Natural Remedies for Throat Infection

Throat infection is caused by virus or bacteria. Viral throat infection which is caused by a virus as the name itself suggests is more contagious. The most common types of bacterial throat infections are strep throat and mycoplasma. Strep throat is caused by bacteria called streptococcus. It infects the oral pharynx and tonsils. Symptoms of throat infection are

• Pain or irritation of the throat
• Low grade fever
• Difficulty in swallowing food and liquids
• Throat redness
• Cough

Treatment of Throat Infection


Throat infection is generally treated with antibiotics. However antibiotics are effective only against bacterial infection. The most commonly used antibiotics to treat strep throat are amoxicillin and clindamycin. Some pain killers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen are also used. Viral throat infection should not be treated with antibiotics. 


Some of these medications can lead to side effects. A variety of home remedies exist for throat infection which are equally effective but would not cause any side effects. These natural remedies for throat infection stimulate the immune system to fight bacteria. 


Throat Infection Precautions


When you have throat infection it is necessary take rest and keep yourself hydrated. You have to keep away from tobacco smoke and alcohol vapors which may irritate the throat and lungs.

Herbal Remedies for Throat Infection


Several natural remedies can help to get rid of sore throat

• Different types of herbal tea can provide relief from the symptoms of sore throat. Licorice and chamomile tea provide relief from throat irritation. Chamomile tea has analgesic properties. It also prevents dehydration.

• Take a glass of warm water. Add some honey and lemon juice to it. Drinking this mixture will provide relief from the throat pain and irritation.

• Add cumin seeds and a few pieces of garlic to a glass of water and boil it. Drink it when it is lukewarm. 

• Cinnamon is a very effective remedy for sore throat. Take a glass of hot water and add a teaspoon each of cinnamon, honey and black pepper. Consume small sips of the liquid at regular intervals. 

• Sage is a herb used to treat pharyngitis and other types of sore throat in the form of tincture. It reduces the inflammation of the mucous membranes of the throat.

• To reduce the discomfort you can drink a glass of warm milk with a teaspoon of turmeric added to it. 

• Apple cider vinegar helps to treat the bacterial infection and reduce the inflammation. Add a tablespoon each of apple cider vinegar and honey to warm water. Drink it at regular intervals, holding is as long as possible in the throat before swallowing it. 

• Cut a ginger root to small pieces and boil it in a cup of water. Add two teaspoons of honey and sip it slowly. 

• Goldenseal root will provide relief from throat inflammation. Add a teaspoon of goldenseal root to half liter of water and boil it. Drink the mixture at regular intervals.

Gargle For Throat Infection

• One of the most commonly used remedies is salt water gargle. 

• Add some fenugreek seeds to water and boil it for some time. This can be used to gargle when it cools down. 

• Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to water and boil it. Gargling this will not only provide relief but also cure the inflammation

• Wheatgrass juice is quite effective in treating throat infection. It contains chlorophyll which helps to reduce the inflammation and pain. 

These are some of the natural remedies for throat infection which will help to cure the disease without any side effects. 

Foods to Increase Metabolism

There are several foods to increase metabolism. Metabolism refers to the processes in our body which are required to maintain life. These processes lead to our growth and reproduction of cells. They are divided into two categories catabolism and anabolism.  Metabolism determines what food is nutritious to our body and what food is poisonous. Low metabolic rate could lead to ill health. The metabolic rate is extremely important for good health. 

Water to Increase Metabolism

One important natural metabolism booster is water. Water suppresses hunger and boosts the rate of metabolism. It is necessary to drink water at regular intervals right through the day.  Water also helps to flush out all the toxins from the body.  Drinking water also reduces the pangs of hunger. It is essential to drink at least two liters of water a day.

Vegetables boost Metabolism

Several vegetables help to boost metabolism and convert food to energy efficiently. Some of these vegetables are leafy greens like turnip greens, spinach, kale and collard greens. They help the blood cells to transport the nutrients right through the body.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal has abundance of dietary fiber. Most of it is soluble fiber, which is more effective than insoluble fiber to boost metabolism. High fiber foods are more filling and curb appetite. Water soluble fibers lower the levels of insulin and help to breakdown fats more efficiently.   

