ACID. But if you cook or boil it, that will get rid of it completely and it'll be like it was never there.

Seven Amazing Health Benefits of Stinging Nettles;
1) Contains High Amounts of Protein, Iron, Magnesium, and Calcium - All of these components are essential for maintaining healthy bones, skin, hair, and nails. It also supports the nervous system!
2) Treats Allergy Symptoms - Anti-inflammatory compounds as well as flavonoids contained within this plant reduces the amount of histamine in the body, therefore reducing the symptoms of allergic reactions and providing you relief in a natural, non-medicinal way!
3) Digestive Aid - Stinging nettle contains a natural diuretic which helps the kidney retain less water and supports urination, which may help get rid of kidney stones. As well as supporting urination, the stinging nettle also cleans and supports the digestive tract.
4) Prevents Hair Loss - Stinging nettle, most commonly used in oil form for this purpose, is used to stimulate and support hair growth as well as prevent hair loss. The oil may be applied to the scalp right before bedtime and rinsed off in the morning with shampoo, repeating this every one or two days. Along with this treatment, ingestion of stinging nettle tea or the cooked herb also helped support hair growth. With this treatment, results should be seen within several months.
5) Lessens Symptoms of PMS - This herb detoxifies the liver as well as reduces bloating and breast tenderness. This contributes to the lessening of the annoying symptoms that may come along with your time of month.
6) Great for your skin! - Stinging nettle benefits your skin by removing the toxins in your blood and contributing to heightening your iron intake. Good blood equals good skin everybody!
7) Antibacterial and Antiviral - Along with supporting your immune system and your overall health, stinging nettle is also proven to have antibacterial and antiviral properties, which prevents you from getting sick or helps deal with infections and colds.

Friday 10 May 2013

Beet Beauty!

Since ancient times, beets (specifically their juices) were used for multiple homemade recipes to treat various diseases from blood to digestive disorders. Now, with modern science, these claims on the amazing health benefits of beets have become a fact. And with these amazing health benefits, along with their amazingly cheap price in the grocery store, beets can be used for their dying properties for external beauty uses!
Before I jump to conclusions and just give you the tips on how to smother beet juice on yourself, let's list some health benefits that keep your internal body delighted.
5 Benefits of Drinking Beet Juice;
1) They are anti-inflammatory
2) They lower blood pressure
3) Contain anti-carcinogenic properties
4) Contains phosphorus, iodine, iron, protein, potassium and vitamins A, C, B2, B1, and B6.
5) Contains anti-oxidant properties

TIP* If you plan on drinking pure beet juice, please drink in moderation. They are known for their detoxing properties and you may not want to drink too much of it. About half a cup a day should be the maximum.
OH, and by the way, they're sweet! =D

How to Apply Beet Juice for Beauty;
As I mentioned before, beets stain very well. I personally used this recipe and the redness stays on my lips literally all day long! This recipe is very simple to make and includes a lot of optionals.

How to extract the juice:
1) Get rubber gloves and an apron, or you'll stain your clothes in a blood-like color. Not a very good impression..
2) Cut the beet in half, and either put it in a juicer (easier option) or get a cheese shredder and start shredding the beet as you would mozzarella.
3) If you used the cheese shredder option, pick up the beet remains, put it over a bowl, and squeeze all the juice out of it. If you used the juicer, voila! You're done!

Now that you have the juice, what can you do with it?
Option one: You may just apply it to your lips, as is, and it'll stain wonderfully!
Option two:  Mix the beet juice with a bit of almond oil and lemon juice to help preserve the color and hydrate your lips! Then apply on lips for same effect as option one, but healthier and longer-lasting.
Option three: Add some beet juice to Vaseline to get a red lip gloss!

What else can you do with the juice other than use it for your lips?
Well, I'm glad you asked.
Option four: Drink it! Beet juice is very good for you and will maintain your healthy glow!
Option five:  Use it as a blush. You can dehydrate beet slices and then crush them in a coffee grinder to form a traditional powder blush! Or you can just apply the liquid to your skin, but VERY moderately and evenly. It takes some practice, but you'll get the hang of it =D

Tuesday 7 May 2013

Say Bye Bye to Sunburns, Naturally!

It's that time of season again, and annoying sunburns are back. Most of us are guilty of going out and "tanning" to get that "nice healthy glow". Then you come back looking like a lobster. Everybody should be aware of all the damage your skin is going through when exposed TOO much UV rays. A little bit of sun does wonders for your health and your skin, but you must limit your exposure. Sunburns increase your chance of all sorts of skin related diseases (most popular one in the media is skin cancer), as well as age your skin. Remember to put on sunscreen before going outdoors.
And if you ignored my advice completely, here are some natural homemade remedies to replenish your sunburned skin and get it back to a normal colour, faster =D

Three Natural Homemade Treatments for Sunburns 
1) Aloe Vera - First of all, Aloe vera gel is a natural sunscreen and is known for its healing properties for burns. This will reduce swelling, redness and also accelerates the healing process along with removing the itchiness of the typical sunburn. This is definitely the miracle plant in a delicate case such as this.

2) Apple Cider Vinegar - Apple cider vinegar is a natural disinfectant and a marvelous tool for reduction of swelling and redness. It also makes your skin evenly toned and can be used as a daily face wash if diluted in water. For use of sunburns, add about 100mL of apple cider vinegar to your bath and soak in it for 15-20 minutes. It will smell for a while, but it evaporates quickly not leaving a trace of the vinegary smell.


3) Lavender Oil - Lavender oil is wonderful for calming skin and reducing redness. Add several drops of lavender oil to a cool bath and soak for about 20 minutes. Afterwards, moisturize your skin gently and stay hydrated.

Extra #4) Milk works as a nice relief for sunburns and soothes the skin. However, I would personally recommend Aloe Vera as a more effective, natural tool for sunburn relief. If you don't happen to have Aloe Vera on you, use milk instead.

Tips*
- Drink plenty of fluids and keep yourself hydrated.
- Apply moisturizer, such as almond oil, or Aloe Vera often so as to keep your skin moisturized. Your skin is begging for nutrition when it is sunburned, so take advantage of that.
- Use gentle shower gels and NO scrubs whatsoever.
- Take cool baths or showers.
- STAY OUT OF THE SUN! And after your sunburn has healed, learn your lesson and minimize your sun exposure to a healthy amount. Red and wrinkled skin is not attractive at all. Know your risks and stay safe =D