Natural remedies

turmeric-root-and-powder

Turmeric 

Discover the amazing properties of turmeric in fighting off infection and inflammation… Using larger doses (more than about a teaspoon per day) is not advisable  I use it in the above honey cough syrup remedy   In fact, it’s the main component that kicked our persistent whooping cough, and we now use it when we feel a headache or allergic reaction coming on.  It’s also great after an injury to combat inflammation. Take a spoonful of honey as needed, avoiding the chunks of garlic and ginger unless you just really like the taste of garlic. Turmeric has antibacterial, antiviral, and antimicrobial properties that could make it a natural herbal alternative to fight off these infections.

If you’re able to find turmeric root at a local health food store, purchase it. Try mixing about 2, 2 pieces of turmeric root with 1 lemon, 1 tablespoon of honey, cayenne pepper, and water to create a turmeric smoothie. You may also add banana for extra flavor. Many individuals see complete improvement within 3 days of drinking the smoothie, even if the sinus infection has been present for weeks at a time.

Turmeric Remedies

Haldi doodh: A traditional remedy that most people swear by is the use of hot milk with turmeric. According to a study , it is shown to even have antibacterial properties. Heat a glass of milk, mix in half a teaspoon of turmeric powder and drink warm to get relief from cough.

Turmeric gargle: A turmeric gargle also gives good results. To one cup of hot water, add in half a teaspoon of turmeric powder and half a teaspoon table salt. Use this liquid as a throat gargle and you are sure to experience relief from cough.

Turmeric and honey mixture: For a dry cough, turmeric powder mixed with a teaspoon of honey taken three to four times a day is effective. You could also try preparing turmeric tea by adding one tablespoon of turmeric powder into 4 cups of boiling water. Keep for a few minutes, strain and mix in some lemon and honey to the liquid and drink.

Honey has been known to soothe the irritated throat linings and thus, has been used as an ayurvedic remedy for cough since ages. A study conducted at the Penn State School of Medicine on children above the age of 2 years showed that honey helped them cough less and sleep better.

There are different ways of using honey besides the one mentioned in combination with turmeric. A dry cough responds to a mixture of honey with juice from grapes. A glass of hot milk with some honey added just before going to bed is effective at relieving night-time cough. Mix in honey and lemon juice to a glass of warm water and drink this three times per day for relief from cough.

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/top-10-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-turmeric#section1

cloveinfo

 CLOVES

Treats sinus infections

Are you suffering from a congested chest or sinus? Well, drink a cup of warm clove tea (especially in the morning) to clear the infections and gain quick relief from sinus. The presence of eugenol makes clove a powerful expectorant agent clearing up congested phlegm and spreading warmth around the area.

Alleviates fever

Clove tea is high in magnesium and a rich source of Vitamin E and Vitamin K which makes it a nutrient-rich drink. Being anti-inflammatory in nature, clove tea fights off bacterial infection. It is also antipyretic in nature, thus lowering your body temperature along with boosting immunity levels.

Acts as a natural sanitizer

Not many people are aware of the fact that cold clove tea acts as an excellent hand sanitizer. All you need to do is pour clove tea over your hands and rub your hands. This will create friction, which in turn aids in cleansing the dirt and bacterial load present on the skin. And, what’s more interesting about this is that it is natural and hence, doesn’t have any side-effects as seen in commercially available sanitizer.

Heals skin infections

Being loaded with antiseptic properties, clove tea plays a key role in dealing with various skin problems. Clove tea contains volatile oils that aid in clearing toxins from the body. When applied topically, it heals exterior wounds. You can also apply this tea onto skin to protect against skin injuries or scrapes, fungal infections of the skin such as athlete’s foot or ringworm.

How to prepare clove tea

Add one teaspoon of clove in mortar and pestle and grind them coarsely.

Now, add this powder to a cup of water and allow it to boil for 5 – 10 minutes.

After it starts boiling, add half a teaspoon of tea powder and let this mixture steep for few more minutes.

Now, strain the liquid and allow it cool.

Drink this mixture when warm (you can also store this tea in the refrigerator if using for other purposes)

Diabetes Control

Cloves have been used in many traditional remedies for a number of diseases. One such disease is diabetes. In patients suffering from diabetes, the amount of insulin produced by the body is either insufficient, or it is not produced at all. Studies have revealed that extracts from cloves imitate insulin in certain ways and help in controlling blood sugar levels.

https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/health-benefits-of-cloves.html

Cumin

Cumin

Modern studies have confirmed some of the health benefits cumin is traditionally known for, including promoting digestion and reducing food-borne infections.

Cumin seeds are naturally rich in iron Cumin seeds are rich in iron which is necessary for the formation of haemoglobin in the blood. This in turn is required for the transportation of oxygen in the body. Consuming cumin seeds will keep one protected from anaemia

Some of cumin’s components have shown promise helping to treat diabetes.

Cumin has also improved blood cholesterol in clinical studies.

Concentrated cumin supplements have helped promote weight loss

Test-tube studies have shown cumin extracts inhibit inflammation

Cumin has a high content of vitamin E which keeps your skin healthy and glowing. Besides, the essential oils, cumin have disinfectant and anti-fungal properties which protect your skin from fungal and microbial infections. Topical application of cumin paste on boils, pimples, eczema, psoriasis and other skin disorders facilitates quick healing

Cures Itchiness and Body Heat?

If you are suffering from body heat and skin itchiness, you can put some cumin seeds in boiled water. Once it is cooled, take a bath with that water

Drinking cumin water can relieve the burning sensation of the palms andthe soles All you need to do is add one teaspoon of cumin seeds to 4 litres of water and boil. It is advisable to drink it warm in order to reap greater benefits.

Cumin helps to lower blood sugar levels and thus helps in maintaining proper blood content levels in the body

Cumin is rich in Vitamin C and has anti-fungal properties. These help to cure cold and other respiratory problems. Cumin seeds are also suggested for kidney health

Cumin can be used in preparing chicken. Sprinkle also some chilli powder on the cooked chicken and serve with rice.

A warming and soothing cumin tea can be prepared by boiling cumin in water and allowing it to steep for 8 to 10 minutes.

Cumin seeds are used in the preparation of soups, barbecue sauces, pickling and is one of the ingredients in curry powder

Cumin along with ground black pepper are used in flavouring

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/9-benefits-of-cumin#section1

Body brushing – Dealing with regular itching on the body

One cure is body brushing. Use a natural bristle (as stiff as you can find) and start brushing your dry skin in an upward, toward the heart action. Start on the soles of you feet and work up the body, one section at a time. Really brush upward hard, make the skin red. On the itchy areas brush until you relive the itch. Don’t forget to brush under the armpits.

