20 Good Foods That are Great for Your Skin

Water:
The number one thing that you can put into your body if you want great-looking skin is water. The more water you drink, the more you flush all of the other stuff out of your body and the healthier your skin is going to look.

Green tea:
When you’re not drinking water, you should be drinking green tea. It has many, many different health benefits including benefits for the skin. You can drink it cold or warm. Avoid adding sugar or milk to it if you want the best benefits for your skin.

Whole wheat: 
Another ingredient in some foods that is really good for your skin is selenium. This is found in whole wheat cereals, breads and baked goods. This improves the skin at a cellular level and keeps you looking young and beautiful.

Carrots: 
If you want to get your Vitamin A but you aren’t that big of a fan of leafy green vegetables then you may want to turn to carrots to improve your skin with this vitamin.

Brussel Sprouts:
Most people think that you have to eat citrus fruits to get Vitamin C but there are a few vegetables out there that have it as well. Brussel sprouts are a good one for the skin. Peas are another option.

Tomatoes:
This is another food that is rich in anti-oxidants and so will have the same skin-boosting benefits that the cantaloupe will give to you.

Berries:
Strawberries, blueberries and blackberries are all berries that are also rich in antioxidants. Eat them alone, toss them in cereal or add them to the sides of other dishes to increase the healthiness of your skin all throughout the day.

Cantaloupe: 
This food increases antioxidants in your body which increases your ability to absorb free radicals which in turn reduce skin problems so that you have healthier skin.

Plums: 
There really is a long list of fruits that you can eat that are rich in antioxidants and that are therefore good for your skin.

Broccoli: 
This is a great vegetable that has many different health benefitswhich is why you’re always hearing that you should “eat your broccoli”. One of the things it contains a whole lot of is Vitamin A, a vitamin that is great at improving the turnover of cells in the skin. This means that when you eat broccoli, your skin gets renewed more quickly and the freshest (nicest looking) skin is on top where everyone you meet can see it.

Omega3 Rich Fish Dishes:
 Omega3 is that “good fat” that we’re always trying to get even though we try to avoid the “bad fat”. One of the things that the Omega3 fats do is ward off any kind of inflammation. This means they’re good for the skin. You can find these in many different fish dishes including tuna, shellfish, sardines and salmon.

Spinach:
This food doesn’t just make you strong like Popeye. It’s also rich in the same Vitamin A properties that broccoli has so it’s good for your skin as well. You never saw Popeye looking like he had dry, aged skin did you?!

Low Fat Dairy: 
Diary products are another really great source of Vitamin A so they can be really good for the skin. However, you want to avoid the fat that is in a lot of these foods so make sure that you look for low-fat versions of cheese and milk that are rich in Vitamin A.
Oranges: 
Just like with grapefruits, these are great for the skin because they are so rich in Vitamin C.

Sweet potatoes: 
This is a vegetable alternative to the cantaloupe and tomato options that you may want to try to get those free radicals flowing healthfully throughout your body and fighting off skin problems.
Walnuts:
These are yet another option that you can choose in addition to flax seeds or fish dishes if you want to improve your skin with those essential fatty acids.

Grapefruit:
This food is really rich in Vitamin C. Vitamin C is great for people concerned about skin problems because it delays or reduces wrinkles.

Eggs: 
Eggs are a good iron-providing alternative for people who don’t want to eat much red meat.

Flax seeds: 
You don’t have to eat fish to get the essential fatty acids that your body needs (and that improve your skin). An alternative option is to eat flax seeds and to cook with flax seed oil.

Lean red meat: 
Some people have poor skin because they don’t have enough iron in their diets. If you are concerned that you’re too pale or you have dark circles under your eyes then you may need more iron. Red meat is a great source for that but make sure that you’re not eating any red meat that is too high in fat.
by Kathryn Vercillo
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8 Top Foods To Eat When You Are Sick

Ginger:Ginger is one of the best medicine for almost all kinds of health problems. So sip a cup of ginger tea in the morning to prevent vomiting and to relieve from other stomach ills. 

Soup:Soups are light tastier and stomach filling food. Especially when you are sick as you can't digest heavy foods.You can take in any soup like vegetables or chicken. To say in particular while having cold chicken would be better as it contains amino acids that dissolve the mucus inside the lungs and temperature allows the nasal passages remain moist, preventing dehydration and depreciation in throat.

Honey:Honey is an antimicrobial and can help kill the bacteria on the back of your throat. Enjoy a spoonful of honey or mix it into tea. Warm honey tea can give amazing relief to a sore throat.


Bananas:Its advisable to avoid bananas if you have cold. In other cases like vomiting and diarrhea, they can provide you with lost strength as they are rich in potassium. Bananas are easy to digest, help lower body temperature and replenishes lost electrolytes.

Hot liquids:
Drink only hot water and liquids to keep away from increased infection. Green tea, Lemon in hot water, Pepper boiled in hot water etc, could be of great relief and improve hydration too. 

Citrus fruits:It is a myth that vitamin C can cure a common cold and there is a lot of scientific evidence that it can reduce the severity of colds. However, the peel of fruits (Orange, lemon, and limes) contains substances that can strengthen the immune system and help accelerate the recovery process.

Crackers:
Enjoy simple crackers and not cheese, butter, or herb flavored. While these may taste better, they could be too heavy if you suffer stomach upset. 

Toast:
If you feel really hungry, just eat a piece of toast and it would be difficult during sick time but then it could fill your hunger pangs much easily.

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Are the Horror Stories About Maggi Noodles True? - Facts Behind

Everyone's favourite Choice:

Maggi noodles have become a unanimous choice for kids, college students, working ladies and almost people from every walk of life to fill their hunger pangs. Its fame can be attributed to its quick, cheap and convenient way of preparation and an uncompromising taste everytime. But as you become a fan of maggi  and gulp it everyday have you ever analysed its nutritional facts and the health aspects?

