Benefits of Sage Tea

Sage is a herb, which has been used for centuries for both medicinal and culinary purposes.  It was used by ancient Egyptians as a fertility drug. It has anti-fungal, antiviral, antiseptic and astringent properties. It can help to reduce perspiration. It is also an antioxidant. It has been used for long to treat respiratory problems. Gargling warm sage tea combined with honey and apple cider vinegar can help to cure sore throat and cough. The tea helps to strengthen the nervous system and memory.

                                           Sage Plant

                 Source: Wikimedia Commons: Aomorikum

              

 

Stimulant

Sage tea is a stimulant for the brain which helps to boost memory and helps you to think clearly. It is very useful for Alzheimer’s patients.

Preparation of Sage Tea

Sage tea can be prepared by adding a cup of boiling water to half a cup of sage leaves and straining it after 5 minutes. One tbsp of honey and one tbsp of lemon juice can be added to the tea. It may have blood sugar lowering effects. A cup of sage tea can be taken daily for maximum of ten days. You can resume drinking the tea after a gap of another 5 days.

Sage Tea for Lung Problems

Sage tea has a soothing effect on the mucous membranes and helps to get rid of cough and colds. It is an excellent expectorant and helps to expel mucous. Add a 10-12 sage leaves to water and boil it. Inhaling the fumes can also help to clear the mucous.

For Dental Care

Sage tea has the powers of a disinfectant and is especially useful for the heath of teeth and gums. It is highly effective as a mouth rinse.

For Skin

Sage lotion helps to get rid to excess oil from the skin and tighten up the pores. The tea can be applied to improve your complexion and get rid of acne. It is used in manufacture of deodorants and lotions because of its astringent properties. According to mothernature.com, it can help to suppress excessive perspiration. 
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Hair Loss

Sage tea helps to reduce hair loss. It can also help to stop graying hair and promote hair growth. It contains zinc, potassium, magnesium, vitamin B and C. You can apply it over your scalp with a gentle massage overnight and wash it off after next morning. According of University of Maryland Medical Center, sage oil can be used for aromatherapy to treat insomnia, hair loss and anxiety. The oil can be inhaled or applied on the skin.

Menopause

Sage tea can help to reduce hot flashes and night sweats for menopausal women. It may also reduce excessive sweating. It acts as a general tonic, helping to sooth the irritability during the period preceding the menopause. Prepare dilute sage tea pouring half a liter of boiling water over 3 tsp of dried sage leaves and steep it for 30 minutes. Drink a cup of the tea thrice a day.

These are some of the health benefits of sage tea

Ginger Lemon Tea Benefits

Ginger lemon tea provides several health benefits. It can be prepared by boiling ginger in hot water and adding lemon juice. Both ginger and lemon have been used in traditional medicine for hundreds of years. Both of them help to strengthen the immune system. Ginger lemon tea is used in India and China as a health drink.

Ginger

Wikimedia Commons: Tahir mq

Preparation of Ginger Lemon Tea

Even though ginger lemon tea bags are available, fresh ginger lemon tea would be tastier and healthy

Ingredients 

25 grams of grated ginger (peel the ginger skin)

2 cups of water 

Juice from one lemon

2 tbsp honey

Add grated ginger to water and boil it for about 15 minutes. Let it cool for a while and strain it. Add lemon juice and honey. This would give a very tasty and healthy ginger lemon tea

Weight Loss

Ginger lemon tea aids digestion. It can help to reduce LDL levels and get rid of belly fat. It would also help to speed up metabolism. 

Cough

Ginger lemon tea is a very good remedy for cough. It acts as an expectorant and help to relieve cough, chest congestion and inflammation of the throat. 

Colds

Ginger, lemon and honey tea is a very good remedy for colds. For better results add a clove of garlic and tsp of powdered black pepper. The tea can help to reduce the symptoms in about 15-20 minutes.

For Constipation

You should have at least 3 bowel movements a week. Anything less than this is considered as constipation and can be extremely uncomfortable. Some of the reasons for constipation are low intake of water and low fiber diet. Lack of exercise can also result in constipation. Ginger lemon tea thrice a day can help to get rid of constipation.

