5 Better Alternatives To Lasik


Lasik is considered as the gold standard in removing cataract. However, this procedure isn't right for every sufferer of this eye disease. Here's a list of procedures that you can take advantage. They might be more appropriate to your case.

1. PRK or Photorefractive Keratectomy
This procedure is almost the same as Lasik but without the flap. A very thin surface layer of your cornea is taken out before the laser procedure is conducted.

PRK is designed for near and far farsightedness. It can also be used for patients with astigmatisms. This is an ideal option for individuals with thin corneas

Its main advantage is that it has been used longer than Lasik. however, compared with Lasik, this procedure takes longer time to recover.

2. Lasek
It's fancier than Lasik. Unlike Lasik, this procedure causes less haze from collagen buildup. Unfortunately, this claim has not scientific basis yet.

Lasek is ideal for patients with thin corneas and for indivduals who are near or farsighted. People with astimagtism may also take advantage of this eye procedure.

It has similar benefits as PRK but its recovery time is a bit trickier than Lasik.

3. Wavefront Laser Surgery
This is an advanced procedure that lets surgeons to correct a person's unique corneal flaws. You can be a good candidate for this procedure if you are nearsighted or you have astigmatism. Some patients who cannot undergo Lasik can take advantage of this eye procedure.

The result of this procedure offers a super vision that is better than 20/20. However, it is costlier than the regular Lasik.

4. Conductive Keratoplasty
This is a more improved procedure of LTK, which is an old eye procedure that corrects and eliminates cataract. CK utilizes radio waves, instead of lasers.

This procedure is intended for people with mild to moderate farsightedness. It is also recommended for patients who do not want to wear reading glasses.

Compared with laser procedure, this one is faster and it is designed for those who are afraid of laser. However, the result may fade with time. Another disadvantage of this procedure is that surgeons will insert a tiny material into the cornea, which can be a little irritating.

5. Intraocular Lenses
This procedure will remove your old lens and replace them with an artificial one called Phakic. It is a disc that will sit between the cornea and the natural lens.

It is designed for patients with extreme near and farsightedness, which cannot be treated by Lasik.

The accuracy of this procedure is way better than Lasik. It retains the protective layer of the cornea. Unfortunately, this is prone to infection. Plus, it is more expensive than Lasik.

Gluten Problems Are Linked To Caesareans


More and more babies are being delivered through a caesarean section. In Asian countries alone, more than one baby in four births are delivered via C section.

Bacteria In Vagina
It’s true that a baby born naturally is exposed to several bacteria, from the womb to the birth canal. C-section babies, on the other hand, are handled by the surgeon’s sterile gloves.
However, the bacterial exposure is actually crucial during baby’s development as it can improve his/her immune system and protect him/her against sensitivity to gluten products later on.

Celiac Disease And C-Section

In a German study of 2000 children delivered by caesarean, it was found out that these children were more likely to develop Celiac disease. It’s a disorder that’s triggered by eating gluten foods. Babies brought to this world through C-section are five times more likely to suffer from certain allergies if they’re exposed to allergens during their first years of life.

According to these findings, the lack of exposure to bacteria during early childhood years is the reason of the baby’s susceptibility to allergies. When you’re not exposed to germs and infections, your immune system will easily react to substances, such as dust mites and certain foods.

Breastfeeding
If you can’t avoid C-sections, all is not lost. Studies showed that breastfeeding alone can protect your baby against celiac disease and allergies helping him/her avoid issues regarding gluten as he/she grows old.

Infants that have been introduced to solid foods as early as 4 months had lower incidence of problems with gluten and other food allergies. Unfortunately, doctors don’t advise kids to eat solid food before they’re four months old.

Living A Life With Allergies To Gluten Products
If you do have allergies to these products, then you might want to start embracing eating fresh produce. Keep in mind that this substance appears in various foods. Unfortunately, some of them aren’t too obvious.

To avoid them, you should avoid unprocessed foods altogether. Fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, poultry and fish don’t have this substance.

If you need seasoning, you should go with fresh herbs, salt and pepper. The trick here is to read the food labels.

