What Are the Health Benefits of Lycopene?

By the time you finish reading this article, you will be more aware of the many health benefits of lycopene.

So, what exactly is it?

It is a compound found in certain fruits and vegetables. It belongs to the group of substances known as carotenes and is the pigment responsible for giving vegetables and fruits, such as tomatoes, watermelon and pink grapefruit, their red color.

What are the health benefits?

It has been found to possess many benefits, and also has strong antioxidant properties. Because it is a potent antioxidant, it can be extremely effective in fighting free radicals which can damage cells in the body. This can help to reduce the risk of cancer and strokes.

Indeed, several studies have suggested that a diet high in lycopene may be associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and prostate cancer.

The beneficial effect of antioxidants on heart disease has been well documented. In a recent study, it was found that men with a high concentration of lycopene in their body were only 50% as likely to have a heart attack compared to men with lower concentrations.

Research has shown the following other suggested benefits of lycopene:

• Helping to prevent kidney disease and aging problems such as degeneration of the nervous system and cellular damage from the aging process.
• Helping with problems such as diabetes.
• Most recent research has suggested that,like beta-carotene, it may play an important role in keeping vision healthy by preventing cataracts and Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD
• Another small study has suggested that it can help reduce the instances of exercise-induced asthma among some people.
• Another benefit is that it may be able to help keep skin looking fresh and youthful. Skin burned by UV rays, tanning and premature aging can be combated with the antioxidants contained in it which helps to reduce the damage to skin by regenerating new skin cells

Where can I get it?

Lycopene is not produced naturally in the body. It must be obtained through a person's diet. Tomato products, such as tomato juice, ketchup, spaghetti sauce and pizza sauce for example are, by far, the major sources in the typical western diet. In fact, these foods provide over 80 percent of the compound consumed in the U.S. Other fruits and vegetables such as watermelon and pink grapefruit also provide this anti oxidant, but in smaller amounts.

By Donald Cash

Garlic, A Super Herb

Health Benefits of garlic

Origin and Importance of Garlic

With all the herbs and spices known to man, none has been revered and reviled as the garlic. Throughout the ages, the use of garlic for its culinary and therapeutic properties has been embraced wholeheartedly to the point that it was worshiped as a god in some ancient cultures. Yet it has just passionately been rejected for this simple reason. when eaten raw, garlic leaves a strong scent on the breath of the eater.

A member of the lily family, garlic was called allium in Latin and bears the modern scientific name Allium sativum. Romance languages, descended as they are from Latin, refer to it with words that are clearly derived from allium-aglio in Italian, ail in French, ajo in Spanish, albo in Portuguese, allo in Galician and aio in Provencal of which the aioli the garlic flavored mayonnaise originally came from.

Garlic itself is believed to be of German, Scandinavian, Nordic, Celtic, Anglo-Saxon or even Slavic origin ( depending on what reference materials that you are reading). It's supposedly a combination of gar, a word for spear (a reference to the plant's slender pointed stalks) and lac or leac, meaning leek.

So shrouded in uncertainty is the history of garlic that is difficult to ascertain where the plant originated. According to one account, it first appeared in Siberia, where it was brought to Egypt by Asian nomadic tribes, and from Egypt it reached Europe after passing through India via the trade routes bound for eastern Asia. Another account says it is a native of the steppes of Central Asia and yet another claims it came from Sicily.

For sure, there's one account that captures the imagination. According to Muslim legend, the garlic sprang from Satan's left footprint (the onion appeared in his right footprint) as he was driven out of the Garden of Eden after man's fall. Throughout history, garlic has been used to cure or prevent just about every known malady like headache, toothache, fatigue, constipation, wounds, sores, infections, gangrene, cough, cold, asthma, tuberculosis, epilepsy, rheumatism, dropsy, leprosy, smallpox, the plague, jaundice, eczema, rabies, scabies, scurvy, impotence, hysteria, senility, insanity, insect bites, intestinal worms and even anthrax in cattle.

Garlic has also been used as a mean of diagnosing pregnancy, a cure for baldness and an antidote for snake bites. In 1608, during a highly infectious epidemic in London, French priests ministering to the afflicted were spared from the fatal disease while English clergymen fell victim to it. The Frenchmen's immunity was attributed to the presence of garlic in their diet.

In 1722, garlic gained the dubious reputation of being an effective protection against the plague where four thieves claimed that liberal application of garlic-flavored vinegar "immunized" them against the disease even as they plundered the corpses of the victim.