Lemon

Wikimedia Commons: Alan Levine

For Nausea

Ginger lemon tea can help to get rid of nausea. Honey helps to make the tea sweet. It you are experiencing nausea due to any reason, drink ginger lemon tea thrice a day. 

Acid Reflux

Ginger lemon tea is an excellent remedy for acid reflux. Acid reflux is the result of the content of the stomach flowing back to the esophagus and causing irritation to the delicate tissue lining. Drinking a cup of tea once every two hours helps to get rid of the problem.

Digestion

Ginger lemon tea aids digestion by stimulating the production of digestive juices in the stomach. It can also help speed up the metabolism and blood circulation. 

The tea can reduce migraine headaches by reducing the inflammation of the blood vessels in the brain. 

These are some of the benefits of ginger lemon tea. 

Homemade Face Masks for Acne and Blackheads

Homemade face masks for acne and blackheads are surprisingly effective. They may succeed where everything else has failed. They are very easy to make and can be made from the ingredients available off the shelf. Several recipes for face masks are available to get rid of acne and blackheads

Cucumber

Cucumber Face Mask

Cucumber is rich in silica. Silica is very good for the health of the skin. It is used in the manufacture of several skincare products.

The benefits of cucumber are too numerous to enumerate. It is an excellent moisturizer and hydrates the skin. It also softens, cools and relaxes the skin

Cucumber Yogurt Facemask

Yogurt exfoliates the skin.  Cucumber and yogurt are an excellent combination to get rid of acne and blackheads. They moisturize the skin and open up the clogged pores and get rid of all the dirt and oil from the skin.

Recipe

1 Cucumber

½ cup of Greek yogurt

1 tbsp of milk powder

Cut cucumber into pieces and remove all the seeds. Put it in a blender. Add yogurt and milk powder. Make a thick paste.

Wash your face. Spread the paste evenly on the face and neck keeping clear of the eye area.

 Wash it off after 30 minutes. Pat your face dry with a towel.

Cucumber Aloe Vera Facemask

Aloe Vera is very food for skincare. The combination of Aloe Vera and cucumber makes an excellent remedy for acne, blackheads and sunburn

Recipe

1 cucumber

4 tsp of Aloe Vera gel

Peel cucumber and cut it into pieces. Remove the seeds. Add Aloe Vera gel and mash it well with a fork till it becomes a paste.

Apply the paste to your face and spread it evenly. Wash it off with cold water after 30 minutes. Pat your face dry with a towel.

Honey Face Mask

Honey has anti-microbial properties. It cleans up the clogged pores of the skin and kills the microbes to get rid of acne. I also helps to soften the skin make it glow. Just take 2 tbsp of honey and spread it on your face and neck with your fingers. Make sure that you use raw honey. Wash it off after 30 minutes.

Application of honey face mask on a regular basis 2-3 times a week will help you to get rid of acne and blackheads. As honey is an anti-oxidant, it also helps to get rid of wrinkles.

Milk, honey, yogurt and lemon face mask

2 tbsp of milk powder

2 tbsp of honey

2 tbsp yogurt

1 tsp of lemon juice

Mix it together and make a paste

Citric acid contained by lemon clears up the clogged pores of the skin. Yogurt softens the skin. Honey not only opens the pores but also kills the microbes. Together they make a very good recipe to get rid of acne and blackheads

Apply the paste obtained by mixing the above ingredients and wash it off after 30 minutes. Repeat the process at least thrice a week

Oatmeal Face Mask

Oatmeal face mask helps to remove the dead cells as it has exfoliating properties. It also soaks up the excess oil clogging the pores and opens them up.

Using Oatmeal

Boil half a cup of oatmeal in water and allow it to cool. The resulting paste should be spread on the face and neck.  Wash it off with warm water after 30 minutes and pat the face dry with a towel. Repeat it several times a week. It helps to get rid of acne and blackheads.

Oat meal can also be mixed with baking soda, egg white or tomato for the face mask.

Turmeric Face Mask

Turmeric contains an active ingredient called curcumin which has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to remove acne and blackheads.