In spite of being arguably one of India’s most popular convenience foods, Maggi has repeatedly come under the scanner for being unhealthy, low in nutrition and high in salt, MSG and fat. And there is also the allegation that this product has wax in it. Are these horror stories believable??

Have You Heard Of MSG:

Monosodium glutamate, also known as sodium glutamate or MSG, is the sodium salt of glutamic acid, one of the most abundant naturally occurring non-essential amino acids. It is a form of concentrated salt added to foods to enhance the flavor.

This salt version of glutamic acid is an amino acid the body can produce on its own, but the artificial MSG are produced from fermented sugar beets. Because this kind of MSG is processed, it can cause many adverse reactions, including skin rashes, itching, hives, nausea, vomiting, migraine headaches, asthma, heart irregularities, depression and even seizures.

According to Active8Health, Maggi  noodles contain hydrolysed groundnut protein,and MSG for flavor enhancement, which is made using Bactosoytone, itself made from soy protein using a catalyst enzyme porcine (taken from intestine of Pig).


Fact About Maggi:

To counter the unhealthy tag, they have come with new ideas like atta noodles, veggies etc.The Atta noodles may be slightly better than the maida ones, but to say that they have added veggies is a bit of a stretch – three desiccated peas and 5 shreds of dehydrated carrots in the Tastemaker hardly counts for added veggies. Nutritionally there isn’t much that maggi noodles can offer, unless you decide to add mixed veggies of your own.

Most importantly now they claim there are ‘No MSG’ added on the packet and  other substitutes are used for equalling that – such as excess salt.

When we analyse the nutritional factors one regular packet of maggi has about 400 calories, and therefore it  is a high calorie food for sure. But at the same time it is not needed to believe the horror stories about toxicity and other dangers. Even though it is advisable to avoid it on a regular basis ,eating it once a while is OK and won't do much harm .
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5 Natural Remedies and Tips To Prevent Car Sickness

Ginger - Put a cut piece of ginger inside your mouth. It can be used in many forms like powdered or dried  or as a tincture.It is very safe and effective at the same time.

Peppermint - If you have a headache or a cold, peppermint is also a good choice for these ailments. Keep peppermint lozenges in the car to help tame nausea while driving. It can also be taken as a tea or tincture.

Lemon Balm - Prepare a cup of  tea by steeping dried herbs in hot water for 10 minutes, then strain and drink . It is very helpful in relieving the uncomfortable thoughts while in movement.

Chamomile - This herb is useful for all sorts of ailments and acts to calm nausea. Mild enough for children, this herb is a safe choice in treating many illnesses. Use as a tea or put drops of the tincture into water and drink.

Ice
- Sucking on some ice chips may help calm your stomach and help divert your attention from your unsettled tummy.


Tips:
  • Do not read while traveling
  • Do not sit facing backwards from your direction of travel.
  • Get the window seat and inhale fresh air if possible.
  • Avoid strong food odors
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Do Bananas Fight Cancer? - A Must To Know.

When bananas over-ripen, they develop dark brown spots on their yellow skin, become soft and mushy inside and emit a pretty strong ripe banana scent. At this stage, you probably think it’s time to toss them in the trash. But stop! Did you know that over-ripe bananas with brown spots on them actually help fight cancer?

Japanese Study:
A study was carried out in Tokyo University, Japan by Professor Senji, where lab mice were injected with extracts from a variety of fruits, including bananas. In this controlled experiment, it was found that out of all the fruit injected into the mice, banana marked the most improvements in the overall health of the mice. Bananas not only boosted the white blood cell count in the blood, but also inhibited the growth of cancer cells through inducing their bodies to produce a powerful substance called TNF.

When consumed, over-ripe bananas enable the body to produce a potent substance that is known to prevent and fight cancer. This natural miracle substance is known as the Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF).

Tumour Necrosis Factor (TNF):
Scientifically speaking, TNF is a cytokine consisting of small signalling molecules, which have a complex system to communicate with and influence fundamental cell activities and movements.

Simply put, TNF is a protein with the ability to correspond with cells and regulate their cellular activities and coordinate their movement. This is why TNF actually inhibits the development of abnormal cells, i.e. cancerous cells.

As minuscule as the small TNF molecule may seem, it has powerful functions that serve the body. Most importantly, TNF is useful in preventing cancer because it has the ability to destroy certain groups of tumour causing cells, by pumping excess water into the harmful cells and causing them to burst from the pressure.

Anti-oxidants in Bananas:
Bananas contain a few antioxidants which destroy free radicals. Free radicals are those molecules that ravage through the blood stream causing the formation of cancerous cells. By destroying free radicals, the antioxidants in bananas are able to minimise free radical damage in the body and fight cancer in its early stages.

Immunity &Cancer:

The Japanese professor deduced that over-ripe bananas with brown spots on them have up to 8 times more white blood cell boosting abilities than under-ripe bananas.

The stronger your white blood cells, the stronger your immune system.

By eating 1 to 2 bananas a day, you can boost your immunity and strengthen your resistance against the common cold and throat infections
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Do You Know To Calculate Your Ovulation

Note the Dates:

Take notes of the period dates. That is the beginning and end dates of the periods for each month. 
This could help you find the irregularities and thus the proper cycle.

Example:
Period starts = 1st January
Next period starts = 3rd February
Days in between (including 1st Jan but not 3rd Feb) = 33 days.

Your menstrual cycle length is 33.