Health Benefits of Garlic

On the supernatural realm, garlic has been thought to ward off malignant spirits, deter witches and repel blood-thirsty vampires from helpless virgins. Modern research, on the other hand has yielded some astonishing findings. One study claims garlic can lower cholesterol by as much as nine percent. Another says it can ease high blood pressure by delaying the hardening of the blood vessels. Other studies, claims that it can prevent or cure a whole array of illness, ranging from the common cold and flu to cancer and cardiovascular disease.

Studies have also shown that garlic is a potent antibiotic capable of killing over 60 varieties of fungi and 20 strains of bacteria. It is said that even the blood of garlic eaters can eliminate bacteria (this may explain the French priest's immunity) and that vapor from freshly cut garlic can destroy bacteria at a distance of 20 centimeters.

There's one study that suggests garlic may also increase physical endurance. Ancient Olympian athletes are said to have chewed garlic to boost their strength and stamina and that laborers who built the pyramids were given a daily dosage of garlic for the same purpose.

As a food, garlic is eaten today in virtually every corner of the globe, even in countries where it was once scorned, such as Japan and England. One thing that makes garlic so universally accepted is its wide-ranging versatility. It can be eaten raw, sauteed, boiled, roasted and fried. It serves as an excellent flavoring for fish and seafood, poultry, red meat and even a plain vegetables.

Finely chopped raw garlic can be mixed into dips and sauces such as hummus and guacamole. Garlic butter makes a superb garnish for anything ranging from steak and pasta to escargots and French bread. Garlic chips can bring to life an otherwise bland bowl of congee.

Garlic figures in marinades for American barbecue as well as for Indonesian satay. Stir-fried dishes in China and Southeast Asia usually contain sauteed garlic. Garlic can be thrown into the roasting pan to enhance the flavor of chicken, lamb, beef, or pork. It can be simmered to complement other ingredients in a stew or boiled on its own to make sopa de ajo (Spanish garlic soup).

Garlic is as much as an essential ingredient of Indian curries as it is of Sichuan and Korean cuisine. It add zest to light salads as well as to heavy meat dishes. Pasta and pizza are practically unthinkable without garlic so as with the rice dishes like the paella.The same can be said about chili con carne and whole range of dishes from Mexico to Tierra del Fuego.

As for the garlic's peculiar scent, here's an easy tip to remember. The longer garlic is cooked the milder its smell becomes. Contemporary urban folklore says that one may confidently meet one's lover after a meal heavily flavored with garlic. Drink some red wine with your meal to mask the smell of garlic on your breath. Alternatively, if you live in Japan you can simply zip into the nearest convenience store and drink a bottle of Gorilla, which looks like one of those curious Japanese energy concoctions that miraculously erase all traces of garlic from your breath.

TIPS ON COOKING WITH GARLIC

So pervasive is garlic in Filipino cooking that aside from the obvious sinigang and nilaga, it is also an ingredients in many dishes like adobo, mechado, menudo, kaldereta, relleno, paksiw, papaitan, pansit bihon, sarsiado, pinakbet, Bicol express and ecabeche.They all contain garlic and they represent just a partial list of our garlic flavored culinary repertoire.

Most Filipino dishes are in fact based on gisa, which almost always entrails garlic and onion sauteed like a pair of inseparable twins. What few people realize is that the two bulbs actually belong to the same genus of plants and that one may sometimes dropped to enhance the flavor of the finished dish. A bad habit that Filipinos would do that must be corrected is the general tendency to overcook garlic. Garlic is thrown into the hot oil before the onion and fried until it is a crisp golden brown and sometimes even darker. Unless you are making garlic chips, garlic should not be allowed to turn brown. Not only does it destroy the flavor of garlic but it also imparts a somewhat bitter taste to it. To rectify this old habit, I suggests sauteing the garlic together with the onion, not before.

One thing that our old cucineros and cucineras did right was to always crush the garlic. Nowadays some cooks tend to bypass this procedure and simply chop the garlic. This a lazy shortcut that should be avoided. It has been proven that crushing the cloves produces a chemical reaction that brings out the full flavor of garlic.
Also Read Ayurveda Health Benefits of Garlic

By Amado D Petallana

IBS Herbal Remedies That Work Wonders

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a very rampant activity in the bodies of most people today. You don't have to be any specific gender to be suffering from this disorder. It's a pretty inconvenient thing to deal with, especially if you are busy with work or you are trying to meet a deadline. It can also be a great buzz kill if you are out having fun with the guys or hanging out in a keg party with your girlfriends. But, not everybody is aware of the easy way to prevent or cure IBS. People should learn about IBS herbal remedies that will really aid them in their battle against it.