Chilies

Eating spicy foods like chilies raises the body temperature. This helps to boost metabolism. Spicy foods also suppress appetite. Some peppers like jalapeno and cayenne contain capsaicin which helps to increase metabolism and burn more calories.

Fruits to Increase Metabolism

Most fruits contain abundant quantities of fiber. They contain natural sugar which is different from the sugar we use for coffee and cooking. Some of the fruits that help to increase metabolism are apples, oranges, plums, peaches, blackberries, apricots and melons.

Grape fruit has been considered to be a healthy food from a long time. It is fiber rich. Fiber is hard to breakdown and requires more calories to so. This results in weight loss. Grape fruit lowers the levels of insulin in the body. Higher levels of insulin induce the body to store fat. Grape fruit also contains folic acid, vitamin C and potassium. They provide a boost to the immune system.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Foods that contain omega 3 fatty acids boost metabolism. Some important foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids are

• Fish
• Vegetable oils
• Eggs
• Meat
• Butter nuts
• Walnuts
• Pecan nuts
• Linseed oil

These are some of the natural foods to increase metabolism and help to reduce weight.

Do You Burn Calories When You Sleep?

There are several foods that burn calories even when you sleep. They burn more calories than they contain. Including these foods in your diet will help you to burn calories faster. These foods are called negative calorie foods. To get better results include exercise in your daily routine.

Most of these negative calorie foods consist of fruits and vegetables. They do not burn calories in the exact sense of the term. They speed up metabolism or break the components of fat.  These foods are rich in fiber and contain more water. It is better to eat most of these foods without cooking in the raw state.  These foods burn calories when you sleep.

Burn Calories with Green Tea

Green tea is a very effective metabolism booster. Green tea contains catechin polyphenols which are said to aid the fat burning qualities of the herb. It is said that the strongest of these catechins called EGCG reduces the calories that are absorbed from the diet and helps to burn fats faster. It also prevents the storage of fats.  It has thermogenic properties which help to burn off the calories.

Vitamin C

Citrus fruits contain vitamin C.  They help to dilute the fats and push them out of the body. They also speed up metabolism. Some of the citrus fruits that aid weight loss are lemon, orange, sweet lime, grape fruit and tangerines.

Legumes

Legumes have large amounts of protein and very high fiber content. Examples of legumes are soya beans, brussels sprouts, French beans, kidney beans and lentils. Some of them can be included for breakfast. Bean soup or salad for dinner will help to burn calories when you sleep.

Diary Foods

Milk, yogurt and other dairy foods contain calcium which breaks down fat cells and aid weight loss. Milk has an abundance of complex carbohydrates which helps to keep the insulin levels low. Low insulin levels help to boost the metabolism rate. Human body requires about 1200 to 1300mg of calcium daily. Drinking skimmed milk will help to burn fat without the addition of any unnecessary calories.

Whole Grains

Whole grains have carbohydrates in abundance. They are also rich in fiber. They increase the rate of metabolism and help to burn more calories and fat. Eating oatmeal for breakfast in the morning will boost your energy levels and also help to burn more calories. Some of the whole grains that would help to burn off fat are brown rice, wheat bran, whole wheat, barley and wheat germ.

You should include in your diet some of these foods that help to burn calories when you sleep. 

How to Treat Sinus Infection at Home - Remedies

How to Treat Sinus infection at Home 

Several home remedies are available for sinus infection. Sinus infection is very common and can occur with the changes in the weather. It is also known as sinusitis. The symptoms of the disease resemble that of a cold. It causes the blockage of the nasal passages and inflammation of the sinuses. Sinus infection may occur following a common cold or flu. When you have the infection, sinuses swell up and proper drainage of the mucus is prevented. They can cause runny nose, fever, bad breath, headaches, dizziness and ear aches. It is necessary to reduce the congestion by draining the sinus. Acute cases may even require hospitalization. Generally it is treated with antibiotics. Home remedies for sinus infection can reduce the suffering.

Steam for Sinus Infection

Take some water in a vaporizer add Vicks or eucalyptus oil and inhale steam for ten minutes three times a day. This will help to ease the congestion and make breathing easier. Hot water shower may also help. You can also inhale steam from a bowl of steaming hot water.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Sinus Infection

Add two tsp of apple cider vinegar to water and keep sipping the liquid at short intervals.