Match with the Chart:

Cycle length: 22 Ovulation: Day 8 Most Fertile: Days 7-9
Cycle length: 23 Ovulation: Day 9 Most Fertile: Days 8-10

Cycle length: 24 Ovulation: Day 10 Most Fertile: Days 9-11

Cycle length: 25 Ovulation: Day 11 Most Fertile: Days 10-12

Cycle length: 26 Ovulation: Day 12 Most Fertile: Days 11-13

Cycle length: 27 Ovulation: Day 13 Most Fertile: Days 12-14

Cycle length: 28 Ovulation: Day 14 Most Fertile: Days 13-15

Cycle length: 29 Ovulation: Day 15 Most Fertile: Days 14-16

Cycle length: 30 Ovulation: Day 16 Most Fertile: Days 15-17

Cycle length: 31 Ovulation: Day 17 Most Fertile: Days 16-18

Cycle length: 32 Ovulation: Day 18 Most Fertile: Days 17-19

Cycle length: 33 Ovulation: Day 19 Most Fertile: Days 18-20

Cycle length: 34 Ovulation: Day 20 Most Fertile: Days 19-21

Cycle length: 35 Ovulation: Day 21 Most Fertile: Days 20-22

Cycle length: 36 Ovulation: Day 22 Most Fertile: Days 21-23


Fertile Period:

Work out your ovulation and most fertile dates.

First day of last period = 3rd February
Cycle Length = 33
Ovulation (19 days later) = 22nd February
Most fertile (18-20 days later) = 21st and 23rd February

You are most fertile the day before, during and the day after.Since sperm can survive for up to seven days in the right conditions, you could be fertile before and after these days.


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Top Health Benefits Of Dandelion with Its Preparation

Top Health Benefits Of Dandelion: 
  • Improves Bone Health:
Dandelion improves bone health, prevents bone density loss due to the calcium, phosphorus, Vitamins C and Vitamin K in it.
  • Boosts Liver and GallBladder:
It boosts the liver and gall bladder function, helps in proper secretion of bile and consequently digestion. Dandelions have anti inflammatory properties that enhance the immune system and strengthen the liver and gallbladder. It has been found to stimulate bile production and can eliminate any inflammatory conditions of the bile duct.
  • Controls Blood Sugar:
The plant keeps the blood sugar levels low as it aids insulin production. It also benefits diabetics by its diuretic property of increasing output of urine, and keeping the kidneys well flushed and clean.
  • Improves Memory:
Rich in choline and lecithin, it can improve memory. These components together increase the production of acetylcholine, which is responsible for nerve to nerve synapse communications to the brain. This affects memory, muscle movement and learning. Individuals that have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease have been found to have low levels of acetylcholine.
  • Prevents Infection:
It treats infection of the urinary tract and makes it healthy.
  • Effective against Cancer:
Dandelion leaf tea has been found to reduce breast cancer cells while the root tea was found to kill leukemia cells. Also, a dietary supplement containing dandelion showed suppression of the growth of prostate cells.
  • Dandelion extracts have been found to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation which are the cause of many diseases like cancer, cardiovascular disease, neurogenerative diseases like Parkinson's, Alzheimer's etc.
  • Effective as a natural diuretic. 
Has been utilized by women for centuries to alleviate water retention prior to their periods. It has been found to be effective in lowering blood pressure in those that suffer from mild hypertension. Rich in linoleic and linolenic acid, these essential fatty acids are utilized by the body to produce prostaglandin, which regulates blood pressure. It is important to note here that the high potassium content in dandelions prevents the common side effects of many prescribed diuretics, which are potassium depleting.
  • It also increases breast milk, reduces abscess in breast and intestines.
Benefits Of Dandelion Tea:
  • It is a healthy tea as compared to the regular tea.
  • Improves digestion and relieves diarrhea and constipation.
  • Cleanses the blood and improves skin condition.
  • Detoxifies the body.
  • Helps you to be slim.
  • Reduces inflammations thereby benefiting in arthritis and rheumatic pains.
  • Lowers high cholesterol.
  • Helps in weight management.
  • Boosts immunity.
  • Helps people suffering from diabetes (both types) and manage blood cholesterol better.

Preparing Dandelion Tea:
Different parts of dandelion are used to prepare tea.

Method 1:
  • Take I teaspoon Dried Dandelion Leaves and 1 cup boiling water.
  • Cover and steep for 3 minutes.
  • Stir and steep for few more minutes.
  • Serve it with Honey or Lemon or Mint.
Method 2:
  • Take 3-4 Dandelion flowers and cut out its petals.
  • Heat 1 Cup Drinking Water.
  • Place the flower inside a steeper spoon and leave it in hot water for 10-12 minutes.
  • Finally add 2 teaspoons of honey and serve.
Method 3:
  • Take 4-5 Dandelion Leaves and wash it.
  • Tear them into small pieces.
  • Place them inside a steeper spoon.
  • Heat 1 cup water and leave the steeper spoon for 10 minutes.
  • Add honey to a cup and pour the steeped tea over it.
  • Stir it well and serve
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9 Top Mistakes Made When Bleaching Hair At Home

Getting started before you have what you need
This may seem silly and not like such a big deal but it really is. Make sure you have all the supplies you will be needing before you get started. Create a checklist and make sure that you go over it a couple times. This leaves less room for error and mistakes. You also save a ton of time since you won't be rushing back to the store or sending someone else.

Reading the instructions
Even if you have done this one hundred times read the instructions. Every box kit is different and so are the instructions. If it is the same stuff you always use you should still read the instructions because products do not always stay the same. Reading the instructions will help keep you from making any serious mistakes that will cause crazy accidents like orange hair or hair loss.

Skipping the test strand step
This is so important! Do not skip the strand test. The strand test will prevent anything weird happening to your hair. If it turns orange you will know not to use the bleach on your whole head. If you have an allergy to the chemicals in the bleach you will prevent a serious reaction. A strand test has saved me quite a few times. It may seem like a simple pointless precaution but it can really prevent the worst kinds of accidents.