IBS herbal remedies

IBS herbal remedies can help manage people's IBS symptoms. The plant roots, stems, leaves, flowers and berries of plants have been healing agents used for centuries to aid in a lot of illness including irritable bowel syndrome. These herbs have been found most effective before as well as in today's modern and health conscious society.

Peppermint is an effective IBS herbal remedy

Peppermint is an effective IBS herbal remedy because the mint calms the muscles in the stomach and in the intestines. It also increases gastric juice production and acts as an effective pain killer. Since you will be experiencing extreme stomach pain, this will be a great way to relieve yourself of it. This herb is especially anti-bacterial and it will help alleviate indigestion, cramps, gas and diarrhea. So it's always handy to drink and prepare peppermint tea before meals.

Fennel for IBS

Fennel is a great herb that prevents bloating, gas and indigestion. It also encourages gastric juice production and it is anti-spasmodic as well. You can chew fennel seeds or it can be taken daily as part of your diet to help prevent the IBS symptoms from happening.

Ginger for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Another one of the great IBS herbal remedies which can be easily found in your house pantry is ginger. It relieves a lot of gastrointestinal problems especially severe cramps and nausea. It helps digestion and improves intestinal muscle quality which will allow easier passing of the bowels. You can have ginger tea or ginger candies, your choice.

Now that you are aware of some of the most effective IBS herbal remedies you can easily stock your home pantry with these useful and helpful herbs. You can even plant and start an herb garden in your backyard so that you won't ever have to run out of IBS herbal remedies in the future.

Plants have always been a great source of solution for various body ailments.
Also Read  Ayurvedic Home Remedies for IBS


By Amy Peterson

Tips For Fasting Success

I receive a lot of emails from people who wish to lose weight and improve their health through fasting but are unsure of how to prepare or what to expect. Or they are convinced that fasting is what they want to do, but do not have support of friends and/or family members. Worse yet, here are many who want to fast but their physician is against it.

I can relate to all of these scenarios. And I certainly am not here to refute what your doctor has told you to do or not to do. However, there is one thing that I have found to be true and that is: "nobody knows your body more than you do."

If you are more than twenty pounds overweight, then you may be in danger of heart disease, diabetes and other conditions. These are serious conditions that can cripple anyone's life quality. Obesity can, in truth, make life a living hell. Is that what you want your life to be for another decade, another year, another month.... another day? I don't think so.

Therefore, while I encourage you to listen to the concerns about fasting by those close to you, in the end it must be your decision. After all, it is your life and your body. While doing a 40-day water fast may not be in your immediate scope, fasting for 8, 12 or 24 hours at a time is attainable by nearly everyone and can still produce positive results.

Find a fasting plan that fits what you're trying to achieve. Give yourself "reachable" goals. If you are new to fasting, suddenly wanting to do a 30-day water fast may be too much. Do not set yourself up for frustration.

As I said, some traditional medicine physicians are against fasting... period. If this is the case with yours, ask him or her if you could at least fast for short periods of time. Intermittent fasts can be as short as eight hours in length. Let the doctor know that you are not using fasting as a "crash diet," but as part of a total transformation in your eating habits. If, in the end, your doctor still says you ought not to fast, then don't! Ask him or her to explain the reasons why fasting is off limits.

Another option is to visit a holistic medicine practitioner and receive a second opinion. There are many excellent MD's that specialize in holistic medicine. I find that the best treatment is one that includes both traditional and holistic methods. And fasting is by far one of the most powerful health-improvement methods that I know.

There are a few items you need to invest in to get the most from any fasting plan. First, you should purchase a juicer rather than choosing from juices at the supermarket. Fresh, rather than pasteurized juice, is definitely the way to go.

Sometimes they're hard to locate, but if you can buy organically-grown fruits and vegetables, that would be optimum. If you are going to do a water fast, I strongly encourage you to drink the best quality of water that you can. Shop for a good water filter. If you can afford it, my choice is ionized water. But anything is better than tap water. If you cannot afford a filter, at the very least boil the tap water prior to drinking it.

