Get Fair Skin Naturally

1.         Lemon is known to be a superior bleaching agent and scrubbing about half a lemon on your face regularly will help lighten your skin tone. This is one of the simplest yet effective home remedies for fair skin.

2.         The juice of one potato can be squeezed and applied to your face; do it regularly and you will notice a gradual change.

3.         Apply the pulp of a mashed tomato on your skin; not only will it lighten your skin tone but it will give it a pink glow too.

4.         Mix equal quantities of honey and lemon juice and apply it on your skin.

5.         Another great natural way to get fair skin is to mix a tiny amount of cinnamon with about half a teaspoon of honey and apply it on your face.

6.         If you have oily skin and want to lighten its tone, then applying a mixture of cucumber and lemon juice on it works wonders.

7.         Curd is rich in lactic and zinc acid, both of which have natural skin lightening properties.

8.         If you want to lighten scars on your skin then applying fresh coconut water on them really works.

9.         A tiny amount of saffron mixed with olive oil is a great natural remedy to make your skin fair.

10.     This effective fairness mask requires you to mix a spoonful each of almond oil, lemon juice and milk powder. Apply the mask on your skin and let it sit for about 15 minutes before you wash it off.

11.     If you have dry skin and want to lighten its tone, applying a mixture of honey and cucumber juice on it will make it fairer.

12.     Another great way to get fair skin naturally is to apply the white of an egg on your face at least twice a week. 

13.     This skin lightening face pack requires you to make a mixture of tomato, curd and oatmeal and apply it on your face.

14.     Take a ripe tomato, mash it and add a few drops of lemon juice to it. Apply it and watch your skin tone lighten gradually.

15.     Another great way to make oily skin fair is to apply a mixture of milk powder, papaya, honey and milk to your face.


Instant Fairness Tips: Get Lighter Skin

1              Apply a mixture of milk and banana on your face.

2              Before going to sleep apply a mixture of raw milk and rose water on your skin.

3              Mix baking soda with water and apply on your face when clean. Let it sit for 15 minutes before you wash it off with water.

Honey For Hair Growth: Amazing Benefits

Very few of us are aware of how good is honey for hair growth too. It is true that honey can tame even the wildest of tresses. Using honey in hair masks has always been popular. It is a great way to add health to your hair in the most natural way. Today we will take a closer look at the wonderful benefits of this amazing ingredient.

1.     Honey is an emollient which means it is a natural softener. This makes it a great hair conditioner that smoothens your hair.
2.     It is a natural antioxidant, so it tends to make your scalp healthy and stimulate hair growth.
3.     As honey is an emollient, it also improves the health of the hair follicles which are responsible for hair growth. Researchers say that proper use of honey of treatment of hair can waken up the sleeping hair follicles which boost the growth of hair.
4.     We all know that honey is a humectant, and thus, tends to prevent the loss of moisture from your scalp. But honey also has high sugar content which helps to retain moisture. This as a result prevents hair fall and strengthens the hair follicles.
5.     Honey also comprises of antibacterial and antiseptic qualities. This prevents our scalp from infections or psoriasis, and tends to keep our scalp clean and bacteria-free. This also keeps us away from dandruff and itchiness on your scalp.
6.     If your hair is dry or increased pollution and direct exposure to the sun as made them lifeless, then use of honey can bring back that lost sheen and shine of your hair.

Honey, in real terms is a true gift of nature to us. It makes your hair follicles and scalp healthy, which automatically boosts hair growth. But in order to reap maximum benefits from it, you need use it in some preferred and tested ways only. Here are some best ways to use honey for boosting your hair growth and fighting the problem of hair loss.

Honey Masks For Hair Growth

1. Olive Oil And Honey Hair Mask Recipe
    Half a cup of honey
    1/4th cup extra of virgin olive oil
    1/4th cup of buttermilk (optional)
Preparing The Mask
    Blend the honey and olive oil together and microwave for 30 seconds. Add the buttermilk to this once it has cooled down a bit. Now, apply this evenly all over your hair. Leave this on for about 30 minutes. Wear a plastic cap to prevent dripping. Rinse off using four tablespoons of honey mixed into one mug of water.