Bleaching your hair alone
I know that not everyone will agree on this one but in my experiences I have found that it is easier to do anything to your hair when you have a friend helping you.Don't do it alone you could miss some spots and that can be a little embarrassing especially when you had no idea they were even there. Having someone else there to help or just to check for any spots you might have missed is really helpful. Trying to use a mirror or play it by feel can truly be tricky at times.


Leaving the bleach in to long
Do not leave the bleach longer than the instructions suggest. No matter what someone else says. Do not do it. Even if it worked for there hair. You have a completely different head of hair and you are the one taking the risk. Leaving the bleach in longer than instructed could permanently damage your hair beyond repair and even burn your scalp.

Forgetting to deep condition
Always deep condition your hair the same day as you bleach your hair. I have forgotten this step before and paid for it in the morning. My hair was almost impossible to brush through. It was so rough. I will never forget this step ever again. Do not make the same mistake that myself and many others have made. Deep condition your hair the same day this puts some of the nutrients back in your hair and making it more manageable and healthy.

Bleaching hair that has already been bleached
When your roots grow out just do a touch up on that area not your whole head. If you go over your hair with beach again you are just damaging it over and over again for no reason. Hair no matter how strong can only take so much before it is just completely toasted and fried. Hair that is over processed looks awful and feels awful to.

Bleaching damaged or over processed hair
If you think that your hair may be to damaged or weak to bleach you may be right. Seek the opinion of a professional. They know what they are talking about and will be able to tell you if your hair is healthy or not. You can also preform a gummy test. This will measure the elasticity in your hair. If your hair looks like stretched gum when you pull it and will not retake its natural form do not use any kind of chemicals on it.

Skipping the toner
This happens all the time. If your hair looks yellow and brassy it is probably in need of a toner. Orange hair should be lightened a little more but if it is a yellow or brass like color move on to a toner. Do not skip the toner and bleach your hair again this won't really work. This is a really common mistake made all the time especially by people who are inexperienced and new to bleaching and coloring hair. Toner will counter act the yellow color making it very light and even platinum blonde.
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5 Homemade Natural Hair Masks to Treat Dull, Dry, Rough and Damaged Hair

Avocado hair mask at home
  • First of all, peel a ripe avocado and mash it. In a bowl, beat mashed avocado with olive oil to mix them well.
  • Do not add olive oil to the hair mask recipe if your hair is color treated. Olive oil has the tendency to lighten hair highlights, so you can substitute olive oil with almond oil or jojoba oil.
  • Wet your hair before applying hair mask. Apply the mask to the scalp and hair ends.
  • Do tuck hair in shower cap after application of hair mask.
  • After around 25 to 30 minutes, run your fingers through your hair and massage the scalp. Rinse off the hair mask and enjoy your soft and manageable hair!
Banana hair mask recipe to add moisture

To add loads of moisture to your flaky, dull and dry hair, you can try banana mask for hair. Apply the hair mask with banana once a week for healthy and shiny hair.
  • Take one or two ripe banana (according to hair length) and blend it. If the pulp is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk to it. 
  • The pulp should be smooth with no chunks or lumps with in it. 
  • You can also add a tablespoon of olive oil to this hair mask. 
  • Make you hair damp before applying the mask. 
  • Apply the mashed mixture to the roots, scalp, hair and hair ends.
  • This hair mask with banana is more effective then expensive treatments in spas and parlors.
Simple Yogurt hair Mask

Yogurt hair mask is one of the easiest masks to make.
  • Take a cup of yogurt and whip it. 
  • Apply this hair mask with yogurt on your scalp, hair, hair ends. 
  • Let it be for 20 minutes. Wear a plastic cap. Wash your hair with a mild shampoo. 
  • You can also make a yogurt and egg hair mask by beating an egg in the yogurt.
  • Yogurt has cooling properties so it is recommended to apply yogurt mask only in summer.

Honey, Olive Hair Mask Recipe
Honey hair mask is good for hair and scalp. It will make your hair silky, smooth and shiny. 
  • Add equal proportion of honey and olive oil in a bowl. 
  • Apply to damp hair, scalp and cover the hair with warm towel. 
  • Let it be for 30 minutes and then wash off the hair mask with a mild shampoo.
Hot oil hair treatment at home

To restore health and strength to hair, one must apply oil weekly as a beauty routine. A good head massage with hot oil (coconut oil, olive oil, almond oil) improves the blood circulation of the scalp giving enough moisture to dull and dry hair to maintain their shine and softness.
  • First of all, wash your hair to make them clean. Hair should be dirt free so that the hot oil can penetrate easily in hair follicles. 
  • Massage the lukewarm oil to the scalp of wet hair with the aid of your fingertips.
  • The next step is to cover or wrap your head with a hot towel and shield this hot towel with a second towel to trap the heat. 
  • Leave for an hour and then rinse out the oil with shampoo.
by Neha Sadana
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Henna Self Hair Coloring Tutorial

Supplies needed:
  • Gloves
  • Non-metal bowl 
  • Non-metal spoon
  • Shower cap
  • Vaseline
  • Time (plan on watching a movie... etc)
  • Old t-shirt and pants (in case of drips)
  • Hair clips
  • Old towels
Instructions:
  • Make sure your hair is clean and dry.
  • Follow the mixing instructions on the packaged henna hair color (if applicable, body art henna mixing instructions will be posted later in this article).
  • Gather hair from your hairbrush, and do a strand test. If you like the results of dyeing your hair from the hairbrush, proceed with dyeing your entire head.
  • Change into your "painters clothes" (old t-shirt, pants).
  • Apply vaseline to the skin of your hairline and ears.
  • Cover your shoulders with an old towel.
  • Have your henna mixture and other supplies handy, apply gloves, and section hair.
  • Make a section at the nape of the neck first, clipping all of your other hair on top of your head and out of the way, (if you have short hair you may skip this step).
  • Coat the first section with your henna mixture, then create the next section, coating that one in the same way you coated the first.
  • Move forward until you reach your hairline. Cover the hair of your hairline well.
  • Sweep your henna-covered hair up on top of your head, and apply shower cap.
  • Leave henna on according to either package instructions or recipe suggestions.
  • Rinse henna out until water runs clear.

