Amazing Home Remedies to Lose Belly Fat

Every other person on this planet wants to lose belly fat! Yes it is this great an issue. Belly fat not only gives you an ugly look but can be dangerous for your health too. The visceral fat or the fat around your abdomen can lead to diabetes, heart diseases, stroke as well as dementia. When it comes to lose abdominal fat, the right foods are a necessity. They detox your liver and boost your metabolism so that your body can target belly fat. There are numerous fat burning foods and spices that can help you lose your belly fat. Here are some really effective home remedies to lose belly fat with the help of such foods and spices.

How to Lose Belly Fat with Natural Remedies

1. Drink Lemon Water to Lose Belly Fat

You need to detoxify your liver because a stressed liver cannot metabolize fat effectively and which gets deposited around your waistline. Lemon water excellently increases enzymes that detoxify your liver so that it may carry out its basic functions efficiently.

Get this:
•Lemon- 1
•Water (warm preferred)- 1 glass

Do this:
•After you get up in the morning, take the lemon and squeeze out its juice into the water.
•While warm water is good to make lemon water for fat burning purpose, you can also use water at room temperature. This won’t stop lemon doing its job.
•Mix well and drink this lemon water on an empty stomach everyday in the morning.
•Do not eat or drink anything for at least 30 minutes after you have your regular lemon water every morning.

2. Drink Cranberry Juice to Lose Belly Fat

Cranberries are a rich source of organic acids like malic acid, citric acid, and quinic acid that function as digestive enzymes. These acids act as emulsifying agents on stubborn fat deposits in your lymphatic system which transports all the waste products that your liver cannot process. Cranberry juice digests these lymphatic wastes and help you reduce fat. So, drink 100 percent cranberry juice (unsweetened) or cran-water.

Get this:
•Unsweetened cranberry juice- 8 oz. Or 1 cup
•Water- 56 oz. Or 7 cup

Do this:
•In the morning, mix cranberry juice with water to get your day’s supply of cran-water.
•Have one cup of this cran-water at a time through out the day.
•You may have a cup each before breakfast and lunch, after dinner, and at other times of the day.
•You may also make this cran-water just before you have it. Just mix 2 tablespoons of cranberry juice to 7 oz. (a little less than a cup) of plain water.

Fish Oil or Fish to Lose Belly Fat
Martin Criminale / CC BY 2.0

3. Have Fish Oil or Fish to Lose Belly Fat

Fish oil has omega-3 fatty acids in it. Omega 3 acids such as icosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid and linolenic acid help in breaking down fat while reducing fat storage around your waistline. If you can’t take fish oil, have fish rich in omega 3 fatty acids.

Do this
•Have 6 g of fish oil daily. 6 g roughly equals a generously filled tablespoon which is on the verge of overflowing.
•Alternatively, you may have such fish as salmon or mackerel two times a week. Tuna and halibut are also high on omega-3.

4. Eat Chia Seeds to Lose Belly Fat

If you are a vegan and cannot have fish to get your day’s dose of omega 3 fatty acids, you can eat chia seeds that are equally high on omega-3 and are best plant based source of omega 3 acids. However, your body needs to work a little to convert the alpha- linolenic acid in these seeds into DHA or EPA that directly comes from fish oil. Apart from omega 3 acids, chia seeds are good source of antioxidants, calcium, iron and dietary fiber which helps you feel fuller for longer. The diet book, ‘The Aztec Diet’ suggests having 4-8 tbsp (1-2 oz or 30-60 g) of chia seeds during a day to keep you less hungry and prevent you from overeating. However, 1 tablespoon of chia seeds too is a good amount to include in your daily diet

Home Remedies to Lose Belly Fat
Larry Jacobsen / CC BY 2.0

How to eat chia seeds?
1.Add chia seeds to your smoothies, salads and yogurt.
2.Add them to your breakfast cereal.
3.Use chia seeds as a thickening agent for soups and gravies.

5. Have Ginger Tea to Lose Belly fat

You know that ginger is a natural digestive aid but did you know that ginger is a thermogenic? Thermogenic agents increase body temperature thus helping burn fat more effectively. Your belly fat may be due to one of the various reasons like overeating, age-related reduction of hormone, lack of exercise or stress. Ginger can practically solve each of these issues. Ginger is also said to suppress cortisol production. Cortisol is a steroid hormone essential for energy regulation and mobilization. So, have ginger tea daily to aid your efforts of losing belly fat.

Ginger Tea to Lose Belly fat
the little red house / CC BY 2.0

How to make ginger lemon honey tea?

Get this:
•Water- 4 cups
•Ginger (peeled and sliced)- 1-2 inch piece
•Lemon- 1
•Honey- 1 tbsp

Do this:
•Boil the water.
•Add ginger to the hot water and simmer for 5-10 minutes.
•Remove from the stove and add lemon juice and honey to this.
•Mix well and have a cup of this ginger tea in the morning.
•To regulate your metabolism, stimulate your digestion and reduce your cortisol production, have at least 2 cups of ginger tea throughout the day.

6. Use Garlic to Lose Belly Fat

You might be knowing that garlic is good for your cardiovascular system as it reduces both systolic and diastolic blood pressure as well as triglycerides apart from increasing good cholesterol. You might, however, not be knowing that garlic has excellent anti-obesity properties too! Every minute our body cells die and our body makes new cells to replace them. Adipocytes (also called lipocytes and fat cells) are the cells in our body which primarily compose adipose tissue (body fat). In the adipose tissue, there undergoes a process wherein pre-adipocytes are converted into full-fledged adipose tissue or fat. This process is known as adipogenesis. Studies show that garlic inhibits this process of adipogenisis or the process of making fat. If stated in simple language, garlic stops your pre fat cells from converting into fat cells. So, you might well like to add garlic into your daily diet. However, raw garlic is more beneficial when you want to lose belly fat!

Get this:
•Garlic cloves- 3
•Lemon- 1
•Water- 1 cup

Do this:
•Squeeze the lemon juice into the cup of water.
•Chew 3 garlic cloves and then drink the lemon water
•Repeat every morning on an empty stomach.
•You will start losing belly fat within 2 week’s time.

7. Herbs Infused Water to Lose Belly Fat

There are many herbs in your kitchen that you don’t even call herbs. You use them daily in your cooking or in salads etc. but you are unaware of there effects on your body fat. Some of such herbs include ginger, mint, and cucumber. These herbs when combined with the excellent fat burner lemon can do wonders to get you rid of belly fat. Consisting of water and dietary fiber, cucumber is a great food to lose belly fat. It cleanse your body from deep within and help you lose weight. Ginger is a great fat burner which allows blood vessels to expand leading to better blood circulation. It also boosts metabolism. A study suggests that people who eat ginger can lose 20% more weight than people who don’t eat it. Due to its rich contents of vitamin C and antioxidants, lemon boosts your energy apart from burning fat. Mint not only calms down your cravings but also soothes tummy after you indulge in foods. Water keeps you hydrated and this flavored water will also detoxify your body. So, here’s the recipe of what you might call a flat belly diet drink.

Herbs Infused Water to Lose Belly Fat
Herbs Infused Water to Lose Belly Fat

Get this:
•Water- 2 liters
•Cucumber (sliced)- 1 medium
•Ginger (grated or pressed)- 1 tsp if grated; 1-2 inch piece if pressed
•Lemon (sliced)- 1
•Mint leaves- 10-12 sprigs

Do this:
•Soak all the ingredients in water overnight.
•Once they are infused for the whole night, drink this water throughout the day.

8. Dandelion Tea to Lose Belly Fat

If your belly fat is due to water retention, dandelion herb can come to your rescue. Dandelion is a natural diuretic which increases your urine output. Dandelion will improve your liver’s functioning capacity. It will flush out retained water and toxins out of your body, especially from belly area which you know by the name of abdominal bloating. Combined with some fat reducing spices, dandelion tea not only tastes good but helps reduce belly fat which is due to water retention.

Get this:
•Dandelion root (roasted)- 1 tbsp OR Dandelion root powder (roasted)- 1 tsp
•Fresh ginger (minced)- half inch piece
•Cardamom seeds- from 1 cardamom
•Cinnamon bark- half inch piece
•Mint leaves- 4-5
•Water- 1 and ½ cup
•Honey (optional)- 1-2 tsp as per taste

Do this:
•Add all the ingredients except honey to water.
•Bring this water to a boil.
•Boil the water for 5-10 minutes
•Strain the tea and add honey to this if using.
•Mix well and have this delicious dandelion root tea.
•You may have 2-4 cups of this tea during the day.

Precaution: If you have blocked bile ducts or some issues related to gall bladder, avoid having dandelion tea. Consult your doctor before taking this tea.

9. Have Cinnamon to Lose Belly Fat

Don’t go by the sweet taste of cinnamon, it won’t increase your fat. In fact, cinnamon will help reduce your overall body fat including the belly fat. Cinnamon is a thermogenic. It means, cinnamon tends to produce heat through metabolic stimulation. Thus cinnamon makes you burn your fat. So, include 1 tsp. of ground cinnamon to your daily diet in order to increase your metabolism. Take ground cinnamon and not the cinnamon bark oil which may lead to ulcers, mouth sores and mouth burning when consumed. Cinnamon is one spice that you can cook with any food.

Ways to have cinnamon to loose belly fat
•Sprinkle a tsp of cinnamon on top of your beverages like tea, coffee or even milk.
•Add cinnamon on top of your toast, muffin etc.
•Add cinnamon powder to your breakfast cereal.
•Sprinkle it on your salad, dips, and sauces.

