Home Remedies for Sore Throat

Methods to Get Rid of Throat Pain    
                                                                                                                                                                         Salt water gargle, apple cider vinegar, ginger and honey are some of the home remedies for sore throat.
                                                                                                                                                               

When you have a sore throat you feel extremely uncomfortable. You experience throat pain and difficulty to swallow. Some of the major causes of sore throat are virus, bacteria or fungus. A variety of illnesses like laryngitis, pharyingitis, and tonsillitis can also cause sore throat. It is a very common problem. Several home remedies for sore throat are available.

Salt Water Gargle

Salt water gargle very common home remedy for sore throat. Add a tbsp of common salt to a glass of warm water. Gargle this once every two hours. Salt is a disinfectant and warm water helps to get rid of phlegm in the throat.

Turmeric and Milk

Turmeric and milk is another good home remedy for sore throat. You can add a tbsp of turmeric and honey to hot water and drink it quickly. The water should be sufficiently hot but should not singe your throat. You can drink this 3-4 times a day.

Licorice Root

Tea made from licorice root has been used as home remedy for sore throat for a long time. Add 5 gm of licorice root to a glass water and boil it. Drink it several times a day. Licorice root helps to soothe the mucous membranes of the throat. It also has the properties of an expectorant and helps ease the symptoms of cough and congestion.

Cinnamon and Milk

Take a glass of milk and add

1 tsp of honey

1 tbsp of sugar

2 pinches of baking soda

Boil the mixture. And drink it when it is hot but not hot enough scald to your throat.

Instead of baking soda Cinnamon can be added to the combination of milk, sugar and honey. It is also very effective in providing relief.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Take a glass of water. Heat it till it become warm. Add

1 tsp Powdered black pepper

2 tsp Honey

2 tsp Apple cider vinegar

You can gargle with this liquid once every 2 hours till you get rid of the sore throat.

Ginger tea

Ginger is a very good remedy for sore throat. Take a glass of water. Add

4 slices of fresh ginger

1 tbsp of honey

1 tsp of lemon juice

Boil the water. You can drink the concoction several times a day or use it for gargling.

Slippery Elm

Slippery elm bark is another good home remedy for sore throat. Slippery elm is a tree that grows in North America. The bark of the tree can be powdered and added to water.  Drinking this liquid helps to soothe the inflammation of the mucous membranes.

All these remedies are quite safe and effective. Avoid smoking when you have sore throat. Also avoid cold food and drinks. You should have plenty of rest which helps to fight infection. Even if you are on antibiotics these home remedies will help to speed up the healing process.

These are some of the home remedies for sore throat. 

Natural Foods for Energy Boost

Certain foods help to boost energy and increase your endurance. Some of those foods are banana, citrus fruits, vegetables, green tea, coffee, eggs, nuts and honey.

At times you may feel too exhausted to perform your daily tasks. Your muscles may be aching and you may be experiencing, “too tired to do anything" feeling. It might be difficult to concentrate on tasks at hand and you may feel frustrated. Certain natural foods for energy may help to boost your energy levels and get over tiredness.

Banana for Energy Boost

Banana is an antioxidant which is low in calories. It is rich in carbohydrates and helps to convert blood sugar into fuel. It helps to give you endurance as well as providing instant energy. This is because carbohydrates are easy to digest. It also prevents a number of illnesses like anemia, hypertension, constipation and heartburn

Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits are rich in vitamins, dietary fiber and minerals. They contain two varieties of sugar, glucose fructose and sucrose. Some of the citrus fruits that help to boost your energy levels are grapefruit, orange and tangerines. Lemon helps you to get rid of chronic fatigue. Just smelling lemon may revitalize your senses and increase your mental alertness.

Vegetables for energy boost

Green leafy vegetables like spinach, broccoli and asparagus contain vitamins magnesium and iron. Cabbage and lettuce are rich in vitamin C. The green vegetable salad is not only popular but also boosts energy.

Green Tea for energy boost

Green tea is a rich source of antioxidants and provides energy to the entire body. It contains small quantities of caffeine which is also an energy booster.

Coffee for energy

If you want to boost your energy early in the morning there is nothing like a cup of coffee. Coffee contains caffeine. Moderate consumption of coffee is good for health.

Eggs

Eggs contain high quality proteins and nutrients which provide energy for an active lifestyle. Proteins help to control the absorption of energy from food. It helps to keep up your energy levels longer. This will help you to remain active right through the day.