Various Henna Recipes and Its Colors:

Classic Henna Recipe: Body art quality henna powder, lemon juice.

It's really that simple. The amount of henna powder you need will depend on your length of hair. The amount of lemon juice will depend on the amount of henna powder. Mix top-quality henna powder with lemon juice until it's the consistency of mashed potatoes. Then, cover it with plastic wrap and let it steep for about 12 hours. Before applying, add more lemon juice until it's the consistency of gravy. Apply to hair, and let it set for 2-4 hours.

Classic Henna Results: (will vary)

Blonde + Classic Henna = Brilliant Red

Gray + Classic Red = Copper Penny

Ash/Dark Blonde + Classic Henna = Red

Red + Classic Henna = To Dye For Red

Medium Brown + Classic Henna = Irish Setter

Dark Brown + Classic Henna = Cherry Wood

Black + Classic Henna = Black with Red Halo (in the sun)

Interested in the Classic Red recipe, but want a gentler color? Substitute half of the henna powder with powdered cassia and viola, tamer red!

Brown Henna Recipe: Two parts body art quality henna and one part indigo powder, lemon juice. Mix in the same way as the Classic Red recipe.

Brown Henna recipe results: (will vary)

Blonde + Brown Henna = Light Brown

Gray + Brown Henna = Light Brown

Ash/Dark Blonde + Brown Henna = Light Brown

Red + Brown Henna = Medium Brown

Medium Brown + Brown Henna = Medium Brown

Dark Brown + Brown Henna = Brown with warm highlights

Black + Brown Henna = Black with warm highlights

Espresso Henna Recipe: One part body art quality henna, two parts indigo powder, lemon juice. Mix in the same way as Classic and Brown.

Espresso Henna Results: (will vary)

Blonde + Espresso Henna = Dark Brown

Gray + Espresso Henna = Dark Brown

Ash/Dark Blonde + Espresso Henna = Dark Brown

Red + Espresso Henna = Dark Brown

Medium Brown + Espresso Henna = Very Dark Brown

Dark Brown + Espresso Henna = Very Dark Brown

Black + Espresso Henna = Warm Black

Raven Henna Recipe: Henna and indigo powders, lemon juice.

First, mix up henna and henna hair exactly as instructed for Classic Red Henna. Then, mix up indigo all by itself and apply to hair. Let indigo set for 1 hour, then rinse. It may take more than one application of the indigo to dye lighter colored hair black, but if you want 100% natural black hair, it's well worth the time invested.

Blonde + Raven Henna = Black

Gray + Raven Henna = Black

Ash/Dark Blonde + Raven Henna = Black

Red + Raven Henna = Black

Medium Brown + Raven Henna = Black

Dark Brown + Raven Henna = Black

Black + Raven Henna = Black

by Wahine
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Milk Soured? Don't Throw It: 5 Simple Surprising Uses Of Soured Milk

Use it for Making  Cheese:

Sour milk have nothing to upset you as you can prepare it for making cheese.
Cheese preparation:
  • Heat the milk until the curd separates from the whey
  • Remove from flame and leave it for 5-10min. Overcooked sour milk gets bitter.
  • Add a bit of salt and Gently strain through a napkin.
  • Hang it so that whey continue to drip down completely. You can squeeze a bit to remove more whey and make a more pleasant soft cheese.
  • Refrigerate, then eat it as fresh cheese 
  • It can be mixed with cream, salt and pepper for cottage cheese
Use it for Baking:
  • Sour milk is a common ingredient in many pancake, cake and waffle recipes.So you can happily use it for your delicious cakes.


Use it for Facial:
  • Sour milk is great for the skin as it makes it smoother and more even complexion. 
  • Place sour milk all over the face, let sit, then rinse off with milk  followed by a final rinsing of water.
Use it while Cooking:
  • This can also be used in egg scrambles, custards,puddings,flans,smoothies.
Use it for Gardening:
  • If you don't want to cook with it then it can very well be used for gardening purpose. Just pour it around the plants and their roots to keep them away from worms. 
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4 Home Packs To Grow Hair Naturally

Using Egg and Yogurt: 

  • Just add one egg yolk and one teaspoon fresh lemon juice to one cup of yogurt. 
  • Mix all these well and apply it to your mane. 
  • You should let it work for about half an hour after which you should rinse it off with a mild shampoo.

Cucumber hair pack:

  • Add one egg into 3 teaspoons of olive oil and agitate it. 
  • Then mix it with a few smashed cucumber peels and apply it to your hair. 
  • Leave it to work for fifteen minutes and then rinse of using shampoo.  

Aloe Vera: 

  • Blend together 1 tbsp aloe Vera gel with ½ tsp lemon juice. 
  • Mix this with 2 tbsp olive or coconut oil. 
  • Apply to the scalp and leave it for about twenty minutes. Rinse it off. 

Honey and castor oil: 

  • Mix 1 egg yolk, 1 tbsp honey and 2 tbsp castor oil. 
  • When you apply this pack to your hair spread it from the bottom to the tips of your hair. 
  • Wrap your hair into a shower cap and leave the pack to work for 45 minutes. 
  • Rinse your hair well with a shampoo.
Source : EzineArticles
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Home Made Recipe To Make Baby Gripe Water

Aniseed Home Made Baby Gripe Water Recipe

  • Add 1 Tablespoon of Anise Seed to 2 Cups Of Boiling Water.
  • Let it boil for about 10 minutes.
  • Strain out the seeds, stir, and allow water to cool to room temp. 
  • Feed to baby as needed at room temp or slightly warmed. Some recommend 2 oz. given in a bottle or syringe.
  • Dosage can be given every 15 mins-30 mins. as needed, for no more than 3 doses in an hour.