And you must be aware that some foods that are labeled as gluten-free actually contain this substance. Thus, if you’re still getting symptoms even after you’ve embraced gluten-free products, then you should try eliminating grain products from your diet.

By sticking to fresh meats, nuts, eggs and fresh dairy, you’ll be able to minimize your exposure to gluten, thereby, getting rid of your symptoms. 

Vegetarian Recipe – Stuffed Peppers



I’m not a vegetarian but I really want to try a vegetarian recipe, so my father can eat it as well. Perhaps, this weekend I’ll find time preparing this Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers by Sortedfood.com.
What I’ll need for it are the following:
  • Red peppers
  • Basmati rice (I’ll just use any type of rice I find)
  • Cajun spice
  • Turmeric
  • Red onion
  • Fresh parsley
  • Olives
  • Tomatoes
  • Mozzarella
  • Salad leaves
I’m kind of intrigued with this recipe because it uses red peppers. Any recipe that involves red peppers is, I’d say, delicious.
So here are the details on how to prepare this recipe:
First, preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. While waiting, pour salted water to the pan and bring it to boil. Get the peppers and slice them in half. Make sure that you cut them from stalk to base. Remove the seeds but remember not to break the bottom of the pepper.
Now, get the baking tray. Pour some olive oil, salt and pepper. Bake it for 10 minutes.
Go back to the pan where you’re boiling the salted water. Place the rice into it along with the spice and turmeric. Let it simmer for 10 minutes while waiting for the peppers to cook inside the oven.
Then, peel and slice the red onion into dice shapes. Chop the fresh parsley. Slice the olives and tomatoes. Prepare the mozzarella. Put these ingredients into a mixing bowl.
Get the cooked rice and place it into the mixing bowl. Spoon out rice mixture and place it into the soften pepper. Each stuffed pepper must be topped with mozzarella.
Place the rice mixture into the oven and bake it for another 5 minutes.
Serve this vegetarian recipe while it’s still hot. I’m planning to have it along with an aloe concentrate drink, which is really great for the stomach.

Learn How To Defeat Warning Signs Of A Heart Attack – Forgiveness Is Part Of It



You can defeat the symptoms of heart attack by leading a path to achieve a healthy cardiovascular system. By knowing the most effective steps in preventing yourself from the warning signs of this disease, you can protect your heart so it can work the way it was intended.

Do you smoke?
You can make instant savings by ceasing from smoking. Keep in mind that smoking is one of the leading causes of heart attack and other vascular diseases. It can damage your arteries which can lead to heart attacks and stroke. It can be tough to quit smoking but if you love your heart, then you must start learning how to stop this nasty habit.

Healthy-heart alternatives for heart attack prevention
Why not try to laugh if you are in a difficult situation, rather than getting angry and starting to puff a cigar.

You can also go for a stroll after a heavy meal, instead of sitting straight to your couch and watch television.

Do you like apple crumble? Why not replace it with apple for pudding.

Do you like munching on a bowl of chips while watching your favorite game? Why not sip a cup of homemade cocoa rather than eating those unhealthy chips?

You can also perform strength-training exercises while waiting for your tea to brew.

These alternatives are very simple but they are powerful ways to overcome the warning signs of heart problems.

How to achieve a healthy heart and avoid suffering from a vascular disease?
1. Start with small changes
 A simple lifestyle modification can make a difference to your cardiovascular problems. By changing your diet, you can cut your cholesterol levels by up to 30%.

Perform a 5-minute weight-training exercise to replace the lost muscle tissue which is more than 10 years’ worth.

2. Consume fresh foods
Fresh foods do not cost more than the processed ones. Plus, they do not take too much of your time preparing them.

What delicious foods you can add to your plate? You can have fresh fruit and vegetables, fish, grains, and dairy products, among others. These healthy options will not only protect your heart but they can also lower your blood sugar levels, reduce your blood fats, calm inflammation and protect your body against the harmful effects of free radicals.

3. Overcome the sitting disease
You must conquer this disease if you want to prevent yourself from the warning signs of heart attack. Living a sedentary life is a no-no when it comes to heart attack prevention. Keep in mind that your body is built to perform plenty of activities each day. So go out and get 30 minutes of exercise per week. Your heart will thank you for it.

