13 NATURAL REMEDIES FOR CURING DANDRUFF

Dandruff results from dead skin cells of the scalp coming to the surface while the skin of the scalp renews itself. It could sometimes be itchy and make scalp look dirty and unkept.

Dandruff can be caused by deficiency of zinc, fungus or high use of alkaline soaps and shampoos. It is infectious in nature and can be spread through combs, hair brushes or towels.

Here are some remedies which can be prepared at home and used to treat dandruff:

1.     Mix beetroot juice and vinegar and massage into scalp to treat dandruff.

2.     Soak a few peels of lemon in a small bowl of coconut oil. Keep this mixture for 8 to 10 days then strain. Apply oil on scalp.

3.     Beat 2eggs and add 2tablespoons of water and mix. Wet hair and apply the mixture to hair and scalp. Leave for 10 to 15min then wash off with lukewarm water.

4.     Applying the juice of onions on scalp is good in treating dandruff.

5.     Mix olive oil and the juice of 1lemon and massage into scalp and leave overnight. Then shampoo and wash off in the morning.

6.     Add some pieces of garlic to olive oil, mustard oil or almond oil and heat. Massage oil into scalp.

7.     Massage aloe vera gel into hair and scalp before shampooing. This treats and keeps dandruff away.

8.     Apply neem leaves to scalp. This is effective in treating dandruff, lice and other scalp diseases.

9.     Make a mixture of henna and mashed beetroot and apply to hair and scalp. This prevents dandruff and hair fall.

10.    Immerse 2 tablespoons of fenugreek leaves in water overnight. Drain out the water and mash the leaves to form a paste then add shikakai to it and apply to hair. Leave for 30mins then wash and shampoo.

11.     Mix 2 drops of tea tree oil and  ½ spoon of olive oil and apply to scalp. Tea tree oil has antifungal properties to fight dandruff.

12.    Green gram with curd applied once a week is effective in curing dandruff.

13.   Using apple cider vinegar mixed with water or fresh lemon juice as a final rinse after washing hair is very good for curing dandruff.

NATURAL REMEDIES FOR OILY SKIN

Oily skin results from excess oil being secreated by the sebaceous glands. This causes skin to be shiny and more prone to pimples, blackheads and blemishes.

This excess secreation of oil is more common in adolescents and decreases with age . It is advisable for people with oily skin to always keep face clean and make use of water based cosmetics.

Try out some of these natural remedies as they can make oily skin appear beautiful:

1.     Make a herbal face wash to remove excess oil and dirt from oily skin. Prepare a herbal tea of 1tablespoon of dried yarrow, peppermint or sage and 1cup of water for 30min. Strain and allow to cool. Then apply to face after using a mild cleanser or use the tea as a face wash. Moisturize skin with a gentle moisturizer.

2.     Make a mixture of ½ teaspoon of  honey, 1egg white, 1teaspoon of lemon juice, fullers earth or brewer’s  yeast powder. Apply this paste on the face leave for 20min then wash off with water.

3.     Mash raw papaya and apply to skin. Wash off with water after 20min. This cleanses and softenes dead cells making them easier to exfoliate.

4.     Make a facial mask using ¼ cup of powdered clay and 2teaspoons of aloe vera, 2teaspoons of water, 1teaspoon of sea salt. Spread the mixture over face and for 15 to 20mins then rinse off with cool water before it begins to feel tight and itchy. Do this once a week.

5.     Lavender is good for oily skin and can be applied several times daily.

6.     Facial steaming unclogs pores and removes excess oil from the skin. You can add herbs like lemongrass, licorice roots and rose buds to simmer in the water while heating. Then pour into a bowl and place head above it and drape a towel over to direct the steam towards your face. After 15min splash cold water on face and allow to dry.

7.     Exfoliate skin 3 times a week using a good scrub .             

HOW TO MAKE LIPS PINK

Lips can lose their natural colour and become dark. This could be caused by smoking, tea, coffee or use of expired lipsticks or lip balms. Also exposure to harsh sun rays over time darken lips.

The use of cosmetics can make lips look pink and beautiful however there are natural remedies that are effective in lightening dark lips.

Here are some helpful tips that are effective in lightening dark lips:

TUMERIC POWDER AND COLD MILK

Mix turmeric powder with 1teaspoon of cold milk then massage lips with this mixture daily for 5mins. This makes lips naturally pink and flexible.

LEMON AND SUGAR

Mix sugar with few drops of lemon juice and gently rub over lips. This will help remove dead cells on the lips and make them smooth and pink.

