STRAWBERRY GINGER WRAP FOR CELLULITE

Cellulite is actually pockets of fat stored under the skin and is unfortunately the vain of just about every woman over the age of 25. Cellulite is mainly caused by having poor circulation that can slow down the removal of any toxins or fluids stored within the body.

By warming your skin blood rushes to the surface enabling the ingredients from this homemade body wrap to reach the blood stream more efficiently. This helps to flush out the toxins and any other impurities from the body that are responsible for the cellulite, water retention and other common skin problems.
The ginger, strawberries and clay blended together makes an excellent circulation stimulant.



Ingredients
2 ginger roots (10 cm long each)
4 tbs (60 ml) Kaolin clay powder *
15 large strawberries
Directions
Put all ingredients in a blender and whiz for a minute. If the mixture is too runny add more Kaolin powder until desired consistency is achieved.
Application
Apply the wrap to affected areas (cellulite or poor circulation), then wrap in metal foil. Lie down in a warm room for 15 to 20 minutes.
Remove foil and rinse with warm water. Turn the water to cold for the last 15 seconds of rinsing. Pat skin dry.
Note
* Kaolin clay powder is a fine, natural clay from Mt. Kaolin, China, known for its drawing properties. Look for this product in your local health food store.

Your Detox Program

"Cleansing is the first step on the road to health and sometimes it is the only step you need to take to feel better again."

Before starting any detox program, you should check with your health care provider to ensure the herbs you are using do not interact with other medicines you may be taking and are not contraindicated for any illness you may have. Depending on your individual needs, and the advice of your health care provider, you may wish to make your own custom formula using any of the herbs listed above.

Whatever formula you use, the tea should be taken between meals. Drink one cup of detox tea per day for 3 days, then 2 cups per day for one week, then 2 -3 cups per day until mixture is finished.
Avoid sugar, dairy, processed foods, fatty foods, flour and caffeine during your cleanse. Eat lots of fresh vegetables and fruit, lean protein foods (beans, lentils, fish, organic chicken, nuts), whole grains and healthy oils (flax, olive, hemp or a combination blend such as Udo's Choice).

Side Effects
When your body is cleansing itself of toxins there may be some uncomfortable side effects. Although they can vary greatly from person to person, some examples include: loose bowels, fatigue, skin rash and headaches. To control side effects you can drink fewer cups of tea per day, lower the amount of tea mixture used per cup of water or interrupt the cleanse for a couple of days. If side effects persist or are bothersome, speak to your health care provider.

Preparing the Tea

This tea is simple to prepare, costs less than most detox kits and lasts for five to six weeks (more than twice as long as most kits). Simply combine all herbs in proportions listed in a jar. Store tightly covered in a cool dry place away from direct light.
To use: bring one and a half cups spring or distilled water to light simmer on stove (water should be moving but not bubbling). Use a non-metal pot. Add two teaspoons of mixture and let simmer for about 10 minutes, keeping lid on pot. Strain into cup.

Heavier herbs may settle to the bottom of the jar so stir well before each use. To save time you can make enough tea for two days. Store in a tightly covered glass jar in the refrigerator. You can drink leftover tea cold or warm depending on your preference. If you choose to reheat, avoid use of microwave, and do not allow to boil.

Total Body Detox Tea

Spring and Autumn are the best times of the year to do an internal cleansing. The following 17 herbs are known for their excellent detoxifying properties. You can combine all herbs listed for a thorough detox formula in the following proportions:
4 tbs dandelion leaf (kidneys)
3 tbs dandelion root (liver, gallbladder)
2 tbs burdock root (blood, liver, gallbladder)
3 tbs milkthistle seed, crushed (liver, gallbladder)
3 tbs speedwell (stomach, skin, lungs, general tonic)3 tbs knotgrass (kidneys, colon, lungs)
2 tbs sheep sorrel (blood, kidneys)
3 tbs cleavers (lymph, kidneys)
4 tbs lemon balm (digestive tonic, nervine)
4 tbs pau d'arco (blood, parasites)
4 tbs horsetail (kidneys, skin)
5 tbs red clover (blood)
2 tbs chickweed (lymph, colon)
2 tbs angelica root (liver, digestive tonic)
3 tbs yarrow herb (liver, gallbladder, blood, gen. tonic)
5 tbs nettle leaf (kidneys, blood, general tonic, nutritive)
4 tbs plantain (skin, lungs, gastric system, internal healer, antiseptic)

Cleavers Herb Tea

Cleavers (Gallium aparine) is used both internally and externally in the treatment of a wide range of ailments. The dried or fresh herb is alterative, anti-inflammatory, antiphlogistic, aperient, astringent, depurative, diaphoretic, diuretic, febrifuge, tonic and vulnerary.

