Tea Tree Oil

Who hasn’t heard of tea tree oil?  Lot’s of products even those manufactured artificially contain this essential oil in order to help remedy a number of ailments including pimples, dandruff, lice, boils, eczema, psoriasis and even yeast infections.  It is a common ingredient in creams, shampoos, lotions and soaps.  But how much do you really know about tea tree oil?

Tea Tree oil is distilled through steam from a plant called Melaleuca alternifolia which is native to Australia.  It was originally used as a substitute for tea, hence the name.  The medicinal part of the plant is its leaves which contain antibacterial, antiseptic and antifungal properties.

The Australian Aborigines used Tea Tree oil to cure burns, skin cuts and infection by grinding the leaves and applying the crushed leaves directly onto the infected area.

Today tea tree oil is used in a wide array of personal care cosmetics.  One of the most well known applications is to help minimize and remedy acne or pimples.   Researchers in Australia noted during a study that people who experience mild to moderate acne found a significant improvement after application.

People who suffered from dandruff also benefit from tea tree oil.  The same study also extended the research to dandruff sufferers and found that dandruff was controlled after 4 weeks of continuous use.

Tea tree oil has been around for centuries and researchers are finding more ways to utilize this product.  This oil is used in diluted form as allergic reactions can be experienced when used in its full strength.

. 

Keep Your Skin Safe This Summer!

Summers are synonymous to the sun and, of course, the beach. What’s a summer without a trip to the beach anyway? For many, you mark a great summer by going to the beach as many times as you possibly can and get that awesome tan before the season is over. Unfortunately, it is not wise to expose your skin to the harsh sun especially with the ozone’s current state.

Your fun summer need not suffer with the threat the sun may hold since there are things you can do to make your summer as fun as it can be but at the same time, stay safe against too much sun exposure:
·    Avoid sun during those times when it’s intense usually at around 10AM-4PM. Basically, you can go out when the sun is not too “prickly” for your skin and avoid it when it stings.
·    If going out around these times is unavoidable, try wearing protective gears to ward off the sun. Sporting an umbrella never killed anyone before, so use them when necessary or if it’s too strenuous for you then try a wide brimmed hat. Use sunglasses to protect your eyes too.
·    Most swimsuit manufacturers came up with designs that are sun-protective. While they may cost higher than your regular bathing suit. It lessens the sun’s impact tremendously.
·    Be a shade-hugger. Staying out of the harsh sun will do you good, always remember that. If there’s none then bring your own beach umbrella to the beach.
·    Apply sunscreen before you step out of the house and reapply as per brand’s instruction. Lather up especially if you intend to lounge in the beach for a while. There are natural sunscreens that are free of all harmful chemicals. Do check them out.

. 

Home Recipes for Organic Bubble Bath

Bubble baths are fun and very relaxing.  Soaking the warm water after a long day in the office is an ideal way to wind down and reflect.  Concocting a home made bubble bath is not only fun it can also help save money and even the environment especially if one uses environment friendly products.  Here are a few simple and earth friendly recipes for some home made bubble bath.

For a basic bubble bath, get 2 cups of almond oil, 2 cups of distilled water, 1 cup of grated soap or soap flakes, and 2 tablespoons of Witch Hazel.  Boil the distilled water and melt the soap in it. In another container, mix the witch hazel and almond oil together and shake well. If you have a blender, then use it for this step.   Then slowly add the soap mixture to the witch hazel and oil blend and again, shake or blend well. These amounts will make a large quantity of basic bubble bath mixture to which you can add the essential oils of your choice.  For example if you want a calming bubble bath, then add lavender as the essential oil or if you want to be reinvigorated then peppermint would be very good or if you want to feel refreshed then orange or strawberry are very good examples.

Another recipe also very good for relaxing is a mint bubble bath.  Mix together 1 cup fresh mint or ¼ cup dried mint leaves, 1 cup of finely chopped fresh bay leaves, a teaspoon of coconut oil and 1 teaspoon of almond extract.  Once ingredients are combined, put it in a mesh bag or cheese cloth.  Tie the cloth or bag to hot running water and enjoy.  For best results, chop your fresh mint finely to maximize on the effect.

These organic bubble baths are not only cheaper than the commercial kind, they are also safer on the environment because they are made of natural ingredients as opposed to chemical and synthetic ones.

. 

Anti Wrinkle Home Remedy Recipe

Anti-wrinkle creams are some of the more popular cosmetics available in the markets today.  The good brands usually sell anywhere from $50-$200 a jar.  And during these tough economic times, that amount seems too much to spend on vanity.  However, there are home made recipes available that may just help in preventing fine lines and wrinkles from forming.  Here are some of them.

Vitamin C is a very good source of anti-oxidants plus it is also a very good exfoliant.  Oranges and other fruits rich in Vitamin C can help reduce wrinkles by helping renew skin by speeding up the peeling process of the dead upper layer of the skin.  Simply dip a cotton ball on some pure orange or pineapple juice and apply liberally onto the skin.  Let the juice stay for about 15 minutes and then rinse with warm water and pat dry.