BEETROOT JUICE

Apply the juice of beetroot on the lips before going to bed. You can apply several times daily and can also serve as lipstick.

DIET

Cut down your intake of tea and coffee as these could darken lips and teeth as well. Take a diet rich in vitamin D as this

REMOVE DEAD CELLS ON LIPS

Remove dead cells on your lips regularly. You can wash lips with cold rose water for soft and rosy lips.

TOMATO POWDER AND FRESH CREAM

Mix tomato powder and fresh cream to form a paste then rub them on your lips. This cleanses, moisturizes and strengthens them.

HONEY

Apply pure honey on lips before going to bed. Honey is rich in vitamin C which is very good for revealing beautiful skin.

ALMOND OIL AND LEMON JUICE

Mix 1teaspoon of almond oil with lemon juice and apply this mixture on your lips every day. Allow to dry then clean lips with cold water. 

GET RID OF BELLY FAT NATURALLY

Are you looking for a natural  and safe way to lose that belly fat? I am sure it will interest you to know that you can actually shed belly fat without needing to spend money on expensive weight loss pills, go through strainous workouts or even starve yourself.

But just an adjustment in your lifestyle which will include your diet and exercise will go a long way in helping to lose fat around your stomach.

One very important point you have to put in mind is that any fat loss program requires dedication and persistence you have to hang on until you see results come through.

The more determined and focused you are the faster it will be for you to achieve results.

Go through these steps with discipline and determination and see yourself gradually lose that belly fat.

WATER

Drinking lots of water increases energy levels and leads to faster and stronger metabolism. Water actually suppresses appetite and drinking large amounts of it reduces the craving for food. It is advisable for women to take about 2.7litres of water  daily and men to take about 3.7litres daily.

STAY AWAY FROM JUNK FOOD

Foods such as chips, candy, hot dogs, sodas etc build up belly fat and therefore should be avoided. These foods which are of high sugar content only add extra calories to the body.

HEALTHY BREAKFAST

Unlike a lot of people assume, breakfast is very important and should not be skipped in a bid to lose some pounds. Eating breakfast will get you on track to eat healthy foods through the day and increases energy levels.

HAVE ENOUGH SLEEP

Adequate rest is very vital as this increases the energy levels. Lack of sleep leads to tiredness which produces more stress hormones and one of which is  cortisol. It can also affect the production of leptin and insulin which are two important hormones responsible for controlling hunger levels, blood sugar levels and storage of body fat. It is advisable to get at least 8hrs of sleep daily.

HEALTHY SNACKS

Take healthy snacks in between meals to increase your energy levels. Snacks such as carrots, apples, popcorn, celery sticks, soy crisps and cottage cheese are healthy to eat in between meals as they are low in calories.

 DIET

Eating healthy contributes a lot to shedding belly fat. It is interesting to note that sticking to a healthy diet can burn of belly fat in a matter of weeks. A healthy diet based on whole natural and unprocessed foods has proved to be quick efficient and safe in losing weight. This should involve mainly meats, fish, eggs, leafy greens, nuts, some root/tubers and fresh raw fruit. Cut out refined and highly processed foods.

CARDIOVASCULAR  EXERCISES

Exercises provide metabolic and hormonal benefits that cannot be gotten from diet alone. A habit of exercising regularly burns calories, tones, strengthens and increases lean muscle mass and even lowers  stress better than any diet, pill, drug or supplement. Step outside and run or walk briskly for 45 to 60mins. You can add a jump rope to add more diversity to your work outs. Exercise 3 times a week. 

  ABDOMINAL EXERCISES

Engage in abdominal exercises that tone up your stomach. Lie on your back and do alternative leg raises, reverse crunches, bicycle kicks, double crunches and v-ups. Perform 15 – 20 repititions, do three or four sets.

SUPPLEMENTS FOR BELLY FAT LOSS

There are quite a number of fat loss supplements on the market. But majority of these supplements do not provide results. There are however affordable supplements which help with fat loss and at the same time nourish the body and these include:

1.     OMEGA 3 FATS : This is the healthiest of all fats and effective in losing abdominal fat. You should eat a lot of oily fish and sea food as this are rich in omega 3 or supplement with a good omega 3 formula.

2.     WHEY PROTEIN: Is one of the healthiest proteins you can consume.

3.     MULTIVITAMIN: Daily intake of a good quality multivitamin supplement provides your body with all the nutrients needed to maximize its metabolism, maintain proper hormone production and shed belly fat.

NATURAL REMEDIES FOR WRINKLES

Wrinkles are small creases  caused  by folding or shrinking of the skin.                                   

They could appear on the face, neck and hands.

