Natural Remedies for High Blood Pressure

Elevated blood pressure is when the pressure on the arteries and blood vessels becomes too high and the arterial wall becomes distorted causing extra stress on the heart.  Long term-high blood pressure increases the risk of stroke, heart attack and diabetes.
Causes of high blood pressure include a high salt diet, emotional stress, alcohol, caffeine, smoking, obesity, inactivity, birth control pills, and heavy-metal poisoning.

Blood pressure ranges include:

·    Normal: Less than 120/80

·    Prehypertension: 120-139/80-89

·    Stage 1 high blood pressure: 140-159/90-99

·    Stage 2 high blood pressure: 160 and above/100 and above

Frequently, there are no symptoms as blood pressure increases but warning signs for very high blood pressure can include chest pains, confusion, headaches, ear noise or buzzing, irregular heartbeat, nosebleeds, tiredness, or vision changes.

Top Foods For Blood Pressure Diet

High fiber foods – Unprocessed foods high in fiber such as vegetables, fruits, and seeds should be the basis of any healthy diet.
Low sodium foods – Excess salt consumption raises blood pressure.  Limit your consumption to no more than 1500-2000 mg daily.
High potassium foods – Potassium counteracts the effect of sodium and helps lower blood pressure, include foods like melons, avocados, and bananas.
Omega-3 rich foods – Consume omega-3 rich foods like grass-fed beef, wild caught salmon, chia and flax seeds to reduce inflammation.
Dark chocolate – Look for a dark chocolate that contains at least 200 mg of cocoa phenols which can reduce blood pressure.

Blood Pressure Foods to Avoid

High sodium foods -Sodium raises blood pressure, avoid high sodium processed foods, pickles, olives, or canned foods.
Trans fats and Omega-6 fats – These fats increase inflammation and blood pressure and are found in packaged foods and conventional meats.
Sugar – High sugar consumption is connected to high blood pressure.
Caffeine – Too much caffeine can cause an increase in blood pressure.
Alcohol – Narrows arteries and can increase blood pressure.

Top 5 Blood Pressure Natural Remedies

#1 Fish oil (1,000-2,000mg daily)
Fish oil reduces blood pressure and inflammation when taken long-term.
#2 Magnesium (500 mg before bed)
Magnesium helps with relaxation of smooth muscle and reduces blood pressure.
#3 CoQ10 (100-300 mg daily)
Becomes depleted as we age, which may be related to why blood pressure also increases as we age.
#4 Potassium
It is best not to take a potassium supplement in high doses unless otherwise directed by a doctor.
#5 Garlic (600mg aged extract)
Can help lower blood pressure and relax smooth muscles.
Lifestyle Tip

Reducing stress can lower blood pressure.  Some tips include getting better sleep, scheduling in more free-time and fun, surrounding yourself with encouraging friends and also exercising on a daily basis.

Essential Oils For Blood Pressure

Essential oils lower blood pressure by dilating arteries, acting as antioxidants to reduce oxidative stress and by decreasing emotional stress.  The most effective essential oils for blood pressure are lavender,  ylang ylang, clary sage and frankincense.
Try these natural remedies for high blood pressure to improve your heart and overall health.

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Remedies for Anxiety

Anxiety is a normal response to stress or a dangerous situation, sometimes referred to as “fight or flight” response. Anxiety becomes problematic when it is constant or in reaction to inappropriate circumstances.
Constant anxiety can lead to high blood pressure, insomnia, digestive problems, and panic attacks. Causes include stress, thyroid problems, excessive alcohol, caffeine or sugar intake, and hormone imbalance.  The good news is there are many natural remedies for anxiety.

Foods For Anxiety Relief

Foods high in B vitamins – Include grass-fed beef, wild caught fish, poultry, brewer’s yeast and green leafy vegetables to get sufficient intake of B-vitamins which help regulate mood.
Dairy and other foods high in calcium – Calcium is a relaxing mineral which can help reduce anxiety. Try unsweetened organic yogurt or wild-caught salmon as good sources for calcium.
Magnesium rich foods – Magnesium helps calm the nerves and many people are deficient. Foods high in magnesium include nuts, avocados and sea vegetables.
Omega-3 fatty acids – Cold-water, wild-caught fish can reduce inflammation and help stabilize mood. Omega-3s also contain DHA, vital for brain function.