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5 Foods In Your Kitchen That Helps Prevent Cancer

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are a rich source of lycopene, an antioxidant carotenoid that gives them their red color. Lycopene is a powerhouse antioxidant that has been found to protect cells and DNA from damage, while also suppressing tumor growth. One of the reasons for abnormal growth of cells, which can lead to cancerous tumors, is poor communication between cells; it's thought that lycopene may stimulate cell-to-cell communication and thereby suppress tumor growth.

Both animal and human studies have found lycopene from tomatoes may help prevent colorectal, prostate, breast, endometrial, lung, cervical, stomach and pancreatic cancers.

A few tips: Cooked tomatoes, such as those in pasta sauce, tomato juice, ketchup, etc., contain higher concentrations of lycopene than raw tomatoes, so you may get more of this beneficial compound by eating your tomatoes cooked. You'll also want to eat your tomatoes with some olive oil or other fat, as lycopene is a fat-soluble nutrient that requires fat in order to be properly absorbed by your body.

Raspberries

Raspberries are an excellent source of ellagic acid, a phytochemical that has shown potent anti-cancer effects. To date, research has shown ellagic acid may help fight cancer by:
  • Acting as an antioxidant
  • Causing cell death to cancer cells
  • Reducing the effect of estrogen in promoting growth of breast cancer cells
  • Helping your liver to break down and remove cancer-causing substances from your body
  • Inhibiting the growth of tumors
Along with raspberries, ellagic acid can also be found in strawberries, cranberries, walnuts, pecans and pomegranates.

Broccoli Sprouts

You may have heard that cruciferous vegetables like broccoli are great for helping to fight cancer. This is true, but you can take it one step further by eating broccoli in its immature, or sprout, form.

Broccoli sprouts contain glucoraphanin, a precursor to sulforaphane -- a compound known to help your body eliminate cancer-causing compounds and fight free radicals, which can damage DNA, kill cells and potentially lead to cancer.

Sprouts are a particularly concentrated source of nutrients, and gram for gram they contain more potentially cancer-fighting compounds than mature broccoli. One study even found that eating slightly more than 100 grams of broccoli, radish, alfalfa and clover sprouts a day for 14 days was enough to provide a protective effect.

If you're new to sprouts, try adding them to salads and sandwiches for a tasty and ultra-healthy treat.

Cruciferous Veggies

As mentioned above, cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale, cabbage, and bok choy are also widely known for their cancer-fighting capabilities. Studies have linked the consumption of cruciferous veggies with a reduced risk of colon, lung, bladder, breast, prostate and other cancers.

The beneficial effects come, in part, from indole-3-carbinol and isothiocyanates. These glucosinolates are formed when the vegetables are chopped or chewed, and studies show they offer a protective effect against cancer.

Indole-3-carbinol may help deactivate an estrogen metabolite that promotes tumor growth, especially in breast cells, while increasing the level of a form of estrogen that may protect against cancer. This compound may also help stop the movement of cancer cells to other parts of your body.

Further, a study funded by the National Cancer Institute found that eating 1 to 2 cups of cruciferous vegetables a day resulted in a 22 percent drop in oxidative stress, which has been linked to a range of diseases including cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease and rheumatoid arthritis.

Garlic

The sulfur-containing compounds that give garlic its pungent odor are also responsible for its role as a cancer-fighting food. The National Cancer Institute "recognizes garlic as one of several vegetables with potential anticancer properties," noting that garlic may help support good health by:
  • Blocking the formation of cancer-causing substances
  • Halting the activation of cancer-causing substances
  • Enhancing DNA repair
  • Reducing cell proliferation
  • Inducing cell death
  • Providing antibacterial properties
Population studies have shown that increased intake of garlic may help reduce the risk of several types of cancer, including stomach, colon, esophagus, pancreas, and breast.
Rex J Camposagrado
Source: EzineArticles
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5 Natural Makeup Removers in your Kitchen

Coconut oil

Coconut oil is one ingredient that serves as remover, moisturiser, lip balm, and much more. You can apply it directly as a natural cleansing oil, but just remember to wash your face once after you are done removing the makeup. Now, apply on the eyes or face to remove makeup quickly and effectively.

Cucumber Juice:

Peel, grate and juice a fresh cucumber. Mix 1/8 cup of the juice with a few drops of baby oil and apply with a cotton ball to remove eye makeup.

Yoghurt:

Yogurt makes an effective makeup remover. Make sure you use the plain, unflavored type of yogurt. Dip a cotton ball in the yogurt and use it to swab away blusher, powder and foundation from your face. Then rinse with cool water.

Almond Oil

To a tablespoon of milk, add a few drops of almond oil, and dab onto your face with cotton balls. Remove it off with fresh cotton balls; making sure that no traces of milk is left. This is a quick remover recipe that can be assembled in short time. It will also leave you face refreshed.