To get rid of puffiness around the eyes, place a metal spoon inside the freezer overnight.  Press the back of the spoon directly on the eye to help reduce puffiness.  This also helps minimize lines around the eye area as well as dark circles.

For an anti-wrinkle toner, mix 2 table spoons of vodka, 1 table spoon fennel seeds and 2 tea spoons honey.  Let the concoction sit for three days before initial application.   For best results, use twice a day.

For an anti-wrinkle facial mask, mix ½ oz yeast with warm milk (for normal skin) or olive oil (dry skin) or 3 % hydrogen peroxide (oily skin).  Whip in one egg white and the juice of half a lemon.  Add a pinch of salt to the mixture and apply on the skin in layers.  Leave on the skin for 20 minutes and then rinse with warm water.  A full course is 20 masks.  This yeast mask is full of Vitamin B which boosts blood circulation in the skin.  It also clears pores and is recommended for dry or wrinkled skin.

All these concoctions can be made from the comfort of your own home with materials readily available straight from the kitchen.  These recipes are inexpensive,  natural and safe.  But to err on the side of caution, apply these mixtures in a small area first before applying to a big area like the face to make sure that there are no allergic reactions.

. 

Natural remedies for toothache

A toothache can be a very serious, nagging and irritating problem to have.  Not only can you have a hard time eating but if it is persistent and painful, it can put you in a very bad mood.  A toothache is most likely caused by a cavity in the tooth and a dental appointment can be necessary at this point to close the hole in the tooth.  While waiting for the dentist, there are some natural ways of alleviating pain.

Extra virgin olive oil is not only great for cooking, it is also very good in soothing toothache.  Try putting a couple of drops on a cotton ball and applying it directly on the affected tooth.  EVOO can also be used to whiten teeth, so while at it, try rubbing some on your other teeth as well.  Ironic as it may sound, garlic has soothing properties too.  Squish a clove of garlic and apply directly on the tooth.  This too will help with the pain.  But for a fresher alternative, chewing on some spinach or guava leaves may be a better alternative.

Salt mixed with some water can also be used.  Mix half a tea spoon of salt with a tall glass of water and use as a gargle.  Salt has disinfecting properties and can help get rid not only of the bacteria in the mouth but relieve toothache too.  Pepper powder and a pinch of salt can not only prevent dental cavities but can also alleviate pain.  Rinsing your mouth with whiskey works well too because the acid from the liquid acts as a disinfectant which kills bacteria in the mouth helping you get rid of the pain faster.

Diet also plays a huge part in treating and in the prevention of toothache. When a tooth aches, eating hot or cold food merely heightens the pain. And so will eating food that requires a lot of chomping such as beef and other meat. Eat soft foods to diminish the chances of food bits getting stuck in between teeth.

Prevention is always better than cure, so to avoid toothaches, practice good oral health all the time.  Brush your teeth after every meal and lay off the sweets because the sugar can damage the enamel protecting your teeth.  Remember that while enamel is very strong it is also very thin and can never be replaced.

. 

Home Remedies for Whiter Teeth

Beauty is only skin deep, but that does not mean that we have to neglect our outward appearance does it?  People are getting more conscious when it comes to the products they apply on themselves, probably because synthetic products are getting a bad rep on how they ruin not only the environment but also on how harmful they can be for human consumption.  This is why a “natural” alternative is better than the cures and products we find over the counter.

Teeth whitening products are one of the fastest selling products over the market today.  We often see movie stars and celebrities sporting mega-watt smiles and wonder how they do it.  For people like celebs and actors they most likely see dentists for teeth whitening appointments.  But do you know that you can whiten your teeth at home using the products you have in your kitchen cabinet or medicine closet?

For whiter teeth, try this home based alternative.  In your kitchen cupboard, you can probably find a box of baking soda.  Baking soda is used not only for baking but for disinfecting and cleaning purposes.  Most people have this sitting in the kitchen.  Next, go to your first aid kit, most likely a bottle of hydrogen peroxide is sitting there too.  Mix two tea spoons of baking soda and 5-6 drops of hydrogen peroxide.  The consistency of this mixture should be paste-like, so add a couple of drops more to reach this state.  Add a pea sized amount of toothpaste to the mixture.  The toothpaste is optional.  This is just to disguise the taste of peroxide and baking soda.  Use this mixture as regular toothpaste and remember not to swallow.  After brushing your teeth, you can brush with a regular toothpaste again or rinse with a mouthwash.  For longer lasting white teeth, use once a week.

This home made whitening paste is a lot cheaper than dental trays or whitening strips which contain very strong whitening agents that can cause teeth sensitivity and gum irritation.  Aside from being cheap, this home alternative has been around for a long time and is probably what your grandma used during her time.

. 

Fight Acne by Eating Right

In truth, there is no known connection between the food you eat and acne. There’s no proven diet that can clear up your face as well as those that can aggravate its already worst condition. Young adults are always reminded not to eat oily and sugary foods but experts say it bears no difference at all whether or not you choose to eat them.