Anxiety Foods To Avoid

High sugar foods – Sugar can give you blood sugar highs and lows throughout the day increasing anxiety.
Caffeine – Too much caffeine can cause more anxiety. Limit coffee or black tea to no more than one cup per day.
Alcohol – Can cause anxiety-like symptoms and is not a positive way to manage stress.
Processed and refined flour – These foods act very similarly to sugar in the body, leading to fluctuations in blood sugar and mood swings.

Top 5 Anxiety Natural Remedies

#1  Ashwagandha
This is an adaptogenic herb that has been shown to improve anxiety symptoms by reducing the effects of stress on the body.
#2  5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) (50-100 mg 2x daily)
Increases serotonin, a calming neurotransmitter. DO NOT take with any prescription antidepressant or anti-anxiety medications.
#3  Kava (200-250 mg 3x daily)
Can help relieve panic attacks and reduce overall anxiety. Do not consume alcohol and ask your doctor first if you are taking other medications.
#4  GABA (500 mg 3x daily)
An amino acid that is responsible for decreasing anxiety in the nervous system, it also helps relax muscles.
#5  Magnesium and Calcium (500 mg Calcium and 250 mg Magnesium 2x per day)
Both of these minerals relax muscles and help calm the nervous system. Magnesium can cause diarrhea, so be careful with the dose.
Bonus Remedy
B-vitamins help combat stress and stabilize your mood. Make sure the supplement includes Vitamin B6.  Take 50mg 2x daily of a B-Complex.

Essential Oils For Anxiety

Lavender oil has been shown to reduce anxiety and help relax the body.  Put 3 drops of lavender oil in your palm and rub onto your neck for natural anxiety relief.  Also, roman chamomile oil has been proven effective at lower stress and anxiety.

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Right Way To Remove Skin Tags

If you've noticed fleshy little growths on your skin that are tempting to pick at, you likely have skin tags. These raised bumps and flaps are known as "acrochordons" or "cutaneous tags" by dermatologists. Fortunately, they're completely harmless—but they can be super-annoying if you don't like the way they look. (Lose up to 25 pounds in 2 months—and look more radiant than ever—with the new Younger In 8 Weeks plan!)
"They often occur in areas of friction like around the neck, under the arms, and by the groin and are thought to be caused by irritation from skin rubbing against skin or clothing," says Bruce Katz, MD, a dermatologist in New York City.
You can probably blame them on your parents—skin tags are usually genetic. Obese people have a higher incidence of them since there is more flesh likely to rub against itself to provoke more tags. You may have just one or a couple of skin tags, or they can sprout up as a small, isolated group of bumps.

MORE: Are Those Razor Bumps...Or an STD?

And if you have them, you're definitely not alone. About one in four people will grow skin tags at some point, and it's especially common after the age of 50 to start seeing more of them (so that's something to look forward to, isn't it?). While harmless, skin tags can become irritated and inflamed and even bleed if you scratch at them or catch the skin on something like a zipper. Ouch.
While there are a plethora of DIY methods on the Internet that claim to remove skin tags at home—like tying the base of the tag with thread—Katz warns that this is something you absolutely shouldn't do yourself. "You're opening yourself up to risk of scarring and infection," he says.
MORE: 5 Skin-Care Tips You've Seen on Pinterest That You Should Never Actually Try

The good news is that they're easily removed if you'd rather do without them. At the dermatologist's office, a local anesthetic and quick snip of special doctor's scissors will do the job, says Katz. Super-freezing or heating (known as cauterizing) the tag are other common options.
Discomfort is minimal with any method, and you can immediately return to your normal activities. There should be no mark left behind after your tag is removed. The same skin tag shouldn't grow back, but there's always a chance that new skin tags may form in other areas.
MORE: How to Check Yourself for Skin Cancer

If your skin tags don't bother you, it's totally fine to forget about them. But as with any skin growths, if there's a noticeable change in the appearance or growth, you should have it looked at by your dermatologist.

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Anti-Aging

Rosehip Oil: the Anti-Aging Oil

What do the Duchess of Cambridge, Gwyneth Paltrow, Victoria Beckham and model Miranda Kerr all have in common? Reportedly, they use rosehip oil to keep their skin smooth and blemish-free
I never thought I would suggest something over coconut oil for skin, but rosehip oil, also known as rosehip seed oil, is running a close race with coconut oil when it comes to its benefits for the skin. Rosehips were a remedy that was used by the ancient Egyptians, Mayans and Native Americans all because of its amazing healing properties
Indeed, rosehip oil was made into a syrup and rationed in Britain during wartime to ensure children’s resistance to infection. The syrup was made from the empty seed cases and also helped provide relief from diarrhea, stomach and menstrual cramps, nausea and indigestion. As you can see, rosehip oil — which is technically not an essential oil — has many uses that go more than skin deep.

