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.

EFFECTIVE NATURAL REMEDIES FOR CHAPPED LIPS

It is important to protect your lips from chapping not only for them to look good but also for your health.

 


Cold sores, bacterial infections and other problems tend to easily affect lips that are already chapped.

Chapped lips can result from exposure to extreme cold, hot or dry weather conditions. It can also result from dehydration.

Here are some remedies to keep lips soft and moist:

1.     WATER

Dehydration is one of the major causes of chapped lips. Therefore an adequate intake of water daily is helpful in healing and preventing chapped lips.

2.     SUNSCREEN

Exposure to sun rays can damage and dry out skin on the lips. The lips are a common site for skin cancer as they do not contain melanin which helps protect skin from ultraviolet rays of the sun. Ensure to use a lip balm that contains sunscreen protection preferable one with SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of 15 or higher when you go out in the sun.

3.     COCONUT OIL

This acts as a natural moisturizer. It can be applied frequently throughout the day to keep lips moist.

4.     HEALTHY DIET

Adequate intake of vitamins such as vitamin A and B complex vitamins are important in promoting healthy skin and lips. Eating lots of vegetables and taking multivitamins daily are effective in healing and preventing chapped lips.

5.     DON’T LICK YOUR LIPS

Though it may make your lips feel better temporarily licking your lips has a drying effect  and robs them of moisture.

6.     CUCUMBER

Take a slice of raw cucumber and rub across lips several times daily to promote healing.

7.     ROSE PETAL CREAME

Soak rose petals in raw milk or glycerine. When soaking in milk soak petals for several hours then mash the petals into the milk to create a paste to be applied to your lips. This helps to maintain both moisture and colour of lips.

8.     MILK CREAME

This moisturizes the lips naturally. Apply and leave on for 10 to 20min for each application to get the maximum benefit.

9.     NIGHT MOISTURIZER

Make a mixture of glycerine, rose water, honey and almond oil and apply to lips before going to bed.  

7 WAYS TO SOFTEN YOUR HAIR NATURALLY

Dry and stubborn hair can sometimes be difficult to handle. This is sometimes as a result of harsh weather conditions, improper care and so on.

The use of natural ingredients have proven to be of great help in softening hair and making it more manageable.

Here  are some natural recipes which can be prepared at home and if done regularly would go a long way in promoting soft, silky and lustrous hair:

1.     Castor oil and Egg yolk

Massage a mixture of an egg yolk and two teaspoons of castor oil into your hair. Rinse and shampoo hair.

2.     Lemon juice

Rub lemon juice into hair and leave on for 20min then rinse out. This makes hair soft and gives it shine.

3.     Avocado and Egg yolk

Apply a mixture of mashed avocado and egg yolk to hair and leave for 20min then rinse and wash hair with shampoo.

4.     Apple cider vinegar and Lemon hair rinse

Make a mixture of one lemon juice, two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar and one cup of water. First shampoo and rinse hair then rub the mixture into hair. Rinse with water.

5.     Sunflower and Wheatgerm oil

Apply a mixture of sunflower and wheatgerm oil unto hair at night. Rinse and wash hair with shampoo in the morning.

6.     Vitamin E

Taking vitamin E supplements or the use of hair products  which contain vitamin E promote soft and healthy hair.

7.     Mayonnaise conditioner

Massage mayonnaise into hair and then cover with towel for up to 30min. Rinse and shampoo.

HOW TO GET SMOOTH AND SUPPLE SKIN NATURALLY.

It is everyone’s desire to have smooth, glowing and beautiful skin. Proper skin care can bring about radiant and admirable skin.

You don’t need to spend a fortune to get soft, smooth and glowing facial skin as there are a number of home remedies that are quite easy and wouldn’t cost you much.

Try the home remedies below and watch your skin glow and radiate with beauty:

1  .     Make a paste of honey and lemon juice and apply to face, legs, hands, neck and so on. Wash off with warm water after 15min for a smooth complexion.

2  .     Apply the juice of cucumber on the face and leave on for some time, then rinse off for silky and supple skin. This works well for dark under eyes.

3  .     Mix a tablespoon of wheat flour, one tablespoon of milk and rose water  to make  a fine paste then apply on face in upward direction. Allow paste to dry then wash face with cold water. This helps face to glow naturally.

4  .     Mix honey and egg yolk to make a mask . Apply mask on skin and leave for for 20min then rinse off with water. This makes skin radiant.

5  .     Papaya is a great skin firming and anti aging mask which gives you a vibrant  beautiful looking skin. Apply mashed papaya  on face to reduce dark spots and blemishes.

6  .     Make a thin paste using one banana mixed with milk. Apply to face and leave for 20min, then with cold water.

7  .     A paste of fresh fenugreek leaves applied on the face prevents pimples, black heads, dryness of the face and early appearance of facial wrinkles.

8  .     Make a face-pack by mixing sandal wood powder, turmeric powder and milk. Apply this natural face-pack to get a flawless, glowing facial skin.

9  .     Apply apple cider vinegar to a cotton pad and rub on face, neck and hands. Leave to dry then apply your moisturizer and make up as normal. This helps to get rid of blackheads, reduces blemishes and small spots and evens out skin tone.

10. For a beautiful glowing face , take an ice cube and put some moisturizer on it then massage your face with the ice cube for about 5min. You can also make use of milk cream instead of moisturizer.

    Regular use of these amazing home remedies your skin into a soft, supple, silky and glowing skin.