On the other hand, nutritionists the world over strongly support eating right to fight acne. Eating healthy will keep acne at bay. The key to keeping your skin healthy is giving your skin everything it needs to maintain optimum health and radiant glow. Aside from that, one should be aware that toxins inside your body are also a suspected cause of acne so as much as possible, rid the body of these acne-inducing substances. Here are some foods that can give you all the essential nutrients your skin will need:

·    Water. Keep yourself hydrated all the time. When your body lacks the hydration it needs, the first to giveaway is your skin. The recommended daily intake is about 8 glasses, more if it’s a hot day and you perspire a lot.
·    Fiber enriched foods. They act as brooms inside the digestive tract. When you maintain a healthy, daily dose of fiber-enriched foods, rest assured that toxins won’t live long in there to accumulate and cause acne. Munching on fruits and vegetables in your snack time instead of junk foods and empty calories would be your best move.
·    Since acne is closely associated with hormones, it is but natural to seek low-glycemic diet to help stabilize your insulin levels.
·    Lastly, anti-inflammatory substances such as vitamins and herbal products may help in naturally calming down skin breakouts.

. 

Natural Supplements for Skin Cancer Prevention

Poor eating habits contribute to many lifestyle diseases and cancer is no exception to the rule; in fact, skin cancer is found to be a result of poor nutritional habits developed overtime. Due to this factor, it is but normal for us to seek preventive health care measures the safest way we know of and that is through natural supplements. The body needs natural supplements; these are foods we eat everyday—nutritious, natural foods not those you grab in fast food chains. Natural supplements boost up your body’s natural defenses for skin cancer. Here are some of the most important natural supplements to keep skin cancer at bay:

·    Lycopene is the most powerful antioxidant to protect the skin from diseases and anomalies—one of the most convenient too since it can be found in your regular tomato sauce and ketchup.
·    Citrus peel can be used for teas and baked goods. This aromatic substance prevents free radicals from forming. Candied citrus peel is very popular amongst people who look after their cholesterol levels.
·    Turmeric is an antioxidant, anti-carcinogenic and most of all, has anti-inflammatory properties. All the things you need to ensure great, healthy skin.
·    Fish oils are not only good for your heart but also for your skin since it strengthens the immune system therefore fights free radicals from harming the body.

Natural supplements are your best bet in fighting your risk of getting skin cancer. When engaging yourself in a healthy living composed of natural, nutritious eating habits, you’ll be adequately protected from all damaging factors that affect the body.

. 

Nutrition in Skincare Products

With all the buzz around keeping our bodies clean and free of harmful chemicals that have become a standard way of life for many, nutritious skincare products were born.

All natural foods have nutritional value. Nutritional values found in these foods benefit the body tremendously; in fact, they are skin’s number one nourishment when eaten or even applied directly to the skin. Fruits are rich in antioxidants that effectively fight free radicals from damaging our skin. Aside from that, it is rich in vitamins and minerals needed by the skin to maintain its youthfulness and glow while encouraging cell renewal. When taken orally, fiber which is fruit’s main component acts as the digestive system’s cleaning lady—moves out all dirt and toxins trapped in nooks and crannies of the track. Fortunately, the power of nutritious foods is now harnessed by natural skincare advocates.

Organic beauty products flood the market today. Some of the popular nutritious foods for the skin are: grapefruit, acai berries, blueberry, pomegranate, and apple. Organic beauty products are those made without the use of chemicals, and other forms of growth interference. Popular skincare line includes body creams, exfoliating body scrubs, lip balm, lip scrub, and face and eye creams.

Producers swear that organic beauty products are selling well these days. Not only that, like stated earlier, major ingredients found in every jar of these natural products are rich in antioxidants which are absorbed well by the body. Take note that nutritious foods are natural to the body which means, upon application, your body will recognize it at once and process it faster that its very confusing, chemical-laden contemporaries. That alone will help you decide if nutritious skincare products are good for your skin.

. 

Olive Oil for Removing Eye Makeup And Shaving Your Legs!

Need a 100% organic, environment friendly and natural eye makeup remover?  Then your quest is over because we have one right here.  This recipe is easy to do and very quick to assemble.  Bear in mind that you will not need a chemistry degree to create our all natural, eco friendly and organic eye make up remover.  All you need is 5 minutes to gather the ingredients which can be found in any grocery store or at your cupboard!

You will need a tablespoon each of castor oil and light olive oil and two teaspoons of canola oil.  Simply mix all three ingredients together and store in a tightly closed jar, and voila! Your very own eye make up remover.  This mixture yields ¾ of an ounce which you can use for 6 month.   Use a tissue or cotton ball to apply and get rid of your eye make up including that hard to erase mascara.

Should you ever find yourself out of shaving cream then you can always look inside your cupboard and grab that bottle of olive oil.  Olive oil is actually a good substitute for shaving cream for when you want to shave your legs.  It has moisturizing benefits which will leave your legs smoother and healthier.  You can use most cooking oils too like canola, vegetable or peanut will do.  Your olive oil does not have to be the extra virgin kind since they both contain the same basic ingredients.  Keep in mind that oil is a very good moisturizer for very dry skin.  If you don’t want to smell like your kitchen though, you can try using some of your hair conditioner as your shaving cream.  Hair conditioners also contain moisturizers as opposed to shampoos which can sometimes lead to dry hair.

.