Herbal Tea

Make herbal tea using ginger, lemon and honey. It soothes the throat, eases the congestion and keeps you hydrated

Grape Seed Extract for Sinus Infection

Grape seed extract is an anti oxidant. It is a very good home remedy for sinus infection. It helps to reduce the inflammation in the nasal and sinus passages.  The recommended dosage of grape seed extract is 50 to 100 mg, 2-3 times a day. It is available both in the capsule and liquid form.

Garlic for Sinus Infection

Garlic is a very good remedy for sinus infection. You can take two to three cloves of garlic twice a day. Crush garlic and add it to a bowl of steaming water and inhale the vapor. This will help to clear the nasal congestion

Eucalyptus Lozenges

Take eucalyptus lozenges. It helps to sooth the throat.

Soups

Hot liquid based foods are a very good remedy for sinus infection. Hot chicken soup helps the mucus to thin and drain out.

Vitamin C for Sinus Infection

Vitamin C is useful in reducing the effects of sinus infection. Eat fruits that contain vitamin C or take vitamin C tablets every day.

Oil of Oregano

Oil of oregano is a very good remedy for sinus infection. It has anti-inflammatory properties and helps to reduce the irritation due to inflammation of the mucus lining. Add 2-3 drops of oil of oregano to coffee tea or orange juice. Drink it 3-4 times a day.

Drink plenty of fluids and keep yourself hydrated. Avoid smoking and alcohol. These are some of the methods to treat sinus infection at home. 

Apple Cider Vinegar Remedies

Apple Cider Vinegar Remedies 
                                                                                                                 Apple cider vinegar(ACV) is made by crushing apples and extracting the juice. The juice is fermented by adding yeast and sugar. Apple juice turns into alcohol during the first stage of fermentation. Fermentation continues further and vinegar is obtained. It contains a substance called pectin which has disease fighting properties. It also contains vitamins, minerals and amino acids. It is an excellent preservative of food products. There are several apple cider vinegar remedies.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Blood Pressure

It contains potassium which helps to reduce blood pressure. Mix ACV with some oil and add it to salads instead of salad dressing. It is also a blood thinner. Two tsp of ACV can be added to water to taken before meals every day to reduce blood pressure. It has a strong acidic taste. A physician has to be consulted before starting on ACV. 

Apple Cider Vinegar for Weight Loss

ACV has been used to aid weight loss for hundreds of years. It increases the rate of metabolism and helps to burn fat faster. It is also said to reduce cholesterol levels. Add two tsp of ACV to half liter of water and keep drinking it right through the day.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Detoxification

ACV is used for the detoxification of liver and blood purification. It helps the body to get rid of the toxins effectively. It aids digestion. Add 2-3 tsp of ACV to water and take it before meals.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Cholesterol

ACV benefits include the reduction of cholesterol in the blood. It has water soluble fiber pectin, which helps to absorb cholesterol and fat in the body. It is then excreted.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Hair Growth

It is an excellent remedy for thinning hair. It is full of nutrients that promote hair growth. It removes the dead skin cells that block the hair follicles. It is also a very good remedy for dandruff. Add half a cup of ACV to an equal quantity of water. Apply it to your hair after shampooing. Rub it in gently. Wash it off after 15 minutes.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Healthy Skin

It is an antiseptic which destroys viruses, bacteria and yeast, when it is applied to the skin. Excessive oil in the skin is absorbed by ACV. It helps to remove acne and blackheads. It makes the skin soft and smooth.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Sore Throat

ACV gargle is a very useful remedy for sore throat. Mix it with equal quantity of water and gargle once every two hours. But make sure that you rinse your mouth with water after gargling to prevent the deposit of acid on the teeth.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Acne

Drinking ACV regularly will help to reduce acne. You can apply ACV directly to the affected skin. Acne will start to reduce after several applications and vanish.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Acid Reflux

It is a very good remedy for acid reflux. Add one tsp of ACV to a glass of water and drink it thrice a day. It will get rid of all the discomfort and uneasiness. 