Nuts

Nuts are a very healthy option if you need energy. They are protein rich and provide energy for a longer period. They also contain omega 3 fatty acids which provide energy to muscles to other organs of the body. Some of the important nuts that help to boost your energy are almonds, walnuts, pecans and cashews.

Honey

Honey is not only tasty but also a rich source of carbohydrates. It provides instant energy to the body and reduces fatigue. It helps to boost endurance and performance in sports. Honey contains glucose which provides instant energy. It also contains fructose which is absorbed by the body to provide sustained energy.

These are some of the natural foods for energy boost that help to increase your energy levels to get more out of life.

How to Boost Your Energy and Overcome Fatigue

Eating the right foods, exercise and relaxation techniques will help you to overcome fatigue and boost your energy.  

Many of us feel stressed out and find it difficult go through day to day chores.  Your productivity and efficiency will suffer if you are mentally and physically unable to discharge your duties. Here are some tips to boost your energy to tackle day to day problems.

Waking up in the Morning

Set your clock 15 minutes before the time you want to wake up. Take those 15 minutes to mentally prepare yourself to get up and face the tasks of the day ahead. Keep your blinds half open. The first rays of sun entering your bedroom will help you to wake up.

High Energy Breakfast

Breakfast is extremely important to boost energy. Good breakfast will help to boost your metabolism.  You should choose foods that will give you sustained energy. Here is a list of foods recommended for breakfast.

Yogurt is rich in proteins, calcium, vitamin B12, phosphorous and iodine. It is easily digestible and increases your appetite

Egg is ideal for breakfast. It is rich in proteins, vitamins and amino acids. It is an energy booster especially if you eat it raw.

Fish contains proteins and omega 3 fatty acids. Salmon and tuna are excellent energy boosters. They contain creatine which helps to boost your energy right through the day.

Nuts for Energy

Nuts are rich in proteins and fatty acids. They have high fiber content and will curb hunger pangs. Peanuts, almond or walnut are recommended for breakfast.

Bread for Energy

No breakfast is complete without bread. Wholegrain bread is recommended. It is nutritious and helps to boost your energy right through the day.

Fruits that give energy

Papaya, apple, orange, peaches and lemons contain vitamin C and minerals. They help to boost your stamina and energy right through the day.

Commuting to Work

Travelling for long distances is tiresome and leaves you exhausted. It is better to live close to your place of work. If travelling is unavoidable you can meditate or play mental games when you are commuting to work in the train, bus or car. It will help to retain your energy.

Take time to get organized

Don’t keep your desk cluttered. Keep it clean and organized. Untidiness may cause mental fatigue. Organize your tasks early in the morning and keep clean up your desk before you wind up for the day.  

Coffee Breaks

Coffee is an excellent stimulant. A coffee break mid morning and mid evening will help you to relax both physically and mentally. But too much of coffee is not recommended.

Energy Lunch

Combination of fiber and protein will help to boost energy levels. Papaya and mango salad will help to boost your energy.  Don’t be tied to your desk always. Go out and have lunch away from your desk in the office cafeteria or elsewhere. If possible take a short walk after lunch.

Stretching Exercise

If you are working in an office you can do a few stretching exercises sitting at your desk. Upper cervical spine stretch is highly beneficial.

Working hours

Try to finish your work on time. Working overtime may take a toll on your health.  

Journey back home

Try to be as relaxed as possible on your way home. You can listen to your favorite music when you are travelling.  

Before going to Bed

Go to bed early. Try to avoid watching TV or sitting in front of the computers for long.  Take a hot bath 30 minutes before going to bed. This will help you to get to sleep fast. 

Foods to Improve Blood Circulation

Several foods can help to increase blood flow in the body. Citrus fruits, cayenne pepper, salmon and garlic help to get over the blood circulation problems. They also reduce blood pressure and avoid the formation of plaque in the arteries.

Regular exercise and proper diet can keep our blood circulation going. Blood circulation problems could be due to a variety of reasons. Poor blood circulation can lead to cardiovascular problems, fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, swollen ankles and a host of other diseases. Certain natural foods help to increase blood flow.

Garlic

Source: Wikimedia Commons: Rudiger Volk

Onions and  Garlic for Blood Circulation Both these herbs are from the same family of bulbs. They are excellent blood thinners. They help to prevent the accumulation of blood in the veins. They are a very good remedy for varicose veins. They help to prevent the formation of plaque on the walls of arteries and improve blood flow.

Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits contain powerful antioxidants like vitamin C and flavonoids. They help to improve blood circulation. Fruits that are rich in these antioxidants are lemon, orange, sweet lime, tangerine and grape fruit. They also help to lower blood pressure.

