Natural Beauty Treatments to Avoid Plastic Surgery

By Tany Clarck

Women at any age believe that the only way to look vibrant is undergoing surgery. We disagree! There are indeed many available options – non-invasive procedures that can gently tweak and actually modify certain areas of your body. You can still look and feel fabulous without having to go under knife.

Yes, as we age wrinkles are inevitable, however there’s a lot we can do to help prevent and reverse wrinkles through better, positive and healthy lifestyle choices.

Do not smoke and if you do, quit it today! Smoking has no advantages to be encouraged and it really makes you appear old. It causes premature ageing and reduces the blood flow contributing to wrinkles, sagging and tough leathery-looking skin, and demolition of proteins in the skin.

Drink your water and in plenty. Your skin needs water to stay healthy, soft and supple. You can also drink better fluids such as filtered water, white tea, organic tea and organic herbal teas in order to restore your youth. Avoid packaged drinks including soft drinks, sugary cordials.

Say No No to alcohol! Consuming too much of intoxicated drinks leads to bloating and dark circles under your eyes, eventually causing the skin to dry out and formation of wrinkles and premature ageing, in the long run.

Be out in the sun only enough to take in vitamin D for good health. But maintain the balance, as exposed to sun for a long time can cause wrinkles and skin cancer. Always apply sunscreen before heading out in the sun.

Skin is defined as the largest organ of the body and similar to every other organ, it needs good nourishment to stay healthy and glowing. Indulge in plenty of veggies, fiber, raw and unprocessed foods, raw nuts, dark-green leafy vegetables to improve the quality of the skin.

Also, eat enough oily fish – salmon, tuna, herring, and rich in omega-3 fat for good focus, memory and healthier skin.

Consume foods high in Vitamins A (carrots, pumpkins and cantaloupes), Vitamin C (oranges and lemons, cherries and peppers) and Vitamin E (wheat germ oil, almonds and sunflower seeds) that acts as antioxidants protecting our bodies’ cell from damage.

Regular moisturizing the skin at least once in the morning and once before going to bed can help retain lost moisture and natural oils in the skin.

Using cold-pressed plant oils – avocado, coconut, macadamia, apricot kernel and sweet almond will help prevent wrinkles.

Start using gentle, safe and natural skin care products. Also, make it a habit of using gentle skin exfoliators twice a week to remove dead cells from the surface of the skin making it look brighter, glowing and healthier.

Avoid over-washing your skin to retain natural moisture and oils. Make sure you moisturize your skin with a high quality moisturizer after a bath.

Remember to remove your make up before going to bed every night to let your skin breathe and exposed to air. Get adequate sleep of at least 8 hours a night to stay healthy physically and mentally.

Avoid stress at every cost as it contributes largely to premature ageing.

Smile and stay happy, always!

5 Ways Lemongrass Helps Physical and Mental Health

By Antonia

Stressed, in need of a detox or feeling angry often? Then lemongrass might be just what you need to create a sense of calm, boost liver function and restore balance to the body.

Master herbalist Paul Haiden discusses the many benefits of pleasant-smelling and tasting lemongrass, which he says can be used to make a delicious tea or to liven up foods.(1) For example, simply cutting off the bulbous ends and using the chopped up remainder of lemongrass creates a tasty stir fry or a soothing warm drink while also offering several health benefits to those who consume it.

Haiden explains that in Ayurvedic medicine, it’s considered a great pick-me-up, especially for those who feel they need to become more centered.(1)

However, there are many other health benefits that one can get experience thanks to lemongrass.

Top 5 Ways Lemongrass Improves Health, Mood

1) Detox Abilities

He says that lemongrass increases liver, spleen and kidney function, making it an ideal choice for those who want to cleanse their system.(1) It’s perfect for those with ailments pertaining to those areas of the body, or for people who simply want to reboot their body after a bad day of eating or drinking.

2) Cancer Fighter

Studies have linked extracts of essential oils found in lemongrass to playing a role in preventing further growth of cancer cells, liver and breast in particular.(2) It’s been shown to slow the progression of the disease, leading to the death of cancer cells.

The findings were published in respected journals such as Cancer Letters and Fundamental and Clinical Pharmacology.