2. Banana And Honey Hair Mask Recipe
    2 ripe bananas
    Half a cup of honey
    1/4th cup of olive oil
Preparing The Mask
The problem with this hair mask is that ripe bananas tend to stay stuck in the hair. This makes them extremely difficult to wash off. You can increase the amount of olive oil to make the mixture even smoother. Blend the above ingredients till they turn into a dripping mixture. Apply on the hair and scalp evenly. Leave this on for about 20 minutes. Wear a shower cap to avoid a mess. Rinse under running water. Use a shampoo. Comb through the hair to get rid of banana chunks. Rinse again. Do a final rinse with four tablespoons of honey mixed in a mug of water.

3. Egg And Honey Hair Mask
Egg provides the scalp with much needed proteins.
    Egg
    Honey – one cup
Preparing The Mask
    Beat 2 eggs and to this, add half a cup full of honey. Beat these together into a dripping mixture.  Apply on the hair and leave on for about 20 minutes. Cover your head with a plastic cap. Shampoo as usual. Rinse your hair with honey (same as previous masks) for extra shine.

4. Avocado And Honey Hair Mask
Avocado can be used to make great hair masks for dry and frizzy hair.
    Avocado
    Half cup of honey
Preparing The Mask
    Blend half a cup of honey with two cups of over ripened avocado. Apply this mixture evenly to coat full hair length. Leave on for about 15 to 20 minutes. Wear a plastic cap to avoid making a mess. Shampoo and rinse off with a honey solution.

5. Yogurt And Honey Hair Mask
Yogurt can give your hair shine that even the costliest serums cannot. Plus the citric acid present in yogurt effectively fights dandruff.
    1 cup of sour yogurt
    Half cup of honey
Preparing The Mask
    Blend the yogurt with the honey. Apply this evenly to coat your hair strands. Wear a plastic cap for at least 15 minutes. Shampoo and rinse off with a honey solution.

6. Coconut Oil And Honey Mask
Coconut oil is known for its moisturizing and conditioning properties. It has been used for generations for taming wild and frizzy hair.
    Coconut oil
    Honey
Preparing The Mask
    For a quick hair mask, blend half a cup of coconut oil (for shoulder length hair) with half a cup of honey. For those who have longer or shorter hair, adjust the proportions accordingly. Massage this on the hair thoroughly and leave on for 15 minutes. Shampoo and rinse off with a honey solution.

7. Organic Honey Mask Recipe
    Honey
Preparing The Mask
    Take 1 tbsp of honey. Add it to your shampoo or apply it directly on your scalp. Wear a shower cap over your hair for 20 – 30 minutes. Wash it off properly using lukewarm water. You are advised to do this at least twice a week.

8. Honey And Water Mask
    Water
    Honey
Preparing The Mask
    Mix 9 parts of it with 1 part of water in a bowl. Massage it on your scalp properly. Cover all your hair from root to top. Let it work for 3 hours. Now rinse it off with warm water. Repeat this once a week.

These simple and effective hair masks including honey are a great way to add some health back to your hair. Try these out and see which works best for you. Do let us know how it helped.

Best Foods to Eat for Your Thyroid and Metabolism

Nutrients that support our thyroid

The thyroid gland needs specific vitamins and minerals to properly do its job. Since we are all unique in how our hormones are functioning, the best way to get a handle on what our body specifically needs is to have a full thyroid panel done to help pinpoint where individual levels may be off balance. Research shows us that there are a few key nutrients that are highly valuable for everyone.

Iodine (I):  This is the most important trace element found in thyroid functioning. Without iodine, our thyroid does not have the basic building blocks it needs to make the necessary hormones to support all of the tissues in the body. Thyroxine (T4) and Triiodothyronine (T3) are the most essential, active, iodine-containing hormones we have.