 Wrinkles result from a fall in the production of the protein compounds  elastin and collagen as you age.

Skin that has also suffered damage appears thinner and loses fat content, elasticity and smoothness.

It is a fact that ageing comes along with wrinkles but premature wrinkles are a cause of concern to many.

Some cause of wrinkles include:

-         Pollution :  exposure to dust, chemicals and pollutants can cause wrinkles on skin overtime.

-         Weight loss :  going through rapid loss of weight could lead to wrinkles as the quantity of fat cells radically decreases causing skin to drop.

-         Smoking :  This is  a major cause of wrinkles. The toxic emitted from cigarettes contain a large amount of free radicals that speed up ageing process.

-         Stress

NATURAL REMEDIES FOR WRINKLES INCLUDE:

VITAMIN E

Vitamin E is very helpful in giving skin a healthy and youthful glow. Empty a capsule of vitamin E in a container and add 2 teaspoons of yoghourt, ½ teaspoon of lemon juice and 1/2teaspoon of honey. Mix well and apply to your face using a cotton ball then rinse after 10min. This allows the growth of new cells.

TUMERIC AND SUGAR

Make a mixture of turmeric powder and sugar cane juice. Apply this mixture gently and allow to dry then wash face with warm water.

CASTOR OIL

Apply pure castor oil on wrinkles as this is effective in smoothening them out. Use this frequently to avoid wrinkles.

EGGS

Egg white is rich in protein. Make a face mask by beating the white of an egg until foamy. Cleanse face then apply this mixture and allow to stay for 30min. Wash with cold water and dry with a towel. You will feel your skin tighten after. It can be done every night or when you need a temporary face lift before makeup.

PINEAPPLES

Pineapples are one of the best remedies for wrinkles. Massage the core of a pineapple on the face and leave on for 10 to 15min before rinsing off. Also applying the juice of green pineapples and apples on the face everyday for 10 to 15min is very good in treating wrinkles.

OATMEAL

Mix 1teaspoon of raspberry juice, 1teaspoon of orange juice, 1teaspoon of olive oil, whipped yolk of an egg and 2 tablespoons of ground oatmeal. Leave the mixture for 15min and smear on face and allow to dry. Then wash off with warm water.

WATER

Drink about 8 glasses of water daily to hydrate your skin.

BALANCED DIET

Eat a balanced diet daily that includes fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains. These are rich in nutrients needed for a healthy skin.

MOISTURIZE

Moisturize your skin daily with natural moisturizers. Remember to always use a quality sunscreen when going out in the sun.  

NATURAL TIPS FOR GROWING THICK AND FULL HAIR

Hair thinning or loss could be a really disturbing issue as almost everyone desires to have full healthy and good looking hair. There are several factors which could contribute to hair loss or thinning such as genetics, stress, unhealthy diet, use of harsh chemicals or methods etc.

When caring for your hair you have to consider that this must be done both inwardly and outwardly. Inwardly by taking the necessary nutrition needed for healthy hair growth and outwardly by handling hair in the right manner with the right methods.

Here are some natural ways you treat your in order to see positive results:

DIET

Just as your body needs good nutrition to stay healthy the same goes for your hair. You must eat a lot of vegetables and fruits as these provides necessary nutrient needed for hair growth and health. You should avoid junk food and drink lots of water daily for healthy metabolism which is also important for hair health. A daily intake of multivitamins will not only improve hair growth but also improve hair quality.

MASSAGE

A regular massage is effective in growing thicker hair naturally. Heat coconut oil until warm then massage into scalp. Soak a towel in hot water and squeeze out water then wrap towel around head. You can use olive, almond or jojoba oil instead of coconut oil. Do this once a week to grow thick lustrious hair fast.

HAIR WASHING

It is important to keep hair clean for healthy hair growth however you should not over wash hair as this strips hair of oils. Wash hair with lukewarm or cold water instead of hot water as this could also damage the hair. Most shampoos contain harsh chemicals that do more harm than good to hair. You could instead opt for a herbal shampoo that does not contain harsh chemicals or a voluminizing shampoo and conditioner to add more volume to hair.

EGG

Apply raw egg to your hair then rinse with cold or lukewarm water but not hot as this will cook the eggs and make it difficult wash out. Applying egg to the hair enriches it and makes it thicker and healthier. This can be done once in a month.

REDUCE  EXPOSURE TO HEAT AND STRAIGHTNERS

Excess heat causes hair breakage. Use of flat irons, curlers and blow dryers should be minimized as much as possible as they weaken and dry hair making it fragile and more prone to breakage.