4. Track your progress
If you follow those tips above and you want to see results, then you must track your progress by keeping notes of your essential numbers, like your waist measurement and your weight.

5. Avoid toxins
These toxins that come from tobacco, trans fat and sugar can cause heart problems. So clear up those toxins to have a healthy heart.

And the most difficult way to prevent heart attack is forgiveness. Holding grudges can lead to various cardiovascular problems. If you learn how to forgive, make friends and become optimistic, you can have a healthier life with a healthy heart.

So, starting from now, you must learn how to live a happy life to have a happy heart. It does not only help in fighting against one or two warning signs of heart attack but all of them. 

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Simple Yet Effective Natural Home Remedies And OTC Products For Acne


There are no cures for acne but there are natural home remedies that you can try to alleviate it. Because there is no sign yet of a cure, it is up to you to find a solution that can help you deal with the outbreaks. Although you can easily purchase over-the-counter products, there are simple natural home remedies that can be as effective as OTC treatments.

But before discussing the popular home remedies available, here is a list of OTC products available on the market.

  1. Keratolytic acids
When applied topically to the affected areas, they can break down the oils that have been blocking the hair follicles. They can also slough off dead skin cells on the surface. Examples of OTC products that contain keratolytic acids will include:

·         Clearasil Medicated Wipes
·         DermaVeen Acne Cleansing Bar
·         Clearasil Acne Treatment Cream

  1. Retinoids
This is one of the most effective remedies for this skin condition. Unfortunately, it can cause irritation. You can apply it topically or take it by mouth. You can also find prescription drugs that contain this ingredient.

  1. Benzoyl peroxide
Panoxyl is one of the most popular acne treatments that contains benzoyl peroxide. What it does is that it encourages removal of dead cells on the skin’s surface while it suppresses bacteria-causing acne.

  1. Topical antibiotic
This can also be used to control breakouts. But antibiotics are only available with prescription.

Since these OTC products can cause irritation, you might want to consider these natural home remedies that are as effective as those OTC treatments.

  1. Ice cube
This can ease the inflammation as long as you apply it at the first sign of a pimple. You must apply it twice a day, 5 minutes at a time.

  1. Tea tree oil
A drop of this oil can remove blemishes as it discourages and infection and speeds up the healing process. Five percent of this oil is considered to be as effective as five percent benzoyl peroxide solution.

  1. Aloe vera
This is one of the most popular natural home remedies for acne. In one study conducted, participants who used aloe vera gel for their acne problems have reported that their skin has been completely healed after applying such within five days. You may purchase a product that contains aloe vera, like Herbalife Herbal Aloe. Or, if you have aloe vera in your home, you can squeeze its gel and apply it to your skin.

  1. Vinegar or lemon juice
With the use of a cotton wool ball, apply this natural remedy to the affected areas. The acids found in these products can flush out the elements that block the hair follicle.

  1. Spice and honey
A mixture of spice and honey can also heal pimples. Simply mix one teaspoon of powdered nutmeg and one teaspoon of honey. Then, apply the mixture to the skin.

  1. Natural yogurt
If you can find natural, live yogurt, then that would be great as it can also be an effective natural home remedy for acne. It can soothe and heal the skin. To maximize its benefits, you must use it after taking a chamomile steam bath.

When dealing with acne, you must keep your skin as clean as possible, but not overly clean. Keep in mind that overcleansing can exacerbate the condition as it stimulates sebaceous glands to produce more oil thereby causing your skin to be oiler.

When cleaning your face, you must avoid granulated cleansers or a face washer. These two may harbor bacteria-causing acne.

Can you make a natural skin cleanser?
By mixing one teaspoon of Epsom salts and three drops of iodine to 125 mL, you can create a natural skin cleanser, which is effective in treating acne.

Should you visit a dermatologist?
Acne is not a life-threatening condition. It is not a major issue if you have pimples every now and then. However, if you do not respond to OTC products or natural home remedies within three months of using them, then you must consider consulting a dermatologist.

You should also consider talking to a skin doctor if your face is always red even without the presence of acne as you may have a condition known as rosacea.