Selenium (Se): This element is indispensable to our thyroid in several ways. Selenium-containing enzymes protect the thyroid gland when we are under stress, working like a “detox,” to help flush oxidative and chemical stress, and even social stress – which can cause reactions in our body. Selenium-based proteins help regulate hormone synthesis, converting T4 into the more accessible T3. These proteins and enzymes help regulate metabolism and also help maintain the right amount of thyroid hormones in the tissues and blood, as well as organs such as the liver, kidneys, and even the brain. Selenium also helps regulate and recycle our iodine stores. These are all very important functions!

Zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), and copper (CU): These three trace metals are vital to thyroid function. Low levels of zinc can cause T4, T3, and the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) to also become low. Research shows that both hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroids) and hypothyroidism (under active thyroids), can sometimes create a zinc deficiency leading to lowered thyroid hormones.

Decreased levels of iron can result in decreased thyroid function as well. When combined with an iodine deficiency, iron must be replaced to repair the thyroid imbalance. Copper is needed to help produce TSH, and maintain T4 production. T4 helps cholesterol regulation, and some research even indicates copper deficiency may contribute to higher cholesterol and heart issues for people with hypothyroidism.

Antioxidants and B vitamins: Most people have heard that antioxidants are important to help temper oxidative stress, and thus combat degenerative diseases as well as improve the aging process. Vitamin A (commonly known as beta-carotene), C, and E, along with iodine and selenium, help the thyroid gland mitigate oxidative stress in an ongoing, daily process.

Oxidative stress tends to be higher with Graves disease, the most common form of hyperthyroidism. With this condition, the overactive thyroid uses more oxygen, which can result in an accumulation of oxygenated compounds that can damage cells. Antioxidants are recommended to help stop the oxidative stress before it dominoes. In addition, the B vitamins, including B2, B3, and B6, help with the manufacturing of T4. As you can see, these mechanisms are all connected, which is why the proper micronutrients are important!

Foods that support our thyroid

The following list offers whole food sources containing the necessary vitamins and minerals needed to help our thyroid stay healthy and work properly.

Iodine

Primary sources:

Salmon With Asparagus and FruitSea vegetables: Kelp, nori, kombu, dulse, arame, wakame, hijiki

Seafood: Haddock, clams, salmon, shrimp, oysters, sardines

Iodized sea salt

Secondary sources:

Eggs, spinach, garlic, asparagus, Swiss chard, mushrooms, summer squash, sesame seeds, lima beans

Selenium

Tuna, mushrooms, beef, sunflower seeds, Brazil nuts, organ meats, halibut, soybeans

Zinc

Beef, turkey, lamb, fresh oysters, sardines, soybeans, walnuts, sunflower seeds, Brazil nuts, pecans, almonds, split peas, ginger root, whole grains, maple syrup

Copper

Crabmeat, oysters, lobster, beef, nuts, sunflower seeds, beans (white beans, chickpeas, soybeans), shitake mushrooms, pearled barley, tomato paste, dark chocolate

Iron

Organ meats, oysters, clams, spinach, lentils, soybeans, white beans, pumpkin seeds, blackstrap molasses

Thyroid Vitamin A Beta Carotene Foods Carrots Brocolli SpinachVitamin A (beta-carotene)

Broccoli, asparagus, lettuce, kale, carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, liver, winter squash/pumpkin, cantaloupe

Vitamin C

Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, greens (mustard, collard, kale, turnip), parsley, peppers (chili, Bell, sweet), strawberries, guava, papaya, citrus, kiwifruit

Vitamin E

Peanuts, almonds, sunflower seeds, beans and soybeans, asparagus, leafy green vegetables, whole grains, liver

Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)

Egg yolks, organ meats, wild rice, wheat germ, Brewer’s yeast, mushrooms, almonds

Vitamin B3 (niacin)

Poultry (white meat), peanuts (with skin), wheat bran, rice bran, liver, Brewer’s yeast

Vitamin B6 (pyroxidine)

Fish (tuna, trout, salmon), liver, bananas, brown rice, wheat germ, sunflower seeds, walnuts, beans (navy beans, garbanzos, pinto beans, soybeans, lima beans), Brewer’s yeast

Foods that may disrupt our thyroid function

Soy:  There are some studies showing that the isoflavones in soybeans can inhibit the enzyme, which adds iodine to the thyroid hormone known as thyroid peroxidase (TPO). These studies indicate that soy isoflavone might bond with the iodine we do have, diminishing the reserve for thyroid production. The issue lies with the levels of iodine we have. If levels are sufficient, eating natural soy should not be a problem. Natural soy is a tremendous help to many women in regulating menopause symptoms, so this is an important nutrient to consider.

