Peppermint Tea Health Benefits

Peppermint tea can provide a variety of health benefits. It can help to get rid of constipation, acid reflux and sore throat. It can also help to get over insomnia.

Peppermint Tea Recipe

Take two cups of water in a sauce pan. Add a tsp of dried peppermint leaves and boil it for 15 minutes. Let it cool down. Add a tbsp of honey or maple syrup to sweeten it. Strain the liquid and it is ready for drinking.

Mint Leaves

Source: Wikimedia Commons: Kham Tran

Peppermint Tea for Skin

Prepare fresh peppermint tea without any additives. Apply it to your face with a cotton ball. Wash it off after 30 minutes. It can help to fight acne, blackheads and dermatitis. Mint has a cooling effect on the skin. It can also be used topically as a treatment for rashes from poison ivy and poison oak. 

Constipation

Peppermint tea can help to get rid of constipation. Anything less than three bowel movements a week is regarded as constipation. Constipation is a very common disorder. The reasons for constipation are low intake of dietary fiber and water. Three to four cups of peppermint tea every day improves digestion and helps to get rid of constipation. Peppermint tea can also improve the function of gallbladder by promoting the flow of bile. 

Acid Reflux

Peppermint tea with honey is a very good remedy for acid reflux. Acid reflux is due to the food flowing back from the stomach to the esophagus causing heartburn. Take 3-4 glasses of peppermint tea every day to get rid of acid reflux. This is one of the useful health benefits. 

Sleep

Peppermint tea has a calming effect on your nerves. It can be used as a herbal aid to get over the insomnia. Insomnia is a very difficult condition. Tossing and turning in the bed without sleep every night may have bad effects on your health. Drinking warm peppermint tea with honey just before bed can help you to sleep better. Peppermint tea has a soothing effect on your nerves. It can help you to get rid of headache, pain and colds. 

Sore Throat

Peppermint tea can help to soothe your throat, if you have a sore throat. Sore throat could be due to viral or bacterial infection. Bacterial infection has to be treated with antibiotics. Peppermint tea can provide relief in cases of sore throat due to viral infection. Four to five cup of warm peppermint tea every will help to soothe the throat.

Upset Stomach

Peppermint is a very popular remedy for upset stomach. It promotes digestion. It contains volatile oils that can help to cure upset stomach. It is also a very good remedy for bloating stomach and can help to get rid of stomach cramps. 

These are some of the health benefits of peppermint tea. 

Cayenne Pepper and Lemon Juice Cleanse

Cayenne pepper, maple syrup and lemon juice drink can help to get rid of the toxins from the body  

Cayenne pepper is a spice which is hot. It is grown across the world and is available round the year. It is used in a variety of cuisines. It is highly nutritious as it contains vitamin A and beta-carotenes. It is also an excellent anti-oxidant. It has an active ingredient called capsaicin which can help to ease the pain due to arthritis. It can also be used to treat gastrointestinal disorders. 

   Cayenne Pepper

  Source: Wikimedia Commons: Pierre Selim

Cayenne Pepper Inflammation

Arthritis is an inflammatory disorder which destroys the tissues. The antioxidant properties of cayenne pepper help to reduce inflammation of the joints reducing the pain. 

It also helps to reduce the inflammation due to psoriasis. But it cannot get rid of the disease as it is chronic.

According to Maryland Medical Center, ointments and creams made from capsaicin can help to relieve pain due to arthritis, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia. It can also help to reduce lower back pain.

Constipation

Cayenne pepper can help to get rid of constipation. It can be taken in the form of powder or capsules. 

Blood Pressure 

Cayenne pepper can help to bring down blood pressure. Take a glass of warm water and add a tsp of powdered cayenne pepper. Drink this concoction every day. It will help to bring down your blood pressure in about a month. 

Cayenne Pepper and Lemon Juice Cleanse

A combination of cayenne pepper, lemon juice, and maple syrup will help to cleanse the body and remove all the toxins. It will also promote weight loss. The active ingredient of cayenne pepper, capsaicin is mainly responsible for the detox. 

The ingredients to be used for the detox are

4 tbsp of lemon juice 
4 tbsp of natural maple syrup
¼ tsp of cayenne pepper
250 ml of mineral water

Taking 6-8 glasses of this detox drink every day will help to improve your metabolic rate and improve digestion. 

The drink will boost your energy levels. The drink will help to 

Reduce weight 
                                                                                                     Reduce chronic pain due to due to arthritis

Reduce headache and toothache

It will also help to get rid of sore throat and improve blood circulation 

It is not advisable to follow this diet for more than two days at a stretch. 

These are some of the health benefits of cayenne pepper and lemon juice. 

Health Benefits of Cinnamon and Honey: Weight Loss: Diabetes

Cinnamon is obtained from the bark of a small tree which grows mostly in Sri Lanka. This is used as a spice in Indian cuisine. An aromatic essential oil can be obtained from this bark. It has excellent anti-microbial properties. Honey also has similar anti-microbial properties. There are several heath benefits of  cinnamon and honey. It also aids weight loss. 

Wikimedia Commons :Robert

Heart Ailments

Plaque buildup along the artery walls makes them inflexible and narrow. This will hamper the smooth flow of blood. Plaque buildup is the result of high levels of cholesterol in blood. Make a paste by mixing a tbsp of honey and a tsp of cinnamon.  You can use this as bread spread instead of jam and butter. It will help to reduce the LDL levels and arterial plaque.  It will also help to make the blood vessels more flexible, improve heartbeat and reduce the chances of heart attack.

Arthritis

Honey and cinnamon paste is a very good remedy for arthritis. Alternately make honey cinnamon tea by adding a tbsp of honey and a tsp of powdered cinnamon to a glass of warm water. Drink it twice daily. It will help to reduce arthritic pain.

Skin Remedies

Honey cinnamon paste can be used as a topical application for a variety of skin problems as it has antibacterial and antiviral properties. It provides relief from eczema and ringworm infections. It is also a very good remedy for acne. Apply the paste on the affected area before bedtime and wash it off next morning. It will help to reduce the inflammation and itching.  

Weight Loss

Drink honey cinnamon tea every day before breakfast on an empty stomach. Honey is a rich source of carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins. Even though honey is a kind of sugar, it does not hinder the metabolism of fats and cholesterol. Cinnamon helps to regulate blood sugar levels and fights against insulin resistance. It also helps to fight against obesity. Intake of cinnamon and honey over a period of time helps to bring down your weight substantially.

You can also add lemon to this honey cinnamon concoction. Addition of lemon accelerates weight loss.

For Diabetics

Honey and cinnamon tea helps to bring down blood glucose levels. Diabetics are prone to high LDL because of the increased blood glucose. Cinnamon and honey brings down the high cholesterol levels reducing the chances of heart attack.

Sore Throat

If you have a sore throat drink warm honey- cinnamon tea several times a day. It can also be used as a throat gargle. Gargle this liquid once every two hours. It provides relief from sore throat and opens up the blocked sinuses.

These are some of the health benefits of cinnamon and honey

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