The ingredients

1 tsp turmeric powder

1 tbsp of milk

Mix the ingredients together and make a paste. Apply it to your face and wait for 20 minutes. Wash it off after 30 minutes when the skin begins to feel tight.

These are some of the recipes for homemade face mask to get rid of acne and blackheads.

Black Pepper Health Benefits

There are several health benefits of black pepper, which is known as the"king of spices". It has been used for culinary purposes for thousands of years. It adds flavor and taste to your food  Black pepper also provides relief for colds, cough, respiratory disorders, digestion, constipation and heart disease. It is grown in Southern India, especially in the state of Kerala and is available right through the year.

Black Pepper

Wikimedia Commons: Minasari66

Health Benefits of Black Pepper

Is an antioxidant

Has anti-bacterial properties

Promotes urination and sweating

Is rich in dietary fibers

Aids Weight loss

Black Pepper for Weight loss

Black pepper contains an ingredient called piperine which prevents the growth of fat cells. It is useful in the treatment diarrhea and gastrointestinal disorders. Black pepper stimulates gastric secretions and increases the metabolic rate. Research has shown that it increases the metabolic rate by about 8% and promotes weight loss.

Black Pepper for Blood Pressure

Black pepper contains vitamin C, calcium, potassium, and iron which can help to lower blood pressure. Even though it contains very low levels of potassium it neutralizes the effects of sodium to reduce blood pressure.

Anti-depression

Black pepper contains piperine which has anti-depression properties. It stimulates the nervous system and the brain function.

For Colds

Black pepper contains vitamin C which helps to clear the nasal passages and clear congestion.

Improve Digestion

Black pepper helps to increase the secretion of gastric juice and improves digestion. As it is rich in dietary fiber, it helps to regulate and cleanse bowel movements. If it is included in your diet you can prevent problems like gas and diarrhea. To improve digestion mix powdered black pepper and ginger. Take it 3-4 times a day.

Black Pepper for Skin

Piperine contained by black pepper can treat skin ailments like vitiligo. Its antioxidant properties can neutralize the effects of sun’s rays on the skin. It also has anti-cancerous properties.

Add a tsp of ground black pepper to clarified butter. Use it as a topical application for eczema, skin allergies and scabies

Dental Care

Black pepper is a very good remedy for toothache. Mix 3 tsp of ground black pepper and ½ tsp of salt. Add some water and make a paste. Apply this paste to gums or cavity. It will help to relieve toothache.

Black Pepper and Honey

Add a tsp of ground black pepper to a tbsp of honey and 2 tsp of lemon juice. Take it twice daily. It helps to get rid of colds, cough and also to reduce weight

Black Pepper Tea

Add a tsp of powdered black pepper to 2 cups of water and boil it. Add a tsp of honey and a tsp of lemon juice to it. Drink this tea piping hot to relieve all the symptoms of cold and cough.

Black Pepper Milk

Add a tsp of black pepper and a pinch of turmeric powder to milk and boil it. Drink it to get rid of colds and cough.

These are some of the health benefits of black pepper. 

Home Remedies for Hangover

Get Rid of Hangover Fast -  Several home remedies for hangover are available. Heavy breakfast, honey and peppermint tea are some of the remedies

It is better to prevent a hangover than cure it. Excessive consumption of alcoholic drinks should be avoided. Here are home remedies for hangover.

Ways to Prevent a Hangover

Hangover is the result of dehydration which may cause dry mouth and headache. Drink generous quantities of water between your drinks. If you had a peg or two more, drink a glass of water before you go to bed. A large glass of lemonade is even better as vitamin C is a very good cure for hangover.

Source:Wikimedia Commons: Tomas er

Never drink alcohol on an empty stomach. Make sure that you have a few snacks before you start to drink. Some snacks along with the drinks would also be of help.

Shower for Hangover

Take a shower as soon as you wake up. Warm water on the head will help you to get over the after effects of your drinks.

Banana for Hangover

Banana is an excellent home remedy for a hangover. It neutralizes the diuretic effect of alcohol by replenishing the lost potassium. As banana contains 75% water it also replenishes the water lost. It also contains vitamin B6 and vitamin C. Vitamins help to neutralize the effect of alcohol and prevent liver damage.