A valuable diuretic, it is often taken to treat skin problems such as seborrhoea, eczema and psoriasis, and as a general detoxifying agent in serious illnesses such as cancer.

The plant contains organic acids, flavonoids, tannins, fatty acids, glycoside asperuloside, gallotannic acid and citric acid.

It is mildly laxative and stimulates the lymphatic system and has shown benefit in skin related problems.

An infusion of the herb has shown of benefit in the treatment of glandular fever, tonsilitis, hepatitis and cystitis. The infusion is also used to treat liver, bladder and urinary problems.

The plant contains the valuable constituent asperuloside, a substance that is converted into prostaglandins by the body. Prostaglandins are hormone-like compounds that stimulate the uterus and affect blood vessels. Much more scientific research is being done on the plant it is of great interest to the pharmaceutical industry.

Cleavers main use is to help detoxify body tissues by supporting the lymphatic system, the system that washes the tissues of toxins, and as a mild diuretics. Toxic buildup is thought to be an underlying cause of chronic skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis and acne as well as autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis. Use cleavers tea as a bath additive or skin wash to treat skin damage from sunburn, rashes and cuts. It makes a good hair rinse for dandruff and dry scalp.

Parts Used: Leaves

Herbal Detox Tea

4 Tbs dandelion leaf (kidneys)
3 Tbs dandelion root (liver, gallbladder)
2 Tbs burdock root (blood, liver, gallbladder)
3 Tbs milkthistle seed, crushed (liver, gallbladder)
3 Tbs cleavers (lymph, kidneys)
4 Tbs lemon balm (digestive tonic, nervine)
4 Tbs pau d'arco (blood, parasites)
4 Tbs horsetail (kidneys, skin)
5 Tbs red clover (blood)
2 Tbs chickweed (lymph, colon)
2 Tbs angelica root (liver, digestive tonic)
3 Tbs yarrow herb (liver, gallbladder, blood, gen. tonic)
5 Tbs nettle leaf (kidneys, blood, general tonic, nutritive)
4 Tbs plantain (skin, lungs, gastric system, internal healer, antiseptic)

To make tea: bring one and a half cups spring or distilled water to light simmer on stove (water should be moving but not bubbling). Use a non-metal pot if possible. Add two teaspoons of mixture and let simmer for about 10 minutes, keeping lid on pot. Strain into cup.
Whatever formula you use, the tea should be taken between meals. Drink one cup of detox tea per day for 3 days, then 2 cups per day for one week, then 2 -3 cups per day until mixture is finished.

 It is advisable to limit or avoid sugar, dairy, processed foods, fatty foods, flour and caffeine. Eat lots of fresh vegetables and fruit, lean protein foods (beans, lentils, fish, organic chicken, nuts), whole grains and healthy oils (flax, olive, hemp or a combination). Remember to drink plenty of water everyday to help flush your system of the toxins you are liberating from every cell.

Head-To-Toe Alternative Remedies Guide

Therapy: St. John's wort

Although controversy does exist, many studies suggest that St. John's wort is better than placebo and as effective as antidepressants (tricyclics and SSRIs), with fewer side effects, for mild to moderate depression only. (It is very important to distinguish these forms of depression from major depression, which tends to include a greater number of depressive symptoms and, possibly, thoughts of suicide. For major depression, prescription medications and other therapies are a must.)


Talk with your doctor if you're considering trying St. John's wort; this herb has many potential drug interactions. Also, St. John's wort must not be combined with antidepressant medications. Psychotherapy should always be included in treatment for all forms of depression.