It’s also thought that lemongrass fights cancer because it contains very good levels of vitamins A, B and C which are linked to fighting free radicals that can lead to the onset of the illness.(3)

3) Antibacterial Properties

Fragrant lemongrass is also associated with the ability to help fight infections, ranging from dental-related issues such as oral thrush to keeping streptococcus bacteria at bay.(4)

4) Dieuretic

Haiden says that lemongrass acts as a wonderful diuretic, helping to flush out the body in the event a person consumed too much salt or simply felt bloated.(1)

5) Stress-Buster

Last but not least, it can be an effective way to relieve stress. Some feel that the pleasant smell alone can induce a more tranquil state in someone who is in need of serenity.

Haiden is one such person; not only does he consider the aroma inviting, but says that it’s incredible taste and abundance of healing properties is something he “highly recommends” to ward off stress and calm the nervous system.(1)

Sources for this article include:

(1) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ff_Q1re-V0
(2) http://www.livestrong.com/
(3) http://www.thealternativedaily.com/
(4) http://www.livestrong.com/

Clove and orange jellies with cointreau cream

• Ingredients

•  12 cloves
•  12 oranges
•  1 cinnamon quill
•  1 cup (220g) caster sugar
•  4 gold-strength gelatine leaves
•  1/3 cup (4 tablespoons) Cointreau

Cointreau cream

•  300ml thickened cream
•  2 tablespoons sifted pure icing sugar
•  2 tablespoons Cointreau

Method                                                                                                                                      

1. Step 1
   Place a clove in four 1/2-cup (125ml) dariole moulds. Peel the skin and white pith from 6 oranges, then segment each one by holding an orange in your hand (over a bowl to reserve the juice) and cutting segments away from the membrane with a small sharp knife. Divide the segments among the dariole moulds and pack down tightly.
2. Step 2
   Juice 4 oranges and place in a pan with the reserved juice, cinnamon, 120g of the caster sugar and 4 cloves. Stir over low heat until the sugar dissolves.
3. Step 3
   Meanwhile: soak the gelatine leaves in cold water for 5 minutes. Squeeze out excess water, then add to the warm juice with 2 tablespoons of Cointreau. Stir to dissolve, then allow to cool. Fill the moulds with the juice mixture, carefully pulling the oranges away from the sides to allow the jelly to coat the sides of the moulds. Refrigerate overnight.
4. Step 4
   Zest and juice the remaining 2 oranges. Place in a saucepan with the remaining 100g caster sugar and 4 cloves. Stir over low heat until the sugar dissolves, then simmer for 5 minutes until syrupy. Stir in the remaining Cointreau and cool.
5. Step 5
   For the Cointreau cream, whisk all ingredients until soft peaks form. Turn jellies out onto plates and serve with the syrup and Cointreau cream.

http://www.earthespice.com.au/

7 Amazing Fact Why Cayenne Pepper Should Be Include In Daily Diet

    

By Pulford                                                                                                                                               

Cayenne, also called capsicum is wonderful spice with many health benefits. Cayenne contain potassium, calcium, beta-carotene, B-complexes, and vitamins A, C, and E.

Cayenne pepper has been used for a variety of disease including cancer, arthritis, hypertension, heartburn, gout, paralysis, fever, flatulence, sore throat, nausea, fever and diphtheria. Also helpful for weight loss, to stop bleeding, to prevent scar formation, and for digestion.

7 Amazing Fact Why Cayenne Pepper Should Be Include In Daily Diet

Anti-Cancer Agent

Studies in California found that cayenne pepper may prevent lung cancer in smokers as cayenne contain high quantity of capsaicin which is bless for hard smokers, Capsaicin substance help to stop the formation of tobacco-induced lung cancer.

Migraine Prevention

Its pepper’s ability to stimulate a pain response in a different area of the body, thus diverting brain attention to new area, and you will feel less pain.

Heart Disease

It has been found that giving cayenne extract to heart patient can prevent heart attack. Cayenne helps to reduce cholesterol levels in the blood and helps to dissolve fibrin, which responsible for blood clots. It also reduces triglyceride levels.

Boosts Immunity

The Vitamin A is also called beta-carotene, in cayenne pepper it protect us from outer pathogens by creating healthy mucus layer in the nasal passage, lungs, and urinary tracts, and it avoid us from infection.

Weight Loss

Study shown that who’s taking cayenne pepper in breakfast have less appetite, leading to less caloric intake throughout the day. Cayenne is also a great metabolic-booster, aiding the body in burning excess amounts of fats.

Anti-diabetes

Study found that who ate cayenne pepper required less insulin for reducing their blood sugar level. This suggests the spice could have anti-diabetes benefits.

Pain Reliever

Due to high quantity of capsaicin substance, cayenne pepper acts to cause temporary pain on the skin, which sends chemical messengers from the skin into the joint, offering relief for joint pain.