NATURAL CONDITIONER

-         1egg

-         1/2cup fresh yoghourt

-         Fresh juice of 1lemon   

-         1tablespoon honey

-         1 tablespoon olive, coconut, almond or jojoba oil

Mix all the ingredients very well in a bowl then apply all over hair. Put on shower cap or wrap hair in a towel for 30min to 1hr. Rinse and shampoo.

KEEP ACNE AWAY NATURALLY

Acne is one skin problem that most people suffer from one time or the other in life. There are a number of acne products out there but a lot of people prefer natural treatments due to the fact that they are gentle on the skin and hardly have any negative effects.

Natural treatments though easy on the skin may need a little bit of patience as some of the treatments are gradual and need to be done regularly till you get desired result.

These recipes are however worth the effort of applying them regularly with patience as they are mild on the skin.

YOGHOURT

Wash face with warm water then apply a thick paste of oatmeal and plain yoghourt mixture all over your face. Once dry gently wash with warm water. Do this once a week to see acne improve.

CUCUMBER  AND TOMATOES

These are effective in removing excess oil for the skin. Extract the juice of  cucumber and tomato with a juicer then mix. Apply to face and leave for 5min then rinse with water.  Do this twice daily for 3-4  weeks to see results.

GARLIC

Garlic is a strong antibacterial and a good remedy for acne. Rub raw garlic several times daily over area affected by acne.

SUGAR SOLUTION

Mix 2 tablespoons of black sugar with 1 tablespoon of white sugar in a bowl then add a little water to the sugar. Rub over face and especially over problem areas.

NETTLE LEAVES

Make an infusion of nettle leaves by pouring 400ml of boiling water on 2 tablespoons of nettle leaves and leave for 2hrs. Drinking  100ml infusion of nettle leaves, 3times daily before meals for 4 weeks is effective in treating acne .

MILK

Boil a little milk then add a bit of white vinegar and allow to cool. Apply this mixture to acne areas. This works for pimples, white heads and black heads. Use weekly till you see results.

DIET AND EATING HABITS

These play a vital role in treating and keeping acne at bay. Eat a lot of fruits and vegetables. Also drink lots of water as this hydrates the body and helps in preventing constipation which is one major cause of acne. Constipation which leaves unwanted toxins in the body sometimes causes these toxins to look for other outlets such as the skin which could result in acne.

PUMPKIN

Mash a ripe pumpkin thoroughly and rub on the face and leave for 15min. Skin will feel dry and stretchy, then wash and dry. Apply pumpkin, coconut or mustard oil on the face. Can be done daily until you see results.  

HOW TO MAKE YOUR NAILS STRONG AND SHINY

Our nails to a great extent are affected by our diet and also the way we handle them. Nails often get weaker with age but external factors such as exposure to harsh chemicals or water can cause them to be brittle and break easily.

There are however home treatments which are helpful in strengthening and beautifying nails.

MILK

Milk acts as a natural cleansing agent. Fill a bowl with milk and soak your nails in it for 10 -15min. This make them more beautiful.

OLIVE OIL

Olive oil moisturizes nails and is a natural remedy for strengthening weak nails. Warm   ½ cup of extra virgin olive oil over low heat and soak fingers in it for 5min daily for best results. Do not allow the oil to come to a boil and test the temperature before using to prevent injury.

BIOTIN

Biotin is a B complex vitamin also known as vitamin H or vitamin B7 which may increase nail thickness and strength. Foods rich in biotin include bananas, milk, eggs, carrots, almonds and cucumber.

Also a daily intake of biotin supplements are also helpful.

VASELINE

Vaseline protects nails from excess moisture loss in dry weather and also moisturizes nails. Take little Vaseline and apply over nails then massage. Do this after taking a shower in the morning and before going to bed at night. This strengthens nails and keeps them shiny. 

LOSE WEIGHT WITH NATURAL REMEDIES

Being overweight or obese is as a result of excess fat being deposited in the adipose tissues in the body.

People who are overweight are more prone to diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, gout, liver and gall bladder disorders.

There are various habits which contribute to being obese or overweight which include irregular eating habits, overeating, consuming too much of junk foods or fatty foods and so on.

Here are some homemade remedies that are effective in weight loss:

§  Reduce intake of rice and potato which contain a lot of carbohydrates.

§  Eat a lot of fruits and green vegetables as these are low calorie foods.

§  An effective remedy for losing weight is cabbage. It inhibits the conversion of sugar and other carbohydrates into fat. It can be taken either raw or cooked.

§  Dairy products such as butter, cheese etc should be avoided due to high level of fat contained in such.