Evidence: Randomized controlled trials, review articles, and meta-analyses. Not all studies have had favorable results.

Therapy: Relaxation techniques, Valerian rootUp to 80 percent of people with insomnia can improve their sleep by learning to relax. Sleep-promoting techniques include progressive relaxation (a process that involves tensing and then releasing each muscle group in your body), meditation, yoga, guided imagery, self-hypnosis, and biofeedback.
Valerian, a mildly sedating botanical, can help you fall asleep faster and improve the quality of your sleep. Valerian combined with lemon balm and hops has yielded positive results as well. It may take one to two weeks to feel the effects. Valerian should not be used with sleeping pills, particularly barbiturates. Limit your use to six weeks or less until long-term safety information is available.

Evidence: Relaxation: Meta-analysis, review articles, and clinical savvy. Relaxation techniques, along with other behavioral changes, are considered first-line therapy for sleeping difficulties. Valerian: Randomized controlled trials. Trials to date have been short-term; there is no scientific information about the safety of using valerian for extended periods of time.

Insomnia

Migraine HeadachesTherapy:

FeverfewFeverfew may be worth a try for many migraine sufferers, particularly those who have used prescription medications and have either not had success with them or not been able to tolerate the many side effects. Look for feverfew standardized to contain at least 0.2 percent parthenolide, the active component thought to be responsible for reducing migraines and their symptoms. (The potency of feverfew varies tremendously from product to product, depending on where the herb was grown.)

Evidence: Randomized controlled trials and case reports. Several studies comparing feverfew with placebo have shown benefit in reducing the number of migraines over time and the symptoms associated with each headache.

Alcoholism, Smoking, and Other Addictions

Therapy: Acupuncture

Acupuncture for addictions may be most effective when combined with behavioral modification and, at times, medication. Endorphins released during acupuncture treatments may help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Auricular (ear) acupuncture may be particularly useful for narcotics and cocaine addiction.

Evidence: Consensus statement. Two subsequent review articles, however, concluded that there was no difference between real and sham acupuncture, in which needles are applied randomly. My bottom line: Acupuncture seems effective, and it can't hurt.

Alzheimer's DiseaseTherapy: Ginkgo biloba

Some experts feel that ginkgo is an excellent alternative to medication because it appears to have fewer side effects and costs less. While there are flaws to some of the research and not all trials have reached a positive conclusion, the evidence that ginkgo may improve thinking and memory in people with Alzheimer's has been highly promising.

Ginkgo is best if taken at the early stages of Alzheimer's. It may also be considered as a preventive measure if you have a family history of the disease. Ginkgo should not be used if you take a blood thinner (like warfarin) or a class of antidepressants called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).

Evidence: More than 40 randomized controlled trials -- even some comparing ginkgo with standard medications -- and several review articles.

AsthmaTherapy: Omega-3 fatty acidsEarly studies suggest that taking fish oil or alpha-linolenic acid may help ease asthma symptoms and improve lung function. I recommend dietary sources of omega-3s: eat fish, walnuts, and flaxseed while decreasing foods rich in omega-6s (e.g., meat, egg yolks, and certain oils) and trans-fatty acids. Use dietary measures as part of a comprehensive plan, including medication and breathing exercises.

Evidence: Epidemiologic, small randomized controlled trials, and review articles.

High Blood PressureTherapy: MeditationResearch shows that regular meditation practice can help lower blood pressure and keep it down. Biofeedback, qi gong, massage, and self-hypnosis have also been shown to help treat high blood pressure. Be sure to eat foods rich in calcium, magnesium, and potassium as well.

Evidence: Randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses. Many (but not all) studies have shown positive results.

High Cholesterol
Therapy: Soy, fiberBoth soy and soluble fiber are essential for lowering cholesterol. The American Heart Association recommends consuming at least 25 grams of soy protein per day (if you have a high risk of breast cancer, talk with your doctor first). Aim for at least 25-30 grams of fiber per day and eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and nuts.

Natural Cough Control Tea Recipe

Sizing up 25 studies on over-the-counter cough medicine, a recent research review published in "The Cochrane Library" determined that there's no good evidence for or against the effectiveness of formulas such as Robitussin and Mucinex.