Sources:

http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/NaturalFood/Cayenne

http://www.healingdaily.com/detoxification-diet/cayenne.htm

http://www.foodofy.com/cayenne-pepper.html

4 Anti-Cancer Soups That Work Similar For All Age

By Phyllis Bentley

Soup is an excellent way to get a lot of antioxidant and the best thing about these soup recipe is that it tastes so good and easy to make and it works with all age group similarly. These soups ingredients not only supplies the body with a good source of several important vitamins and minerals, they also help to prevent cancer, heart disease, diabetes, reduce blood pressure.

Here are 4 anti-cancer soups recipe

Apple and Onion Soup

Ingredients:

1 Tbsp canola oil
2 medium yellow onions, sliced
1 small leek, chopped
1/2 Tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
1/2 Tbsp fresh thyme
3 organic apples, cut into small dices
6 cups fat-free, low-sodium vegetable broth

Directions:

In a medium saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add the onions and sauté until golden.

Pour in the broth and wait until boil over medium heat.

By keeping heat to medium-low, add the apples and Simmer for 10 minutes.

Dr. Ben kim Anti-Cancer Soup

Ingredients:

2 cups chopped cabbage
1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 large Yukon gold potato
1 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, pressed
1/4 cup cilantro, finely chopped
4 cups of filtered or spring water or Vegetable Broth
Sea salt and black pepper, to taste

Directions:

Make vegetable broth by adding 4 cups of water now boil all ingredients except cilantro, salt, and pepper. Boil until vegetables are tender.

Put 3 cups of soup into a blender and blend it until creamy.
Add blended mixture back to pot and then add remaing cilantro, salt and pepper to taste.

Stir for a minute and serve.

Beet and Carrot Soup

Ingredients:

3 medium beets, peeled and diced
1 tbsp canola oil
1 cup onion, chopped
1 pound carrots, diced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
1 garlic clove, minced
6 cups vegetable stock

Directions:

In a large saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Sauté onion until it turns golden brown. Add ginger and garlic and cook for 2 minutes, stirring Regularly.

By adding beets, carrots, and stock, keep heat to low and simmer covered until beets and carrots are tender, about 25 minutes. Taste soup and adjust it by season.

Serve hot or cold, garnished with cilantro leaves.

Anti-Cancer chicken vegetable soup

Ingredients:

1 tbsp Olive Oil
1/2 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut in 1 inch chunks
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
2-3 large garlic cloves, crushed or minced
3/4 Cup sliced carrots
1 Cup Cauliflower, chunks
2 Cups REDPACK Diced Tomatos with juice
4 Cups non-fat chicken or vegetable broth
2 Cups spinach, torn in pieces
salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Heat oil over large saucepan. Sauté chicken until it turns lightly browned then remove chicken.

Putting onions, garlic, and carrots in pan. stirring until onions begin to soften, upto 3 minutes.

Bring chicken back to pan along with cauliflower, tomatoes, and broth.
Simmer, partially covered, for 20-25 minutes.

Stir in spinach and seasonings and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.

Sources and reference:

healwithfood.org, drbenkim.com, myhealthypassion.com

The Best Teas, Herbs and Spices for Health

By Christine . S

When most people sit down to drink a cup of tea – or add some fresh-cut basil or a dash of turmeric to their crock pot dinner – they are probably thinking more about the flavors of these things than any health benefits that might stem from them. However, though this is often overlooked, teas, herbs and spices are an excellent source of antioxidants and other potent phytochemicals that can bring with them significant positive benefits for human health. And if people know more about what these products can do, they can choose specifically which they would like to add to their diet to help solve a particular health problem. Read on to find out more about some of the best teas, herbs and spices for human health

Chamomile

Chamomile has been used at least since Roman times for its medicinal properties. It is best known for its use as a natural sedative and relaxant (which makes it an excellent choice for a bedtime drink) but it is also great for digestive complaints, with its ability to soothe an upset stomach. It is well worth having in the pantry! (1)

Peppermint

Peppermint, too, has a long medicinal history and is best known for its ability to treat digestive complaints like upset stomach, heartburn and ingestion. It is also good for tension headaches and fatigue, giving the body a pick-me-up without the aid of caffeine. And it is great to add to a cup of tea or a smoothie! (2)

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is more than just a wonderful flavoring for apple or pumpkin pies! There has been lot of recent research on this spice due to its ability to help diabetics get better control of their blood sugar levels and avoid the spikes and drops in blood sugar that can be so dangerous for those with this condition. For this same reason, it is an excellent spice for dieters. (3)