10. Lean Meat to Burn Fat and Lose Belly Fat

Foods that have thermogenic properties burn your calories as you eat them. Protein is highly thermogenic. Animal proteins are more thermogenic than vegetable proteins. Thus, lean meats are the best calorie burning food. When you eat lean meat, you burn about 30 percent of the calories it contains within it just by digesting the food. So, if you eat a 300 calorie chicken breast, you will use about 90 calories to digest it. It’s wise to include some protein in each of your meal. This can be lean chicken, beef, or pork, especially in dinner so that you burn most of the consumed calories through digestion at a time when your body’s metabolism is slower. Just remember, do not fry your lean meat!

11. Sip Green Tea to Lose Belly Fat

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition states, having 4 cups of green tea daily helped people lose more than six pounds within a period of eight weeks. Green tea contains a type of a catechin called epigallocatechin-3-gallate, or EGCG. It is a natural phenol and antioxidant with many therapeutic applications. When you sip green tea, EGCG in it boosts your metabolism. Have 3-4 cups of green tea daily. Make it fresh every time or store it in fridge to get an iced green tea each time you need to speed up your metabolism. Here is a fine recipe of fat burning green tea for you.

How to make green tea to lose belly fat?

Get this:
•Green tea leaves or pearls- 1-2 tsp OR Green tea bag- 1
•Hot water- 1 cup
•Mint/basil leaves- 4-5
•Lemon juice- ½ to 1 tsp
•Honey (optional)- 1-2 tsp as per taste

Do this:

•Add green tea (or tea bag) and mint or basil leaves to the hot water.
•Cover and steep for 5-10 minutes.
•Strain and add lemon juice plus honey if using.
•Mix well and sip your green tea.
•Have three to four cups of green tea daily, preferably after meals.

12. Hot Peppers to Lose Belly Fat

Hot peppers contain capsaicin which has thermogenic effects. It boosts your body’s heat production and thus uses more energy or calorie. A study published in the “American Journal of Clinical Nutrition” says that when capsinoids are consumed daily, it reduces abdominal fat and improves fat oxidation. So spice up your foods with hot peppers to lose belly fat. Eat peppers raw, cooked, dried, or in powdered form. Red peppers contain different amounts of capsaicin, making some peppers more hot than others. Habanero pepper has the highest amount of capsaicin but cayenne pepper too can be a good choice. Although not as hot, cayenne pepper do has a significant amount of capsaicin which can increase fat burning and lead to your belly fat loss. Don’t be shy to add as much cayenne or hot sauce as you can to your soups, eggs, gravies and meats.

13. Coconut Oil to Lose Belly Fat

Don’t be surprised. Although it is a fat, coconut oil can actually help lose your belly fat! I’ll tell you how. This oil extracted from coconut has a unique combination of fatty acids. It has a positive effect on your metabolism too. Coconut oil is high on medium chain triglycerides. The medium chain fatty acids are metabolized differently from long chain fatty acids. These fatty acids directly go to the liver from your digestive tract, where they are used in one of the two ways- either as energy or are converted into ketone bodies. Ketone bodies are three water-soluble biochemical compounds that are produced by the liver using fatty acids when you fast or reduce your food intake. These are used by body cells as energy instead of glucose. So when you want to follow low carb diet to lose fat, coconut oil can help you a lot.

Coconut oil is also a thermogenic and burns fat. Many studies have shown that medium chain fatty acids when compared to the similar amount of calories from other fats, can improve feeling of fullness. Thus you automatically reduce calorie intake.

A study has shown positive results about coconut oil in reducing abdominal fat. In this study, some women were given 2 tablespoons of coconut oil and some other women were given 2 tablespoons of soybean oil for 28 days. Both the groups lost about 2 pounds but the group taking coconut oil also reduced their waist circumference while those on soybean oil had a mild increase in belly fat. The coconut oil group also increased HDL (good) cholesterol levels. However, mindlessly having coconut oil may in fact increase your weight, after all it is a fat. So, keep the following tips in mind when using coconut oil to lose belly fat.

Tips to use coconut oil to lose belly fat
•Do not add coconut oil to the existing oils that you use daily. You must replace other cooking oil with coconut oil.
•Do not have loads of coconut oil. Just 2 tablespoons a day is sufficient.
•Remember, coconut oil is to aid your efforts for losing fat. Your primary diet should always be whole, nutritious foods.

14. Easy Lifestyle Changes to Lose Belly Fat

Sometimes you exercise adequately and adopt a host of natural remedies to lose belly fat but still you can’t. If that’s what happening with you, you need to analyze your lifestyle and make some small changes. These changes are very small but may need a while to convert into a habit. If you really want to get rid of your abdominal fat, you better start bringing these lifestyle changes from now itself.
•Sleep adequately- Lack of sleep is one of the prominent causes for belly fat accumulation. When you don’t sleep, you crave for sugar and fatty foods. It also spikes your cortisol hormone which makes you insensitive to insulin. As a result, you lose your body’s bio-rhythm. So, sleep well.
•Reduce or stop alcohol consumption- Alcohol is full of calories but when you consume alcohol you don’t feel full. Binge drinking in particular deposits fat around your waistline. It’s better not to have alcohol but if you can’t do that at least avoid binge drinking and also reduce the quantity and frequency of alcohol intake.

15. Develop Right Food Habits to Lose Belly Fat

Yes food can get you rid of belly fat, if you are eating the right food though. Here’s how you can develop good food habit and lose your belly fat.
1.Choose snacks intelligently- What you call light snacks do more harm. Burgers, pizzas, French fries and all that junk food is not good for your body. Eat less of them as also sodas and processed foods. Foods indicating low calorie, low fat or sugar free too can contribute to belly fat. Artificial sweeteners in these foods may induce your body to store fat. Avoid them and opt for healthy snacks like fruits, nuts etc.
2.Reduce sugar in your diet- Sugar is one of the main causes of fat. Instead of sugar, have complex carbohydrates. Your body converts complex carbohydrates into sugar and they are beneficial for you.
3.Have more good food- eat more of protein, vegetables, fresh raw fruits, whole grains and nuts. Remember canned fruits and veggies can further increase your belly fat so avoid them.
4.Have more of good fat- Omega 3 fats help lose belly fat. So have more of foods having this good fat such as salmon. Low glycemic-index foods such as beans too are beneficial when it comes to losing belly fat.
5.Consume more vitamin C- It must come from natural sources like lemon, orange, kiwi fruit etc.
6.Don’t skip meals- When you starve your body, it gets into survival mode and starts storing foods in the form of fat. So, have your breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Keep your meals small and snack on healthy foods in between these main meals.

16. Exercise to Lose Belly Fat

Yes, you cannot spare this. You must exercise too. All the natural remedies to lose belly fat and good food and lifestyle habits will go waste if you don’t exercise. This is the eternal truth. The fast you understand this, the early you will lose your belly fat!
1.Do whole body workouts- Losing belly fat just by spot exercising stomach won’t do. Exercise your entire muscle groups in whole body workouts.
2.Do cardiovascular exercises- Walking, jogging, running, cycling, aerobics etc. increases your body’s capacity to burn more calories.
3.Do Strength training- Along with cardiovascular exercising, do strength training too. It will build your muscle tone to help you get rid of overall body fat.

All the best to you in your efforts to lose belly fat!

by Gist Man 10:30

6 Top Remedies for Hair Growth

Hair is important for our looks. Why else would anyone spend so much of time, efforts and money to find that most suitable hairstyle for one’s face? Your hair gives you a distinct personality. So if you are worried about hair loss that you have noticed recently, there is nothing unnatural here. Even if you are losing only the normal amount of hair but want to have thicker hair, you may do so through various remedies for hair growth. So here we go and give you 6 (plus one super tip) hair growth remedies with which you can have a good volume of hair without spending a whole lot of money for clinical treatments!

Home Remedies for Hair Growth

1. Onion juice- smelly but effective remedy for hair growth

Onion not only makes your food tasty but also makes your hair grow and multiply effectively. Why? Because onion juice has sulphur in it which boosts the production of collagen tissues. These tissues assist in re growth of your hair. You will only need red onions, even shallots would do.

Directions:
•Take two to four onions.
•Grate the onions and squeeze out the grate thing to get its juice.
•Massage your scalp with this fresh onion juice.
•Let it be there for, preferably one hour. If not, leave it there at least for 15 minutes.
•Now wash off your hair with a mild shampoo and water.

Alternative method for using onion for hair growth

If you are scared of tears and irritation in eyes due to grating of onions while taking out its juice, you can use onions in another way. Here are the directions for it:
•Take 4-5 onions and chop them.
•Take a liter of water and boil it.
•Add the chopped onions to boiling water.
•Let it boil for another 5-10 minutes.
•Put off the flame and let the water cool.
•Now strain and use the water to wash your hair after using shampoo.
•If you can stand the smell, do not rinse hair with other water that day. Next day shampoo your hair use clean water to wash off.
•If you can’t stand the smell, at least do not wash off with clean water for an hour. After that shampoo and rinse hair with clean water.

Onion not only helps in re growth of hair but also lends your hair with a fabulous sheen.