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Popular Natural Allergy Remedies That You Must Know To Counter Symptoms Of Allergies



Itching, runny nose, and sneezing are common symptoms of allergies. To alleviate them, you can take medication. But you must take it before the attack to get the best results.

Or you may try the natural remedies for common allergies listed below. Each of them contains natural anti-histamines that can tackle the symptoms.

1. Ginkgo biloba
You may know this herb as a memory-boosting plant but it is also known to herbalists as an effective natural allergy remedy. Be sure to find a supplement that includes ginkgo flavones as active ingredient. And you must take it as directed.

What makes it effective? It contains ginkgolides that can inhibit the activity of allergy-triggering chemicals.

2. Nettle
Freeze-dried leaves from this plant are available in capsule form. You can purchase it from most health food shops. You must take it as directed by the manufacturer.

What makes it an effective natural allergy remedy? It has certain substance that acts as natural anti-histamine.

3. Quercetin
It is the pigment that gives grapes their purple color. It also makes green tea green.

How does it help? This pigment has an ability to prevent the release of histamine during the attack.

Warning: You must not take it if you are already taking nettle as the latter contains quercetin.

4. Vitamin C
It can be easily purchased from supermarkets, grocery stores and pharmacies.

Can it be an effective natural remedy for common allergies? According to studies, this vitamin has natural anti-histamine that can control the symptoms of hay fever.

You must take up to 500 mg each day while you are still suffering from the symptoms of such condition. You can take more than 500 mg only if prescribed by your doctor.

5. Omega-3 fatty acids
They are found in sardines, trout, salmon and fresh tuna. You may also take supplements that contain such element. But make sure that such supplement has 1000mg of combined eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids.

You may also try flaxseed oil or linseed oil. These, too, contain omega-3 fatty acids. Take 1 tablespoon of flaxseed oil each day. You can add it to your glass of fresh juice, salad dressings or smoothie. But you must avoid heating it as its nutrients may be dissolved.

How they become effective natural remedies for common allergies? They can assist in countering inflammatory responses in the body.

Here are is a list of natural home remedies for common allergies that you can also try:

1. Cool water
Simply soothe your swollen eyes with cool water using a clean face washer. Place it over the affected areas as often as you want. Make sure that the washer is clean to avoid infection to your eyes.

2. Hot compress
To drain the mucus and relieve the pain, you may apply a hot compress to your inflamed sinuses.

3. Eucalyptus, tea-tree and peppermint
These are essential oils that can clear congestion because of their anti-viral and anti-septic properties. Simply add two to five drops of the oil of your choice into a container of boiling or steaming hot water. Then, tent your head with a clean towel and start inhaling the vapor.

Now, that you know some of the effective natural home remedies for common allergies, you might wonder why you experience those symptoms.

These symptoms are indications that your immune system is reacting to harmless substances. In normal situation, IS ignores pollen, dust, and other triggers and simply focuses on protecting your body against viruses and bacteria.

However, if you have an allergy, your IS can no longer distinguish harmless from harmful substances. Unfortunately, common allergies can be inherited. But do not worry. Just use some of those remedies mentioned above to help you deal with the symptoms. 

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Natural Remedies For Anxiety