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8 Surprising Health Benefits To Begin Cold Shower From Today

Boosts Blood Circulation:
  • When we are exposed to cold temperatures, constriction of arteries and veins takes place called as Vasoconstriction.This tightening helps blood to flow at a higher pressure, as now there is less space for the blood to flow.Due to the increased pressure blood circulation just boosts up in our body. 
Regulates Temperature:
  • Cold showers provide a gentle form of stress that leads to thermogenesis (internal generation of body heat), which in turn activates the body’s adaptive repair systems. If you suffer from chronically cold hands and feet, or feel that you sweat an abnormal amount, try a cold shower.
Strengthens Immunity:
  • The most established benefit of cold showers is that overall, they simply increase your chances of fighting off disease and infection. People who take regular cold showers have been shown to have less chance of getting things like:Cancer,Colds,Flu's,Haemorrhoids and Varicose veins
Cold showers burn fat:
  • When we take cold showers the good fat present gets activated to warm up our body. This process in turn tends to  assist in weight loss too.
imagecourtesy:foxnews

Better breathing:
  • What you will notice as an effect of cold showers is that you begin inhaling very deeply. This is to try and combat the stress of the shock, the vasoconstriction and the overall need for oxygen to respire and keep yourself warm.
  • This process opens up the lungs much like strenuous physical exercise does and results in a higher average intake of oxygen, which is good for many things like not feeling tired during the day and doing better at sport or other exercises.
Keeps Skin and Hair Healthy:
  • It is well known that hot water dries out our skin and hair. On the other hand, cold water can make our hair look shinier and our skin look healthier by tightening cuticles and pores, preventing them from getting clogged, thus reducing blemishes like acne. 
Detoxifies Your Body:
  • Another result of the whole body contraction is that it results in the squeezing of toxins and waste products out of the skin. This means that they do not stay inside the body and cause infection or put extra strain on the organs responsible for breaking them down into manageable pieces.
  • This detoxification can make you feel better and more 'fresh'. It also has a good effect on the skin which appears cleaner and younger. Hair follicles contracting also makes hairlook better and younger.
Aids Sleep:
  • Another great reason to start having cold showers is that for some reason or another, it aids sleeping.Insomniacs are advised to try this - the physical stress and shock of a cold shower before bedtime really helps you to calm down after the exhilarating feeling of being extra alive under the water.
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1 Instant Home Remedy For All Kinds Of Leg Injuries

Ice:
Its always a good to store ice chunks as it could be your immediate help in any case of accidents.
It has got the immense  power to reducing pain and swelling thus providing you a instant relief. Just follow these steps:
  • Immediately after the injury apply ice pack over the wound for 10 to 20 minutes.Repeat this 3 or more times a day. If your skin turns white when it's being iced, stop treatment immediately. If you have vascular disease, diabetes or decreased sensation, you should consult your doctor before applying ice.
  • For the first 48 hours after an injury, avoid things that might increase swelling, such as hot showers, hot tubs, hot packs, or alcoholic beverages.
  • After 48 to 72 hours, if swelling is gone, apply heat and begin gentle exercise with the aid of moist heat to help restore and maintain flexibility. Alternating between heat and cold treatments is also recommended.
Note:
keep the injured leg, knee, arm, elbow or wrist raised above the level of the heart in an elevated position. This may also help to reduce swelling.
In serious cases its always recommended to have a health expert near by you.


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10 Handpicked Leg Pain Home Remedies That Works Like Wonders

Walnuts:
A quick and effective home remedy for leg pain is consuming a handful of walnuts early morning before eating anything helps avoiding joint pain.

Fenugreek:
Fenugreek is a very efficient herb that can be used successfully in treating leg pain, too. Let the fenugreek leaves to dry in the sun for 5-6 days and then mix them with a glass of water. Take this remedy at the first hours in the morning.

Lemon water:If you are suffering from cramps while performing exercise workout or some physical activity then drink a glass of lemon water in addition to a pinch of salt.

Warm Oil:If you want to get relief from the pain then massage regularly your leg in downward direction. You can massage your strained muscles with the help of warm oil. This massage will give you relief from pain in knees, joints, calf muscles, leg palm and hips.

Epsom Salt:Epsom salt is rich in minerals and especially in magnesium and it has the medicinal capability to alleviate the leg pain. Put some Epsom salt in warm water and soak your leg in it for 15-20 minutes.


Garlic:If you have leg pains in the joints due to arthritis, then crush two to three cloves of garlic and add them to a glass of diluted milk. Boil it to quarter its amount and drink it just before bedtime.

Saffron:A teaspoon of saffron boiled with half cup of water. Divide this solution in three equal portions. Consume this solution with equal proportion of water three times a day for seven days.

Turmeric:Prepare a paste from turmeric, salt and lime and apply it on the painful leg. You will feel relieved in a short time.

Clove Oil:Clove oil is applied on the affected leg muscle as a poultice. It provides immediate relief from pains, especially if they are due to muscle cramps.

Camphor:Put one part of camphor in twenty parts of mustard oil. Keep this in the sun till the time the camphor properly dissolves in the oil. Use this oil to massage the leg on a daily basis.
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5 Amazing Skin Care Benefits Of Watermelon To Quench This Summer

As a Natural Toner:

Watermelon has got the potential to enhance your skin appearance by acting as a natural toner.The method followed to use it as a toner is given below:
  • Using a cotton ball, apply watermelon juice on your face.Wash it off after it dries out.
  • Hazelnut Powder added to watermelon juice also helps skin to remain hydrated. 
  • You can make watermelon and rose water ice cubes and rub it over your face to freshen it. Its really worth trying.
Note:After cleaning the toner off, remember to use a gentle moisturizer on your skin.
As an Anti-Ageing Agent:
  • Regular application of watermelon extract avoids skin from getting aged by preserving the younger look.The reason behind this is credited to the anti-ageing agent lycopene present in watermelon.
  • So even eating watermelon daily would yield you the same result in long run.