2. Potato Juice- yet another vegetable that helps your hair grow

No, we are not in a vegetable juice shop nor are we cooking food in your kitchen but these vegetables really do wonder when it comes to hair growth. Along with onions, you can also use potatoes to grow your hair. In fact, potato juice can even cure thinning of hair due to ‘alopecia.’ Potatoes are rich in certain vitamins like vitamins A, B and C. When your body lacks this vitamins, your hair gets dry and brittle. So, you must have those foods that are rich in these vitamins. Using potato juice on hair directly too is beneficial. Just grate 3-4 potatoes and squeeze out the juice from it. Massage your scalp with this juice for at least 15 minutes. Rinse off with water. If your hair is very dry, instead of using just the potato juice, you can use this potato hair mask.

You will need:
•Potatoes – 3
•Egg yolk- from one egg
•Honey – 1 tablespoon

Directions:
•Grate and squeeze out the juice from potatoes.
•Add egg yolk and honey to this juice.
•Mix well to get the potato hair mask.
•Apply on your scalp and leave for at least half and hour.
•Wash off with mild shampoo and water.

The egg yolk and honey add a good amount of moisture to potato juice which is beneficial for your dry hair. This hair mask helps in growing hair faster.

3. Eggs give extra protein to grow extra hair

Hair is primarily made up of protein. What’s the better way to grow hair than to provide it with extra protein,in fact, one of the best proteins- the egg white. What you need to do is take one or two eggs and massage your scalp with the liquids in it. Let it sit there for an hour, preferably covered with a shower cap. Then wash it off with a mild shampoo and water. You may even make an egg mask for your hair to give it extra shine and strength.

For egg hair mask, you will need:
•Egg white – from 1-2 eggs
•Olive oil- 1 tsp
•Honey- 1tsp

Directions:
•Mix egg white, olive oil and honey well to make the egg hair mask.
•Apply this mask on your scalp. Cover your hair too.
•Let it sit there for about 15-20 minutes.
•Wash off with mild shampoo and water.

4. Rinse Hair with Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has many benefits for your hair. It stimulates the hair follicles and help them grow faster. It also cleanses scalp apart from maintaining the pH balance of hair which accelerates their growth. You just have to use this vinegar as an after-wash rinse. Add apple cider vinegar with water and use it as a final rinse for your hair each time you shampoo your hair. Although it has a mild smell that doesn’t bother anyone too much yet if you want your hair smell good even when they grow with apple cider vinegar, just add a couple of drops of some essential oil (such as lavender oil) to your mixture of water and vinegar.

5. Use Fenugreek- the age old remedy for hair growth

Fenugreek has been used to treat hair fall since ages in many parts of the world. Even you can use this spice for growing hair.

You will need:
•Fenugreek seeds – 2-3 tablespoons
•A large pan filled with water

Directions:
•Soak the fenugreek seeds in the water for 24 hours.
•Strain and use the water to rinse hair.
•Do not immediately was hair with normal water. Let this water be there for at least 3 hours
•After 3 hours, wash your hair with lukewarm water (never use hot water on your hair)
•Repeat this daily for at a month to see your hair gaining strength and volume.

Fenugreek can also be used to make a superb hair mask for growing hair faster.

For Fenugreek hair mask, you will need:
•Fenugreek seeds paste- 1 tsp
•Coconut milk – ¼ cup or more if you have longer hair

Directions:
•Mix fenugreek seeds paste and coconut milk well.
•Apply to your scalp and hair.
•Leave for half an hour.
•Now wash off with a mild shampoo and water.

6. Ayurvedic Herbs -Amla Shikakai Reetha- for long and strong hair

Indian gooseberry (amla) is well recognized as the powerhouse of vitamin C and antioxidants. Thus it helps in production of collagen and also fights off free radicals promoting hair growth and even improving pigmentation of your hair. You can simply mix 2 teaspoons each of amla powder and lime juice and rub this on your scalp. After some time, rinse with warm water. This will help your hair grow. There is, however, another herbal remedy using amla which can promote faster hair growth by making your hair long, strong and shiny. For this you’ll have to make a shampoo at home using amla, shikakai and reetha.

To make amla, shikakai, reetha shampoo, you will need:
•Amla or Indian gooseberry (Emblica officinalis) – 100 gm
•Shikakai (Fruit of Acacia concinna shrub) – 100 gm
•Reetha or soapnut (Sapindus Mukorossi) – 100 gm
•Water – 2 liters

Directions:
•Soak all the three herbs- amla, shikakai and reetha – in water overnight.
•In the morning, boil the mixture till the time water reduces to half.
•Let it cool.
•Once the mixture cools, with the help of hands mash the boiled herbs to pulp in the water itself.
•Now strain and collect the homemade shampoo in another utensil.
•Wash your hair with this shampoo.
•Do not try to rub the herbal liquid as you do when using regular shampoos. This will entangle your hair leading to breakage as your hair goes rough as soon as it comes in contact with this herbal shampoo.
•The right way to use Amla-Shikakai-Reetha shampoo is to apply it over all of your wet hair and let the hair soak in it for about 5 minutes.
•After 5 minutes, rinse with water and apply some conditioner.
•Take care to not let the concoction enter your eyes.

This homemade shampoo will remove all the oil and dirt from your scalp and hair giving you healthier shiny hair with lots of volume. Use this amla herbs mix whenever you shampoo your hair for about 2 months. You will love the pace at which your hair grows.

The Super Tip for Hair Growth

Apart from using one or many of the above remedies for hair growth, you should always do one thing regularly. Massage your hair with some nutritious oil at least once a week. Warm a little olive oil, coconut oil or almond oil and gently massage rubbing this oil on to your scalp in circular motions. This is done best when you leave the oil overnight in your hair. However, you cannot or do not wish to do so, dip a towel in hot water, squeeze the extra water from it and wrap the towel around your oiled hair. Leave it like this for sometime and then wash off your hair with mild shampoo and conditioner. Warm towel treatment helps the massaged oil reach deep hair follicles, which in turn makes your hair strong, thick and healthy.

by Gist Man 10:30

How to Get Rid of Head Lice

Head lice are a common problem among school going children. Seeing your child scratching head often is not a healthy sign. Parents panic a lot when they find their kids bothered by head lice. Most of the children get head lice at some or the other point of time. Head lice are also a problem for many adults. But how do you get these head lice?

What causes Head Lice?

If you think having head lice means you have dirty hair, it’s not true. Lice doesn’t see if your head is clean or dirty, they just need human blood to survive and they get this from any head- clean or dirty!

Head-to-head contact causes lice. This allows the lice to crawl from the head where they already are to the head that comes in its contact. Usually, children have head to head contact in different environments, for instance, in the school, while playing outdoors with friends, at friends’ home, tuition centre, etc. Mostly, children aged 4 to 13 years are affected by head lice.

Head lice doesn’t cause any disease but lead to extreme itchiness of scalp. Too much itchiness sometimes causes infection of the scalp.

Head lice can create a lot of other troubles, physically and emotionally. As soon as you notice the moving lice or nits in the hair, you should take appropriate steps to remove it immediately. If you wish to get rid of head lice, remember that it is a long term process. It is impossible to get rid of head lice overnight, though, you can find a certain degree of relief from head lice after trying a remedy for even the first time.

Facts about Head Lice and Lice infestation

On what and how long do head lice survive?

They survive on human blood. Without human blood they don’t survive. Even if they fall off the hair, they will find the hair and try to stick to it. However, they don’t survive for more than 2 days without blood.

Head lice is not a disease but lead to discomfort

Head lice are neither a disease nor cause any disease. Head lice can make you feel too itchy, embarrassed and uncomfortable. It creates a lot of discomfort and disturbs you a lot due to itchiness of scalp.

Head lice make the scalp itchy, dry and prone to wounds

Constant scraping and scratching makes the scalp very dry and itchy. This damages the scalp and leads to wounds, flaky scalp, etc. If not treated, this may also cause scalp infection.

Head lice infests even the clean hair

Having head lice doesn’t mean you are dirty. Neither your hygiene is compromised nor is your environment dirty. Head lice may develop even in the cleanest environment. Lice don’t care whether your hair is dirty or clean. So, don’t feel bad about yourself when you notice lice on your kid’s hair!

Head lice and nits

Even though you can eliminate the matured ones, it takes a lot of time to get rid of nits. Matured head lice and baby lice can be removed effectively in a few weeks. However, it is very difficult to get rid of the nits as they get struck to the hair and hair roots.

Head lice have high re-infestation rate

Head lice infest at a rapid pace. It is somewhat difficult to control the infestation quickly. If they fall off the head, they immediately rush for another head or hair for survival. Apart from this, without removing the nits, you cannot totally get rid of the head lice. If you don’t remove the nits, the nits hatch into baby eggs, grow, and breed on hair. It is a cyclic process and unless you kill and remove all the nits, you cannot completely get rid of head lice.

Using Anti-lice Products for Head Lice

When it comes to treating head lice, many people opt for anti-lice haircare products to get rid of the lice quickly. Some of these anti-lice products include,
•Medicated anti-lice shampoos
•Medicated anti-lice oils
•Medicated lotions and cream rinses (cream rinses are not suitable for younger children)
•Hair sprays

These products come handy to remove head lice. You can buy any lotion or spray recommended by the local pharmacist. Remember, you can use a lotion or spray only when you find the living louse. Otherwise, the sprays or medicated oils aren’t really needed. They are not much effective for nits removal.