If you feel threatened to something that is vague or not known, then you are suffering from anxiety. You always feel worried but you are not sure of its reason. When it attacks, you experience a number of symptoms, such as shivering, poor concentration, sweating, irritability and shallow breathing, among others.
Good thing is that there are natural remedies for this condition. You may use herbs and essential oils each time you take a warm bath. You can also add them to your teas and comfort foods to help you calm yourself.
CALM YOUR SENSES
  • By taking a warm bath, you can soothe your nerves. Some lavender can be added to maximize its benefits. For over 2,000 years, Lavender has been used to soothe and relax nerves.
  • Alternately, you may dab a little of lavender oil on your forehead and sit somewhere quietly for several minutes.
SIP
WARM MILK
  • Sipping a glass of warm milk is not only an effective natural remedy for insomnia but it is also an effective remedy for anxiety. It always works and you can drink it any time of the day.
  • Milk has tryptophan that enhances your feeling of wellbeing. Tryptophan is an amino acid being used by your body to produce brain chemical serotonin. You may also try bananas and turkey as they, too, contain such amino acid.
HOPS
  • They are used as a sedative for many years now. Farmers who harvested this herb used to suffer from drowsiness and sleepiness.
  • To use it as a natural remedy for anxiety, you just add 2 teaspoons of this herb in your cup of hot water and drink it. You must drink this anti-anxiety tea three times a day to maximize its benefits.
  • Hops, by the way, are herbs used to give beer a distinctive flavor.
RELAXING TEA
  • By mixing lavender, lime tree and Seville orange blossom, you can make a relaxing tea that can surely resolve your anxiety. This tea encourages sleep so it must only be taken at bedtime.
  • You may also use passionflower to relieve your anxiety. It is a sedative herb that can soothe your nerves and should be taken at bedtime.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
  • Performing aerobic exercise can also relieve anxiety. By taking a brisk walk 30 minutes a day can trigger the release of endorphin, which are chemicals that can improve mood while blocking any pain that you feel.
  • Meditation will also help. Perform meditative activity, like praying or watching your fish in your aquarium for 15 minutes a day can also do the trick.
SHOULD YOU VISIT YOUR DOCTOR
  • Anxiety can take a serious toll on your health. This is especially if the condition has been going on for so long. You must seek immediate help if you are always anxious.
  • The symptoms of anxiety mimic the symptoms of other serious conditions, like hypoglycemia, heart attack and hyperthyroidism. Thus, talking to your doctor is a must.
  • Taking of prescription drugs may also cause anxiety or panic attacks. Discuss them with your doctor to find resolution. Your doctor may even advise you to look at those natural home remedies for anxiety discussed above to relieve your condition. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Janey Danes started her career as a part-time article writer, editor and proofreader in 2008. She specializes in topics related to health, travel, technology, family, and spiritual life. Janey is a licensed medical technologist and she holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Information Technology.     

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The Different Natural Home Remedies To Remove Liver Spots Or Age Spots



Age spots or liver spots are brown pigmentation found on the back of the hands. Although they are called as “age” spots, they are not caused by age. Instead, they are the result of excess pigmentation from years of being exposed to the sunlight. Keep in mind that the side effects of sun exposure will not be visible until later in life. But this pigmentation can develop on your 20s or 30s.

If you take drugs for diabetes and high blood pressure, then you are more prone to develop age spots. Diuretics and tetracycline will also make you more sensitive to the heat of the sun making you more likely to suffer from this type of pigmentation.

What are the natural age spot removal remedies available?
1. Lemon
The juice of a lemon is one of the effective liver spots remover methods that you can use. Its mild acidity is strong enough to peel off the outer layer of the skin to remove the age spots.

How to use it as liver spots remover? Apply the juice to the affected areas twice a day, until the pigmentation disappears.

2. Aloe vera gel
This plant has chemicals that take off dead cells while they encourage growth of healthy ones.

How to use it to remove those dark spots? You need to cut the leaf of the plant. Then, gently squeeze it to extract its gel. Apply the gel directly to the pigmentation once or twice a day.

3. Buttermilk
It contains lactic acid that can exfoliate the skin that has been damaged by the sun, including those pigmented areas.

How to use it as an age spot removal? Simply wipe those pigmented areas with this milk once or twice a day.

4. Strawberries
They are great for fading age spots. They are also ideal in lightening your freckles.

How to use it as a natural home remedy for this issue? Obtain one to two fresh strawberries from your backyard or from the supermarket. Mash them properly. Then, mix them with two teaspoons of any cream. Make sure that the mixture looks like a sloppy paste.

After that, apply it to the affected areas. Leave it there for about 15 minutes before removing it with warm, damp face washer. Do not forget to pat it dry.

5. Honey and yogurt
These two ingredients contain bleaching properties that can lighten your age spots.

How to use it? Simply mix one teaspoon of plain yogurt and a teaspoon of honey in a clean container. Then, apply the mixture to the affected areas. Let it dry for 30 minutes before rinsing it. You must do this once a day.

Prevention tips
However, if you do not have age spots yet, you might want to consider knowing how to prevent them from having them.