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Why Is Rosehip Oil So Effective?

Rosehip oil comes from the seeds of a specific variety of rose, Rosa aff. rubiginosa or Rosa moschata, which is the fruit left behind after a rose has flowered and dropped its petals. Rosehip oil is harvested from the seeds of rose bushes predominately grown in Chile, and is full of vitamins, antioxidants and essential fatty acids that are known to correct dark spots and hydrate dry, itchy skin, all while reducing scars and fine lines.
By using a cold-press extraction process, the oil is separated from the hips and seeds. For facial skin care, rosehip oil offers several benefits when applied externally. It protects the skin and increases cell turnover because it contains vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin D and B-carotene, a form of vitamin A, and which are all antioxidants that help fight free radicals.
Rosehip oil’s healing properties are due to its chemical structure. As I noted, it’s rich in essential fatty acids, but more specifically oleic, palmitic, linoleic and gamma linolenic acid (GLA). Rosehip oil contains polyunsaturated fatty acids (vitamin F), also known as an essential fatty acid (EFA), and when absorbed through the skin, these fatty acids convert to prostaglandins (PGE), which are involved in cellular membrane and tissue regeneration.
Specifically, it is that regeneration that can provide anti-aging benefits. It is particularly high in vitamin C, making it one of the richest plant sources for the skin and another reason why rosehip oil is a great choice.

Rosehip Oil Benefits

1. Anti-Aging Properties
Rosehip oil has signficant anti-aging benefits for your face. Super light and non-greasy, the anti-aging benefit comes from its high antioxidants and the oil’s ability to penetrate into deeper layers of the skin. The vitamin C and vitamin A, in particular, stimulate collagen production. Because vitamin A has small molecules, it allows deeper penetration into the skin and improves the skin’s moisture levels — thus reducing wrinkles and fine lines.
For those who are seeking to avoid chemicals and Botox, rosehip oil may be perfect because of its skin rejuvenating properties of vitamin C and lycopene. This makes it a safer solution to repair the skin’s surface and restore elasticity.
2. Protection from Age Spots
The UV rays of the sun can damage the skin, resulting in age spots and discoloration on the face. The antioxidants found in rosehip oil combat free radicals that cause sun damage. The vitamin A, combined with the oil’s essential fatty acids, can help improve skin tone, texture and pigmentation.
While too much sun exposure can decrease collagen, vitamin C can help counteract this damage. The oil is deeply moisturizing and aids in removing redness and irritation. These properties also make rosehip oil a possible treatment for rosacea.
3. Helps With Eczema and Reduces Scarring from Acne
The essential fatty acids found in rosehip oil can help get rid of scars and reduce the effects of eczema by promoting skin regeneration. Essential fatty acids are emollients, which improve the skin’s flexibility and permeability and help the skin repair itself.
The vitamin A can play a role here as well since it has the ability to improve skin texture and tone. Also, these essential fatty acids aid in reducing dry scalp and itchiness that are often caused by chemicals in most store-bought shampoos.
4. Boosts the Immune System
Because rosehip oil is one of the best sources of vitamin C, and since vitamin C helps treat infections and boost the immune system, it makes for a great option to help keep the immune system strong. Besides being an antioxidant, vitamin C is responsible for collagen production in the body, which is an important element in the structure of bones and muscles. Also, vitamin C aids in the proper absorption of iron that produces red blood cells.
5. Helps Reduce Osteoarthritis
According the the University of Maryland, rosehip tea is a great option to help reduce inflammation in the body. Anyone suffering from osteoarthritis can benefit by having a cup of rosehip tea on a regular basis. Arthritis Research UK reported a study regarding the effects of rosehip for patients who had osteoarthritis. They found that those who were given rosehips had a positive affect versus those that were not.
Ultimately, the rosehip significantly improved hip flexion when compared with the placebo. Significantly more participants in the active treatment group reported a reduction in pain compared with the placebo group. The rosehip group also had a reduction in some disease-related symptoms (like morning stiffness) and a significant decline in painkiller use. Reports have also shown that relief of inflammation be can be found by adding rosehip oil to your bath water.