However, to make it more effective you should use the product precisely, as instructed.
•Use the product once a week or once in 10 days. Since it may contain chemical based ingredients or toxins, you can try it sparingly and on a holiday so that it doesn’t affect other kids negatively.
•After applying the cream or lotion, tie the hair and wrap in a towel. It prevents lice from falling off and finding a new shelter.
•It is recommended to stay away and remain idle until all the lice die and fall off into the wrapped towel. This is strongly recommended in case of severe lice infestation. This might take a few hours. Therefore, it is good to use such anti-lice products at night so that the dead lice may get collected into the wrapped towel and you may clean your child properly in the morning.
•If you or your child doesn’t have nits on hair, you can remove the lice easily in two or three applications of such anti-lice shampoos, oils or other products.
•Keep a watch and check for nits or any living lice after every 3 to 5 days. If there are nits or tiny lice, they may hatch and grow. So, using the OTC lotions may not be helpful to prevent the lice infestation.

General precautions when using OTC anti-lice products for hair

Some general precautions for using the over-the-counter products to remove head lice include the following
•Follow all the instructions provided in the product leaflet, namely, quantity of the lotion, procedure to apply, how long you can stay with the product applied on the head, frequency of usage, etc.
•Close the eyes (or if you are applying on your kid, let the child close the eyes) while applying such anti-lice treatments. You can also place a cloth over the eyes as an additional precaution to prevent the shampoo or lotion from entering into the eyes.
•Make sure to wash or clean your hands properly with a disinfectant after applying anti-lice products to your hair or after removing the nits with hands.
•Most of the head lice topical lotions carry an unpleasant smell. Your hair may retain the odor even after washing. So, you can wash the hair with regular shampoo or conditioner the next day, following the head lice treatment. Washing your hair with regular shampoo may not let the anti lice product work effectively.

Don’t use any topical application to remove head lice in case of,
•Babies under the age of 2 years
•Pregnant women
•People with skin infection, allergy and asthma.

If you aren’t sure about using any head lice product, consult with a dermatologist and get the prescription.  In fact, you may think of using home remedies to get rid of head lice as these products are not very effective in dealing with lice and nits.

Why the OTC anti-lice products aren’t really effective to get rid of head lice?

Most of the over the counter medicines as well as prescription hair care products doesn’t work effectively to remove head lice completely. These anti-lice shampoos as well as medicated oils meant for lice treatment give a symptomatic relief only. They can only kill the live lice and cannot damage the nits that become a menace. Although you can get rid of head lice by regularly using the OTC shampoo or prescription product, it is not a permanent solution to get rid of head lice. They cannot prevent the recurrence of lice. These solutions chemically react on the lice, which cannot prevent their infestation too.

In addition, these medicines contain toxic elements and chemicals that may harm your child. It can cause allergic reaction on your scalp and skin. Using the medicines also make the hair extremely dry and prone to infection of scalp.

However, you can try the OTC products to get rid of head lice initially when it is not that severe an issue. You can proceed with home remedies or natural solutions to get rid of head lice when and if you see one or two application of these products are not giving you the desired result of complete recovery. You may, in fact, use home remedies in the very beginning and forgo these chemical products altogether, especially in case of small kids.

The best way to get rid of head lice is using the home treatments and natural remedies.

Natural Remedies to get rid of Head Lice

There are many natural solutions, herbal remedies and simple at-home treatments available to get rid of head lice.

Combing to Get Rid of Head Lice

Combing is the best strategy to get rid of head lice. Combing the hair with fine-toothed comb or a lice comb is an effective solution to remove head lice, at least, when you notice the problem soon, just after lice infestation begins. As soon as you notice the lice infestation, use the lice comb to remove the head lice before it breeds. Instead of buying the plastic combs, you can choose the wooden combs too.

The key to removing the lice through combing involves, removing the hair from tangles and separating the hair into small sections.
•Using a regular comb, detangle the hair and separate the locks into smaller sections.
•Now use the fine toothed comb, preferably special anti-lice combs having very fine teeth. The comb teeth should be spaced tightly to trap the lice.
•Always spread a white towel or paper below the length of the hair so that the falling lice cannot escape as you could easily see the black creatures crawling over the white surface.
•You can comb the hair to remove the head lice in two ways, namely oil combing and wet combing. Moisture in the hair and scalp help reduce the movement of lice. In fact, lice cannot move in a sticky environment. So, removing head lice in wet or oiled hair is an easy process.

Here is how you can oil comb and wet comb the hair to get rid of head lice.

Oil Combing

Oil combing is the traditional method used for ages to remove head lice. This is different from regular application of oil to your hair. Oil is applied generously on the hair from root to the tip.

In olden days, people used castor oil or sesame oil for hair. When it comes to removing head lice, you can use any oil that doesn’t have the scented fragrance. For instance, don’t use the oils with aroma like almond oil.  Aromatic oil is different from essential oil that has the aroma. Don’t confuse the scented oil with essential oil. You can use coconut oil, sesame oil or castor oil for the best effects. These oils have their natural smell but are not too fragrant.
•Detangle the hair and apply the oil. (Removing the knots helps separating the hair into small sections and comb accordingly)
•Massage the scalp gently as you apply the oil.
•Apply a generous amount of oil. It should look like as if you have soaked the hair in the oil.
•Tie the hair for 10 to 15 minutes.
•Comb the hair with a normal comb to make sure that the hair is free from knots and tangles.
•Separate the hair into two sections, left and right. Split the parted hair into small sections to ease the combing.
•Separate the hair into small sections and comb every part meticulously.
•Take the comb and draw it down, from the top towards the end of the hair. Make sure that the tip of the comb teeth touches the scalp.
•Check the comb for lice and remove them when seen.
•After every stroke, remove the lice from the comb.
•You can remove about 80 % of the head lice using the oil combing method. This includes both matured lice as well as baby lice, except the nits.
•After combing, tie the hair loosely and wash it after 30 minutes using regular shampoo or shikakai. Shikakai is a herb good for cleansing hair.

How to comb?

Wet Combing

The process of wet combing is similar to oil combing. However, you should comb the hair after washing it with a shampoo.
•Wash the hair with a regular shampoo or medicated shampoo. You don’t need any separate lotion or spray for wet combing.
•Apply a lot of conditioner to keep the hair free from tangles.
•Squeeze out the excess water, but make sure that hair is fully wet.
•Wet hair controls the movement of lice; they can’t move freely and stick to the hair.
•Comb the hair as mentioned in the steps for oil combing.
•You can easily get rid of most of the matured lice from the head his way.

Repeat the oil combing or wet combing process once in every three days to clear the lice as they hatch periodically. However, removing the nits from the head is essential to get rid of head lice completely and to prevent the re-infestation of head lice too.

How long you should comb is determined by the type of the hair, length and extent of lice infestation. Those who suffer from severe infestation may not be able to remove even 50 percent of head lice in a single application.

Is combing sufficient to get rid of head lice?

As long as you don’t see the lice hatching the nits, you can get rid of head lice just by regularly combing the hair using the lice comb.

Home Remedies to Control the Infestation of Lice and Nits

To get rid of head lice, first you should remove the matured lice and baby lice. If you don’t have nits, you can try the natural remedies frequently to control the growth of lice. If you have nits, you should kill the nits and remove them completely. Remember, even one or two lice on your head can lead to re-infestation of lice. Following natural remedies, you can control the lice and prevent infestation.

1. Neem – Most powerful remedy to get rid of head lice

Neem or the Indian Lilac, sometimes also called margosa, is the best remedy to get rid of lice. It kills both lice and nits. Neem leaves contain a lot of medicinal properties. Topical application of neem leaves paste destroys the lice and you can remove it using comb with ease. Even if you have nits, using neem leaves is helpful. However, you have to remove the nits using a wooden nit comb.  To get rid of lice, controls infestation and kill the nits by using neem in the following way.

How to apply neem for head lice removal?

Neem Paste

Neem paste is more effective than neem oil. It retains most of the medicinal values and removes the lice and also kills the nits.
•Gather fresh neem leaves. (choose the matured neem leaves; they are more effective than the baby leaves)
•Grind the neem leaves into a fine paste by adding a few drops of water.
•Alternatively, you can boil the neem leaves and then make a paste
•The paste should be fluffy and soft. Coarse or uneven paste makes it difficult to apply.
•Make sure the hair is free from tangles
•Apply the neem paste.
•Ensure that the neem paste covers all the hair properly, including the length of the hair.
•Tie the hair and wrap in a thin towel.
•Let it stay for 2-3 hours.
•Rinse the hair and wash the hair with mild shampoo.
•You can also use shikakai to clean the hair
•In a single wash, you can remove most of the matured and baby lice.
•Apply neem paste at least 2-3 times a week until all the lice are removed

Neem Oil
•If you can tolerate the aroma of the neem oil, you can buy the neem oil from the stores.
•You can also make neem oil by boiling dried neem leaves in mustard oil or coconut oil.
•Apply neem oil to hair and scalp
•Wear a head cover or wrap the head at night and go to bed.
•The oil should stay for a minimum of 4 hours.
•Wash the hair
•Wet comb the hair and remove the lice.

2. Sweet Flag for Lice and Nits

Sweet flag, also called Calamus is one of the staples used in many homes. Sweet flag has been a boon to the infants and toddlers. Sweet flag has also been used as an immune booster which prevents the infants from falling sick. Sweet flag is one of the effective natural remedies for head lice and nits.

Sweet flag appears like a thin, light and dry rhizome. It has a unique aroma. Sweet flag is a non-toxic remedy for head lice and you can use it for your child without any hesitation. In addition, it also aids in healthy hair growth. Sweet flag not only kills the lice, but also the nits.

Using sweet flag once or twice a week provides you healthy, black and lustrous hair with no traces of lice and dandruff.

How to use sweet flag for head lice?

Sweet flag is available in many stores selling Ayurvedic and natural medicines. It can be used in two ways, sweet flag paste and sweet flag smoked powder.