Repeat this treatment as often as you wish. but daily, before bathing, is a must. You will find in the beginning that you will do it more often.

In about a week’s time the itch will be gone or mostly gone. But continue these treatments to maintain itch free skin. Meanwhile if it does not work see a Doctor.

Chilli pepper for itchiness

Some have suffered from regular itching on the body for many years (arms, shoulder, upper body) on what appears to be perfectly healthy skin. Nothing – absolutely NOTHING – helped or eased the problem… Until they  rubbed on a good dose of chilli pepper with a damp cloth. After the heat, NO further itching!!

Note there are many possible cures, but not all of them do work still..

Garlic

Garlic

Benefits of Garlic

1 Garlic Contains a Compound Called Allicin, Which Has Potent Medicinal Properties. Garlic is a plant in the Allium (onion) family.Allicin enters the body from the digestive tract and travels all over the body, where it exerts its potent biological effects (which we’ll get to in a bit).

Garlic is a plant in the onion family, grown for its cooking properties and health effects. It is high in a sulfur compound called Allicin, which is believed to bring most of the health benefits.

2 Garlic Is Highly Nutritious, But Has Very Few Calories

Calorie for calorie, garlic is incredibly nutritious.

A 1 ounce (28 grams) serving of garlic contains (3):

Manganese: 23% of the RDA

Vitamin B6: 17% of the RDA

Vitamin C: 15% of the RDA

Selenium: 6% of the RDA

Fiber: 0.6 gram

Decent amounts of calcium, copper, potassium, phosphorus, iron and vitamin B1

Garlic also contains trace amounts of various other nutrients. In fact, it contains a little bit of almost everything we need.

This is coming with 42 calories, with 1.8 grams of protein and 9 grams of carbs.

Garlic is low in calories and very rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin B6 and Manganese. It also contains trace amounts of various other nutrients.

3 Garlic Can Combat Sickness, Including the Common Cold

Garlic supplementation is known to boost the function of the immune system.

One large 12-week study found that a daily garlic supplement reduced the number of colds by 63% compared with placebo (4).

The average length of cold symptoms was also reduced by 70%, from 5 days in placebo to just 1.5 days in the garlic group.

Another study found that a high dose of garlic extract (2.56 grams per day) can reduce the number of days sick with cold or flu by 61% (5).

If you often get colds, then adding garlic to your diet could be incredibly helpful.

Garlic supplementation helps to prevent and reduce the severity of common illnesses like the flu and common cold.

4 The Active Compounds in Garlic Can Reduce Blood Pressure

Cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks and strokes are the world’s biggest killers.

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is one of the most important drivers of these diseases.

Human studies have found garlic supplementation to have a significant impact on reducing blood pressure in people with high blood pressure

In one study, aged garlic extract at doses of 600-1,500 mg was just as effective as the drug Atenolol at reducing blood pressure over a 24 week period

Supplement doses must be fairly high to have these desired effects. The amount of allicin needed is equivalent to about four cloves of garlic per day.

High doses of garlic appear to improve blood pressure of those with known high blood pressure (hypertension). In some instances, supplementation can be as effective as regular medications.

5 Garlic Improves Cholesterol Levels, Which May Lower the Risk of Heart Disease

Garlic can lower total and LDL cholesterol.

For those with high cholesterol, garlic supplementation appears to reduce total and/or LDL cholesterol by about 10-15%   .

Looking at LDL (the “bad”) and HDL (the “good”) cholesterol specifically, garlic appears to lower LDL but has no reliable effect on HDL .

Garlic does not appear to lower triglyceride levels, another known risk factor for heart disease .

Garlic supplementation seems to reduce total and LDL cholesterol, particularly in those who have high cholesterol. HDL cholesterol and triglycerides do not seem to be affected.

6 Garlic Contains Antioxidants That May Help Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia

Oxidative damage from free radicals contributes to the aging process.

Garlic contains antioxidants that support the body’s protective mechanisms against oxidative damage   .

High doses of garlic supplements have been shown to increase antioxidant enzymes in humans , as well as significantly reduce oxidative stress in those with high blood pressure

The combined effects on reducing cholesterol and blood pressure, as well as the antioxidant properties, may help prevent common brain diseases like Alzheimer’s disease and dementia

Garlic contains antioxidants that protect against cell damage and ageing. It may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

7 Garlic May Help You Live Longer

Effects on longevity are basically impossible to prove in humans.

But given the beneficial effects on important risk factors like blood pressure, it makes sense that garlic could help you live longer.

The fact that it can fight infectious disease is also an important factor, because these are common causes of death, especially in the elderly or people with dysfunctional immune systems.

Garlic has known beneficial effects on common causes of chronic disease, so it makes perfect sense that it could help you live longer.

8 Athletic Performance Can Be Improved With Garlic Supplementation

Garlic was one of the earliest “performance enhancing” substances.

It was traditionally used in ancient cultures to reduce fatigue and enhance the work capacity of labourers.

Most notably, it was administered to Olympic athletes in ancient Greece  Rodent studies have shown that garlic helps with exercise performance, but very few human studies have been done.

Subjects with heart disease that took garlic oil for 6 weeks had a reduction in peak heart rate of 12% and improved their exercise capacity However, a study on nine competitive cyclists found no performance benefits  Other studies suggest that exercise-induced fatigue may be reduced with garlic

Garlic can improve physical performance in lab animals and people with heart disease. Benefits in healthy people are not yet conclusive.

9 Eating Garlic Can Help Detoxify Heavy Metals in the Body

At high doses, the sulfur compounds in garlic have been shown to protect against organ damage from heavy metal toxicity.

A four week study in employees of a car battery plant (excessive exposure to lead) found that garlic reduced lead levels in the blood by 19%. It also reduced many clinical signs of toxicity, including headaches and blood pressure (22).Garlic was shown to significantly reduce lead toxicity and related symptoms in one study

Three doses of garlic each day even outperformed the drug D-penicillamine in symptom reductiom  Garlic was shown to significantly reduce lead toxicity and related symptoms in one study

10 Garlic May Improve Bone Health

No human trials have measured the effects of garlic on bone loss.

However, rodent studies have shown that it can minimise bone loss by increasing estrogen in females

One study in menopausal women found that a daily dose of dry garlic extract (equal to 2 grams of raw garlic) significantly decreased a marker of estrogen deficiency  This suggests that this garlic may have beneficial effects on bone health in women.