Gin and Vodka

Clear alcoholic drinks like gin and vodka are less likely to cause a hangover than colored drinks like whiskey, red wine, rum and bourbon. Stick to the same alcoholic drink always. Mixing them or changing them often is not advisable. The body adapts more easily to a single drink.

The major reason for hangover besides alcoholic dehydration is late nights. Getting plenty of sleep will help you to recover from the after effects.

Some people believe drinking more alcohol will help to prevent a hangover. But greater levels of alcohol in the blood will prolong the problem.

Breakfast for Hangover

Heavy breakfast is an excellent home remedy for hangover. Eating a heavy breakfast next morning will help you to get rid of the hangover. Fatty and greasy foods like grilled cheese sandwich, bacon, and eggs will be of great help. 

Honey for Hangover

Honey is a very good home remedy for hangover. Take 2 tsp of honey as soon as you wake up. Repeat it every half an hour. Honey contains fructose which helps to metabolize alcohol quickly.

Peppermint Tea

Add 2 tsp of peppermint herb to boiling water and steep it for 20 minutes. Strain the liquid and drink it.

Exercise for Hangover

Exercise is a very good neutralizer for hangover. Drink two full glasses of water and take a walk.  You can even go for swimming, cycling or jogging.

Don’ts

-      Don’t drink coffee as caffeine may aggravate the problem.

-      Aspirin, ibuprofen and Tylenol may multiply the problem several fold.

These are some of the home remedies hangover

How to Get Glowing Skin Naturally

Healthy skin is an important part of your appearance. Several natural methods are available to get glowing skin naturally at home.

Skin is the largest part of the human body. Flawless skin is not only important for appearance but also to protect the internal organs. It regulates the body temperature and protects the body from infection. Even if you don’t have any health problems, skin may at times appear lifeless and dull. Several natural products are available to get a glowing skin.

Tips for a Glowing Skin

A plethora of products are available in the market for skincare. Most of them contain chemical ingredients and harm the skin in the long run.  It is always safer to use natural products for skincare.

Homemade Face Mask 

Homemade face masks help to keep the skin healthy and beautiful.  It helps to exfoliate the skin and remove all the dead cells. It also helps to improve blood circulation. It is a very good remedy for acne, blackheads and white heads. Homemade face masks can remove blemishes and make the skin soft and glowing.

Source: La Grande Farmers Market  

Cucumber Face Mask

The idiom “as cool as a cucumber” can be used in the context of a face mask also. Cucumber has a cooling effect on the skin. Cucumber slices can be rubbed on the facial skin. Mash cucumber with a fork. Mix it with oatmeal and milk. Grind it into a fine paste, apply it to your face and wash it off after 30 minutes. It leaves your skin soft, smooth and glowing.

Before the application of any face mask, wash your face with water and strip whatever cosmetics and lotions you have applied. It is essential that the skin pores open up to let in the ingredients of the face mask.

Banana Face Mask

Mash banana with a fork. Add a tsp of honey and a few drops of lemon juice. Mix it well. Apply to your face and wash it off after 30 minutes.

Banana is an excellent moisturizer. It softens the skin and makes it smooth and glowing. It also exfoliates the skin. It contains food acid which helps to remove the dead skin cells. It is also an antioxidant which can keep the skin fresh and wrinkle free. It is also an excellent treatment for sunburn.

Banana, Yogurt and Honey for Glowing Skin

The combination of banana, yogurt and honey make an excellent recipe for a face mask. Honey is a very good moisturizer. Yogurt helps to clean and disinfect the skin pores. It also helps to keep the skin free from acne. You can mix the ingredients and make it into a fine paste. Apply it your face and wash it off after 30 minutes. Repeat the process at least thrice a week

Turmeric and Milk Cream

Turmeric powder can be mixed with milk cream and applied to the face. After 20-30 minutes it will dry and the skin will become tight. Wash it off with warm water and pat your face dry with a towel. It will hydrate your skin and make it soft, smooth and glowing

Turmeric and Sandalwood

Mix turmeric powder with sandalwood powder and yogurt. Apply the resulting paste to your face. Turmeric brightens your skin and adds glow. Sandalwood removes the blackheads and dark spots. Yogurt will have a cooling effect on your skin. The combination of these ingredients will not only add a glow but also give a sweet smelling aroma of sandalwood to your skin.