Here is a list of natural home prevention methods that you can use:

1. Apply sunscreen protection
Each time you go out, you must apply sunscreen to your face and back of your hands, 30 minutes before you go out. You must use a product with SPF 15 or higher. Choose a product that contains zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide.

If you need to be outside for longer hours, you must reapply sunscreen every two hours or as needed.

2. Wear a hat
Make sure that the hat has a wide brim of 10 cm. This sunhat keeps the sun’s rays off your face and neck, thereby, preventing age spots or liver spots from developing.

Do not choose a hat made of woven straw as it does not provide enough protection.

3. Apply vitamin E oil
This type of vitamin contains anti-oxidant that can prevent age spots from occurring. It neutralizes the damaging effects of the free radicals.

4. Avoid the sun
As much as possible, you must avoid going under the heat of the sun to avoid age spots. Specifically, you must avoid going out during peak hours, i.e from 10 am to 4 pm, if you live in hot climates. 

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Heart Attack Prevention Tips For Women Who Are At High Risk



Within one year of a first heart attack, 38% of women will die. Unfortunately, only a few of them are taking aspirin, statins and other medicines that can prevent heart attack.

Menopause and heart attack
A woman has high oesterogen levels before she reaches menopausal stage. Oestrogen offers protective elements to the cardiovascular system.

However, after menopause, said hormone can no longer offer protection against heart disease because of the increasing levels of cholesterol, which may increase women’s chances of suffering from any type of cardiovascular problems, such as heart attack and congestive heart failure. This is especially true if their triglycerides are also high.

Can hormone replacement therapy (HRT) prevent heart disease in women?
Before 2002, doctors did recommend women to undergo HRT to prevent themselves from this disease. However, in 2003, it was advised by the UK Committee on Safety of Medicines that such therapy does not prevent any type of heart disease. Therefore, it must not be used as a way in preventing against heart attack.

As a woman, what can you do?

1. Ask your physician
By talking to your physician, you can better understand your own heart risk.

2. Eat wisely
Yes, there are many food temptations lurking around. If you are at high risk for this disease, then you must choose to eat wisely by opting to consume healthier options, such as fruit and vegetables. You must avoid junk foods and fast foods. Rather, opt to make home-made recipes.

3. Exercise regularly
You do not have to perform extreme workouts like those exercises shown on TV. If you do not have time to exercise, you can still increase your physical activity by opting to climb stairs, instead of riding the lift. You must also walk, instead of driving your own car. This is not only a form of exercise but it is also a good way to save on gas. These count as exercise.

4. Reduce stress levels
It can be difficult to reduce stress, especially if you have a demanding job. However, you can start practicing meditation while you are at home or in your office. You can also take yoga or Pilates. These are very good stress reducers.

5. Manage your weight
As mentioned earlier, menopausal women are experiencing high levels of cholesterol in their blood. If your weight is fluctuating, then you must find a way to manage it by reducing your cholesterol levels first. You can do this by eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly.

Act now and shift your focus
You must start protecting your coronary arteries now to prevent yourself from heart attack. Keep in mind that your blood vessels are no match for the fat coming from the crust pizza that you eat each day, the carcinogens that you inhale while smoking, the endless sitting on your desk, couch, or cars, etc.

Starting now, you must live the kind of life that will surely benefit your heart. Do not wait for a scientific breakthrough to rescue your coronary system. Study those tips above and you can prevent heart attack from happening to your life. 

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Natural Home Remedies – The Importance Of Home Cures For Everyday Ailments



Nowadays, more and more people are turning to natural home remedies to help them treat their ailments. Some plants with “magic powers” are safe for human consumption while others are not. It is important to know which plants are perfectly safe when used externally or internally. Keep in mind that some plants can be fatal when eaten. And just because they are natural home remedies that does not mean they are necessarily safe.

Almost every family has a form of home treatment that has been passed down from generation to generation. Your grandmother may have taught your mother to serve you peppermint tea when you are sick. How about the chunk of ginger root that you peel and grate each time you travel to prevent stomach discomfort while traveling? And remember that chicken soup your grandmother served when you were recovering from common cold? These are natural treatments that were used by your grandparents and passed on to your parents and to you as well.