Foods like garlic and onions have also been shown to have beneficial effects on osteoarthritis

11 Garlic Is Easy to Include in Your Diet and Tastes Absolutely Delicious

The last one is not a health benefit, but still important.

It is the fact that it is very easy (and delicious) to include garlic in your current diet.

It complements most savory dishes, particularly soups and sauces. The strong taste of garlic can also add a punch to otherwise bland recipes.

Garlic comes in several forms, from whole cloves and smooth pastes to powders and supplements like garlic extract and garlic oil.

The minimum effective dose for therapeutic effects is one clove eaten with meals, two or three times a day.

However, keep in mind that there are some downsides to garlic, such as bad breath. There are also some people who are allergic to it.

If you have a bleeding disorder or are taking blood thinning medications, then talk to your doctor before increasing your garlic consumption.

The active compound allicin only forms when garlic is crushed or cleaved when it is raw. If you cook it before crushing it, then it won’t have the same health effects.

Therefore, the best way to consume garlic is raw, or to crush and cut it and leave it out for a while before you add it to your recipes.

My favorite way to use garlic is to press a few cloves of fresh garlic with a garlic press, then mix with extra virgin olive oil and a bit of salt. This a healthy and super satisfying dressing.

12  For thousands of years, garlic was believed to have medicinal properties.

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-proven-health-benefits-of-garlic

How to Make Your Own Garlic Powder

It is easy to  make garlic powder at home is garlic. Simply separate the bulbs into the individual cloves and remove all of the skins and you’re ready to go. You can do as few or as many bulbs of garlic as you’d like. Garlic powder stores well . Begin by cutting the peeled cloves into thin slices. Place these in a food dehydrator in a single layer. You can also use your oven, placing the garlic on a cookie sheet and heating it to 150 F for about 2 hours or more. The garlic is dry when you can crush it in your hand and it crumbles easily. Once dry, allow the garlic to cool. Then grind it with a coffee grinder, spice grinder, food processor, or a mortar and pestle, until it reaches your desired consistency. Store your finished garlic powder in an air-tight container and place it in a cool, dry spot. Be sure to shake the jar daily for the first week or so after you’ve made it. This will ensure that any remaining moisture is evenly distributed through the powder and prevent mold. As long as it’s dried properly, garlic powder can have a shelf-life of a few years,

Recycle spice jars. Re-using old spice containers is one of the best ways to save money for all of your DIY herbs and spices, including garlic powder. Clean and dry empty spice jars, and be sure to keep all of the pieces, especially those valuable shaker lids that control the flow. When you bottle a new spice, label it with the spice name and date.

Make garlic salt. Garlic powder is one of the two ingredients needed to make garlic salt. It’s even easier than making the powder and all you need now is salt.

Cup of garlic tea

Step 1

Make a cup of garlic tea by mashing two cloves of garlic and adding 8 oz. of hot water. Allow the tea to steep for five minutes before consuming. Drink three cups per day until symptoms disappear.

Step 2

Add raw garlic liberally to salad dressings and other foods. Eating raw garlic is the best way to get its antibacterial properties. You can make dips with fresh garlic and you can spread fresh garlic on toast.

Step 3

Take a garlic “shot” one to three times per day. Mash up two cloves of garlic and put it on a spoon. Add a few drops of olive oil, which will help protect the stomach, and swallow the spoonful without chewing.

Garlic is said to have antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. Just like yogurt, garlic may be used both as a dietary supplement and also directly applied to the vagina. Yogurt and garlic are the two leading choices among yeast infection home remedies. We advise that you either eat a clove of fresh garlic once or twice per day

 Garlic Tea:  Peel and crush 2-3 cloves of raw garlic and mix with 1 cup of hot water.  Let the brew steep for 5 minutes and then drink 3-4 cups a day until the UTI is eradicated.

Garlic Shot:  Mash 2-3 cloves of raw garlic and mix with water.  Drink on a full stomach.  Eating raw garlic releases active compounds into the bloodstream, where they are then filtered by the kidneys and set to work helping to control bad bacteria.

Garlic cure

½ c. Raw (unheated) Honey*

Half a lemon

2 fresh or frozen garlic cloves- don’t use the pre-minced stuff. It’s lost its strong medicinal properties.

a chunk of fresh or frozen ginger* (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

Fill a small jar halfway with raw honey.

Squeeze the lemon half into the honey and stir.

Crush the garlic cloves and ginger. You don’t want to pulverize them, or you’ll end up with little bitty chunks floating around in the honey…just crush them one good time, to start the enzyme reactions in the cloves. I like to whack the cloves of garlic with the side of my meat tenderizer mallet,

Drop them into the honey and stir.

We store this in the fridge, because the cold feels good on hot, scratchy throat

Garlic pickle Recipe

½ teaspoon whole black peppercorns

½ teaspoon mustard seeds

½ teaspoon fennel seeds

½ teaspoon crushed red pepper

Now make garlic pickle in lime juice & eat 4-5 cloves daily for a week

.Bring a small saucepan of water to a boil over high heat. Add garlic and cook for 3 minutes; drain. Transfer the garlic to a 2-cup glass canning jar (or other heatproof jar) with a tight-fitting lid.

Combine  cup water, vinegar, sugar, salt, peppercorns, mustard seeds, fennel seeds and crushed red pepper in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring until the sugar and salt are dissolved. Pour the hot pickling solution into the jar. Let cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours for the flavors to develop.

Another Pickled Garlic Recipe

If you love pickles and you love garlic, you just found a tasty new best friend. This Pickled Garlic Recipe also makes a great starter canning project!

Ingredients

1/4 cup canning salt

2 1/2 cups water

2 1/2 cups white vinegar

2 pounds fresh garlic, peeled

1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

4 heads fresh dill

The Garlic Pickle Recipe

Garlic Bread 500 grams

Ginger 2 inch pieces

Mustard seeds 1 1/2 teaspoon

Fenugreek seeds (methi dana) 1 teaspoon

Cumin seeds 1 teaspoon

Oil 1 cup

Salt to taste

Tamarind pulp 1/2 cup

Red chilli powder (deghi mirch) 1 1/2 teaspoons

Jaggery (gur),grated 1/2 cup

Method

Step 1

Peel, wash, pat dry garlic cloves. Grind fifteen of them and halve the rest. Peel, wash and grind ginger pieces. Dry roast one teaspoon of mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds, cumin seeds and crush them.