Decaffeinated green tea is a great supplement to fasting because it will give you a pep of energy and help soothe hunger. While it's okay and even suggested to exercise during your fast, it should be limited to non-stressful or low aerobic movements. Walking or stretching exercises are best during the fast - but take it easy. If you don't feel like exerting yourself - don't.

Fasting is different for everybody. Some people are energized and others feel foggy. So it is important that you do not overdo it. Keep a fasting journal and write on it as often as possible while you are fasting. Make sure to include the time, date and "fasting day" that you're in on each post. Fasting opens doors to the spirit, so it is very likely that while journaling you will have moments of insight and inspiration. You will NOT want to miss out on that. Frequent journaling while fasting is definitely a must.

Moreover, make sure that you prepare for breaking the fast at least one week before the date arrives. Breaking a fast is the most important part of the process. If you are unprepared, hunger could very well lead you to overeat which, in turn, can use great discomfort and serious intestinal damage. You can Google the term "breaking a fast" and come up with excellent resources to help you.

When the fast is over, be aware that your body has just experienced a major restorative and regenerating experience. Steer clear of foods high in carbohydrates, sugars, additives, alcohol, sodas and whole milk (opt for low-fat or fat-free).

Fasting should be the first step you take in developing a healthier lifestyle. When you learn how to fast in a safe manner, you'll end the fast with feelings of self-esteem and satisfaction. Most importantly, fasting should be an instrument that will lead you to make permanent eating-habit changes.

By Robert Dave Johnston
Read Ayurveda Health Benefits of Fasting

The Sacred Lotus Plant

The Lotus or Nelumbo nucifera is commonly misconceived as a Water Lilly. While the Lotus is an aquatic perennial like the Water Lilly it is much different. The Leaves and flowers of the Lotus plant extend above the water surface where the Water Lilly floats on the water surface. The Lotus is native to Southern Asia and is India's national flower. To Buddhists it has come to symbolise spiritual enlightenment, as its perfect, beautiful flowers rise from the dirty, smelly mud at the bottom of the lake in which it grows. Purity rising out of filth...

Lotus are easily grown in a large water bowl in a backyard or even balcony. They need to be planted at a depth of at least 40cm and require full sun to thrive. The only care they need is fertilising once a year in late winter/ early spring. Fertilising is best done by making a "parcel" of high potassium fertiliser wrapped in old newspaper and by pushing this parcel deep down into the Root zone of the plant. In Winter when the plant has died down you can cut the old leaves off, but always ensure you cut them off above the surface of the water to avoid water filling the hollow stems and drowning the plant.

Lotus don't just look great in the garden, they also look fantastic in floral arrangements. While fresh Lotus flowers are sometimes available, it is the seed pod that is most commonly used in florists. This is because the individual flowers are not long lived, sometimes only lasting one day. The seed pods however last much longer and they're organic and sculptural appearance adds texture and interest to flower bouquets and flower arrangements. A bunch of the Seed pods casually arranged in a tall glass vase look exquisite!

Almost all parts of the Lotus are edible and used in Asian cooking including the flower, seeds, leaves and roots. The flower is used in Salads, Seeds are grinded up and made into flour, Leaves are used to wrap and steam food such as Rice and the roots are chopped and fried and served in a similar way to Potato chips.

Lotus seeds are available in kamal gatta. These are used in ayurvedic medicines to increase sperm count.  Read Ayurveda health benefits of Lotus Seeds or Kamal Gatta

By Steven P Johnston 

The Benefits of Black Pepper

Black pepper is probably the one spice I wouldn't want to do without, I use it in every savoury dish I cook and I can tell when someone has omitted it, even if I am eating an otherwise spicy curry. There have been some scares over the possible health risks of eating too much black pepper, but you would never be able to eat it in the quantities that can harm you.

Black pepper has always been known as a carminative, which means that it helps get rid of flatulence and intestinal gas. It is also a diuretic, and diaphoretic. The former term means that it helps remove excess water from the body and the latter means that it promotes sweating, which is useful if you have a fever. It can also boost the immune system as it has powerful antioxidant effects. If you buy whole peppercorns and grind them yourself, the outer layer will help keep you in weight loss and slim by breaking down fat cells. What more could you want from one very small spice?

Black pepper also provides us with minerals that our bodies need, such as manganese, copper, iron, chromium and calcium. It is rich in vitamin K which is found in green vegetables such as kale, broccoli and brussel sprouts.