Brassica family of vegetables:  Examples of Brassica VegetablesThis group of vegetables includes brussel sprouts, cauliflower, broccoli, and cabbage, which studies show can reduce the thyroid hormone in a similar way to soy. Goiter, an enlarged thyroid, is linked to iodine deficiency. The compounds categorized as goitrogens can be found in small amounts in many other foods as well, including spinach, peanuts, and strawberries. It’s ok to eat them, but by pairing them with iodine-rich foods, we can counteract the metabolization reducing iodine.

Gluten: There is a distinct connection between gluten intolerance, celiac disease, and autoimmune thyroid issues. This is the one food I strongly recommend to avoid if you have a thyroid condition. Gluten is found in many foods, and can trigger a whole series of digestive issues and hormonal imbalances. I have many patients whose thyroid functioning improves if we determine gluten sensitivity and remove gluten from their diets. Not only that, they feel better!

Find the right balance

When we support our thyroid naturally, we can improve the way we feel on many levels. It may seem complicated, but once we learn which foods help and how to support our thyroid with the micronutrients we need, it will become second nature.

Get tested

Have a full thyroid panel, as well as check iodine, selenium, and Vitamin D levels. The results of these tests combined, can help determine any underlying conditions and the best way to treat them.

Eat whole foods and consider taking supplements.

Supporting our thyroid through consuming wholesome foods rich in the right micronutrients is ideal. But it isn’t always possible to do this on a regular basis. Using a high-quality multivitamin (click here for Women to Women’s formulation) and mineral supplement can help round-out deficiencies in thyroid imbalance. Try this approach before taking a synthetic thyroid hormone, since these prescriptions tend to increase our thyroid’s dependence on them, making it harder to get off of them later.

Use herbs.

There are many herbs that can support thyroid function, such as sage, ashwaganda, bacopa monnieri, and coleus forskohlii. Combined with iodine and selenium, these herbs can help boost energy and support healthy metabolism. A functional medicine practitioner can help with the formula based on individual need.

Address stress.

Chronic stress leads to elevated levels of cortisol, the primary stress hormone, which over time can overwork thyroid hormones, eventually leading to hypothyroidism. A good way to minimize physical stress is to actually eat more often. Three balanced meals and two healthy snacks every day can keep our thyroid working smoothly. Minimizing emotional stress is also important. Exercise, plenty of sleep, and relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation can also help balance our hormones and thyroid functioning.

Sit and enjoy your meals.

We live in a culture where relaxing is put at the bottom of our to-do list. When we are rushed and hurry to eat, or eat standing at the kitchen counter, in the car, or at our desks, our digestive systems do not work as well as they do when we are relaxed and comfortable while eating. Sitting down and enjoying our meals not only help nourish our bodies, it helps our thyroid by reducing the stress associated with hurrying. Sit with friends and family, talk, laugh, relax, and enjoy the break. You will notice a difference in how you feel, and your thyroid will too.

How To Get Rid Of Moles

Where skin is concerned, there are a lot of aspects that you might have to face. There are some that are temporary and a few other are permanent. However, no matter what kind of marks you have on the skin, the ideal is one that is flawless and free of not only pimples and acne but also of blackheads, dark spots, discoloration and what we know as moles.

In simple words, moles are black or brown marks on the skin that can range from the size of a pencil dot to even that of a pencil eraser. Usually the moles are circular in shape and can really hamper the look and appearance of a person. However, it has no negative implications on the health. You will be glad to hear that there are ample numbers of safe and effortless ways in which you can actually get rid of a mole.