Step 2

Heat oil, add the remaining mustard seeds and chopped garlic. Cook for some time on low heat. Add salt and mix. Add roasted spices, tamarind pulp and cook on high heat

Step 3

Add red chilli powder, ginger paste, garlic paste and jaggery. Cook till the jaggery melts. Add a little more oil and cook to thicken. Cool and store in a sterilized bottle.

Macular eye degeneration

Use Pressed Garlic to Reverse Vision Loss

Mode of consumption

  • To obtain these benefits from daily garlic consumption, one or two cloves is recommended.
  • You should always eat it raw, because when you cook garlic it loses up to 90% of its benefits.
  • You can also combine it with a little lemon juice and olive oil.

How often should you add this to your diet? Now that you know how good it can be for your vision, stop making excuses and try it on a regular basis.

 You’ll need a kitchen utensil known as a garlic press, which is designed to crush a clove of garlic by pressing it through a series of small holes. It has a small lever that serves to press the clove into a thick paste.

A healthy diet, regular physical activity, drinking enough water, reducing stress and getting enough sleep are all beneficial for regulating blood pressure, normalizing blood sugar levels to prevent nerve damage and supporting heart health.

The best foods for preventing and reversing macular degeneration are green leafy vegetables, fresh fruits (especially all yellow and orange colored fruits and vegetables), fish and whole grains.

Eggs are a good source of Lutein so eat plenty of eggs with bright yellow yolks.

Eat 2-3 tablespoons of cooked spinach every day.

Also eat carrots, broccoli and kale.

Foods to avoid for macular degeneration are refined grains, processed foods, refined sugar and sugary drinks etc.

Key raw foods to include in the diet are:

* Sprouts

* Raw vegetables

* Raw cultured vegetable be

* sauerkraut

* Avocados

* Presoaked Seeds and Nuts

* Sprouted legumes (bean sprouts, sprouted chickpeas)

* Sprouted grains (wheat and rye berries)

* Seaweed also called sea greens or sea vegetables

* meats should be consumed.

* fish. Fish to be consumed would include Wild Alaskan Salmon and small body fish such as sardines.

* Raw carrots

* Brussel sprouts

* Raw spinach

* Corn

* Broccoli

* Green peas

* Green beans

* Tomatoes

* Leaf greens

* olive oil, flax seed, sesame, sunflower,

* safflower, almond oils and grape seed oil

Dehydration is a major contributor to chronic disease.

The Indian spice that could save your eyesight,  that reverses and prevents age-related vision loss is saffron

spanish-saffron_1

To stop age-related vision loss and make your eyes as healthy as possible, you need to get at least 20 mg per day of saffron. There are two options for using this powerful orange miracle. You can cook with it and if you love curries, this is a great choice.  Or, you can take a saffron extract supplement. They are widely available and easy to find.Since saffron is a very expensive spice, for most people, taking the supplement will be the best option. after a year or more ingesting only 20 mg (milligrams) of saffron daily, vision improvements should stabilize without requiring more saffron dosing. Saffron is the world’s most expensive spice, stemming from the dried orange-red stigmas of the Crocus sativus flower. Boil a pinch in tea for a delicious refreshing hot drink, add to smoothies and all other recipes I’d suggest you visit an East Indian store. Bought the Spanish saffron this week. It is around $7 something for 2g. Remember, the redder in colour the higher the quality.    The crop with tiny leaves and purple buds does not flaunt its treasure. But hidden at the centre of the flowers are pistils, each containing three red stigmas which, when dried, make the pricey seasoning saffron.

Avoid eating margarine.

Sunflower seeds=Selenium which is found abundantly in sunflower seeds is known to prevent cataracts and also protect overall eye health. Eat a handful of sunflower seeds every day.

Essential oils: Frankincense essential oil has been demonstrated to improve eyesight,

helichrysum oil improves vision and supports nerve tissue, and cypress essential oil improves circulation. Apply three drops of any of these essential oils twice daily on the cheeks and lateral eye area (next to the eyes), but be very careful not to put oils directly into the eyes.

Coconut oil – Coconut oil may prevent progression of wet and dry macular degeneration. Take a couple of tablespoons of the oil daily in your diet. You can also use it to massage gently around the eyes.

Urinary disease

While you might think that orange juice is good for urination and therefore helps rid your body of the bacteria, the truth is that citrus fruits (including grapefruits, limes, and pineapples) can irritate the urinary tract and may also inflame your bladder

When you’re suffering from a urinary disease, stay away from sausages, processed meats, and all things spicy, including curry, cumin, or chili seasoning. Steaks, hamburgers, and grilled meats are on the list of forbidden foods when you have a urinary tract infection. This is because they introduce a lot of acid to the body and bacteria, instead of dying, are reproduced. Instead of red meats, substitute white meat like fish or chicken.

The first two days you should consume some acidic and some alkaline foods:

Eggs

Fish

Meats

Whole grains (oats, rice)

Vegetable milk (oat, almond)

Olive oil

Lemon juice

Water

Natural teas

On the third to fifth days you’ll switch to only consuming alkaline foods:

Beans

Vegetables (especially potatoes, garlic, and onion)

Fruits (except citrus)

Nuts

Natural juices (cranberry, for example)

Fat-free dairy products

Olive oil

 These natural interventions help to prevent the infection and cure the symptoms naturally –

Eat one cup of fresh cherries (rich in antioxidants) every 2 hours to help ease the burning sensation in the urine.

Garlic: is known to have anti bacterial properties. Eating 4-5 cloves of raw garlic a day helps combat urinary infections. You can chop it fine 7 gulp it down with warm water or, make garlic pickle in lime juice & eat 4-5 cloves daily for a week.

Garlic is packed with zinc and copper which stimulate blood circulation, cleanse scalp of the buildup residue and help remove flaky dandruff. Crush a few garlic cloves and extract the juice. Mix 1 tablespoon of garlic juice with half a cup of coconut oil. Heat it in low flame. Massage the oil on to your scalp. Massage until you feel your scalp becoming warm. Let it sit for an hour or so. Rinse your hair with clarifying shampoo and condition. Another seamless natural way to include garlic in your hair care routine to prevent hair loss is by simply adding garlic to your regular conditioner.