These are some of the important apple cider vinegar remedies

Homemade Face Moisturizer for Dry Skin

Homemade Face Moisturizer for Dry Skin
                                                                                                         Face moisturizers are essential to take good care of the facial skin. Skin loses moisture when exposed to the sun and cold weather.  People with all types of skin need to keep the skin hydrated. Moisturizers provide protection to the skin against environmental damage. Different types of skin need different moisturizers and levels of hydration. Moisturizer hydrates the skin. It makes it soft and glowing. A wide range of chemical based moisturizers are available in the market. Some of these chemicals could be harmful to the skin. The moisturizer has to keep the skin hydrated but should not block the pores. Skin absorbs the moisturizer. Several recipes of homemade face moisturizer for dry skin is given below.

Cucumber and Yogurt

Put a peeled cucumber and two tsp of yogurt in a blender. Cucumber soothes the skin and yogurt hydrates it. Apply the paste to the face and wash it off after 30 minutes.

Avocado and Honey

Avocado is a very good moisturizer. Put a peeled avocado in a blender till it becomes soft and smooth. Add two tsp of unprocessed honey. Wash your face and apply the mixture. Wash it off with warm water after 30 minutes. 

Vinegar and Lemon Juice

Apple cider vinegar promotes a smooth and supple skin by removing the dirt and oil on the skin. It also removes the dead skin cells. Lemon exfoliates and lightens your skin complexion. Add quarter tsp of apple cider vinegar to a tsp of lemon juice. Mix it and apply it to your face with cotton. Wash it off after 15 minutes.

Aloe Vera and Olive Oil

Extract gel from a large leaf of aloe vera plant. Mix it with a tsp of virgin olive oil. Use it morning and evening. It can also be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Banana and Honey

Mash a ripe banana. Add two tablespoons of honey and mix it will. Make it into a fine paste. Wash your face well and apply it. Wash it off after 30 minutes

Egg Yolk and Honey

Egg yolk and honey are an excellent combination for a moisturizer. Beat up an egg yolk and mix it with a tsp of honey.  Apply it to your face. Wash it off with warm water as it starts to dry. The skin will become smooth and soft.


Strawberry Moisturizer


Mash 4 strawberries with a fork. Add 1/2 tsp of olive oil and 1/2 tsp of coconut oil. Mix it well and make a paste. Apply the paste to your face and wash it off after 15 minutes.


Homemade moisturizers contain natural ingredients that are harmless and economical. You can choose the most convenient recipe of homemade face moisturizer for dry skin from the list above.


Glycerin Soap

Glycerin soap is much gentler on the skin than any other soap. Glycerin is hygroscopic (absorbs moisture from air). It helps to keep the skin hydrated always. it is very useful for dry skin.

How to Get Rid of Oily Skin Naturally

It is necessary to take good care of your skin. The type of skin you have could be due to hereditary factors. As you get older skin may start sagging and wrinkles may form. It is not possible to prevent the effects of ageing on skin. But it can be slowed down. Oily skin is less prone to damage by sun and formation of wrinkles. The natural oils are good for the skin. But if the body produces excess oil it is necessary to control it. A variety of products are available in the market for oily skin. But most of them contain harsh chemicals which may damage the skin in the long run. There are several products which help to get rid of the oily skin naturally.

Oily skin leads to the formation of acne and blackheads as dirt clogs up the skin pores.  It is necessary wash your face at least three times a day.  Water will open the skin pores clearing all dust and dirt.

Cucumber for Oily skin

Wikimedia Commons

Milk

Milk can be used to clean oily skin. Pour some milk to a bowl and add a few drops of lavender oil as a perfume. Mix it thoroughly and apply it to your face. Wash it off after an hour. It will open up the pores and clean the oil and dirt.

Almonds

Almonds are used for various skin treatments. Grind a few almonds add honey and mix it thoroughly. Gently apply the paste to your face. Wash it off after ten minutes with cold water.

Aloe Vera

Mix aloe vera with oatmeal and apply it to your skin. Wash it off after 15 minutes

Citrus Juice

Mix lemon and orange juice with honey and apply it to your face. Wash it off after 15 minutes.

Cucumber

Make some cucumber pulp and mix it with lemon juice and apply it to your face. Cucumber is a natural toner. It also helps to clean the skin.