The only thing to do is to follow the ideas on a regular basis and till the time required. This is going to give you outstanding results in hand. The list below has the top notch ideas, remedies and cures that you can pick from the innumerable ones and go towards the right direction for getting rid of moles:

Apple Cider Vinegar

One of the products from the racks at home that can easily help you get rid of moles is apple cider vinegar. This is one liquid that is supposed to have innumerable advantages attached to it. Among the many benefits that you can extract, getting rid of a mole is one of the top one 

Take some amount of apple cider vinegar on a clean cotton ball and apply it on the mole. Cover the cotton with a bandage to keep the ball in place. This should be kept at least for an hour. This should be done till the time the mole completely disappears or falls down.

Get Professional

One of the right ways to actually get the mole treated is to seek help from a doctor. This is the best you can do for permanent as well as fast turnaround time for the treatment of the moles. They will not only check it up whether the mole is harmless or cancerous but will also suggest the simplest and the safest surgical method of removing the mole from the skin.

This can either be in the form of cauterization where the mole is shaved off and brought to the level of the skin. This is followed by a cauterization process by the doctor. On the other hand, stitches is another way of removal where the mole is simply cut off from under the skin and then stitched back to close the wound.

Iodine Solution Usage

5 percent iodine solution is another of the great ways in which the mole can be removed. Make sure that none of the iodine gets ingested as it is highly toxic in nature. A drop of iodine will work real wonders if used each day on the mole at least twice. This should be covered with a band aid for proper treatment. You can follow the routine once in the morning and once at night. The mole will start coming off after a week of application.

Apply Pineapple Juice

The acidic nature of citrus fruits like pineapple juice is a perfect home remedy that can be used on the moles each day. This remedy of applying fresh and sugar free pineapple juice on the mole twice each day will give you visible outcomes in a couple of weeks where mole removal is concerned. Not only is it a 100 percent safe way to cure but also one that is affordable on the pocket.

Garlic Wonders

A home product that is quite commonly found in each house and is loaded with benefits is garlic. A clove of garlic is enough each day to start your treatment for getting rid of moles. All you need to do is cut it into half and put the half on the mole and place is in the position with a band aid the entire night. Once you follow the method for several days you will see the mole falling. It is a researched and well reviewed way of handling the problem.

Banana Peels Is A Perfect Idea

Banana peels is an ideal remedy to treat moles if followed on a routine basis. The inside of the peel is what will be useful on the mole for it to fall out. It will dry up the mole to the extent that it actually falls off. However, make sure you follow the simple but efficient remedy for several days before seeing the effects.

Baking Soda And Castor Oil Combo

Another of the good old grandma’s recipe states that the mixture of castor oil with baking soda is a good way to reach your goals of getting rid of moles. Herein, all you need is a pinch of good quality baking soda which can be diluted with a drop of castor oil and then dabbed as a paste on the affected area. This should be left overnight each day after application. Once you follow it for a couple of weeks you will see the mole disappearing or falling.

Strawberry Effects

A slice of freshly cut strawberry is all you need everyday to apply on the moles and get rid of it completely in a few weeks. This is an efficient way of treating the problem and getting the right benefits that you truly deserve. Try and apply it twice in a day if possible for approximately one hour each.

Use Juice Of Grapefruit

Fresh grapefruit juice can be used on the mole a number of times during the entire day. This regimen should be followed for a couple of weeks before you will see the mole fall out completely. About a month is what it takes before giving you perfect end results. This is another of the home remedies that have been proved time and again.

Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.

Cinnamon: Health Benefits

Cinnamon is a spice obtained from the inner bark of several trees from the genus Cinnamomum that is used in both sweet and savoury foods. The term "cinnamon" also refers to its mid-brown colour.

While you may think of it as just a tasty addition to French toast or rice pudding, the health benefits of cinnamon are numerous. There are many types of cinnamon, but the health studies conducted typically use Cassia, the type normally found in grocery stores.

Traditional Uses of Cinnamon

In China, cinnamon has been used for hundreds of years. It is believed to improve vitality, boost energy and increase circulation. It was often given to people who had cold feet, and it is an important ingredient in chai, helping with the digestion of fruits and dairy products. 