Garlic Salve  a soothing salve out of it. Now, garlic alone can be irritating on the skin, but when you combine it with healing aloe vera and nourishing honey, it adds a punch of goodness to it. Ingredients 1 tablespoon of garlic 1 tablespoon of honey 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel

Garlic Spray This is by far the most handy way to use garlic in your hair care routine. This natural remedy is perfect for hair growth. Ingredients 1 tablespoon of garlic juice 1 tablespoon of olive oil 1 cup distilled water 10 drops of lavender oil

The fresh green leaves of radish are packed with anti-bacterial properties. Taking around 150 ml juice made from radish leaves for a fortnight can help reduce inflammation of the urinary bladder and reduce the burning sensation while passing urine.

Take a diet rich in vitamin C as it keeps the acidity level of urine high. Bacteria cannot thrive in an acidic medium. Taking high does of vitamin C may also help relieve a person of urinary infection. About 2000mg 2-3 times a day is recommended. Since this is a very high dose you must do it under your doctor supervision.

Drinking large amounts of fluids obviously helps as it dilutes the toxins in the urine and flushes the system. Drink one litre of water (normal temperature) first thing in the morning on an empty stomach and another 6-8 glasses during the day. This habit will prevent recurrence of your problem.

You can make herbal tea at home with lemon rind and cinnamon (dalchini). Take one teaspoon each of grated lemon rind and cinnamon powder and boil it in a litre of water.

To increase the acid-base balance in the body, some people recommend drinking water in which half a teaspoon of baking powder has been added. However, do remember to check with your doctor before starting any home remedy.

Drink cranberry juice. According to a 1994 study, cranberry juice can reduce levels of bacteria in the urinary tract and prevent new bacteria from taking hold, so helping to prevent minor infections. In case of an infection, cranberry juice helps in fast recovery.

Other fluids that help clear UTI are tender coconut water, barley water, buttermilk, cucumber juice as these are believed to be diuretics. Cabbage, carrot, curd, coconut, clove, ginger, garlic, lime, onion, radish and turmeric retard infections and can be used liberally.

One friend, who has a much stronger constitution than I, swears by placing a raw clove of garlic inside her cheek, and biting down on it with her molars (no chewing…just bite and hold).  She holds this in place in her mouth for anywhere from a few minutes to as long as she can stand.  She says that she never gets sore throats now, because she does this at the first sign, and it always cures it. The idea behind this method is introducing allicin into the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat.  On top of directly confronting the infection, the allicin is also swiftly absorbed into the blood stream in the area below the tongue.

If you can’t stand the burn/taste of garlic, try warming it in butter or using it with a recipe that uses oil (pesto, salad dressing, pasta sauce with olive oil).  Melted butter is just shy of magic with garlic, turning the fiesty burn into a velvety rich flavor.  It’s my preferred way to take garlic raw (with warm yeast rolls, of course)

Itching, known medically as pruritus, is an uncontrollable and irritating sensation on the skin that urges you to scratch the affected area to get relief. It is also one of your body’s defense mechanisms against irritants. Aloe vera gel will provide immediate relief from itching, that is why it is considered to be one of the most effective home remedies for itchy skin. However, continue to apply it 3 times daily for 4 to 5 days to get complete relief from itchy skin.

Aloe veras has  an enzyme called bradykinase found in aloe vera gel helps reduce excessive inflammation when applied topically on the skin. It also contains auxins and gibberellins, which are hormones that aid wound healing. Its fatty acid content adds to its antiseptic and analgesic properties; it can also be used to treat minor burns. It can be used most successfully to get rid of acne and scars, to stop skin itchiness, to make  a homemade face wash, and also to lighten skin.

Making aloe vera gel at home is super easy, very inexpensive.  First wash your hands Always wash your hands before extracting aloe vera gel, as any impurities can contaminate and spoil the gel quickly. Then leave the leaves in upright position for a few minutes to let the darker resin drain out. After the resin has drained, wash the leaves and start peeling off the thick skin with a knife, leaving you with the transparent gel.

Wash a healthy aloe vera leaf under running water.

Using a knife, cut the serrated edges off the leaf. If the leaf is too long, you can cut it into 8-inch pieces for easy handling.

Make a long, lengthwise incision in the middle of the leaf to peel off the skin.

Place your knife right under the rind and slide it along the length of the leaf to pull off the skin. Try to stay close to the skin so you get as much gel as you can.

Repeat the same for the other half of the skin.

If you like your aloe vera gel thick and gooey, skip the blender part. Simply scrape out the aloe vera pulp and use it

Place the gel into a blender and also add a few drops of either grapefruit seed extract, vitamin C powder, vitamin E oil or some essential oil to help preserve the gel for longer period.  Then blend everything, pour into a clean glass jar and you’ve got some fresh aloe vera gel which can be kept for several months in the refrigerator.  Fresh aloe vera gel without any added preservatives will stay good for 1 week when kept refrigerated at all times.

What you can also do?

After you extract the gel from the aloe vera leaf, wash it to remove the yellow liquid that sometimes is also removed.

Mix the gel with an equal amount of honey. Thanks to its high content of natural sugars, honey is a product that never expires. The low concentration of water is another key to its long shelf life, just like fruit preserves or fruit stored in syrup

Use this for making smoothies, teas, and facial masks, and more.

https://www.fabhow.com/how-to-make-pure-aloe-vera-gel.html

how-to-make-aloe-vera-gel-summary

Other alternatives

Baking soda also works as a disinfectant, in case the skin irritation is caused by some type of microbe or a bug bite, making it one of the most effective home remedies for itchy skin.

Coconut oil is extremely gentle on the skin and can be used by people of all ages and all skin types.

Apple Cider Vinegar  works as an antiseptic and helps kill the invading pathogen as well as neutralizing the skin’s acidity to alleviate itching.

Vicks VapoRub  relieves itchy skin by providing a cooling affect due to the presence of menthol and eucalyptus oil;   Moreover, Vicks also has antifungal properties that may help kill any microbe causing the itching.

Calamine Lotion  can also be used to treat itchy skin resulting from skin conditions, bed bug bites, stretch marks, sunburns or any viral infection. The lotion leaves a cooling effect on the skin, thus soothing irritated and itchy skin

You can use tea tree essential oil to get rid of itchy skin. The homemade aloe vera paste for dry scalp. This natural salve to get rid of itchy scalp contains two main ingredients – tea tree oil and aloe vera. Other than that, secondary ingredients include coconut oil and lemon juice. Lemon juice has powerful doses of citric acid that breaks down the yeast buildup on the scalp. Coconut oil has both anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties in just the right proportion, which help to stimulate blood flow, reduce scalp infection and free up hair follicles Ingredients 1 tablespoon fresh aloe vera gel 1 tablespoon coconut oil 10 drops of tea tree oil, 1/2  tablespoon lemon juice

Review of supposedly natural health cures..