Avocado and egg white

Beat egg white thoroughly. Mash avocado and add it to egg white. Add some lime juice and put it in a blender. Apply the resultant mixture to your face. Your skin will become soft, oil free and smooth.

It is advisable to stop smoking. Stop consuming deep fried and oily food.  Excess of alcohol and caffeine drinks are also bad for oily skin. All these substances increase the production of oil in the body. It is necessary to keep the skin moist. Drink 6-8 glasses of water every day. Your diet should include also plenty of fruit juices which keep the skin hydrated. Naturally hydrated skin will help to keep the excess oil out. Following the above methods will help to get rid of oily skin naturally.

Diet to Relieve Constipation

Constipation is a very common digestive disorder. Proper diet can help to relieve constipation. Anyone including children could be affected by constipation. Constipation is a result of reduction in bowel movement. This leads to difficulty in passing stools. It may also pose difficulties in emptying the bowels completely. The major cause of constipation is the non inclusion of sufficient quantities of fiber in the diet. Sometimes serious ailments like colon cancer could lead to constipation. A variety of home remedies for constipation relief are available.

Generally people have one bowel movement daily. Some people could have fewer bowel movements without getting affected by constipation.

Symptoms of constipation include bloating, abdominal pain and rectal discomfort. It could also result in loss of appetite.

One reason for constipation is that the large intestine absorbs too much of water from the stool making it dry and hard. It is also possible that bowel walls do not contract sufficiently to push the stools out.

Diet for Constipation

Deficiency of vitamins and minerals in the diet will lead to constipation. Another reason is excessive consumption of coffee and tea.

You should drink at least 6-8 glasses of water every day. The diet should include fiber rich foods. Fiber includes both soluble and insoluble fiber foods.  Fruits and vegetables have very high fiber content. 

Soluble fiber absorbs water and forms a soft gel which would be easy to expel. Foods with soluble fiber include oats, flax seed, beans, berries and apples. Fiber softens up the stools and makes it passage easy through the intestine. 

Foods with insoluble fiber include nuts, bran, whole wheat, certain fruits and vegetables. Insoluble fiber cannot be digested but helps to move the stools out of the body

Home Remedies for Constipation

Mix a teaspoon olive oil and lemon juice with hot water. Take this three times a day.

Add 10-12 raisins to milk and boil it. Eat the raisins and drink the milk.

Add psyllium husk seed (isabgol) to warm water. Drink the mixture. This is one of the most effective remedies for constipation as psyllium husk seed is rich in fiber.

Guava is an effective remedy for constipation. Eat guava pulp without breaking the seeds. 

Add a teaspoon of epsom salt to a glass of water and drink it. This is an effective and easy remedy for constipation.

Apple cider vinegar is rich in water-soluble fiber called pectin. This helps to aid digestion and bowel movements. Add two table spoons of apple cider vinegar to water and drink it three times a day. Alternatively it can be mixed with apple or grape juice

Add a teaspoon of honey to warm water and drink it regularly every morning on an empty stomach. Honey also protects you from a variety of health hazards.

Grapes are very a good constipation remedy. Drinking grape juice regularly keeps constipation at bay. 

Coriander leaves aid digestion and help to get rid of constipation.

These are some of the foods and diet to relieve constipation

How Can You Strengthen Your Immune System with Food

Food can help you to strengthen your immune system. Our body is susceptible to a variety of diseases. But it is possible to lessen the susceptibility to a certain degree by strengthening our immune system. This can be done by including certain foods in our diet. These foods help to increase the number of white cells in the blood that fight the diseases 

                           

                      Fruits ; Source : Dani Luri Wikimedia Commons

Minerals, vitamins and antioxidants are necessary to strengthen the immune system. All these cannot be found in a single food item. Certain mixture of foods are necessary to get these absorbed by the body efficiently. It has been found that some nutrients help to fight the ill effects of radiation and chemotherapy used for cancer treatment. It would be advisable to use recipes  which contain these combinations of food. For example chicken soup which is such a popular remedy for colds contains the right ingredients for that particular problem. The immune system can be weakened by our lifestyle and environment. Pollution, sunlight, poor diet can all contribute to the weakening of the immune system. This makes the body vulnerable to attacks from viruses and bacteria. Here is a list of foods to boost your immune system naturally.