For natural, reliable cough relief, try a tea recipe recommended by Tieraona Low Dog, M.D., director of education at the University of Arizona's Program in Integrative Medicine. It features thyme, which alleviates chest congestion and supports respiratory function, along with throat-soothing honey, sage, and vitamin-C-rich lemon.

Cough-Control Tea1. Pour hot water over 2 teaspoons organic lemon rinds, 1 teaspoon sage, and 1/2 teaspoon thyme. (Dried or fresh herbs can be used.)

2. Cover and steep for 15 minutes.

3. Strain tea, then add juice of 1/2 lemon and 1 tablespoon honey.

4. Drink two to three cups daily for cough relief. 

From Body+Soul, May 2008

Best Home Remedies For Cough

  

A cough is the body’s response to inflammation or irritation in the throat. It is a reflex action

started by stimulation of sensory nerves in the lining of the respiratory passages. Some coughs are dry, while others are considered productive. Pollution, smoke and dust can also trigger a cough. Any cough persisting more than a week, should be evaluated by a physician.

Natural Cough Remedies :

1. Have honey in a hot drink before bed time, or else turmeric powder boiled in milk and taken internally relieves cough.
2. Dry cough can be cured by gradually swallowing a mixture of cumin seed powder mixed with a little butter.
3. To relieve a dry cough suck a few pepper corns.
4. Boil an inch of crushed ginger in a pot of water and drink this a little at a time for the whole day.
5. Suck a whole clove without chewing to soothe a cough.
6. Apples when eaten will help with dry cough.
7. Aniseed is another effective remedy for a hard dry cough. It breaks up the mucus and gives relief.
8. The juice of an orange diluted in a cup of warm water, should be taken every two hours.
9. Grapes also help a great deal in treating a cold. You can take 1 cup grape juice and add 1 teaspoon honey to it.
10. Almonds are excellent for dry coughs. Soak a few almonds in water and keep them overnight. Next morning remove the skin and grind them to form a powder and take a tablespoon every morning.
11. Boil 1 teaspoon of powdered cinnamon powder and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper powder in a glass of water add 1 teaspoon of honey to it and drink sip by sip for effective relief from sore throat, cold and cough.
12. A teaspoon of Aloe Vera mixed with honey helps in bringing cough under control.

Top 25 Natural Stress Remedies

                                                                                  
Hiding from the world under your pillows? Finding yourself having small panic attacks or just need to relax? Forget binge-drinking and saving up for Club Med, we have 25 surefire ways to soothe your inner stress monster!

1.Take 30 minutes a day to organize yourself.
Making time to organize will make sure you are organized. Being organized will help you manage your time and make an endless task-list seem less intimidating.

2.Eat healthier!
Taking the time to eat properly will likely cut your stress in half; you’ll feel better and have more energy. Taking care of yourself is basically the antithesis of stress because you’re focusing on bettering yourself rather than spreading yourself thin. Try some of our delicious vegetarian recipes.

3.Consider a detox diet
Try a revitalizing detox to free your body of harsh chemicals and feel lighter, better and like-new.

4.Do something nice for someone else
Do-gooding is the selfless secret to decreasing your stress status. Not only will you gain karma, you will temporarily free yourself of your circumstances and have gathered a refreshing new perspective.

5.Free Association: Busy your hands & free your mind.
Perfect for anytime you need to relax or when you find yourself obsessing or distracted. Grab a pen (or your keyboard) and write yourself tired. Just write without thinking for twenty minutes, you will exhaust your stressful thoughts and generally feel better. Therapists recommend doing this on a daily basis, but it is also great when you find yourself mulling over isolated stressful incidents or are nervous about an upcoming event.

6.Sleep! But don’t oversleep!
You can’t sleep away your stress or hide in bed. Similarly, you can’t stay up all night and get everything done (or at least, not well). Get your rest, even take a 20 minute nap if necessary but don’t go to extremes!

7.Exercise
Exercise is the ultimate stress reliever because you simultaneously release endorphins, increase your energy and build confidence. You’ll instantly feel better and be better-suited to handle any upcoming problems or projects.