You can add ground black pepper to herbal teas to increase its warming effects. I particularly like it with lemon juice in green tea.

In Ayurvedic medicine, practised on the Indian sub-continent, black pepper is used along with long pepper and ginger, as a remedy for a number of diseases. Alone, it is used as a remedy for cholera, colic, headache, toothache, and urinary problems. It has been applied as a paste, externally, for skin diseases.

In China it is thought to have 'warming' qualities and is used to treat what is called "cold stomach," the symptoms of which include diarrhoea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

With all these health benefits it is no wonder that in the ancient world black pepper was highly- prized and even used as currency and offerings to the gods. It was the search for pepper (and other spices) that led to the discovery of new lands in the Renaissance and earlier. It was a much-sought after commodity and in the Middle Ages, a man's wealth was measured in how many peppercorns he had. Of course, it was very useful when it came to preserving meat during that time, as was salt, but the peasants couldn't afford to use peppercorns for this purpose.

Next time you look at your spice rack, think about all the health benefits there are in those small jars and only buy peppercorns and grind them yourself as you need them for maximum health benefits.

Also Read Ayurveda Health Benefits of long Pepper or Pippali



By Lynne Evans 

Ayurvedic Acne and Pimple Home Remedies

Acne is perhaps the most dreaded health problem when one is an adolescent. Due to hormonal changes related with puberty and subsequent blood impurities, yellow pus-filled growths appear on the face, which are known as pimples. When this happens, it is said that the person is suffering from acne.

Almost everyone will have pimples at one time or other in their lives. Normally, pimples go away in a couple of days, but if the person does not take enough care, then they could live a lifelong scar behind. Also, pimples can spread on the face quite fast, especially if they burst and their fluids come in contact with healthy skin. Though we know of acne as mostly occurring on the face, it also occurs on the chest, neck and back.

Youngsters put in a lot of effort and money in using medicines for acne available in the market, but with disappointing results. But there are several natural methods in which acne can be prevented. The following is a list of the best methods known to fight acne.

Acne Pimple Ayurvedic Treatment with Simple Home Remedies

Remedy # 1

Wash your face with buttermilk several times a day. This will treat the pimples and also make your face shinier and healthier.

Remedy # 2

Take a single seed of a jambula fruit (Indian Plum). Put it in water and rub it thoroughly so that it moistens completely. When the seed is sufficiently wet, then rub it thoroughly on the areas where pimples are present. This remedy is especially beneficial for the pimples that occur in adolescence.

Remedy # 3

Just rub the peel of an orange onto the pimples so that its juices moisten them completely. Even this simple procedure done several times a day will reduce and even eliminate the acne.

Remedy # 4

Take a ripe pumpkin. Mash it thoroughly and then rub it over the face for a long time. Keep it on the face for fifteen to twenty minutes. You will feel the skin drying up and stretching. This is when you must wash the face and then wipe it dry. Then apply the oil of either coconut or mustard onto the face. Do this for a week on a daily basis. Your acne problem will be solved and the skin of the face will become smooth.

Remedy # 5

Mix ten grams of the powder of chana (Cicer arietinum, chana) and ten grams of haldi (Curcuma longa, turmeric) in curds. Apply this paste onto the skin. Wash it off when it dries. Continue this treatment for a week. The acne will clear out.

Remedy # 6

Prepare a paste by dissolving the powders of lodhra (Symplocos racemosa), coriander and vacha (Acorus calamus, Sweet Flag) in water. Apply this on the face on a regular basis. It will treat acne and the skin will look as though it had never been afflicted with pimples.

Remedy # 7

Roast some mustard seeds, chiraunji (Buchanania latifolia) and a dry orange peel in equal parts. Grind them to a very thin powder. Put a little water to give it a pasty consistency. Apply this paste on the face once everyday. It will solve your acne problem.

Remedy # 8

Take some nutmeg and the water of red sandalwood. Break the nutmeg and mash it in the water of the red sandalwood. Applying this water on the face will take care of all the pimples and keep the skin lustrous and soft.

Remedy # 9

Take the root of a neem tree and put it in water. Squeeze on the neem root repeatedly in the water with your fingers. When it is sufficiently wet and you feel the juices have begun to exude from it, take the neem root out and rub it on the pimples as though it is a piece of chalk. This is one of the quickest remedies to get relief from pimples.