Seven natural antibiotics.

1. Garlic

Cultures across the world have long recognized garlic for its preventive and curative powers.

Research has found that garlic can be an effective treatment against many forms of bacteria, including Salmonella and Escherichia coli (E. coli). Garlic has even been considered for use against multi-drug resistant tuberculosis.

2. Honey

Since the time of Aristotle, honey has been used as an ointment that helps wounds to heal and prevents or draws out infection.

Healthcare professionals today have found it helpful in treating chronic wounds, burns, ulcers, bedsores, and skin grafts. For example, results of a study from 2016 demonstrate that honey dressings can help to heal wounds.

The antibacterial effects of honey are usually attributed to its hydrogen peroxide content. However, manuka honey fights off bacteria, though it has a lower hydrogen peroxide content.

A 2011 study reported that the best-known type of honey inhibits approximately 60 kinds of bacteria. It also suggests that honey successfully treats wounds infected with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

Antibacterial properties aside, honey may help wounds to heal by providing a protective coating that fosters a moist environment.

  1. Ginger

The scientific community also recognizes ginger as a natural antibiotic. Several studies, including one published in 2017, have demonstrated ginger’s ability to fight many strains of bacteria.

Researchers are also exploring ginger’s power to combat seasickness and nausea and to lower blood sugar levels.

 

4. Echinacea

Echinacea has been used to treat infections for many years.

Native American and other traditional healers have used echinacea for hundreds of years to treat infections and wounds. Researchers are beginning to understand why.

A study published in the Journal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology reports that extract of Echinacea purpurea can kill many different kinds of bacteria, including Streptococcus pyogenes (S. pyogenes).

  1. pyogenes is responsible for strep throat, toxic shock syndrome, and the “flesh-eating disease” known as necrotizing fasciitis.

Echinacea may also fight inflammation associated with bacterial infection.

5. Goldenseal

Goldenseal is usually consumed in tea or capsules to treat respiratory and digestive problems. However, it may also combat bacterial diarrhea and urinary tract infections.

In addition, results of a recent study support the use of goldenseal to treat skin infections. In a lab, goldenseal extracts were used to prevent MRSA from damaging tissue.

A person taking prescription medications should check with a doctor before taking goldenseal, as this supplement can cause interference.

Goldenseal also contains berberine, an important component of natural antibiotics. This alkaloid is not safe for infants, or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

6. Clove

Clove has traditionally been used in dental procedures. Research is now finding that clove water extract may be effective against many different kinds of bacteria, including E. coli.

 

 

7. Oregano

Some believe that oregano boosts the immune system and acts as an antioxidant. It may have anti-inflammatory properties.

While researchers have yet to verify these claims, some studies show that oregano is among the more effective natural antibiotics, particularly when it is made it into an oil.

Risks of natural antibiotics

While cooked garlic is usually safe to consume, research suggests that taking concentrated garlic may increase the risk of bleeding. This can be dangerous for people facing surgery or taking blood thinners.

Garlic concentrates may also reduce the usefulness of HIV medications.

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321108.php?srAntibiotics may be prescribed to speed recovery from illness or to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

 Lemon and honey – our ‘go-to’ remedy , for colds, a home-made hot drink with fresh lemon juice and honey was the most popular choice, with a staggering 62 percent citing it as one of their ‘go-to’ drinks,   based on getting vitamin C from lemon, and the antibacterial/antimicrobial elements of honey,”  

Ginger was cited by 23 percent  as an effective method to soothe a sore throat. Indeed, ginger has been shown to reduce pain.

Colds and flu share many of the same symptoms; the major difference being flu is often worse, and accompanied by a high fever. The extreme fatigue associated with flu can persist for weeks. Cold symptoms are generally milder and last about 1 week. Also, runny nose or nasal congestion is more common with cold than flu.

Over-the-counter medications – these can reduce fever. Tylenol can help people with flu feel more comfortable while they recover.Saline nose drops can help relieve a blocked nose.Vapor rubs can make it easier to breathe.Gargling with salt water or sucking on a lozenge can ease the pain of a sore throat.

 

Health Benefits of Saffron

Boosts Immunity

Although people often think of spices as nothing but food flavoring tools, they still contain high concentrations of certain important nutrients, including vitamin C. Ascorbic acid is important for human health, as it stimulates the immune system’s production [3] of white blood cells, the body’s first line of defense against illness. It is also crucial to the production of collagen, which is necessary for cellular production in the body and contributes to wound healing, muscle growth, blood vessel repair, and tissue production.

Increases Circulation

Saffron can function as an effective energy booster and can increase your metabolism by increasing your blood circulation. The high concentration [4] of iron means that saffron increases your RBCs, which thereby stimulates circulation and the oxygenation of organ systems and the body’s extremities. This improves efficiency and functionality of the tissues and organ systems for healthier metabolic activity and also prevents the symptoms of anemia.

Protects Heart Health

Improving the health of the heart seems to be one of the top goals in human health today, and one simple way to do this is to increase your potassium intake [5]. Potassium acts as a vasodilator, effectively lowering the stress and pressure on blood vessels and arteries, allowing blood pressure to decrease and relieving strain on the cardiovascular system. This can prevent things like atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes from occurring.

Controls Diabetes

The significant levels of manganese can help the body optimize its blood sugar levels. Diabetes is one of the most dangerous and widespread conditions in our world today, affecting millions of people globally. By regulating [6] your blood sugar, insulin, and glucose levels, you can effectively prevent the onset of type II diabetes or manage the symptoms if you already suffer from this affliction.

 

Relieves Anxiety

Saffron has been known to relieve [7] mild depression and improve mood in those who regularly consume it. The many active compounds in saffron have some effect on the endocrine system and can stimulate the release of beneficial hormones that keep us happy and healthy. For women, this same effect has also been known to act as an aphrodisiac. It has been hailed as a natural antidepressant by numerous research studies and organizations.

Improves Bone Strength

Some of the minerals and organic compounds in saffron have been linked to optimized nutrient uptake, particularly of calcium. By maximizing the amount [8] of calcium that our body can absorb from food, we have a better chance of improving bone mineral density and preventing the onset of conditions like osteoporosis and other degenerative age-related diseases.

Analgesic Qualities

Pain relief is always a valuable property of an herb or a natural remedy, and the volatile compound safranal in saffron acts as a sedative for many patients. This sedative action can help [10] relieve pain, reduce anxiety and stress, improve sleep patterns, and generally soothe the mind and body, which is always a good thing!