Garlic

Garlic is a wonder food and an antioxidant. It is described as a miracle food. Garlic contains sulfur which gives immune boosting properties. Sulfur also gives garlic its pungent aroma. It contains an antibiotic called allicin in minute quantities. Garlic has antibacterial and antiviral properties. As an antioxidant it also has anti-ageing properties. It is also capable of cleaning the body of chemical residues of drugs, alcohol and pollutants.

Green Tea

Green tea is an antioxidant. It contains catechins which boost the immune system. It can kill cancer cells without affecting the healthy cells. It also gets rid of the free radicals. It helps to fight against heart disease and obesity.

Yogurt

Yogurt is a probiotic which contains good bacteria. It helps to stimulate the disease fighting white blood cells. Yogurt also helps to overcome gastrointestinal infections. It is recommended for children suffering from diarrhea. Yogurt helps to minimize the ill effects of antibiotics on friendly bacteria. It is a very good remedy for yeast infections of the vagina. It contains lactic acid which helps the absorption of minerals. It also increases the absorption of calcium.

Carrots

Carrots contain beta carotenes which is an antioxidant. It induces the immune system to target cancer cells. It also protects the cells against free radicals. It contains potassium, calcium, vitamin A, B and C. Carrot acts as an antiseptic. It can be used as a laxative and a vermicide. It can also be used to treat certain liver conditions and also as poultice.

Seafood

Salmon, tuna, crabs and oysters help to boost the immune system. All these contain vitamins, minerals and omega-3 fatty acids. They can also help to prevent cancer, arthritis and heart diseases.

Mushrooms

Mushrooms contain beta glucans which inhibit the replication of viruses. They are also found in yeast, barley and oats. They help to boost the production of white blood cells and remove toxins from the body.

A change in life style like stopping smoking, reducing alcohol consumption and regular exercises will also help to boost the immune system. Broccoli and cabbage can also be included in the list of foods to strengthen your immune system naturally.

Facial Exercises for Cheeks, Mouth and Forehead to Get Rid of Wrinkles

As you age, wrinkles will start to appear on your face. Facial exercises for cheeks, mouth and forehead will help you to get rid of them.  

Stress, pollution, malnutrition and illness are likely to cause premature facial wrinkles. Constant blinking and exposure to sun are also some of reasons for the appearance of wrinkles round the eyes and sagging skin. Exposure to sun may cause loss of moisture from the skin and wrinkles may appear. Smoking causes bags under the eyes.

Facial Exercises for Cheeks

The best exercise for wrinkles on the cheeks is filling air in the mouth and holding it for a few seconds. Move air from one side of the cheek to the other. Blow the air out after 5-10 seconds. Repeat the exercise 10 times. This helps to stretch and tone the cheek muscles and remove the wrinkles.

Facial exercises for wrinkles help to reduce and to get rid of them. They tighten the facial muscles and skin. These exercises can be done at any time during the day, sitting, standing or watching TV. They will make you look younger.

Facial exercises for the forehead

Sit in a comfortable position and bring your eyebrows down over your eyes as if you are frowning. At the same time flare up your nostrils and pull up your nose. Hold this position for a few seconds and repeat the exercise 5-6 times.

Lie down flat on the back with the head hanging over the edge of the bed. Then open your eyes and pull up the eyebrows as much as possible. Hold this position for ten seconds and repeat the exercise 5-6 times.

Exercise for Mouth and Lips

Stretch your lips and mouth as much as possible. As you stretch your lips, make sounds EEE, OOO and AAH. This would help to prevent wrinkles on the mouth and lips. Pull your lips in like a fish after sucking in the cheeks. Next pull in your lips and smile. Repeat the exercises a few times.

It is necessary to keep the skin moisturized always. The loss of moisture leads to the formation of wrinkles. Use a good moisturizer after cleaning and toning the skin. It is a very good idea to apply a moisturizer before going to bed. This is even more important for dry skin.

These facial exercises for wrinkles will not only help you to get rid of the wrinkles over a period of time but will also make you look younger.