Thousands of remedies
There are thousands of households and myriad remedies available today, which were handed on over generation. Some of them are provided by homeopaths, herbalists, naturopaths and general practitioners.

How to choose the best?
Choosing the best natural methods in treating certain ailments must involve careful study. Some of them are effective but not appropriate for all individuals. Other old remedies are not worthy to be mentioned as they are too complicated in today’s world.

Remedies and prescription drugs
Perhaps, you are used to take prescription medicines, undergo blood tests and other techniques of modern medicine that you tend to forget the benefits of home cures. You have to remember that time-tested remedies are as effective as they were before.

- Applying bicarbonate of soda as a bee sting treatment
- Putting wet tea bag on your tired eyes
- Applying cooked cabbage leaf on your boil to draw out the pus
- Dabbing aloe vera gel on a burn
- Inhaling the scent of lavender to melt away anxiety

These are just some of the effective home cures that can make you feel better. They may not replace the effectiveness of modern treatments but they can prevent small ailments from turning into bigger problems.
Even some doctors recommend these natural home remedies because they often work. In fact, some of the drugs contain active ingredients similar to those found in plants.

- Aspirin was first derived from white willow bark.
- Ephedrine is based on the ephedra plant.
- Digitalis is derived from foxglove.

Pharmaceutical companies are even sending their teams to remote areas (remember the “Anaconda”?) to look for plants that may contain promising chemicals.

But of course, it is also important to know which natural home remedies do work.

- Honey. Coating a cut from a knife with honey can work more effectively than antiseptic ointment. But make sure that you wash the wound thoroughly before applying anything.
- Echinacea. Taking Echinacea can be as effective as antibiotics when you have sinus infection.
- St. John’s wort. This plant has now been recognized by thousands of Australians and New Zealanders to be effective in treating depression.
- Yogurt is a popular natural home remedy for fungal infection.
- Chamomile tea is great for people with insomnia.
- Arnica is being used as one of the active ingredients of many prescription creams as it contains pain-killing and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Honey and yogurt can be used for lightening the brown liver spots that appear at the back of your hands as you age.
- Gaffer tape has been recognized by researchers in the US to be effective in removing warts in a few days.

But of course, if you choose to take natural home remedies for your ailment, you must consider the commonsense approach. This means that you have to take them for the right reasons. 

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Natural Remedies For Headache – Can Coffee Help In Treating Your Throbbing Head?



Traffic jams, demanding jobs, and tight deadlines can put so much stress to your life. And these factors are some of the reasons you are taking pain killer for your headache.

If you have extreme headache, taking of 500-mg of paracetamol tablet two times a day can alleviate the pain. You may also opt to take two tablets of 200-mg ibuprofen.

Aspirin
This is an effective pain killer. However, it is not advisable if you are not yet 16. You should not take it if you are allergic to aspirin.

But taking of these medicines for headache is only part of the puzzle in resolving the issue. There are other things that you can do to escape from experiencing a throbbing head.

Here is a list of natural ways that you can do to treat the throbbing pain on your head:

1. Apply pressure
According to acupressure experts, massaging the web of your skin in between the base of your thumb and your forefinger can make a difference to the pain. Switch hands every several minutes. Repeat it until the pain is gone.

What makes it effective?
The fleshy area on this part is linked to various areas on your brain where headaches originate. Although there are no clinical studies that can prove its effectiveness, some peopled reported to experience a reduction of pain while massaging the said area.

2. Soak your feet in hot water
Hot water can alleviate the pressure on your blood vessels found in your head. So, when your head aches, just soak your feet in hot water (not boiling) for 30 minutes or until the pain clears up.
If you have a bad headache, you can add mustard powder to the hot water.

3. Apply hot compress
If you have tension headache (dull, steady pressure), placing a hot compress can ease the pain. You can also apply hot compress to the back of your neck. The heat relaxes your tensed muscles in those areas.
You can follow up the heat treatment or replace it with a cold compress to your forehead and neck. Simply wrap ice cubes in a clean face towel or use a bag of frozen peas and wrap it in a tea towel.