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Tips on How to Use Rosehip Oil

• Rosehip oil is delicate and can easily go rancid, so it’s important to take great care of it. Oftentimes, vitamin E oil is added to improve shelf life. Keeping it in the refrigerator or stored in a cool, dark location can help prevent rancidity.
• Though it’s more expensive, cold-pressed rosehip is best because it hasn’t been altered by heat and, therefore, retains more nutrients. 
• Because rosehip oil classifies as a dry oil, it absorbs quickly into the skin. You can apply the oil directly to the face using gentle, massaging motions or use it in numerous skin care recipes.
• It’s a good oil to experiment with for DIY lotions, such as this Silky Rosehip Face and Body Lotion.
• Applying the oil twice a day can have great benefits, but it is important to note that rosehip oil does not protect against sunburn.
• And while it can prevent and reduce acne scars, it should not be applied directly to active acne.
• If you have oily skin, make sure to test an area first to ensure the product won’t clog your pores, causing unwanted flare-ups.
• Last but not least, because it is a dry oil, meaning it absorbs quickly without leaving an oily skin residue, it may be best for normal to dry skin users.

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Essential Oils for Arthritis

The Facts on Arthritis

Arthritis is a joint disease that causes swelling and pain in and around the joints. It’s usually classified as either osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis occurs when cartilage between joints wears down causing inflammation and pain and generally occurs in the joints we most frequently use, such as knees, hips, spine and hands. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is caused by an autoimmune dysfunction where the white blood cells destroy the cartilage. Research suggests that RA may be related to food allergies, bacterial infections, stress or excess acid in the body, but the exact cause of RA is not yet known.
Although the word arthritis actually means joint inflammation, it’s rather widely used in the public health world to describe more than 100 rheumatic diseases and conditions that affect joints, the tissues that surround the joint and other connective tissue. The pattern, severity and location of symptoms can vary — however, typically, rheumatic conditions are characterized by pain and stiffness in and around one or more joints. The symptoms can develop gradually or suddenly, and certain rheumatic conditions can involve the immune system as well as various internal organs of the body.
The CDC reports that 52.5 millions adults are told by a doctor that they have some form of arthritis, whether it’s rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus or fibromyalgia. To be more specific, in 2010–2012, 49.7 percent of adults 65 years or older reported doctor-diagnosed arthritis. By 2030, an estimated 67 million Americans ages 18 years or older are projected to have doctor-diagnosed arthritis.
On top of that, an estimated 294,000 children under age 18 have some form of arthritis or rheumatic condition. This represents approximately one in every 250 children in the U.S. It’s no surprise, with these astounding numbers, that arthritis sufferers are in need remedies that they can feel good about using. Thankfully, the following essential oils for arthritis can help.