Other traditional uses for cinnamon include the following: 

·      Colds 

·      Nausea 

·      Diarrhea 

·      Flatulence 

·      Painful menstruation 

·      Diabetes 

·      Indigestion 

It is a common ingredient in many cultures and health philosophies including ayurveda. Practitioners of Ayurvedic medicine often recommend it for the kapha type. 

Current Health Benefits of Cinnamon 

While cinnamon has been used as a traditional remedy in other cultures for years, there are also some newer uses coming to the forefront with current research. These include everything from fighting bacteria to reducing cholesterol. 

Blood Sugar Control 

New research into the health properties of cinnamon provides hope for diabetics. Researchers at the United States Department of Agriculture conducted a study on the benefits of cinnamon using the pill form of the spice in various doses. Four groups received either a placebo or varying amounts of cinnamon. Their blood glucose levels were monitored. The net result was that cinnamon appeared to lower blood glucose levels regardless of the dose, so a little went a long way. Other studies also point to cinnamon as a promising agent to reduce blood glucose levels. This is very important for people who may be diagnosed with Adult Onset or Type II diabetes or insulin resistance, a warning sign of impending diabetes. Cinnamon taken with meals, a healthy diet low in sugar and moderate exercise may prevent development of full blown diabetes or delay its onset for many years. 

Bacteria Fighter 

Cinnamon may also pack a powerful punch against microbes. Research at Kansas State University demonstrated that cinnamon fights E.coli bacteria. The study examined cinnamon used in unpasteurized apple juice. When used alone or in combination with typical food preservatives, cinnamon knocked the amount of E.coli bacteria in the apple juice to almost undetectable levels. In another study conducted in Taiwan, the People's Republic of China, demonstrated similar effects against other strains of bacteria. 

Reduces Cholesterol 

Another benefit of cinnamon appears to be a reduction in LDL cholesterol, the so-called 'bad' cholesterol in the lipid profile. A study published in Diabetes Care, a medical journal, indicated that LDL cholesterol levels were reduced to even percent from 27 percent. Total cholesterol levels appeared to decrease as well: 

Total cholesterol was reduced by 12 to 26 percent 

LDL cholesterol was reduced by seven to 27 percent 

Triglycerides were reduced by 23 to 30 percent 

Other Health Benefits of Cinnamon: 

These studies are not the only ones. Researchers are finding new benefits of cinnamon every day. For example, recently animal studies have shown cinnamon to be active against Candida albicans (a fungus that causes yeast infections) and Helicobacter pylori (the bacteria that causes stomach ulcers). Cinnamon is also known for the following actions: 

·      Anti-clotting effect on the blood 

·      Natural food preservative 

·      Stops medication resistant yeast infections 

·      Smelling cinnamon boosts memory 

·      Protect the colon against cancer 

·      Anti-inflammatory 

·      Protects against coronary artery disease 

·      Effective against head lice 

·      Protects against stroke 

Source of:

·      Manganese 

·      Iron 

·      Calcium

·      Fiber

Drug Interactions and Safety 

Sprinkling some cinnamon on your toast or eating a cinnamon roll is not going to affect the medication you may be taking. However, if you decide to use therapeutic doses of cinnamon, you should discuss your plans with your health care provider. This is especially true if you take any of the following medications or have the conditions listed: 

·      Diabetes medication 

·      Anti-clotting medications such as Coumadin 

·      Bleeding disorders 

·      Pregnancy 

Cinnamon Essential Oil 

Cinnamon is also a beneficial essential oil. As such, it is used for the following conditions: 

·      Low blood pressure 

·      Stress 

·      Constipation 

·      Lice 

·      Rheumatism 

It is important that cinnamon oils not be taken internally because ingestion of these concentrated oils can be fatal. 

Add Some Spice to Your Diet 

The health benefits of cinnamon are varied. Adding a sprinkle of cinnamon to your morning oatmeal, drinking a cup of chai or stirring some into the cookies you bake are all great ways to add this beneficial spice to your diet. Always consult your doctor or health care provider before using cinnamon in therapeutic doses the researchers used. Being healthy never tasted so sweet.