Salmon

Foods that are rich in omega 3 fatty acids help to improve blood flow. Salmon, mackerel and several other fishes have abundance of omega 3 fatty acids.

Cayenne Pepper blood circulation

Cayenne pepper is pungent and hot. But it is delicious for some people. It helps to strengthen the blood vessels and boost blood flow. Cayenne pepper can be taken as a salad. It can also be mixed with other food preparations. It normalizes the blood pressure and lowers cholesterol levels.

Leafy Greens

Leafy green vegetables not only increase the blood count but also improve blood circulation. Lettuce, spinach, collards are highly nutritious as they contain vitamin B, calcium, iron and potassium. They have no cholesterol content and prevent the buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Legumes

Legumes like beans and lentils increase blood flow. They are rich in vitamin B, proteins, potassium and iron. They also contain calcium. They are good for the cardiovascular system. Other legumes which provide similar benefits are kidney peas, black peas and chick peas.

Dark Chocolate

Natural cocoa contains flavanoids which help to improve blood circulation. They also prevent the formation of blood clots and plaque in the arteries. But you have to make sure that you eat organic chocolates with less sugar.

These are the natural foods to improve blood circulation.

Foods Good for Healthy Skin and Hair

There are several foods good for  healthy skin and hair. Green tea, avocado, salmon, strawberry, raspberry and blueberry provide excellent nutrition for the skin. Salmon promotes hair growth

Healthy skin needs good nourishment. This will mean including foods that provide good nourishment to the skin in your diet. Processed foods are not good for the skin as they make the skin discolored, dull and oily. No matter what skincare creams and cosmetics you buy, it is not possible to keep the skin healthy and nourished unless you include right foods in your diet.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

 Benefits of Green Tea for Skin and Hair

Foods that have high antioxidant content are recommended for the skin. Green tea has very high content of anti-oxidants. It contains polyphenols which help to reduce the signs of aging like wrinkles and skin sag. Antioxidants help to fight the damage caused by free radicals. Most of the skin damage is caused by UV radiation of the sunlight. Antioxidants in green tea help to contain the damage and rejuvenate the skin cells.

Green tea rinse is highly beneficial for hair growth. It is a very good remedy for dandruff and psoriasis. It stops hair loss and stimulates its growth. It is also an excellent hair conditioner and is recommended for soft lustrous. 

Benefits of Avocado for Skin

Avocado contains vitamin E and monounsaturated fats which are essential for the health of the skin. Avocado also contains vitamin C which helps to prevent skin inflammation due to the exposure to sunlight. Fats contained by avocado are beneficial to skin as they help to absorb the nutrients.

Berries for Skin

Different varieties of berries like blueberry, blackberry, strawberry and raspberry contain flavonoids which are powerful antioxidants and are good for the skin.

Blueberries taste good. They also help the blood circulation and make the skin glow. They contain compounds called anthocyanins which are antioxidants. They help to keep the skin firm and prevent sagging.

Strawberries have very high water content. They keep the skin hydrated. The moisture helps to reduce the skin wrinkles.

Blackberries contain vitamin C along with the antioxidants which are essential for healthy skin.

Benefits of Salmon for Skin and Hair

Salmon contains omega 3 fatty acids which are necessary for healthy skin. Omega 3 fatty acids keep the cell membranes healthy by allowing the nutrients of enter. They also reduce the production of anti-inflammatory agents by the body that damages the skin.

Omega -3 fatty acids in salmon are essential for the health of the scalp. Salmon is also rich in vitamin B-12 and iron. Iron reduces hair loss and essential for the health of the scalp. 

Benefits of Water for Skin and Hair

Water is extremely important for the health of the skin as it helps to keep the skin hydrated. It is essential to drink at least two liters of water every day. Water helps to stimulate the circulation of blood and other fluids inside the body. It helps to control and restore skin’s normal balance. 

Drinking sufficient quantities of water keeps the hair hydrated and promotes its growth.

These are some of the foods that are good for the health of the skin and hair

Is Coffee Good for Health?

Coffee is surprisingly good for health in certain respects. Most of us cannot do without that invigorating cup of coffee early in the morning. Coffee was considered to be not good for health. But research has some surprising results.

Coffee Seeds 

Source: Aaron Logan: Wikimedia Commons

Coffee Good for Skin

Coffee is good for the health of the skin. It can help you to get rid of under eye circles. Application of coffee decoction to the skin under the eyes helps to reduce the puffiness. Application of moist tea bags can also help to reduce the puffiness as tea contains caffeine. They help to improve the blood circulation which reduces the dark circles under the eyes.