Remedy # 10

One more very simple but effective remedy is to prepare an infusion of the leaves of the tulsi (Ocimum sanctum, Holy Basil) and apply it regularly on the face. The infusion is prepared by taking two to four teaspoons of dried basil leaves in a cupful of water, bring it to a boil and then cool it for use.

Remedy # 11

Take a cup of boiled water and add into it turmeric powder and the leaves of tulsi. Let the fumes of this solution come in contact with your face, as though you are having a steam bath. When done, wash the face immediately. This treatment will open up your sweat pores. But washing it immediately, you are removing the grime and the dust which causes acne. Hence this remedy is more of prevention than a cure.

Treatment with Special Ayurvedic Methods

Ayurveda suggests the use of the Kumkumadi lepam to be applied on the face. Before applying this paste, the face must be washed thoroughly. Another internal remedy is to take Saribadyasava in dosages of 15 to 30 milliliters with an equal quantity of water.

By Dr John Anne

Effective Herbal Remedies for Irregular Menstruation, Menstrual Cycle

Irregular menstruation can rise from a number of causes. Normally, the menstrual cycle of a woman occurs within an interval of 25-31 days. The period can be extended or shortened occasionally due to minor hormonal imbalances. In case of frequent irregularity in the cycle, like missing periods for months (other than pregnancy), periods occurring within very short intervals or extending for more than a week and heavy bleeding, one should seek proper medical consultation. It is commonly observed in women approaching menopause, and the condition is attributed to severe hormonal fluctuations of the body. Other physiological disorders may also result in irregular menstrual cycles.

Symptoms

1. Frequent alterations in the time period of menstruation.
2. Missing periods for months.
3. Heavy bleeding continuing for more than a week.

Causes

1. Hormonal imbalances in the body.
2. Cysts or tumors in the ovary
3. Approaching menopause
4. Over exercise
5. Taking contraceptive pills or hormonal tablets.

Herbal Remedies for Irregular Menstrual Cycle

Herbs are very useful in treating irregular menstrual cycles. One can regularize the cycle by following the simple and effective herbal remedies.

1. The herb Parsley is very effective in treating irregular menstrual cycles. Consuming a mixture of juices from parsley, carrot, beet and cucumber helps in normalizing the menses.

2. Tea made from fresh or dried Parsley leaves is equally beneficial in treating irregular menstrual cycles. Add 2 teaspoonfuls of parsley leaves in boiled water and keep it for half an hour. Strain the mixture and it is ready for drinking.

3. Asafetida is another popular herbal ingredient used to treat this disorder. A small amount of asafetida is fried in ghee and taken along with goat milk adding little honey. This is a very effective remedy to treat irregular periods.

4. Extract from the bark of Ashoka tree is very effective in controlling the menses. It stimulates the uterine walls and helps in normalizing the menstrual cycle.

5. Leaves of bamboo are often prescribed to regularize the menstruation flow.

6. The Chinese herb "Dong Quai", popularly known as "female ginseng" is very effective in regularizing the menstrual flow. The herb is also beneficial in treating various symptoms of menopause.

7. Drinking Aloe Vera juice is another effective herbal remedy for irregular menstrual cycles. It controls heavy bleeding and regularizes the missed periods.

8. Drinking a decoction of ginger adding little honey is also beneficial in normalizing cycles.

9. Decoction of chicory seeds is very effective in normalizing menstrual flow in case of missed periods.

By
By James E Napier

Dandruff Home Remedies

Fun's fun and being flaky can give your character some definition or uniqueness, but dandruff's just not cool. I don't like it and it's just awkward to be dusting some snow on a first date's meal. Dandruff home remedies can be found everywhere, with dandruff care shampoos being sold up the wazoo.

I once heard someone call it scurf and that doesn't sound really appealing either. Actually, it's pretty normal to have some flakes - I mean, dandruff is basically dead skin and we've got a lot of dead skin coming off every day. Too much though, can be a problem.

Dandruff doesn't really cause any health concerns, though it could be the sign of something else, but nothing too nasty. It could cause some awkwardness on a first day though and it's definitely awkward if there's soup involved. "Ooh, are those flakes cracker bits?" Not a good question. It's also a sign of head lice, another connotation no one really wants.

There are a lot of causes for dandruff, ranging from just the wrong shampoo or even to dandruff care treatments, but people are more concerned with how to treat it - which is why dandruff home remedies are so common.