Reduces Stomach Disorders

One of the oldest and most well-known uses of saffron is for upset stomachs and excess flatulence. The sedative and anti-inflammatory nature of saffron helps [12] calm the stomach and reduce inflammation, which eases things like constipation, bloating, cramping, and other serious conditions like gastric ulcers.

Treats Inflammation

As a topical tool used in massage, saffron oil and creams derived from the flower’s compounds can eliminate aches and pains throughout the body, while also relieving pain and discomfort. For people suffering from sports injuries, arthritis, gout, and other inflammatory conditions [13], this is a wonderful remedy. Also, for the topical healing of bruises and wounds, the quick-acting antioxidants in saffron can help speed the healing process.

Saffron for your eyes

Vision reaches a degeneration level with age, which may cause blindness (macular degeneration). The light retinas of the eye begin to break down with age. Saffron promotes a long-term improvement in eyesight. It improves visual acuity and light sensitivity, even in those who have macular degeneration at an early stage. Clearly, this is an eye–opener to see the light of Saffron.

Word of Caution: Consuming saffron in high doses can be potentially dangerous, as the high concentration of active ingredients can have a range of effects on the body. However, in small doses (such as in meals or in pill supplement form), saffron is not known to have any common side effects or allergenic properties.

Diabetes, a long-term condition causing high blood sugar level has following common symptoms:
Frequent urination, intense thirst and hunger, weight gain, unusual weight loss, fatigue, cuts and bruises that do not heal, male sexual dysfunction, numbness and tingling in hands and feet. Diabetes if not treated well can lead to Glaucoma/ loss of sight, Gangrene, skin disorders, heart problem, hypertension, hearing problem, gum diseases, wound healing takes longer etc.

Turmeric

Turmeric demonstrates anti-inflammatory property Study in humans shows that curcumin works an antioxidant and reduces oxidative stress and heart risk in diabetes.   Curcuminoids found in turmeric functions as an anti-hyperglycemic agent- it lowers elevated blood sugar in diabetes.   Curcumin is a natural wound healing agent and speeds up wound healing process. Even topical application of curcumin benefits in skin wounds.Curcumin is a natural painkiller. Primarily turmeric reduces blood sugar, improves insulin sensitivity and improves metabolic health in diabetes. It helps manage diabetes effectively  At a dose of 1 teaspoon o  2-3 times a day benefits should be evidenced within 1-2 weeks. Including turmeric in diet and cooking is the best way to start taking turmeric. You could add it to soups, sprinkle it over salads, add it to juices.  I am including turmeric in my food and I am also drinking the turmeric tea. I must say I am very happy with the results. I am diabetic and I take Metforman 500 tablets twice a day.

Generally as a precaution it is advised not to take turmeric with anti-diabetes medication. This is because both curcumin as well as anti-diabetes medication reduce blood sugar levels so it is thought that taking the two together could cause abnormally low blood sugar levels and there are chances of drug interaction.

Effects noted of cinnamon, cardamom, saffron and ginger consumption on blood pressure and  type 2 diabetes  

 

Ginger benefits for diabetes

Ginger provide lots of benefits of health and based on some studies, ginger also has some beneficial effect in diabetes patient, below are the list that you can check :

  1. Keeping blood sugar level

Some studies conducted in Iran reported that certain phytochemicals contained in ginger such as gingerol and other component can lower the blood sugar level. Study which conducted in more than 30 days with some diabetes patients shows that after therapeutic treatment with ginger, they experienced lower blood sugar level and this lead to maintain normal blood sugar level. The effect of ginger in lowering blood sugar level is may conducted with the inhibition of hepatic phosphorylase which known as an enzyme that break down glycogen ( glucose storage molecule ) into glucose. If glycogen break down into glucose, blood sugar level in the body will also rise.

  1. Improve glucose tolerance

Mechanism of keeping blood sugar in diabetes patient has been studied by some researches and they found the phytochemical brought by ginger facilitated the glucose metabolism and improve glucose tolerance in the body. A study by James W Daily et al which published in Journal of Ethnic Food reported that ginger supplementation is efficient to improve the glucose tolerance in diabetes people especially those with type 2 diabetes.

  1. Reduce insulin resistance

A study by Iranian researchers from University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran which published in Journal National Library of medicine reported that ginger supplementation can reduce insulin resistance level by 10,5 %. It is also suggested by those scientist that diabetes people better consume about 3 g of ginger supplement everyday for 8 weeks more to get the benefits.

  1. Increase the secretion of insulin

According to a study which published in European Journal of Pharmacology, scientist has found that ginger extract can increase the level of insulin secretion by interact with serotonin receptor. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter in brain which play important role in promoting pancreatic cells to produce insulin.

  1. Reduce lipid profile

Ginger suplementation also can reduce the level of several kind of fat such as triglycerid acid, cholesterol and LDL ( Low density lipoprotein ). Better lipid profile show better health condition and prevent diabetes people to develop complication.

  1. Decrease oxidative stress

Oxidative stress is a term which refer to the imbalance level of free radicals with the ability of the body to get rid their bad effect from the body. Oxidative stress may trigger development of complication in diabetes people. Ginger contains various phytochemical which act as antioxidant that can fight free radical and protect the body from free radical.

  1. Increase hemoglobin level

It is also reported that ginger supplementation can increase level of hemoglobin in diabetes people. Hemoglobin play important role in oxygen and nutrient transport including sugar. The high level of hemoglobin allow the body to deliver better nutrition and prevent from lacking sugar as energy building block. When the body lack of sugar, glycogen will be broken to provide glucose and increase blood sugar level.

  1. Improve liver function

People with diabetes has greater risk of developing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Fatty liver disease is a condition where some excessive fat attach to liver and bother liver function. It may also causing other serious health problem such as cirrhosis. Study has proved that consumin ginger extract can keep healthy liver and reduce the risk of developing fatty liver.

  1. Improve kidney function

High sugar blood level can increase the risk of nerve, blood vessel and other organ damage including kidney. High blood sugar level in diabetes make the kidney work harder and even may cause glomeroli or kidney filter damage and lead to kidney failure. Ginger has potential effect to lower blood sugar level and keep healthy kidney.

 

  1. Reduce inflammation

Diabetes is usually suffered by obese people and fat cells in their body will trigger the production of chemical which promote inflammation. Ginger contain anti-inflammatory properties which can reduce inflammation that occur in the body especially in people with diabetes type 2.