Coffee for Shiny Hair

Make a strong coffee decoction. Let it cool for some time till it attains room temperature. Shampoo your hair and dry it. Apply the decoction to your hair. Shampoo your hair after 20 minutes. Your hair will be darker, soft, smooth and shiny.

Coffee Face Mask

Take 100ml of milk cream in a bowl.  Add 3-4 tsp of finely ground coffee and make a paste. Apply it to your face and with a gentle massage. It can act an exfoliator. Wash it off after 30 minutes. Coffee face mask will remove all the dead skin cells but will also make your skin soft, supple and smooth.

Coffee for Cellulite

Take two tbsp of olive oil in a bowl. Add one tbsp of finely ground coffee. Mix it well and make a fine paste. Apply it on the affected area with a gentle massage. Wash it off after 30 minutes. This will help to reduce cellulite. 

Black Coffee for Weight loss

Caffeine is used in energy drinks. According some experts black coffee without milk and sugar helps to increase the metabolic rate and aids weight loss. As coffee is a stimulant it increases mental alertness and reduces fatigue.

Coffee as Diuretic

It also has mild diuretic properties which will help you to lose water through urine. This will result in a temporary weight loss. 

Antioxidant Coffee

It is a very good antioxidant. Antioxidants have a number of health benefits. They have anti aging properties. They provide protection against heart disease and cancer.

Other health benefits of coffee are

- People who drink more coffee can stave off depression.

- People who drink 4-5 cups of coffee every day are less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease in their old age. 

- It reduces the risk of developing certain types of prostate cancer

- It also helps to reduce the risk of basal cell carcinoma which is one of the most common types of cancer

- It lowers the chances of type 2 diabetes  

How many cups a day

Drinking  in moderation is very good for health. It is not advisable to drink more then 3-4 cups every day.

These are some of the health benefits of coffee. 

Home Foot Soak Recipe

Home foot soaks with Epsom salt, vinegar and essential oils is very relaxing. It can help to clean up the feet and get rid of the bruises and heel cracks.  

Your foot is the most used part of the body as you will be on it most of the day. It carries the entire weight of the body and needs special attention. There is nothing more relaxing than a warm water foot soak at home. After you return home from a day’s hard work, watch television or relax reading a book with your feet in a basin of warm water. You require a basin large enough to hold five liters of water and deep enough to soak your feet up to your ankles.

At Home Foot Soak Normal

Take warm water in a basin large enough to hold both your feet. Add a few drops of an essential oil to it. You can massage your feet with a soft brush or pumice stone. It will not only help you to relax but will also help to get rid of the sweat and bad smell of your feet

Vinegar Foot Soak

To make the foot soak more relaxing, you can add a cup of vinegar and 2 tsp of lavender essential oil to the piping hot water in a basin. Stir it well. Cool the water till the temperature becomes bearable. Then sit on a relaxing chair at home and dip your feet.

Epsom Salt Foot Soak

Epsom salt can be used for foot soak. Add 1/2 a cup of epsom salt to basin of hot water. Add a few drops of lavender essential oil and dip your feet in it. Epson salt (magnesium sulfate) is absorbed by the skin. It relaxes the muscles and draws away toxins from the body. It also sedates the nervous system. Sprains, swelling and bruises are also reduced.

Foot Soak Athletes Foot

Vinegar foot soak is a very good remedy for athlete’s foot. Add a cup of vinegar and a cup of table salt to the water. Dip a cotton ball in vinegar and rub your feet with it. Soak your feet for 10 minutes every day for 10-15 days and the fungus will disappear.

Foot Soak for Cracked Heels

Lack of moisture results in cracked heels and dry skin. Honey is a very good moisturizer. Almond oil is very effective in healing cracked skin. It contains fatty acids and vitamin E. Add 2 tbsp of honey and 2 tbsp of almond oil to hot water. Dip your feet in water 20 minutes. It softens the skin and helps to get rid of the cracked heels.

Glycerin and Essential Oil  

Add 2-3 drops of glycerin to warm water in a large basin. Also add 2-3 drops of essential oil like lavender, eucalyptus or mint. Soak your foot for 20 minutes. Rub the cracked skin on your heels gently with a pumice stone. Apply some Vaseline to the cracked heels as it will help to hold moisture.

These are some of the recipes for home foot soak