Almond Facial Mask

Take 8-10 almonds and soak it in milk overnight. Remove the skin and grind it into a fine paste. Add 1 tsp of honey and 3 tsp of lemon juice. Mix it well and apply it to your face. It will not only make your skin soft and smooth but will add a glow to it.

Compare the results obtained with any of these face masks with those available in the market. They are not only economical but also more effective. These are some of the methods to get a glowing skin.  

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.

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 

What are the Health Benefits of Ginger Root?

Ginger root has a wide range of health Benefits.  It is a very good remedy for digestion and nausea.  

Ginger is a perennial plant which grows in tropical climates. Ginger has been grown for thousands of years across the world and is used for culinary and medicinal purposes. Ginger root is used in alternative medicines like ayurveda, aromatherapy and herbal therapy to treat a variety of diseases. It is also used to flavor food in several cuisines. It is been wide use alternative medicine for its health benefits for a long time

Ginger

Wikimedia Common: Thamizhpparithi Maari

Ginger for Vomiting and Nausea

Ginger can be eaten powdered or raw to get rid of nausea and vomiting. It can get rid of nausea and vomiting which occurs during the 15-18 months of pregnancy. Clinical trials have shown that ginger is also effective in controlling nausea and vomiting in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy

Ginger for Digestion

Ginger stimulates digestion and is a very good remedy for digestion problems. It also prevents E.coli from causing diarrhea. Ginger is soothing on the stomach and aids digestion. It can also contribute to weight loss. According to researchers from Maastricht university of Netherlands, it has fat burning properties and boosts metabolism.

Ginger for Cough and Cold 

Ginger is a very good remedy for cold and cough. It can even provide relief for laryngitis. Ginger tea can be prepared with the addition of lemon and honey. Take it several times a day to get rid of colds and cough

Cholesterol and Hypertension

Ginger will help to reduce the LDL (bad cholesterol) levels in the blood. Higher levels of LDL can contribute to the formation of plaque on the walls of the arteries and narrow them down. This will increase the blood pressure levels. The plaque can also lead to the reduction of elasticity of blood vessels. The reduction of blood pressure will reduce the chances of the formation of blood clots. This will also help to prevent heart attack and strokes.

Ginger Tea

Ginger tea has several health benefits. Peel ginger and get rid of its skin. Cut it into thin slices. Boil water in a sauce pan. Add the slices to it and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. Strain the tea. Add lemon and honey to it. Drink a cup the tea 2-3 times a day. This will help you to get all the health benefits of ginger.

Other Methods of Using Ginger

- Fresh ginger can be grated or ground and added to your food

- Crystallized ginger candies which can be purchased, can be used like lozenges

-  The commonly available beverage, ginger ale is quite tasty and healthy.

These area some of the important heath benefits of ginger.

Onion Health Benefits

Onion provides a wide range of health benefits. It is useful in the treatment of asthma, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

Onion has been used across the world for centuries in a variety of cuisines. It is perhaps the most popular vegetable in the world. It is not only tasty but also helps to prevent and cure a variety of diseases. It is quite nutritious as it contains proteins, carbohydrates and fats. It also contains vitamins and calcium. Some of the minerals that are present in onion are potassium, zinc and phosphorous. There are several onion health benefits.

Onions

Onion for Asthma

Onion contains flavonoid called quercetin. It has anti-inflammatory properties. Most of the quercetin is available in the onion skin. The skin should be extracted and boiled in water. The water can be cooled and the skin filtered out before drinking the liquid.