Ginger

Ginger is probably best known for its ability to soothe down nausea (making it very popular with pregnant women trying to fend off morning sickness!). It has many more capabilities than that, however. Ginger is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, making it a great tonic for general health and for conditions like arthritis in particular. (4)

Basil

Basil has long been valued for the wonderful flavor it can impart to virtually any dish. However, it also has some amazing (though less well-known) properties as well. Its main active ingredient in eugenol and it has been shown to have strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It also has natural antimicrobial properties and is wonderful for helping the body to fight off pathogens. (5)

These teas, herbs and spices are uniquely different, but they do have one thing in common. They can greatly enhance overall health and make a wonderful addition to an overall healthy lifestyle of a balanced diet and regular exercise.

http://www.earthespice.com.au

Immune Boosting Fire Cider Recipe, Prepare Yourself For Cold & Flu Season

By Amy Goodrich

Cider Recipe

Autumn and winter time is the period when the body’s immunity and defenses drop along with the temperature, which becomes the common cause of the increased occurrence of cold and flu.

Fortunately, there is one preventive measure you can do, and a remedy you can use in case you really do get any of these two. Having the fire cider recipe at hand would truly be a big help during this period, but only if you have prepared well in summer.

So let’s start exploring what you will need and have to do to prevent getting a cold and know how to fight it when cold and flu season finally begins.

Fire Cider Recipe

Equipment to Use

• Wax paper
• Quart-sized jar

Ingredients

• ½ to ⅓ cup ginger root, scrubbed-clean and grated
• 1 head garlic, chopped or crushed
• 2 tablespoons of coriander seeds
• 2 to 3 tablespoons of fresh rosemary or dried rosemary leaves
• ¼ cup of fresh horse radish, peeled or scrubbed-clean and grated
• 1 medium-sized onion, chopped
• 2 cayenne peppers or spicy jalapenos
• Apple cider vinegar, organic with mother
• 1 tablespoon organic turmeric powder (or fresh turmeric root)
• Pinch of ground black pepper
  
• Juice and zest from an organic lemon
• ¼ cup of raw honey, to taste

Note: One thing you need to remember about the fire cider recipe is that it is a folk preparation. As such, the ingredients to be used are likely to change each year, and at a time you prefer to make this remedy and the ingredients that are on peak season at that time.

However, its base ingredients include apple cider vinegar, ginger, onion, hot peppers, garlic and horseradish. There are also other possible ingredients or herbs which you can choose to add. Take a look at the alternative list of ingredients below to have an idea.

Some Other Optional Ingredients to Add 

• ½ teaspoon of black peppercorns
• Burdock root
• Medicinal herbs, such as Hawthorn, Elder Berries or Schisandra berry
• Fresh tasty herbs such as dill, basil, oregano, savory, parsley, thyme, or marjoram
• Shallots, leeks, green onions
• Rosehips
• Sun dried tomatoes
• Mustard seeds
• Cinnamon sticks
• Ginseng root or astragalus
• Elder flowers or hibiscus
• Star anise
• Cloves

Instructions

1. Wash, peel, crush and chop all the ingredients.
2. Prepare the fruits, herbs and roots. Place these ingredients in the jar.
3. Add the vinegar to the ingredients in the jar until it is full.
4. Get the wax paper and cut enough size to be placed between the lid and the top of the quart-sized jar to prevent the lid from rusting due to the vinegar.
5. Put the lid tightly on the jar, shake it well and store it in a cool, dark place for a whole month. Shake the jar every day.
6. Following the one month period, prepare a clean jar where the stored fire cider vinegar can be poured as the pulp is strained using some cheesecloth.
7. Get the strained pulp and start squeezing the liquid from it until there is not much left of the fluids.
8. Add honey. Stir until it is well mixed into the fire cider. Make sure to taste your mixture until the desired level of sweetness is achieved.

Note:

As you will notice, no amount is listed for the vinegar because it will basically vary on just how much fire cider you will make. But for some guide, you may start from 2 cups/jar.

Store the fire cider you made in a dark place again, like a cabinet, afterwards. Consume a tablespoon of the remedy every day if you wish to use it to help with your immune system. If you got colds or feel like it is starting, just take 3 tablespoons of the fire cider a day. Not too fond of the taste, add fire cider to your tea or sweet green smoothies to mask most of its flavor. You can even use it as a marinade or sauce ingredient.