Sweet flag paste:
•Soak the dry rhizome in milk for 5 minutes.
•Rub the rhizome on a stone and extract the paste.
•Apply the paste on the scalp and hair.
•Tie the hair and wash it off after 2 hours.

Sweet flag smoked powder:

This is one of the time-tested remedies for head lice and healthy hair.
•Burn the dry rhizome by directly placing the stick on the fire. You can use candle or gas stove flame. ( Additional tip: Inhaling the smoke of the sweet flag clears the sinus block and enhances the respiratory function)
•Once it is fully burned, you can easily break the rhizome into small pieces and crush them into soft powder. When it could be done easily, you know you have burned it to the right degree. Make a fine powder out of it.
•Alternatively, you can also grind the smoked rhizome into fine soft powder.
•Add sesame oil or virgin coconut oil to the powder. One part powder can be mixed with two parts oil.
•The smoked powder will dissolve in the oil and the color of the oil will become turbo black.
•You can use it as regular hair oil or apply the oil before you take bath.
•The oil kills the lice and nits. It protects the hair against lice infestation.

Still, you should use a nit comb to remove the nits from the hair.

3. Use Hair Dryer to Kill the Nits

While wet hair methods can kill the lice, hot air methods can kill the nits. You can use hair dryer and expose your hair to the hot air to kill the nits.

Dry your hair using hair dryer after washing hair with shampoo. However, don’t use the hot air treatment or hair dryer after you apply any hair lice product or chemical lice treatment. Most of the lotions, creams and sprays may contain flammable ingredients that may react when exposed to heat. So, avoid using hair dryer after getting a lice treatment using some OTC product.

4. Tea tree oil to get rid of head lice

Tea tree oil has antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiseptic properties. It is a natural insecticide.  The terpinen in the tea tree oil is a natural anti bacterial agent. It also helps kill lice effectively. Not only lice, it can also destroy the eggs. Not only this, it can soothe and heal the irritated scalp that has become itchy due to lice infestation. Here are some ways to use tea tree oil to get rid of head lice.
•Before you go to bed, add 3-4 drops of tea tree oil to 2 tbsp water or some oil and apply this to your scalp and hair. Next morning, comb the hair to remove the dead lice and wash your hair.
•Take 3 tbsp coconut oil or olive oil. Mix 1 tsp of tea tree oil to this. Add the oil mixture to some shampoo and rub this to your scalp and hair. Wrap your head with towel or a plastic cap. After half an hour, wash off your hair with warm water. Wet comb your hair to remove the dead lice.
•Add a few drops of tea tree oil to the shampoo or hair oil that you use and apply to your hair and scalp.

5. Vinegar for Head Lice Treatment

Vinegar is also an effective treatment for head lice but it doesn’t kill adult head lice. However, the acidic properties of vinegar are enough to kill the nymphs, the young lice that did not mature yet to lay eggs. Vinegar is also quite effective against the nits. The germ killing properties of the acid of vinegar dissolves the exoskeleton or the protective shell of nits. This makes them incapable of sticking to the hair. Once the nits lose their hold, you can easily comb them away with a nit comb. These are some of the ways by which you can get rid of head lice using vinegar.
•Apply pure vinegar to the hair, close to the scalp.
•Then, wait for a few minutes.
•Wet the hair using either water or water and vinegar solution (take equal amounts of water and vinegar).
•Now use a nit comb to remove the nits that will get loosened due to vinegar acid.
•Repeat daily till you completely get rid of head lice nits and the nymphs.

6. Get rid of lice nits with a wooden nit comb

Most of the remedies for head lice do not work on nits. Nits won’t fall off your hair like lice. When you have nits, combing with regular or fine toothed comb is not enough to get rid of the nits. You should use special nit combs to remove the nits stuck on the hair. This is a very painful process. Removing the nits from the hair is a very tedious and painful process. It may also damage the hair since the hair is pulled tightly from the scalp when you try to remove the nits using the comb. However, this is the only solution available to get rid of nits and to prevent further lice infestation.

If you killed the nits and find no traces of lice, you can cut short the hair to get rid of the dead nits. This is yet another way to get rid of the menace.

Head lice Prevention

Prevention is better than cure! When it comes to head lice, this is so true. Whether or not your child is exposed to the environment prone to head lice, you can stay cautious to avoid head lice.

Homemade Anti-Lice Oil

Here is a simple anti-lice oil recipe. Using the oil prevents the head lice infestation and helps you get rid of lice quickly.

Things you need:
•Neem leaves – 1/2 cup
•Unrefined sesame oil – 3 cups
•Dried neem flowers – 1 cup (if you don’t get neem flowers, you can use dried neem seeds)
•Dried tulsi leaves – ½ cup
•Calamus stick powder (1/4 cup)
•Add all the ingredients to the oil and bring it to a boil.
•Let it cool down and extract the oil after a few hours using a cloth or sieve.
•Apply this hair oil regularly (1-2 times a week)
•Wash the hair after at least 1-2 hours.

How to make it:

Regardless of the lice treatment you try (natural or any chemical treatment), make sure to wash the clothes and towels separately, that you or your child wore during the treatment.

Keep the hair clean and wash it at least twice a week. However, it is no guarantee for prevention of head lice. If the hair is clean, you can easily remove the lice and delay the infestation.

Don’t share the comb. Use separate comb for every single member in the family.

Regardless of the treatment you try to get rid of head lice and nits, you should regularly comb the hair daily to remove any of it that might have infested your hair. Also, killing and removal of nits from the hair prevents further infestation of head lice.

by Gist Man 10:30

8 Top Home Herbal Remedies for Baldness

You know it by the name of baldness and your doctor calls it alopecia. By whatever name you call this severe hair loss, the bald patches on your head certainly don’t look good. If you are a male, your chances are far more higher than your women friends to go bald. Now if you are that care free, happy-go-lucky type of guy who doesn’t bother about baldness, you are blessed. You don’t need to do anything. Afterall, baldness is not something which is life threatening or that can play havoc with your life. Many people live happily with their baldness, some who even go bald in their 20s. However, if you are not such a person and get conscious about skinny things peeping out of your beautiful hair, you will gradually lose confidence while in public. For you, it is a must to get rid of baldness. There are many treatments, expensive ones too, to cure your baldness but when you can do this with the easy and cheap home remedies, why spend so much of money? Here I’ll give you many effective home as well as herbal remedies for baldness that you can choose and apply as per your convenience.

Herbal Remedies for Baldness

1. Old Olive Oil, Still Effective

Olive oil is a great remedy for all types of hair loss prevention, including baldness. You may use olive oil for baldness cure in one of many ways mentioned here.

Make olive oil hair pack

You will need:

• Olive oil – As per your hair, less for short hair, more for long hair
• Honey – 1 to 2 tsp
• Cinnamon powder – 1 tsp

Directions:

• Warm the olive oil .
• Add honey and cinnamon powder and mix well.
• Apply it on your scalp and hair.
• Leave for about 15-20 minutes.
• Wash with mild shampoo.
• Do it twice or thrice a week.

Use Olive oil with cumin seeds

You will need:

• Olive oil- Half a cup
• Cumin seeds- 1 tsp

Directions:

• Take the olive oil.
• Add cumin seeds in it.
• Leave for 10-15 minutes.
• Rub this oil on your bald patches gently for 5-10 minutes.

You can even store olive oil mixed with cumin in a bottle and use it daily for faster results.

Overnight olive oil treatment

If you are thinking that your bald patches will vanish in a night, you are wrong. You have to leave the oil in your hair overnight. That’s it. Massage your scalp every night with olive oil before going to bed and wash off next morning. Don’t forget to place a towel on your pillow though to save it from getting oily!

2. Fantastic Fenugreek, Fabulous Hair Growth

Fenugreek has long been used for baldness treatnment. There are two ways to use this spice for your hair loss problem.

Fenugreek Paste

• Take 1-2 tablespoons of fenugreek seeds
• Grind them to make a paste.
• Apply this paste on your bald patches.
• Leave it there for about an hour.
• Wash off with water.
• Repeat twice or thrice a week.

Fenugreek in Coconut Oil

You will need:

• Fenugreek seeds – 1 teaspoon
• Coconut oil- enough for your hair

Directions:

• Heat the coconut oil.
• Add fenugreek seeds in it and fry it for a couple of minutes.
• Let it cool if it’s summer otherwise strain the oil when it is still warm. In winters, coconut oil tends to get in solid form.
• Rub this oil gently on your scalp and hair.
• Massage gently in circular motions to help the oil reach the hair roots.
• Leave for half an hour.
• Wash off with mild shampoo.

It’s better to massage your hair with this oil twice or thrice a week before you take shower.

3. Healthy Hair with Henna

Henna is a fabulous herb that has been used since ages for conditioning hair. Mixed with mustard oil, henna can also cure your baldness.

You will need:

• Henna leaves- 100 gm
• Mustard oil- 250 gm

Directions:

• Boil the mustard oil.
• Add henna leaves and let it boil for some more time.
• Cool it down.
• Strain and store in an airtight bottle.
• Massage your scalp and hair with this oil everyday.

4. Ordinary Onion, Big Magic

Onion has been recognized as a remedy for greying hair but it is also beneficial for growing hair. Many researches have found that onion juice not only cleanse the scalp and hair follicles but also promote thicker hair follicles due to its capabilty of producing catalase (a natural antioxidant compound). Here are the ways to get maximum benefits of onion for curing your baldness.