Home Remedies for Under Eye Circles

Dark under eye circles appear because of  skin discoloration. It troubles people of all ages. Even with all the available cosmetics it is hard to hide them. There are several home remedies for under eye circles. Genetics may also play a part in their appearance. Some of the other reasons of appearance of the dark circles under the eye are

• Exposure to sun
• Vitamin K deficiency
• Lack of sleep
• Iron deficiency
• Mental stress
• Allergies
• Deficiency of hydrochloric acid in the stomach
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Excessive smoking
• Sinus infection
• Pigmentation irregularities

Some of the home remedies to get rid of under eye circles are

Vitamin K

Vitamin K is very useful in getting rid of these circles. It not only removes the circles but also repairs the skin. It is available in abundance in green leafy vegetables, cauliflower, collard, spinach, turnip greens, cabbage and fruits. Avocados, pistachio nuts, green tea and soya beans are also rich in vitamin K. Including some of these foods in your daily diet will help to get rid of circles under the eyes.

Almond oil

Almond oil provides excellent nourishment for the skin. It also improves blood circulation and will keep the skin hydrated. Wash your face before going to bed, apply almond oil below the eyes and gently massage the skin. Apply it regularly and you will see the results after several days.

Almond oil can also be mixed with honey and applied. 

Olive oil

Apply olive oil on the skin under the eyes before going to bed every night and wash it off next morning. It will slowly get rid off the circles under the eyes.

Potato and cucumber

Potato has skin rejuvenating properties. Keep potato or cucumber slices on the skin under the eyes for 15 minutes. Potato contains enzymes that strengthen the skin and remove the wrinkles. Cucumber strengthens the skin by binding the collagen. It makes the skin firm as well as supple.

Tea bags

Take used tea bags. Wet it and place it on the skin under the eyes for 15 minutes. Tea contains caffeine which helps to remove the dark circles by reducing the puffiness. Make sure that tea does not enter your eyes. Tea is also an antioxidant and is beneficial to the skin.

Drinking plenty of water regularly keeps the skin hydrated and is essential for its health. Good nourishment is essential as lack of vitamins can cause under eye circles. These are some of the home remedies for under eye circles. 

What Foods are High in Antioxidants?

There are several foods high in antioxidants. An antioxidant is defined as something that stops oxidation. Antioxidant foods help to destroy the free radicals that speed up the aging process. They also help the body in its fight against bacteria and viruses. The damage caused by free radicals increases as we age. If the body has more free radicals, the dead cells in the body increase. This will lead to sagging skin and wrinkles. Antioxidants are found in certain vitamins and other foods. Vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E and beta carotenes contain antioxidants. They speed up metabolism. They also clean up the body of free radicals and help to reduce weight. Here are details of some foods with antioxidants to promote a healthy life. 

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a rich source of antioxidants. Fruits like guava, papaya, kiwi fruit, oranges and lemons are rich in vitamin C. Other sources of vitamin C are tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower and red pepper.

Vitamin E

Some of the best sources of vitamin E are vegetable oils like palm, soya bean, sunflower and olive oil. Vegetables like mustard greens and broccoli are rich in vitamin E. Pine nuts, almonds and peanuts are also rich in vitamin E. It helps to prevent collagen being destroyed by UV rays from the sun.

Vitamin A

Liver, sweet potatoes, red pepper, chili powder, lettuce and carrots are rich in vitamin A.

Beta carotene

Beta carotene is converted into vitamin A, inside the body. It helps to protect cells, strengthen the immune system and also protect the reproductive system. Some of the foods rich in beta carotenes are turnip greens, cabbage, collards, sweet potatoes and pumpkins.

Resveratrol

Some of the best sources of resveratrol are grape, wine and peanuts. Resveratrol is a very potent antioxidant. So it has excellent anti aging properties.

Selenium

Some of the best dietary sources of selenium are Brazil nuts, fish, egg, meat, peanuts, almonds and pistachios. Selenium rich meat is kidney, lobster and crab.

Green Tea

Green tea contains polyphenols and catechins. They help the body to get rid of free radicals.

Antioxidants can reduce health related problems. They improve the immune system, reducing skin wrinkles, sagging and protect the body against all diseases including cancer. These are some of the best foods high in antioxidants for a healthy lifestyle.