8.Take a bubble bath
Bring the spa to you and soak away your worries. Plus it cuts down on your water and energy intake compared with taking a shower.

9.Take a walk
The quick break and fresh air will re-energize you and clear your mind.

10.Get up earlier
The extra half hour won’t make a significant difference on your sleep but it will make a difference on your attitude for the day. You will be more relaxed and better prepared; people who wake up earlier tend to accomplish more because you’ll have an “Up and at ’em” approach to the day.

11.Do something creative
Paint, garden, cook, feng shui, write haikus… No matter what you choose, doing something fun and hands on will make you feel self-satisfied and have a positive perspective for dealing with other things.

12.Music
Music can easily lift your spirits and pose a stress lubricant for any situation (traffic, work, cleaning, jogging, cooking…) Listening to cheesy music and/or singing along is an instant stress destroyer. It’s impossible to take anything seriously when you’re listening to Richard Cheese or Wham!

13.Limit your internet and cell phone use.
Technology makes it incredibly easy to keep in touch with people. It is also an incredibly easy way to drive us crazy! If you find the sound of your phone making you cringe there are two easy ways to handle it: Turn it off for a few hours or change the ringtone to something that always makes you smile. Limiting your internet use is the best way to cut down on mindless procrastination and free your time for better things.

14.Laugh!
Laughter is underrated, particularly when dealing with everyday stress. Laughter lets us take life less seriously and gain an instant happier perspective, so make sure laughter is part of your schedule. Listen to stand up comedy at work, have a marathon of a funny show or rewatch your favourite funny movies. Or just practice your fake laugh until you laugh for real!

15.Call a friend
Even if you are addicted to text messaging, taking a break to call a friend will help get your mind off things and remind you that you don’t have to face the world alone! Plus it’s always great to catch up and shake off some stress.

16.Cut down on caffeine.
It may seem necessary to tackle your to-do list, but caffeine will only raise your anxiety and too much will make you feel cracked out and more stressed. Opt for herbal teas, cancel that extra shot of espresso or stick to decaf.

17.Start your day positive
Make a habit of doing something you love first thing in the morning, can you think of a better way to start your day? Instead of rushing to work, watch an episode of your favourite show, read, do yoga or anything that will put you in good spirits for the rest of your day.

18.Meditate
If done wrong, you’ve wasted time and are more aware of your problems. If done right (and regular) you will feel in touch with yourself, relaxed and confident. Take ten minutes to just breathe, relate to yourself and clear your mind.

19.Concentrate on what you want to happen and not what you don’t
Take mind over matter and create a can-do mindset rather than a ‘I hope this doesn’t happen’ attitude. You’ll feel much more productive and less hopeless when you focus on what you can do and what you want rather than the worse case scenarios. Or take the Boy Scout method- rather than worry about the worst scenario, prepare for it!

20.Make time for what makes you happy
Dealing with a heavy workload when you’re happy and when you’re miserable are unthinkably different things. Make your happiness a priority and will benefit other areas of your life by pure consequence (unless what makes you happy leads to an unhappy excess).

21.Welcome Routine
Despite fear of falling into a rut, routine is the most basic way to fight stress. You’ll feel organized, healthy and more capable of handling anything thrown your way. A lack of routine can make everything feel messier than it needs to be.

22.Make time for friends and family
It will help you feel connected and not get lost in the everyday stresses of work and city-life. Make stress wait, not your loved ones; there is always opportunity to be busy, worried or anxious, so don’t worry about letting it take the backseat to the people you want to see.

23.Stretch!
Whether through yoga or just stretching out your limbs first thing in the morning or during break, loosening up will help your body (and mind) both energize and relax.

24.Don’t make things bigger than they are
Put things into perspective, it may seem like a huge problem, project or decision now, but how important will it be in a few months when you have new problems, projects and decisions? Don’t turn to Nihilism, but understand Kierkegaard’s greatest wisdom of life “Nil Admirari’ (Marvel at nothing) everything is the same even when it’s different!

25.Hugs
Possibly the most effective way to instantly decrease stress, don’t be shy with hugs! It sounds silly but try it and watch your troubles disappear!