Make onion juice

• Peel off the onion’s outer part.
• Separate its inner red part from which you will extract the juice.
• You may use a mixer to extract the juice or may grate it or even use hands to squeeze out the juice.
• Filter the resultant liquid to remove all the solids. You may use cloth or a seive for the purpose.
• Apply the pure onion juice to your scalp only.
• Massage the scalp gently for about 10 minutes.
• Wash off with water.
• Your head may stink a little due to raw onion’s not-so-good smell.
• You may use a mild shampoo to wash off your hair.

Honey and Onion

Onion when mixed with honey too helps you get rid of baldness. Just mix enough honey with onion juice and rub your bald patches with the mix. If you don’t want to extract the juice of onion, you may also rub the bald patches with onions cut into half. After rubbing with onion, rub the bald potches with honey. Wash with water thereafter.

5. Look for Lemon Seeds and Peppercorns

Increasing blood circulation on scalp can also help you grow hair on your bald patches. Seeds of lemon and peppercorns do this work effectively.

You will need:

• Seeds of 7 lemons
• 10 black peppercorns

Directions:

• Take the seeds of lemon and peppercorns, crush them
• Apply them on your bald patches.
• Leave for about 10-15 minutes.
• If they feel very dry, use little lemon juice, just enough to bind them.
• You may feel little itchiness and irritation but do not discontinue.
• For better and faster results, apply this twice a day for few weeks.

6. Cool Camphor Oil

If you have lost hair due to stress and anxiety, this remedy with camphor oil can bring hair back to your bald patches. Camphor has great antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. It is a natural relaxant that relieves you of stress and nervous tension and help you calm down. Camphor oil stimulates additional blood flow to your scalp when you massage with it helping it reah your hair follicles. It not only makes your hair healthy and shiny but also assist in re-growth of hair. Just add quite a few drops of camphor oil to your regular hair oil (coconut oil is good for hair) or hair care lotion and use this for massaging your hair daily to see new hair on your scalp in few weeks.

Special Herbal Remedies for Baldness

There is this alternative therapy useful to get rid of baldness. It is called Phytotherapy which uses certain plants to treat hair loss and baldness. Three types of plants are used for phytotherapy.
• Plants which inhibit enzymes transforming testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) responsible for hair loss.
• Plants that avoid stress and anxiety, yet another cause of hair loss.
• Plants providing essential minerals and vitamins for healthy growth of hair.
These types of plants are used for making capsules and extracts etc. Some of them are suggested to be had as salads or other food items. Let’s have a look at these plants and herbs for curing your baldness.

7. Superb Saw Palmetto

Saw palmetto found in North America has been used by Native Americans as a remedy for many diseases including hair loss. It is believed to block an enzyme that converts hormone testosterone into dihydrotestosterone which leads to androgenic alopecia- the typical hair loss from the top of the head or around the temples.

You can take saw palmetto extract by determining the correct dosage after consulting our doctor. It should range between 160 mg. to 320 mg based upon your body weight. As it transforms both testosterone and estrogen hormones, those having medical conditions like breast cancer should strictly consult their doctors. People taking blood thinners or those who are hemophiliac should also avoid having saw palmetto herb.

8. Heavenly Remedy with Hibiscus

Hibiscus too has been used as traditional medicine for hair loss in many regions of the world. You can either have a tea made of dried hibiscus petals or make a concoction to apply to your scalp.

Make Hibiscus Concoction

You will need:

• Coconut oil
• Curry leaves
• hibiscus flowers
• Gooseberry (amla)

Directions:

• Boil coconut oil, curry leaves, hibiscus flowers and amla.
• Let it cool down.
• Strain the oil.
• Massage your scalp and hair with this oil
• Leave for 30 minutes.
• Wash off.
• Do it daily for better results.

You may also boil hibiscus in some water and mix lime juice in it to apply to your bald patches after straing the liquid. After leaving it there for some time, wash off with water.
You know it by the name of baldness and your doctor calls it alopecia. By whatever name you call this severe hair loss, the bald patches on your head certainly don’t look good. If you are a male, your chances are far more higher than your women friends to go bald. Now if you are that care free, happy-go-lucky type of guy who doesn’t bother about baldness, you are blessed. You don’t need to do anything. Afterall, baldness is not something which is life threatening or that can play havoc with your life. Many people live happily with their baldness, some who even go bald in their 20s. However, if you are not such a person and get conscious about skinny things peeping out of your beautiful hair, you will gradually lose confidence while in public. For you, it is a must to get rid of baldness. There are many treatments, expensive ones too, to cure your baldness but when you can do this with the easy and cheap home remedies, why spend so much of money? Here I’ll give you many effective home as well as herbal remedies for baldness that you can choose and apply as per your convenience.

Herbal Remedies for Baldness

1. Old Olive Oil, Still Effective

Olive oil is a great remedy for all types of hair loss prevention, including baldness. You may use olive oil for baldness cure in one of many ways mentioned here.

Make olive oil hair pack

You will need:

• Olive oil – As per your hair, less for short hair, more for long hair
• Honey – 1 to 2 tsp
• Cinnamon powder – 1 tsp

Directions:

• Warm the olive oil .
• Add honey and cinnamon powder and mix well.
• Apply it on your scalp and hair.
• Leave for about 15-20 minutes.
• Wash with mild shampoo.
• Do it twice or thrice a week.

Use Olive oil with cumin seeds

You will need:

• Olive oil- Half a cup
• Cumin seeds- 1 tsp

Directions:

• Take the olive oil.
• Add cumin seeds in it.
• Leave for 10-15 minutes.
• Rub this oil on your bald patches gently for 5-10 minutes.

You can even store olive oil mixed with cumin in a bottle and use it daily for faster results.

Overnight olive oil treatment

If you are thinking that your bald patches will vanish in a night, you are wrong. You have to leave the oil in your hair overnight. That’s it. Massage your scalp every night with olive oil before going to bed and wash off next morning. Don’t forget to place a towel on your pillow though to save it from getting oily!

2. Fantastic Fenugreek, Fabulous Hair Growth

Fenugreek has long been used for baldness treatnment. There are two ways to use this spice for your hair loss problem.

Fenugreek Paste

• Take 1-2 tablespoons of fenugreek seeds
• Grind them to make a paste.
• Apply this paste on your bald patches.
• Leave it there for about an hour.
• Wash off with water.
• Repeat twice or thrice a week.

Fenugreek in Coconut Oil

You will need:

• Fenugreek seeds – 1 teaspoon
• Coconut oil- enough for your hair

Directions:

• Heat the coconut oil.
• Add fenugreek seeds in it and fry it for a couple of minutes.
• Let it cool if it’s summer otherwise strain the oil when it is still warm. In winters, coconut oil tends to get in solid form.
• Rub this oil gently on your scalp and hair.
• Massage gently in circular motions to help the oil reach the hair roots.
• Leave for half an hour.
• Wash off with mild shampoo.

It’s better to massage your hair with this oil twice or thrice a week before you take shower.

3. Healthy Hair with Henna

Henna is a fabulous herb that has been used since ages for conditioning hair. Mixed with mustard oil, henna can also cure your baldness.

You will need:

• Henna leaves- 100 gm
• Mustard oil- 250 gm

Directions:

• Boil the mustard oil.
• Add henna leaves and let it boil for some more time.
• Cool it down.
• Strain and store in an airtight bottle.
• Massage your scalp and hair with this oil everyday.

4. Ordinary Onion, Big Magic

Onion has been recognized as a remedy for greying hair but it is also beneficial for growing hair. Many researches have found that onion juice not only cleanse the scalp and hair follicles but also promote thicker hair follicles due to its capabilty of producing catalase (a natural antioxidant compound). Here are the ways to get maximum benefits of onion for curing your baldness.

Make onion juice

• Peel off the onion’s outer part.
• Separate its inner red part from which you will extract the juice.
• You may use a mixer to extract the juice or may grate it or even use hands to squeeze out the juice.
• Filter the resultant liquid to remove all the solids. You may use cloth or a seive for the purpose.
• Apply the pure onion juice to your scalp only.
• Massage the scalp gently for about 10 minutes.
• Wash off with water.
• Your head may stink a little due to raw onion’s not-so-good smell.
• You may use a mild shampoo to wash off your hair.

Honey and Onion

Onion when mixed with honey too helps you get rid of baldness. Just mix enough honey with onion juice and rub your bald patches with the mix. If you don’t want to extract the juice of onion, you may also rub the bald patches with onions cut into half. After rubbing with onion, rub the bald potches with honey. Wash with water thereafter.

5. Look for Lemon Seeds and Peppercorns

Increasing blood circulation on scalp can also help you grow hair on your bald patches. Seeds of lemon and peppercorns do this work effectively.

You will need:

• Seeds of 7 lemons
• 10 black peppercorns

Directions:

• Take the seeds of lemon and peppercorns, crush them
• Apply them on your bald patches.
• Leave for about 10-15 minutes.
• If they feel very dry, use little lemon juice, just enough to bind them.
• You may feel little itchiness and irritation but do not discontinue.
• For better and faster results, apply this twice a day for few weeks.

6. Cool Camphor Oil

If you have lost hair due to stress and anxiety, this remedy with camphor oil can bring hair back to your bald patches. Camphor has great antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. It is a natural relaxant that relieves you of stress and nervous tension and help you calm down. Camphor oil stimulates additional blood flow to your scalp when you massage with it helping it reah your hair follicles. It not only makes your hair healthy and shiny but also assist in re-growth of hair. Just add quite a few drops of camphor oil to your regular hair oil (coconut oil is good for hair) or hair care lotion and use this for massaging your hair daily to see new hair on your scalp in few weeks.