§  Spices like black pepper, cinnamon and dry ginger are also helpful in shedding weight.

§  Carrot is very nutritious and a regular intake of it is good for losing weight.

§  An important aspect of any weight reduction plan is exercise. Exercise such as walking, running, swimming or rowing  are excellent exercises to burn off body fat and should be done regularly.

§  Too much intake of salt should be avoided as this could increase body weight.

§  Measure the portions of your food for every meal and make sure the portions are small e.g  one portion of rice should not be more than the quantity than can fit into your fist. Smaller meals at regular intervals of 4 to 5hrs will keep your metabolism high and prevent your body from converting the food intake into fat.

§  Mint is also very beneficial in losing weight.

§  Lime juice is excellent for weight reduction. The juice of a lime mixed with a glass of warm water and sweetened with honey should be taken every morning on an empty stomach.

§  Honey is a wonderful remedy for obesity. It mobilizes the extra fat deposits in the body and puts it into circulation which is utilized as energy for normal functions. Start with a tablespoon mixed with hot water. You can add a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice. It should be taken early in the morning.  

SECRET TO BEAUTIFUL HANDS AND FEET

Often times we tend to fail to give proper care to our hands and feet even after overworking them.

Harsh weather such as cold, heat and dry weather could sometimes be unfriendly and take a toll on your body and skin.

But there are simple homemade remedies which can ensure that your hands and feet remain soft, smooth and beautiful all the time.

FOOT CARE

We often overwork our feet without paying attention to them. To keep feet healthy, strong and beautiful try pampering them once a week with the following recipes:

1.     MILK AND WATER SOAK

-         7 cups of water

-         2 cups of milk

-         ½ cup of sugar

Mix water and milk and heat a little. Then soak feet in it for at least 10min. Rinse and dry. Then mix sugar with 2 tablespoons of your body lotion and massage mixture into feet to exfoliate. Rinse with water, dry and apply lotion.

2.     FRESHNER

-         1/4  cup of baking powder

-         3 tablespoons of vinegar

-         Warm water

Mix baking soda and vinegar in a large bowl and place feet in the bowl, then add enough warm water to cover feet. Soak for 15min, remove and pat dry. This helps keep feet smelling fresh if done regularly.

3.     BLACK TEA SCRUB

-         2 teabags of black tea

-         3 cups of boiling water

-         5 cups of cold water

Leave the teabags in the boiling  water for 15min then add in the cold water and soak feet for 10min. Good for smelly and sweaty feet.

4.     LEMON SOAK

-         a large bowl of warm water

-         2 tablespoons of lemon juice

-         ¼ cup of Vaseline

Soak feet in warm water for ten minutes. While soaking combine lemon juice and Vaseline. Remove feet from water and pat dry. Rub Vaseline mix into feet concentrating on heels and callused areas then slip on a pair of socks to keep moisture in for at least 30min. Safe to do daily to heal cracked and dry skin.

      
HAND CARE

You make use of your hands daily for working cleaning and so on. To ensure you have healthy presentable hands here are some simple home remedies:

1.     SEA SALT AND LEMON SCRUB

Make a solution of sea salt and lemon. Brush into hands with an old tooth brush. Do this twice a week to soften and remove discoloration.

2.     CORNMEAL SCRUB

-         ¼ cup of cornmeal

-         4 tablespoons of milk

-         1 drop of almond extract or oil

Mix cornmeal in a saucepan with milk over low flame. Mix until a paste forms , remove from heat and add almond extract. Cool and spread paste over hands for 15min then rinse with warm water. Softens and smoothes rough hands.

3.     FRUIT EXFOLIATING SCRUB

-         ½ cup of orange juice

-         ½ cup of honey

-         ½ teaspoon of olive oil

-         2 tablespoons of lemon juice

Combine  all the ingredients in a small saucepan and heat then allow to cool. Pour into a bowl and add white sugar then immediately scrub into hands. Rinse with warm water.

4.     COFFEE SCRUB

An easy way to soften hands is to take used coffee grounds and scrub into hands. Massage for 5min making sure to get in between fingers  then rinse with warm water. Do this daily to soften calluses.

5.     GLOVES

Rub Vaseline over hands generously then put on a pair of cotton gloves to go to sleep. In the morning wash hands with a gentle cleanser. For softer hands do this a few times a week.

6.     WARM MILK AND ESSENTIAL OIL SOAK

-         ½ cup of warm milk

-         2 teaspoons of sugar

-         2 teaspoons of plain yoghourt

-         Few drops of lavender essential oil

Combine all the ingredients and soak hands /fingers in the mixture for 5min. Then do a scrub.