  1. Protect from cataract

People with diabetes have high risk to develop cataract. Cataract is a condition which the lens of the eye become blurred, opaque or unclear. Human eyes get energy of sugar from Aqueous Humor and people with diabetes have no ability to control the sugar or glucose level in Aqueous Humor. This condition may cause excessive accumulation of sugar inside eyes which lead to cataract. According to a study   ginger supplementation can help to delay the development of cataract.

Health risk of ginger

Ginger has lots of benefits for health but consuming excessive ginger is not recommended. Ginger can reduce the blood sugar level but consuming high amount of ginger may cause very low level of sugar in blood and it can make the body weak, dizzy and even fainting. Before consuming ginger as diabetic supplement, it is better to consult the doctor first.

Those are the benefits of ginger for people who suffer diabetes. Make sure you purchase fresh ginger if you want to consume it as food seasoning or choose only best ginger powder to make ginger tea. Having herbal medication to treat diabetes is another safety way to increase your health.

Ginger also interacts with herbs that stimulate blood flow and slow blood clotting, which includes clove, garlic, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, turmeric, angelica. Combining ginger with these herbs could increase your risk of bleeding. Eating too much ginger root can cause heartburn, diarrhea and mouth irritation. You may also experience belching, upset stomach, a bad taste in the mouth, bloating, gas and nausea.If you suffer from high blood pressure or diabetes and take medications for your condition, ginger is known to change the way the drugs you need react with your body. Specifically, beta-blockers, anticoagulants, and insulin drugs can be very dangerous to mix with ginger. ginger when consumed in reasonable quantities has few negative side effects and is on the FDA’s “generally recognized as safe” list.   An Alternative for Ginger  There are many alternatives that nutritionists recommend such as cayenne pepper, red paprika, and sweet peppers. They can be added to dishes and beverages to add that kick of spice to your taste  buds.

 

Reminder

  • Turmeric: Give yourself an immunity boost with the anti-inflammatory action of turmeric.  In one small study, it even outperformed a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug when used on patients with rheumatoid arthritis, an inflammatory joint condition.  The curcumin in turmeric is responsible for its anti-inflammatory properties and can help suppress and inhibit inflammatory pathways. Turmeric can help cleanse the blood in those dealing with inflammation in the liver or kidney.

 

  • Chili Peppers: You could tap the anti-inflammatory action of the capsaicin in a chili pepper to battle inflammatory diseases. So if you’re looking at alternative ways to ward off heart disease, obesity, or other diseases where inflammation plays a role, reach for that chili pepper. Researchers are even exploring its potential in battling certain cancers like that of the prostate.

 

  • Cinnamon: Cinnamon is packed with anti-inflammatory compounds like quercetin.  Which is why this warm, sweet spice can fight inflammation and neurological disorders like Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s disease that have an association with inflammatory processes in the body.

 

  • Ginger: If you suffer from inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or obesity, you could benefit from having ginger. The spice has broad anti-inflammatory actions against a range of such conditions. Ginger Against Migraines And Cluster Headaches: If you have a migraine or cluster headache problem and don’t want to constantly pop migraine medication, ginger powder can work as a natural alternative. Research has found it can act as quickly as within two hours of consumption  Ginger is very suitable for those with a high level of blood sugar (including diabetics who manage the disease without medication), due to its natural propensity to lower one’s blood sugar levels. However, for those who are taking medication for diabetes – for example, Metformim or insulin injections – this could undermine the effectiveness of the doctor’s prescription. As a good rule of thumb, think of a tablespoon of fresh ginger root as equal to a 1/4 teaspoon of dried ground ginger

 

  • .  Cloves: Due to its antibacterial action against oral bacteria, clove oil is used in products like dental creams and toothpastes as well as oils to protect against dental caries and periodontal disease. It also has antiseptic and analgesic properties, helping soothe the pain associated with inflammation and infection.  It can also ease gum disease (gingivitis) and do away with the associated bad breath. Simply mix with a carrier oil and apply as a topical treatment.

Now there is a completely safe and highly effective natural way to keep insects at bay, and its results are far better than the effects of DEET- lemon eucalyptus oil

The pink Himalayan salt has a myriad of healthy medicinal properties, being rich in 84 minerals and trace elements. It can be used as a replacement of the processed table salt, as a bath soak or body scrub, or as pink Himalayan salt lamps. Yet, you might not know that you can use it as a salt inhaler and enjoy its numerous health benefits These salt inhalers have small Himalayan salt rocks at the bottom, and when you inhale, the natural moisture of the air helps absorb the salt particles into the lungs. This is highly beneficial in the case of colds, congestion, allergies, and asthma. The method is completely safe and natural, and thus causes no side-effects.

Have you ever heard of the restless leg syndrome? This common medical condition affects about 50% of the population, and it is characterized by leg cramps during the night. It is actually a neurological disorder that causes discomfort in the leg while resting, and is also known as “Charley’s horses”.The pain is additionally aggravated if you move the leg while cramping. These craps are most commonly a result of dehydration, mineral and vitamin deficiencies, and excessive exercise. Yet, it can also be caused by pregnancy, alcohol abuse, diabetes, and kidney failure. Apparently, placing a bar of soap under the sheets by sleeping can relieve this disorder!

Numerous people find it difficult to distinguish baking powder and baking soda, but these two ingredients do not share the same chemical composition, so here is how to make the difference:

Baking soda

The reaction of baking soda or bicarbonate of soda or sodium bicarbonate with acidic ingredients releases carbon dioxide. When cooking, you need an acidic ingredient such as lemon juice, molasses, cream of tartar, yogurt, buttermilk, or brown sugar.

It is stronger than baking powder, and it gives a metallic taste if it is not neutralized. Note that you should add a quarter teaspoon of baking soda per every cup of flour.

Baking powder

Baking powder contains cornstarch, baking soda, and cream of tartar. When cooking, the first leavening occurs when the powder gets wet, and the other when it is heated. Also, make sure you add a teaspoon of it per every cup of flour.

Moreover, some recipes are much better if you use both of these, baking powder and baking soda, but you need to find the perfect balance since carbon dioxide from baking soda and acids might influence the volume after the leavening.

Also, baking soda and baking powder have expiration dates, so you should always use them fresh.

*Please note, this article is not intended to  PROMOTE any SINGLE PRODUCT, or to diagnose, treat any medical condition or replace any medicines or medical treatment, it is purely our opinion from our experience and research from a non-medical perspective.  Please confirm any, all of these things with your doctor.