What can cold compress do to your headache?
Cold compress is one of the natural remedies used for pain in the head because cold can constrict blood vessels, thereby, stopping them from pressing on your sensitive nerves. To further ease the pain, you may move the compress to the muscles found at the base of your skull.

Want another natural remedy for headache that involves cold water?
You can try soaking your hands in cold, iced water for as long as you can stand it. While your hands are in the water, you should open and close your fists.

How does it work?
It works by narrowing your dilated blood vessels easing the pain in your head.

4. Drink coffee
You must only use this natural remedy if your headache is not caused by coffee.

How does coffee relieve headache?
Caffeine has certain elements that can alleviate swelling of your blood vessels, thereby, relieving your headache. This is one of the reasons it is an important ingredient in a prescription-only medicine for migraine known as Cafergot.

Coffee drinker/addict must not try this specific natural remedy for headache. Headache is a symptom of caffeine withdrawal.

Should you get worried about your headache?
If it happens occasionally, then there is nothing to worry about.

However, if you feel sudden, severe pain, you must consult your physician as soon as possible.

You should also get medical attention if headache is accompanied by blurred vision or having difficulty in moving any part of your body. You must also seek medical help if the pain includes fever, stiff neck, slurred speech or confusion.

These natural remedies for headache are only effective for occasional headaches. Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing headache twice or three times a week or if you need to take painkillers on a daily basis. This can be nothing or it can be something worse than a headache. See your doctor immediately.  

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Crock Pot Recipes: How Can You Convert Ordinary Recipes Into Crock Pot Recipes?


There are tips and tricks on how to prepare crock pot recipes. Listed below are some tips on how to convert some ordinary recipes into crock pot recipes.

1. Cut vegetables into not more than 1 inch thick
When vegetables are cooked using this technique, they must be 1-inch thick or less. Then, place them at the bottom of the pot as they take a lot longer to cook than other ingredients.

2. Decrease cooking time for liquids
In slow cooking, liquids are decreased by half the recommended amount. But this rule does not apply when cooking rice or pasta.

3. Cook pasta or rice until it is slightly tender
If it requires cooked pasta to be added to your crock pot recipe, you must first cook the pasta or rice into another container before adding it to the pot. For best results, you must use long grain rice.

4. Soak beans first
Beans must be soaked first before cooking using crock pot. Experts recommend pre-soaking them for 10 minutes in unsalted water. Then, drain them before adding them to the crock pat recipe you are preparing.

5. Add herbs and spices near the end of cooking
Herbs do release their flavors over time. For that reason, it is best to add them near the end of your cooking session. Before serving, you must taste the food first and make adjustments, if necessary.

Because some dishes lose their flavor, you need to take extra preparation steps to avoid it to happen. For instance, to enhance the flavor of most meats, you must make them brown first. Meat can be dredged, browned or deglazed with wine or broth to add flavor to your recipe.

Crock pot recipes require the use of a crock pot. To obtain best results, you must cook them with a crockery type cookery.

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Chicken Recipes: How To Make Chicken A La King


One of the chicken recipes that I want to try is Chicken a la King. But, instead of classic creamy choice, I want to use low-fat milk and flour for thickening purposes. In this way, it will not be filled with saturated fat.

Ingredients for Chicken a La King: 
Boneless, skinless, trimmed chicken
All-purpose flour
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
White Mushrooms
Bell pepper
Ground pepper
Salt
Less sodium chicken broth
Low fat milk
Pimientos
Scallions

How to make this chicken recipe? 
1. First, you need to put the chicken into a medium bowl filled with flour.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium heat.
3. Place the chicken to the hot pan
4. Stir it occasionally.
5. Let it stay there until lightly browned
6. Reduce the heat before adding one tablespoon of oil to the pan
7. Add the mushrooms, salt, bell pepper and ground peper
8. Stir it often or until the mushrooms start to brown
9. Whip the chicken broth and low-fat milk into the reserved flour.
10. Do it until the mixture becomes smooth.
11. Stir it into the pan.
12. Let is simmer for a few minutes.
13. Allow all ingredients to be cooked. The vegetables must be tender and the chicken must be cooked enough.

Note: This is one of the chicken recipes that some chefs do recommend omitting salt. You may only add salt when this chicken recipe is already on your plate. 

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