Lime's a good and naturals solution to your own personal Christmas generator. I like to use a teaspoon of the stuff when I rinse it off. It usually turns out great - it doubles as both dandruff care and leaves my hair looking fabulous. Aloe vera is another natural way of treating your snow woes - rub some on to your scalp. Not your hair, but straight to your scalp. Leave it on for at least 10 minutes then use a really mild shampoo. Olive oil can also beat dandruff into submission.

Warm coconut oil and castor oil also works wonders - twice a week is fine, everyday might be too much. Also smells great - well, the coconut oil, not the castor oil, though if that's your thing there's really nothing wrong with that. Even vegetables have gotten into the act. Boiling them, tops and roots, and massaging the water that you boiled them in into your hair. If you're going to use this method, be sure to use white beets. I've read and found that they work best.

Lathering your hair twice is another way of cleaning out the scalp. It's thorough and can clean out the oil and dead skin. Treat the second lather as a conditioner - leave it on. Five minutes is best as it'll give the shampoo time to get its groove on.

Using more than one method isn't exactly suggested - overdoing the job might lead to more skin trouble than you're really willing to deal with. Also consider if it's a consistent condition or just one of those days - a random bad hair day probably isn't worth all the effort.

Don't over complicate it - if switching shampoos does the trick, then just switch shampoos. It's just cheap that way. Dandruff home remedies work if they're the right one for you. If a dandruff care method doesn't work for you - try it another one. With so many options around, one's bound to work for you.

Also Read Neem the Best Ayurvedic Treatment for Dandruff


Jayna Davis 

Mustard for Health - Speed Up Your Metabolism and Improve Digestion

Mustard is known to be very helpful for digestion, and can help to speed up your metabolism.

Mustard produces such a tiny seed yet it yields many health benefits. Mustard is one of the most popular spices in the entire world and is used in every country as a favorite spice. Part of the cabbage family, mustard can be used in its whole seed form, as a ground powder or combined with wine, vinegar or some other liquid to create a loose paste.

There are three varieties of mustard: black, brown and white. The mustard plant grows to be quite tall and has a bright yellow flower.

It was imported to US through Spanish missionaries and seen as a cure-all. Its sharp and bitter taste, especially mixes into paste with vinegars, gave off a medicinal fume long before its health benefits were discovered.

Better than a Vitamin

Mustard seeds are a very good source of omega-3 fatty acids as well as calcium, dietary fiber, iron, manganese, magnesium, niacin, phosphorus, protein, selenium and zinc. Selenium is a nutrient that has been shown to help reduce asthma, arthritis and certain cancers. Magnesium also reduces asthma and lowers blood pressure. The effects of mustard are currently being studied for menopausal women and on migraine attacks.

Other Healthy Benefits

Just a few of mustard's possible healthy benefits include:

Speeds up metabolism

Stimulates digestion, increasing saliva as much as eight times more than normal

Inhibits cancer cell growth and possibly prevents other types of cancer as well

Treatment of skin diseases through the application of sulfur found in mustard

Reduces in the severity of asthma

Decreases symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis

Lowering of high blood pressure

Prevention of migraines

Facilitation of gastric juices which aids digestive problems and gives digestive aid

Soothing of sore throats, bronchitis, asthma and pneumonia

Disinfectant qualities it provides

Additionally it has four powerful qualities: it is antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic and has anti-inflammatory properties.

How to Add Mustard to Your Diet

Mustard is for more than just hot dogs at the ballpark. Whether in ground powder form, seed form or out of the bottle, there are multiple ways to include mustard into your diet to reap its benefits. And since its pungent, tangy taste enhances food so uniquely, it can easily replace fattier condiment options such as mayonnaise, butters and sugary catsups.

Mustard is often used in Indian, French, German and Irish foods. But there are many more options as well.

Include powdered mustards in salad dressings, egg dishes, pickles, marinades and vinaigrettes.

Sprinkle whole mustard seeds on salads, over vegetables and rice and on roasting meats. Try roasting them first in a dry skillet for a nuttier taste.

Mustard paste is useful. Bottled mustard can be rubbed on meats before roasting. Try dipping cut vegetables in a mustard sauce for a unique, flavorful dip. Mustard paste can easily be added to mayonnaises, vinaigrettes, marinades and barbeque sauces.

Mustard is so versatile; you will find many exciting and new ways to use this old standby.

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By Diana Walker