Top 5 Essential Oils for Arthritis

Essential oils are natural plant products, most of which possess antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. Essential oils from ginger, orange and black cumin seeds have been shown to hold promise for the relief of symptoms of arthritis.
How do essential oils work? Essential oils and their components are rapidly absorbed through the skin and are detectable in plasma after topical application. Therefore, topical dermal delivery of essential oils represents an effective method to directly provide a natural, anti-inflammatory agent to the site of inflammation.
The U.S. National Library of Medicine shares this report and notes a study that used topical application of an ointment containing essential oils that decreased the severity of arthritis. Furthermore, this suppression of arthritis involved changes in the disease-related immunological and biochemical mediators of inflammation.
Here are the five most beneficial essential oils for arthritis.
1. Ginger
Ginger essential oil is an amazing healing agent that contains chemicals with analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects on the body. It’s been shown to lessen pain associated with arthritis, making it a great pain reliever. It provides this relief by acting on vanilloid receptors, which are located on sensory nerve endings.
Ginger has that slight burning sensation similar to the initial intense burning feel you get when you consume spicy pepper. While it typically only lasts a few seconds, researchers discovered that it affects the pain pathways directly and rather rapidly in most cases, relieving the inflammation, which in itself causes pain.
The Arthritis Foundation reports a study from the University of Miami that concluded that ginger extract could be a substitute to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The study compared the effects of a highly concentrated ginger extract to placebo in 247 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. The ginger reduced pain and stiffness in knee joints by 40 percent over the placebo. That is a big difference and one worth noting! 
Researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles showed that ginger affects certain inflammatory processes at a cellular level. Ginger has anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer and antioxidant activities, as well as a small amount of analgesic properties, making it a great option for arthritis sufferers. (5)
2. Turmeric
The most active ingredient in turmeric, curcumin, has become known as a great anti-inflammatory. Turmeric benefits include being highly effective at helping people manage rheumatoid arthritis.
A recent study out of Japan evaluated its relationship with interleukin (IL)-6, the inflammatory cytokine known to be involved in the RA process, and discovered that curcumin significantly reduced inflammation. This evidence suggests that regular turmeric use could be a powerful way to combat the development of RA!
Try this turmeric tea recipe to help soothe arthritic pain and inflammation.
3. Frankincense
Frankincense oil can inhibit the production of key inflammatory molecules associated with conditions like arthritis and can be useful in helping to prevent the breakdown of the cartilage tissue. This has been shown to significantly reduce levels of inflammation, making it a natural treatment option for pain-related conditions that affect the muscles, joints and tendons.
4. Myrrh
Myrrh oil also had anti-inflammatory properties, and it’s often used in tandem to treat arthritis. A study published in Scientific Reports showed that frankincense and myrrh are highly effective in treatment of inflammatory diseases, especially when combined.
The study revealed that frankincense and myrrh, especially when used together, suppress inflammation and the intensity of joint inflammation. Results showed that the individual extract of frankincense or myrrh and combined extracts used to treat groups showed significant differences when compared with the arthritis control group.
5. Orange
Citrus scents make you feel more awake, and the strong anti-inflammatory properties of orange oil have been researched in regard to their effects for fighting pain. A 2009 study published in the European Journal of Medical Research investigated the antioxidant potential of various essential oils, reporting that orange was the most highly effective of those studied, which in turn makes it a great essential oil for arthritis treatment
Try diluting a few drops of the orange essential oil with 1 teaspoon of avocado or almond oil, and then rub it onto the back of your hand or wherever you have arthritic pain.

How to Use Essential Oils for Arthritis

There are several ways you can use essential oils for arthritis.
To relieve pain and inflammation while improving your sleep, put a diffuser by your bed and diffuse essential oils while you sleep. You can also rub topically, when blended with a carrier oil, directly onto the area where you feel the pain. Be careful to avoid the eyes.
Try this recipe:
Frankincense, Ginger and Myrrh Natural Ointment Blend for Arthritis
INGREDIENTS:

• 20–30 drops pure frankincense essential oil
• 10 drops pure ginger essential oil
• 20–30 drops myrrh essential oil
• 4 ounces unrefined coconut oil

DIRECTIONS:

• Mix all ingredients into a bowl until well blended. Place into a glass jar with a lid for continued use.
• Massage the ointment in the areas where you feel pain. Use twice daily. You can also take it to your masseuse and ask him or her to use it while performing a mild massage.

You can also try my Homemade Frankincense and Myrrh Lotion, which does wonders to soothe pain.

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Risks of Essential Oils for Arthritis

Use any essential oils sparingly, whether internally or topically. High levels might cause reactions and sensitivity, so be sure to do a skin patch check before using on a regular basis. You also want to use caution if you take blood pressure medications or have an existing heart condition. Always talk to your doctor before beginning any new treatment.
It’s important to make sure that any essential oils you choose are 100 percent pure. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your doctor first. While most oils are safe for children, please do proper research and review with your physician.

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Essential Oils for Arthritis Takeaways

• 52.5 million adults in the U.S. alone are afflicted with arthritis. That breaks down to over one in five U.S. adults (22.7 percent).
• Osteoarthritis occurs when cartilage between joints wears down causing inflammation and pain and generally occurs in the joints we most frequently use.
• Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by an autoimmune dysfunction where the white blood cells destroy the cartilage.
• Arthritis is widely used in the public health world to describe more than 100 rheumatic diseases and conditions that affect joints.
• By 2030, an estimated 67 million Americans ages 18 years or older are projected to have doctor-diagnosed arthritis.
• The top essential oils for arthritis are ginger, turmeric, frankincense, myrrh and orange

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Secret Ways to Use Coconut Oil for Skin

It’s no surprise that I’m a huge coconut oil fan, for it’s the do-everything oil with next-to-zero downside. Coconut oil is loaded with good fats that provide us with energy, able to fight microbes in the body and excellent for cooking. It even smells amazing! But did you know that coconut oil for skin is also a thing? That’s right, you can reap coconut oil’s benefits from the outside-in.