Onion and Honey for Asthma

Onion juice can be extracted by placing onion pieces in a juicer. Mix a tbsp of this juice with a tbsp of honey. Drink it 3-4 times a day. This would reduce the inflammation and the intensity of attacks. It would also prevent further occurrence of attacks. The reason for this is the sulfur content of onions. Sulfur helps to reduce the inflammation of the airways and makes you breathe better. This is one of the important health benefits

Onion for Diabetes

Onion contains allyl polypyl disulphide as an active ingredient. This helps to lower blood sugar levels and increase insulin. Onion also helps to block the breakdown of insulin in the liver. This ensures that the body has more insulin. It is very helpful to patients of type 2 diabetes.

Onion for Heart

Onion helps to prevent cardiovascular(heart) diseases like hypertension and atherosclerosis. Red onions are more effective in reducing cholesterol levels as they contain more quercetin. Onions have anticoagulant properties that help to promote the clot dissolving ability of the blood. They contain chemicals that prevent the platelets from sticking together.

Onion for Insomnia

Providing relief for insomnia is one the important health benefits. Cut raw onion into pieces. Drop it into a glass jar. Smell it deeply several times just before going to bed. The aroma will help you to go to sleep quickly. If you wake up in the middle of the night you can smell onion and get quickly back to sleep again. Drinking onion juice is another method to overcome insomnia. 

Onion for Hair Growth

Rub a raw onion slice on the part of the scalp where you are experiencing hair loss. This will help to stimulate hair growth. You can also apply water boiled with onion skin on your scalp. Wash it off after half an hour to reduce hair loss and promote growth.

These are some of the onion health benefits

How to Dissolve Kidney Stones Naturally

Kidney stones are generally made up of a substance called calcium oxalate.  Certain other types of kidney stones also exist. They are cystine, uric acid and struvite. They are hard and have a sharp crystalline structure. They could be small or even grow up to the size of a golf ball. Small stones may pass out of the urinary tract unnoticed. But the larger stones can cause excruciating pain. They can even block the passage of urine. Several methods are available to dissolve the kidney stones naturally.

Reasons for the Formation of Kidney Stones

There are several reasons for the formation of the kidney stones. Some of the  common reasons are

- Not drinking enough water. The uric acid in the kidney gets concentrated leading to the formation of kidney stones

- Certain diseases like hyperthyroidism, Crohn’s disease, renal tuberculosis and urinary tract infections can cause the formation of kidney stones.

- Hereditary factors

- Diet can also be a reason for the formation of kidney stones.

- Excessive consumption of tea, coffee, spices, sugar products, meat and condiments

Symptoms  of kidney stones

- Severe pain in the groin

- Passing blood in the urine

- Pus cells in the urine

- Reduction in the amount of urine

- Burning sensation while urinating

Natural Remedies for Kidney Stones

Water kidney stones

It is essential to drink at least two liters of water a day. This helps to dilute the levels of uric acid and prevent the formation of kidney stones.  Drinking coconut water also helps to flush out small stones from the kidney

Lemon kidney stones

Squeeze two fresh lemons in a liter of water. Add two tbsp of raw honey. You can mix it well in a blender. Consume small quantities of the liquid at regular intervals. You can also drink this early in the morning on empty stomach. A tsp of olive oil can be added to this. Lemon dissolves the kidney stones and reduces their size. Olive oil lubricates the stones and makes their passage out of the system easier.

Watermelon kidney stones

Watermelon has a very high water content. It also contains potassium salts. It is a diuretic which helps to increase the quantity of urine. Even water melon seeds have properties of a diuretic. Boil water melon seeds in hot water. Strain it and drink it at regular intervals. This not only flushes out the kidney stones but also prevents further formation.

Pomegranate Juice kidney stones

Pomegranate has several health benefits. It is considered to be a diuretic. Pomegranate can be eaten raw or taken in the form of juice. It will help to decrease the acidity of the urine. It also helps to dissolve the small stones.

Basil Juice kidney stones

Basil juice acts as a tonic for the kidney and is very good for its heath. Take a tsp of basil juice with a tsp of raw honey daily for six months.  This will help to dissolve and expel the kidney stones.

These are some of the methods to dissolve the kidney stones naturally and expel them. 

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Kidney Stones: Causes and Remedies

Tomato juice is a very good natural remedy for kidney stones. Boiling figs in water and drinking it regularly also helps to get rid of them.