Special Herbal Remedies for Baldness

There is this alternative therapy useful to get rid of baldness. It is called Phytotherapy which uses certain plants to treat hair loss and baldness. Three types of plants are used for phytotherapy.
• Plants which inhibit enzymes transforming testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) responsible for hair loss.
• Plants that avoid stress and anxiety, yet another cause of hair loss.
• Plants providing essential minerals and vitamins for healthy growth of hair.
These types of plants are used for making capsules and extracts etc. Some of them are suggested to be had as salads or other food items. Let’s have a look at these plants and herbs for curing your baldness.

7. Superb Saw Palmetto

Saw palmetto found in North America has been used by Native Americans as a remedy for many diseases including hair loss. It is believed to block an enzyme that converts hormone testosterone into dihydrotestosterone which leads to androgenic alopecia- the typical hair loss from the top of the head or around the temples.

You can take saw palmetto extract by determining the correct dosage after consulting our doctor. It should range between 160 mg. to 320 mg based upon your body weight. As it transforms both testosterone and estrogen hormones, those having medical conditions like breast cancer should strictly consult their doctors. People taking blood thinners or those who are hemophiliac should also avoid having saw palmetto herb.

8. Heavenly Remedy with Hibiscus

Hibiscus too has been used as traditional medicine for hair loss in many regions of the world. You can either have a tea made of dried hibiscus petals or make a concoction to apply to your scalp.

Make Hibiscus Concoction

You will need:

• Coconut oil
• Curry leaves
• hibiscus flowers
• Gooseberry (amla)

Directions:

• Boil coconut oil, curry leaves, hibiscus flowers and amla.
• Let it cool down.
• Strain the oil.
• Massage your scalp and hair with this oil
• Leave for 30 minutes.
• Wash off.
• Do it daily for better results.

You may also boil hibiscus in some water and mix lime juice in it to apply to your bald patches after straing the liquid. After leaving it there for some time, wash off with water.

by Gist Man 10:30

How to Treat Breathing Problems in Babies

Many children suffer from breathing problems occasionally. It’s usually temporary, but it can take a serious turn in some.

The most common causes of breathing difficulty in children are a common cold, asthma and respiratory infections, such as croup, bronchitis and pneumonia. At times, very sudden breathing difficulties can occur due to serious health issues, such as epiglottitis and choking.

Depending upon the cause of the breathing difficulty, a child may experience symptoms like a hoarse voice, rapid breathing, wheezing, mild coughing, a fever, nasal flaring, and nasal and chest congestion.

Mild breathing issues in children can be treated at home with simple lifestyle changes and home remedies. Such treatments should bring comfort, but if symptoms become worse or do not improve, call your doctor right away.

Note: Immediately consult a doctor if your baby is showing any of the following: gasping for breath, difficulty crying or talking due to breathing trouble, grunts when breathing, lips turning blue, breathing very fast and looking extremely sick.

how to treat breathing problem in babies

Here are the top 10 ways to treat breathing problems in babies.

1. Sit in a DIY Steam Room

The steam created from a hot shower can relieve congestion and make breathing a bit easier. The warmth of the moisture will also thin the mucus to make it easier to expel.

sit in a DIY steam room to treat breathing problem in babies
1.Fill your bathroom with steam by running a hot shower and keeping the door shut.
2.Sit with your baby in the steam-filled bathroom and keep patting your little one’s back.
3.Allow your child to inhale the steam for 10 to 15 minutes.
4.Repeat as needed.

2. Use a Humidifier

To ease breathing, you can also use a humidifier to add moisture to the air and help make your sick child more comfortable.

use a humidifier to treat breathing problem in babies

Dry air can irritate the nasal passages, while moist air helps thin the mucus to ease congestion and the breathing process.
•Use a humidifier in the room where your child sleeps.
•If you don’t have a humidifier, you can place a bowl of hot water in the room to increase the moisture in the air. Be sure to put it in a safe place where you or your child won’t accidentally tip it over or step into it.

3. Prevent Dehydration

When treating breathing problems, be sure to give plenty of fluids to your child. This will help prevent dehydration, which can worsen the condition.

prevent dehydration to reduce breathing problem in babies

Staying well-hydrated also helps thin the body’s secretions, making it easier to expel mucus and reduce congestion, which in turn eases breathing. Expelling mucus also helps get germs out of your child’s system for faster healing from a cold or respiratory infection.
•Feed breast milk as well as fruit juice and chilled yogurt to babies 6 months or older. For younger babies, feed plenty of breast milk or baby formula.
•Give lukewarm water or milk to older children at regular intervals.
•Fruit juice, vegetable soup and clear broths are also good options.

If your child refuses large amounts of fluids at a time, give smaller amounts more often. Also, do not force your child to take fluids, as that may cause your child to vomit.

4. Get a Daily Dose of Sunlight

If your child often suffers from breathing problems related to respiratory infections, it could be due to a vitamin D deficiency.

give a daily dose of sunlight to your baby

A 2015 study published in BMC Infectious Diseases reports that maintaining adequate vitamin D in the body may be an effective and inexpensive prophylactic method to ward off some respiratory tract infections in children.

Sunlight helps the body produce vitamin D, so expose your child’s arms and face to the sun for 20 minutes daily. However, be sure it is early morning sun to avoid the harsher sunrays later in the day.

5. Honey

Honey is a safe remedy for children age 1 and older who are having breathing problems due to a common cold, cough or asthma.

honey helps treat breathing trouble in babies

It has potent antibacterial, antioxidant and immune-boosting properties that promote healing.
•Mix 2 teaspoons of raw honey and 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice. Give it to your child every few hours to ease the symptoms.
•Also, you can give your child a glass of warm milk with honey once or twice a day.

Note: Never give honey to babies younger than 1 year, as it may contain bacteria that can cause infantile botulism.

6. Ginger

Ginger has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral and antitussive (cough suppressant) properties that can deal with many of the illnesses that lead to breathing problems.

ginger helps treat breathing problem in babies

It also reduces inflammation in the air passages and lungs and prevents asthma attacks. Plus, ginger boosts the immune system to help speed up recovery.
•For children age 1 or older, mix equal amounts of ginger juice, pomegranate juice and honey. Give your child 1 tablespoon of this mixture 3 times a day.
•Also, you can give your child ginger candies to help ease the symptoms.

7. Warm Chicken Soup

For older children, homemade warm chicken soup is a great option when suffering from respiratory infections and breathing problems. Chicken soup is highly nutritious and can help relieve congestion.

warm chicken soup to treat respiratory infection

Chicken contains an amino acid called cysteine, a substance released when you make the soup. Cysteine converts to glutathione, a very powerful antioxidant that help speed up the healing process.

Feed your child homemade chicken soup using organic chicken and vegetables, such as carrots, beetroot and spinach.

8. Turmeric

Another good remedy for a child whose breathing difficulty is due to a cough, common cold or asthma is turmeric.

turmeric to treat breathing problem in babies

Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation in the airways and lungs to make breathing easier. When used regularly, it can work as a long-term control and prevention option for children with recurring breathing issues.
•Put 1 cup of water and ½ teaspoon of turmeric powder in a pan. Heat it until it boils, then let it cool down a bit. Give this to your child to drink once or twice a day.
•Alternatively, if your child is age 1 or older, you can mix 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder and 2 teaspoons of organic honey. Give it to your child a few times a day.

9. Avoid Secondhand Smoke

When suffering from breathing problems, especially asthma, it is important to keep your child away from cigarette smoke. Tobacco smoke is a well-known asthma trigger that you must avoid to prevent attacks.

avoid your child’s exposure to secondhand smoke

Do not smoke, and do not allow anyone else to smoke around your child. Avoid taking your child to public places that permit smoking.

In fact, it’s not just tobacco smoke. Any kind of smoke can irritate the lungs and make it difficult to breathe smoothly. Minimize your child’s exposure to other sources of smoke like incense, candles, fires and fireworks.

10. Keep Pets Away

Even though your child may love to play with pets, it is important to keep them away from your child when he or she is sick. Children with asthma especially may have more trouble breathing around pets.

keep pets away to avoid breathing trouble in babies

Pet dander, fur, feathers and saliva are common asthma triggers and can worsen breathing problems.
•Keep your pet out of your child’s bedroom completely.
•Do not allow your pet on furniture anywhere in the house.
•Do not allow your child to play with dogs, cats or other animals.
•Regularly bathe or groom your pet to reduce the amount of dander in your child’s surroundings.

Additional Tips
•Do not awaken your child during naps or at night to take fluids.
•Lay your child face down and tap his or her back with a cupped hand. This will help dislodge and expel thick mucus from your baby’s body.
•If you think your child may have asthma, see your doctor for a diagnosis. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics or an inhaler to use when your child is having trouble breathing.
•Babies younger than 6 months should be given breast milk to boost their immunity.
•Remove mucus from your baby’s nose using saline nasal rinse and a suction bulb.
•A lukewarm bath will help relax a fussy baby.
•Make your baby sleep upright to relieve congestion to a great extent. You can raise one end of your baby’s bed by placing a brick underneath it or a high pillow under the mattress.
•Keep the room temperature comfortable for your child.
•Allow your child to get extra rest to fight an infection.

by Gist Man 10:30

How to Get Rid of Stretch Marks Fast

Stretch marks are visible lines on the skin surface, with an off-color hue. Stretch marks are mainly found in the abdominal wall, but can also occur over the thighs, upper arms, buttocks and breasts.