Not only is using coconut oil on your skin an all-natural method to eliminate many of the toxic ingredients that are found on drugstore shelves, but it’s also a cost-effective way to care for your body. Coconut oil also is able to penetrate your skin on a deeper level than your average product because of its low molecular weight and the way it bonds with proteins.
I predict that you will be surprised to learn just how great coconut oil is for the skin. Soon, you can ditch those extra products in the medicine cabinet and try many, if not all, of these 20 ways to use coconut oil for healthy, radiant skin instead!

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20 Ways to Use Coconut Oil for Skin

1. Body Butter

Skip the chemicals and fake fragrances found in conventional lotions and whip up your own instead. My homemade body butter recipe uses shea butter, coconut oil, jojoba oil and essential oils of your choice for a butter that’s great for your skin. Slather it on after the shower to lock in moisture.
Why does coconut oil for skin work so well? In part, it’s due to the saturated fats that helps the skin stay moisturized, with the fat preventing moisture loss through the skin’s pores. These fats give the skin a healthy, smooth and even tone.

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2. Body Scrub

Moisturize while getting rid of dead skin cells by making your own body (or facial) scrub. Just mix coconut oil with coconut sugar to reveal smoother skin. Try it a few times a week.

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3. Body Oil

If your skin’s seriously dry, coconut oil for skin is one of the best remedies. Rub coconut oil in hands to warm it up and then use it in lieu of body lotion. Focus on spots like elbows and knees that tend to get even drier than other spots.

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4. Cold Sore Treatment

Prone to cold sores? Dabbing coconut oil on them can help speed up healing time, alleviate pain and reduce the risk of scarring or discoloration.
Coconut oil contains three fatty acids —capric, caprylic and lauric acid — that possess both disinfectant and antimicrobial properties, helping to protect against as well as heal microbial infections. (3)

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5. Cuticle Oil

Use coconut oil in your next at-home manicure. Rubbing the oil into cuticles helps keep germs at bay and will loosen up cuticles, making them easier to push back or cut.

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6. Detox Bath

A good detox bath is a great way to eliminate toxins while allowing your body and mind to unwind. Create a simple detox bath with coconut oil by adding ¼ cup of Epsom salts, great for detoxing, to ¼ cup of coconut oil into a hot bath. For added aromatherapy benefits, include a few drops of your favorite essential oils.

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7. Diaper Rash Guard

Using coconut oil for skin eases the pain, itch and redness of diaper rash. Using it regularly can also help keep it at bay. Use about a tablespoon over affected areas.

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8. Dry Hands

If washing dishes or tinkering around the tool shed is taking its toll on your hands, coconut oil is a great remedy. Keep a jar by the sink or in the garage to replenish hands. Bonus: Rub coconut oil over hands and then cover with gloves to get skin soft and supple even more quickly.

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9. Face Wash

With its antimicrobial properties and moisturizing abilities, coconut oil for skin is perfect to clean your face. I love my homemade face wash recipe. It’ll kill any bacteria (goodbye, pimples!) while hydrating skin to keep it looking and feeling vibrant.

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10. Homemade Deodorant

If traditional deodorants irritate your skin, using coconut oil is a great alternative. Try my three-ingredient homemade deodorant recipe to make your own at home. It hardens into a natural, healthy alternative to store-bought brands that’ll keep you smelling fresh

11. Insect Repellent

Put down the toxic chemicals and make your own repellent to keep insects at bay. To make about eight ounces of repellent, simply mix eight ounces of coconut oil with 40 to 50 drops of essential oils; some favorites are citronella, clove, eucalyptus, mint and lemongrass. While you’ll need to reapply throughout the day, you’ll avoid introducing harsh chemicals and toxins into your body.

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12. Lip Balm

The simplest products are often loaded with frightening ingredients. Instead of accidentally ingesting toxic chemicals through your lip balm, make your own instead. My homemade lavender mint lip balm gets rid of dry, cracked lips — and toxins — for a lip ice that you can feel safe about using.

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13. Makeup Remover

Using coconut oil for skin around the eye area will allow you to remove makeup without fear or irritating your eyes. Plus, you’ll give extra hydration to that sensitive area — and reduce your wrinkles! To use, gently rub coconut oil onto lids and dab off eye makeup with a cotton pad or warm washcloth.

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14. Massage Oil

Why purchase expensive massage oils when it’s so easy to make your own? Combining coconut oil with several drops of your favorite essential oil does the job just as well; it’ll alleviate sore muscles while also tickling the senses and encouraging a mindful meditation.