As an Oil Remover:
  • Watermelon is said to be working well over oily skin as its a fruit rich in vitamin A that assists in reducing the pores that secretes oil.
As a Hydrator:
  • Watermelon is rich in water content that quenches our thirst during summer. Consequently,When the body gets hydrated, the production of collagen is promoted and you get a firm and young-looking skin.
As an Exfoliator:
  • Blend one cup of watermelon chunks with sugar and add lemon juice to it. This can be stored for up to a week in the refrigerator. Use this in your bath to gently exfoliate the skin.
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8 Detailed Ways To Remove Unwanted Feminine Facial Hair

Shaving

This is a quick fix solution only. If you are ready to leave the house and notice the odd stray hair then by all means reach for the razor.Shaving unfortunately, if your not cautious enough can cause razor burn (reddening and a rash develops causing discomfort in the shaven area) or you can seriously cut yourself with the blades. The major fact about shaving is it only cuts the hair above the skin, it gets nothing else. Causing the hair to grow back faster and heavier.

Note:
  • Remember to use a shaving cream or soap always. Never, ever dry shave.
  • Always use a fresh razor, don't be tempted to use the same one your partner used that morning, male facial hair is a lot coarser than female hair and males generally blunt the blade a lot quicker than we do. You will end up removing a layer of skin along with the hair.
Pros:
  • Rather quick and simple
  • Quick solution to waiting for other methods
Cons:
  • Extremely expensive
  • Hair grows back quicker and darker
  • Only gets the hair above the skin
  • Can cause razor burn and cuts
  • Increases the probability of ingrown hairs (especially around the bikini line)
  • Have to wait in between shavings (at least a day) so as not to cause pain due to the shortness of the hair
Waxing

Waxing is at time a quick and cost efficient method of removing unwanted hair, especially on the face. Currently there are two widely used types of wax; hard wax and soft wax. Hard wax is used on more sensitive areas; like the lips of your vagina when doing brazilian and soft wax is used for legs, face, and underarms. Areas that can take more tug and pull on them. One of the most common ingredients in all waxes is Pine Rosin, which is an ingredient when added with others allows the hardening and bonding of the wax to not only your skin, but the hair folicle and paper as well.

Note:
  • If you are going to wax, then remember two things, it hurts and wax at least six hours before you are going to appear in public. Waxing can leave the skin reddened for quite some time. This effect can be reduced by holding a cold flannel against the skin for five minutes after waxing.
  • Do not be tempted to spread hot wax over your entire upper lip and then rip off the strip in one pull.
Pros:
  • Quick solution to unwanted facial hair
  • Can be relatively inexpensive; for example, upper lip, face, and eyebrows
  • 6-8 weeks before having to go in to get waxed again
  • Hair grows back finer
Cons:
  • If your allergic to any of the ingredients in wax, the symptoms don't show up for a few days after the initial waxing
  • waxing is not pain free, and causes redness, bleeding, and the area to become tender (so its recommended you don't schedule to get waxed the day of a big event)
  • The hair has to be at least 1cm before you can get rewaxed

 Tweezing

Tweezing takes patience attention to detail, and some drawing skills. Usually before you start, especially if there is no form to your eyebrows; you have to first draw with a eye pencil how you want to shape your eyebrows. From there you begin to pluck all the unwanted hairs around the drawn line, not in them. Now if your not symmetrical in your drawing, you will end up with quite odd looking eyebrows; because they won't be even.
First use a warm face cloth and lay it over the area you want to tweeze for a few minutes. This opens up the hair follicle and makes it easier and less painful to yank out. When you have finished tweezing use the same cloth with cold water to close up the pores again and reduce any risk of reddening of the skin.

Note:
  • This method is best if you only have the odd stray hair to deal with as repeated plucking can cause damage to the skin and the hair will only grow back darker and coarser. 
Pros:
  • Cheaply available.
Cons:
  • Extremely time consuming
  • The hair grows back normally within the week, causing you to have to tweeze more often
  • Due to the symmetry involved, if not payed attention too can cause over tweezing (removal of too much hair) or uneven eyebrows (too much tweezing on one, not enough on the other) or your lines were crooked.
  • Painful
  • Nearly impossible to get the finer hairs
  • Hair grows back the same density
Electrolyse

This is probably the best permanent solution to unwanted hair to say bye bye to that moustache forever. Always use a registered technician, having an electrical charge run through a fine needle into your face isn’t something you want done by an amateur. You can even ask your doctor for a recommendation, if the facial hair is very bad, and you live in the UK, the treatment might be free.

Note:
  • Make sure that the person electrolysing is a registered technician
Pros:
  • Effective
  • Durable
Cons:
  • Expensive
Creams

A number of good hair minimizing creams are available in the market.Most of them are proving to be too good but in a long process. If you want to get rid of this problem without any pain then this is a good way for you to opt.

Note:
  • Always do a small test patch first as they can irritate the skin.
Pros:
  • Good result
  • Painless
Cons:
  • Takes Long Time
  • Don't remove hair completely.Just make them less noticeable.
Laser hair removal

It involves the exposure of hairs to be removed to pulses of laser light that destroy the hair follicle. 
Ask your doctor for a referral if at all possible.

Note:
  • It should only ever be carried out by a fully qualified professional. 
  • Don't risk having it done in a hair salon.
Pros:
  • Permanent solution
Cons:
  • Very Expensive
Bleaching

If the hairs are fine but dark then bleaching might be a good solution for you. Always buy facial bleach, if you are in any doubt ask your chemist or pharmacist for advice.

Note:
  • Always do a skin patch test first
  • Leave at least forty eight hours between the test and using the bleach on the delicate skin of your face.
Pros:
  • Easy
  • Immediate result
Cons:
  • Expert advice required
Home Remedy:
  • Make a paste using equal amounts of turmeric and chickpea flour and a little water. 
  • Apply this paste to the hairy area, leave to dry and then gently rub off. 
  • This really does work quite well but it can leave the face a little red for a short while. 
  • If your skin does go red then try holding an ice cube wrapped in a soft cloth against the area for a short while. 
Note:
  • Never use ice directly on the skin, it can leave a freeze burn which will be far worse than a few stray hairs.
Pros:
  • Cheap
  • Reliable
Cons:
  • Not faster
  • Temporary
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