Sometimes stretch marks can cover large areas of the body. While pregnancy is the main cause behind stretch marks, other reasons can be sudden gain or loss in weight, rapid growth, heredity factors, stress and changes in physical conditions.

Stretch-marks

The skin consists of three main layers: Epidermis (the outer layer), Dermis (the middle layer) and Subcutaneous or Hypodermic (the deepest layer). Stretch marks form in the dermis or middle layer of the skin when the connective tissue is “stretched” beyond the power of its flexibility due to rapid expansion or contraction of the skin.

As skin is stretched, the collagen is weakened and its normal production cycle is interrupted and damaged. This ultimately results in fine scars under the top layer of the skin. Initially the marks look pink or red, but over time a thin, silvery line appears on the skin surface and a stretch mark is born.

Stretch marks appear on the skin surface when someone grows quickly, or puts on weight quickly.

Stretch marks can make you feel self-conscious and uncomfortable about your appearance. Fortunately, there are several natural ways to reduce the appearance of stretch marks.

1. Castor Oil

Castor oil, which is used in the treatment of a number of skin problems such as wrinkles, age spots, moles, dark spots, fine lines and pimples, can also be used to get rid of stretch marks.

Apply Castor Oil to Remove Stretch Marks
1.Apply some castor oil to the stretch marks and gently massage the area in circular motions for 5 to 10 minutes.
2.Wrap the area with a thin, cotton cloth. Using a hot water bottle or a heating pad, apply some heat to the affected area for at least a half an hour.
3.Repeat this process daily for a minimum of one month to notice positive results.

2. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is effective in the treatment of many skin problems. Its healing and soothing properties can be used to get rid of stretch marks. There are a couple of ways to apply it.

Stretch Marks home remedy
Aloe Vera Home Remedy to Get Rid of Stretch Marks
•You can directly rub aloe vera gel on the affected skin area, leave it on for 15 minutes and then rinse the skin with lukewarm water.
•Another option is to make a mixture with one-fourth cup of aloe vera gel, oil from 10 vitamin E capsules and oil from five vitamin A capsules. Rub this mixture onto the skin until fully absorbed. Repeat this process daily.

3. Egg Whites

Eggs are a rich source of protein. For stretch marks, you want to use only the egg whites, which contain amino acids and proteins.
1.Whip the whites of two eggs gently with a fork. Clean the affected skin area with water and then apply a thick layer of egg whites with a makeup brush.
2.Allow the egg whites to dry completely and then rinse the area with cold water.
3.Finally apply some olive oil on the skin to keep it moisturized.
4.Repeat the process daily for at least two weeks and watch for positive results.

4. Lemon Juice

Another simple way to lessen stretch marks is to use lemon juice. Lemon juice is naturally acidic which helps heal and reduce stretch marks, acne, and other scars.
•Rub fresh lemon juice gently onto the stretch marks using circular motions. Allow the lemon juice to soak into your skin for at least 10 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water.
•Another option is to mix equal quantities of cucumber juice and lemon juice and apply the mixture on the stretch marks.

5. Sugar

get rid of stretch marks with suagr

Natural white sugar is one of the best natural remedies to get rid of stretch marks. You can use the sugar to exfoliate your skin.
1.Mix a tablespoon of raw sugar with some almond oil and a few drops of lemon juice. Mix it well and apply it on the stretch marks and other skin areas.
2.Gently rub the mixture on the skin for a few minutes every day before taking a shower.
3.Do this for a month or so and watch your stretch marks become lighter.

6. Potato Juice

Potato juice contains vitamins and minerals that foster growth and restoration of skin cells.

1.Cut a medium-sized potato into thick slices.
2.Take one of the potato pieces and rub it gently on the stretch marks for a few minutes. Make sure the starch from the potato covers the affected area.
3.Allow the potato juice to dry for some time and then wash it off with lukewarm water.
7. Alfalfa

alfalfa leaves

Alfalfa leaves contain eight essential amino acids which are good for overall health of the skin. They are also rich in protein and vitamins E and K, which help nourish the skin.
1.Mix some alfalfa power with a few drops of chamomile oil to form a smooth paste.
2.Massage the paste into the affected area two to three times a day.
3.Repeat this daily for a few weeks and you will notice great improvement.

8. Cocoa Butter

cocoa butter

Cocoa butter is also very beneficial in treating stretch marks. Being an excellent natural moisturizer, it helps nourish your skin and reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
•You must apply cocoa butter over the affected area at least two times a day for a few months.
•Another option is to make a mixture using half a cup of cocoa butter, one tablespoon of wheat germ oil, two teaspoons of grated beeswax and one teaspoon each of apricot kernel oil and vitamin E oil. Heat this mixture until the beeswax melts. You can store the mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator and apply it to your stretch marks two to three times a day. This mixture will make your skin more hydrated and smooth.
9. Olive Oil

olive oil

Olive oil contains a lot of nutrients and antioxidants that help improve various skin problems including stretch marks.
1.Massage slightly warm extra-virgin olive oil into the affected skin area. This will improve the blood circulation and reduce the stretch marks to a great extent.
2.Leave it for half an hour so that the vitamins A, D and E present in the oil are absorbed by the skin.

You can also mix olive oil with vinegar and water and use it as a night cream. This will keep your skin stay moisturized and also exfoliate the skin.

10. Water

water

Keeping your body well hydrated helps protect the skin from many kinds of problems and also aids in detoxification. It also helps keep the skin supple and restores elasticity.

Try to drink one to two glasses of water several times during a day. Experts say drinking 8 to 10 glasses of water per day is the best way to keep the body hydrated.

It will also make your skin soft and help maintain its elasticity. It is advisable to avoid coffee, tea or soda though.

These natural remedies can help stretch marks fade, but they may not completely remove them. You can always see your doctor if you are greatly concerned about the appearance of stretch marks on your skin.

by Gist Man 10:30

Home Remedy for Back Spasms

Back spasms are painful contractions or cramps in the muscles of the back. The pain can be the result of overdoing it during an athletic workout or as simple as just moving wrong while getting out of bed or performing a household chore. According to the Sports Injury Bulletin, most back spasms affect the lower area of the back. You can alleviate the pain of a muscle cramp in the back through home remedies.

Step 1

Ice the area that hurts to relieve the pain of a back spasm. Apply an ice pack in a massaging motion to your back—you may need the help of a family member to reach the right spot—for a period of 12 minutes, according to Sports Injury Bulletin. The cold not only eases the pain but can reduce inflammation within the muscle and surrounding tissues. You can ice the painful area throughout the day, taking a 20-minute break between icing sessions.

Step 2

Take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to treat a back spasm at home. Most spasms that occur without ligament tearing can be helped by medications you probably already have in your medicine cabinet.

Step 3

Do some gentle stretching to strengthen your lower back, which can both relieve and prevent muscle cramps, according to MedlinePlus. Pelvic tilts, also called pelvic presses, strengthen the lower part of your back and increases your flexibility.

 Lie down on the floor or a bed with your arms straight down beside you. Tighten your stomach muscles, gently pushing the small of your back down against the floor. Hold the position for several seconds—up to 12 seconds is ideal if you can—before relaxing.

Step 4

Perform leg lifts to strengthen your back and core and to help loosen up tight muscles that spasm often. Lie on the floor or a bed. Lift your right arm and left leg up as high as you can, keeping both limbs straight. Hold the position as long as you can before returning to your original position. Repeat the exercise with your left arm and right leg. Two sets of 10 repetitions of this exercise is adequate, according to the Sports Injury Bulletin.

Things You’ll Need
Ice packs
Pain relievers

by Gist Man 10:30

Top 10 Tips for Healthy Living

For a healthy lifestyle, eating nourishing food and exercising regularly should lead your top 10 list of things to do. But developing other good habits can go a long way in helping you feel good, stay healthy and remain safe.

What To Do — Three Tips

Eat a balanced diet emphasizing a variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Limit unhealthy fats, such as saturated and trans fats, and foods loaded with sugar and salt.

 Make physical activity part of your daily routine and include aerobic activities, such as swimming and cycling, and strength-building exercises, using free weights or resistance machines.

 Get enough sleep so your body and mind have time to rest and recover. Too little sleep increases your risk of accidents.

What Not To Do — Three Tips

Don’t use tobacco products. They’re linked with serious, life-threatening conditions, including various cancers, heart disease and respiratory illnesses.

 Don’t use illegal drugs. They can impair a person’s ability to make wise decisions and repeated use can result in serious physical problems, including hepatitis and HIV/AIDS. Repeated use can result in addiction.

 Don’t drink too much alcohol, if at all. Overindulgence impedes the ability to think clearly and increases risk of accidents. It also can cause life-threatening physical problems, including liver failure.

Follow The Rules — Two Tips

See a doctor regularly. Annual checkups can spot medical issues before they become serious. Women should check with their doctor on scheduling gynecological exams and mammograms. Keeping children’s immunizations up to date can help avoid certain illnesses, such as chicken pox and measles.

 Follow safety rules concerning vehicle seat belts, motorized tools, recreational vehicles and bike and motorcycle helmets.

How To Cope — Two Tips

Practice stress relief. Find something that helps you cope with the pressures of everyday life. Anything that works for you — deep breathing, exercise, meditation, a hobby, religion — is the right choice.

 Be social. Staying connected with family, friends or colleagues builds a support system that can make good times more fun and bad times less stressful.

by Gist Man 10:30