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15. Night Cream

Keep your skin hydrating and repairing itself while you sleep by applying coconut oil gently on your face. If you’re prone to acne or have very oily skin, try adding a few drops to your normal moisturizer instead to amp up hydration without adding too much extra oil. If you’d like to use coconut oil as a daytime moisturizer as well, combine it with sunblock to reap the benefits throughout the day without risking sun damage.

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16. Scalp Moisture

Dry, flaky scalp got you down? Using coconut oil for hair and scalp will keep the area moisturized, discouraging dandruff growth and keeping hair looking shiny. If you have dry ends as well, rub some oil on them to provide deep conditioning.

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17. Shaving Gel

Get a close, smooth shave by using coconut oil instead of shaving creams or gels. Coconut oil for skin will help prevent ingrown hairs and razor burn plus add moisture — no extra products in the medicine cabinet necessary! Just rub onto skin, shave and pat dry.

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18. Skin Conditions

Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, coconut oil is on a rise in popularity for treating skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis and other skin conditions. In fact, a recent study found that 46 percent of patients with a chronic skin disease who used coconut oil had an excellent response in treating their condition. Meanwhile, only 19 percent of those who used mineral oil to treat their condition had an excellent response. (4) If you suffer from a skin disease, using coconut oil regularly might help alleviate symptoms.

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19. Stretch Marks

Stretch marks occur as the skin’s elasticity changes, most frequently after weight gain/loss or pregnancy. Using coconut oil can help reduce the marks that are left behind, helping them fade more quickly while keeping skin moisturized to allow quicker healing.

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20. Sunburn Relief

Got a little too much sun? Coconut oil can help soothe inflamed skin, reduce redness and rehydrate skin. The caveat is that while coconut oil does provide minimal sun protection — about SPF 4 — I’d recommend adding red raspberry seed extract or zinc oxide to make a stronger sunblock if you’ll be in the sun for an extended period of time.

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Uses for Honey in Home Remedies

HONEY is a delicious and natural sweetener many of us are already familiar with. For those looking to eat fewer processed foods, honey may seem like a good natural choice as a sweetener, but first you must know that not all honey is created equal.
Most commercial honey sold in stores is heated to high temperatures and pasteurized, getting rid of most of the beneficial enzymes, antioxidants and other nutrients that are heat-sensitive.
Commercial honey has also had most of the pollen removed. Bee pollen is considered to be one of the most nutritionally-complete foods available due to its high amino acid and antioxidant content.
Although most commercial honey is not beneficial to your health, raw honey has multiple health benefits. Raw honey is unheated, unprocessed and unpasteurized. Therefore, it is able to keep all of its nutrients intact, as they are not destroyed by processing.
Raw honey contains bee pollen, has a high content of antimicrobial agents, and is full of antioxidants. It will generally have a honey comb included in the jar along with the honey.
Since it is not processed, it will usually crystalize easily and may not be in an easy to use liquid form. It will also usually not be clear, as we are used to with commercial honey, but may be a little cloudy due to the pollen and nutrient content.
The best way to buy raw honey is from a local honey producer in your area. Many larger farmer’s markets may have a honey stand which may offer raw honey. Raw honey will likely be more expensive than traditional honey, so be prepared. Make sure to ask questions about where the honey is sourced from and if it has been processed.

Types of Honey

There are several types of honey each with their own nutritional benefit and usage.
Manuka honey is a common natural healing agent that has been used for centuries as a topical antibiotic on wounds and acne. It can also be used for sore throats, colds, and other common ailments due to these properties. Other types of honey with antibacterial properties are eucalyptus and linden honey.
Acacia honey helps cleanse the liver and digestive tract.
Buckwheat honey, usually darker in color than its other counterparts, is full of antioxidants due to that deep color.
Neem honey has been used to treat high blood pressure and diabetes.
If you’re ready to incorporate raw honey into your diet then check out these honey uses.

20 Uses For Honey in Natural Remedies

1. Improve digestion – Use a tablespoon or two to counteract indigestion since it doesn’t ferment in the stomach.
2. Relieve nausea – Mix honey with ginger and lemon juice to help counteract nausea.
3. Acne cure – It can be used as an affordable face cleanser to fight off acne, gentle on sensitive/all skin types. Take half a teaspoon, warm between hands and spread on face gently, leave on for 10 minutes then rinse with warm water and pat dry.
4. Exfoliator – Honey makes a great exfoliator! Use honey on dry winter skin by adding two cups of honey to a bath, soak for 15 minutes, then add one cup of baking soda for the final 15 minutes.
5. Improve diabetes – Consumption of raw honey can reduce risk of developing diabetes and help aid medication used to treat diabetes. Raw honey increases insulin and decreases hyperglycemia. Add a little at a time and see how your blood sugar reacts to it.
6. Lower cholesterol – It can help reduce cholesterol and therefore decrease your risk for coronary artery disease.
7. Improve circulation – Raw honey makes your brain function optimally by strengthening the heart and improving blood circulation.
8. Antioxidant support – Consumption of raw honey increases plaque-fighting antioxidants.
9. Restore Sleep – Raw honey promotes restorative sleep. Add a tablespoon to warm milk to help increase melatonin and help you sleep.
10. Pre-biotic support – Raw honey is full of natural prebiotics which promote the growth of good bacteria in the intestine.
11. Improve allergies – If sourced locally, raw honey can help reduce seasonal allergies.
12. Lose weight – Substituting raw honey for white sugar can help in weight management
13. Moisturize – A spoonful of raw honey mixed with olive oil and a squeeze of lemon can be used as a hydrating lotion.
14. Hair mask – Raw honey hair mask can help boost shine, mix 1 tsp of raw honey with 5 cups of warm water, rinse thoroughly , air dry and style as usual.
15. Eczema relief – Use to treat mild eczema. Use it as a topical mixture of equal parts of honey and cinnamon.
16. Reduce inflammation – Raw honey has anti-inflammatory agents that can treat respiratory conditions such as asthma.
17. Heal wounds – Raw honey used topically can help quicken healing time for mild burns, wounds, rashes, and abrasions.
18. Cure UTI – Honey can help improve urinary tract infections due to its antibacterial properties.
19. Shampoo – Raw honey can cleanse and restore the health of your hair and scalp. Try this homemade shampoo recipe.
20. Relieve sore throat – Honey uses for sore throats is another fantastic remedy.  Simply mix it with lemon essential oil and peppermint oil for fast acting benefits.

As you can see, there are many uses for honey in personal care products, as medicine, and of course, a way to naturally sweeten up your diet without the negative side effects of sugar.  I recommend going to your local farmers market, health food store, or buying raw honey online.
With so many great benefits, why not try adding a little raw honey to your diet?

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Health Benefits of Honey and Cinnamon

Honey and cinnamon, this combination has been used for centuries to promote general well being and cure many conditions and ailments. Although, there is a lack of scientific evidence, many people swear by this simple home remedy.

This natural treatment is well known in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Unani Medicine (Greek), ayurvedic and Tibb (which means the science of medicines based on natural treatment in the East).

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Clinton, Trump up big in New York

New York looks set to deliver both presidential front-runners big primary victories on April 19, with Democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican Donald Trump sporting double-digit leads in their home state in a new poll.

Clinton leads Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders 54% to 42% in the Empire State, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released Thursday.

On the Republican side, Trump is in first place with 56% support, while Texas Sen. Ted Cruz trails with 20% and Ohio Gov. John Kasich with 19%.

The Quinnipiac poll also found that the New York remains solidly blue, as both Democratic candidates would soundly defeat the Trump in a general election match-up. 

New York looks set to deliver both presidential front-runners big primary victories on April 19, with Democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican Donald Trump sporting double-digit leads in their home state in a new poll.

Clinton leads Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders 54% to 42% in the Empire State, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released Thursday.

On the Republican side, Trump is in first place with 56% support, while Texas Sen. Ted Cruz trails with 20% and Ohio Gov. John Kasich with 19%.

The Quinnipiac poll also found that the New York remains solidly blue, as both Democratic candidates would soundly defeat the Trump in a general election match-up.

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Dark vision of Hong Kong's future wins city's top film award

Ten Years," a controversial low-budget independent movie that predicts a bleak future of oppression and censorship for Hong Kong under increased Chinese rule has won Best Film at the 35th Hong Kong Film Awards -- the city's version of the Oscars.

The film, which achieved huge success in Hong Kong, has been censored and denounced on the mainland. Several Chinese web portals that had streamed the film awards ceremony in the past did not do so this year over fears that "Ten Years" would win.

The nationalistic Chinese tabloid Global Times slammed the film as "absurd" and accused the filmmakers of wanting to "scare the public in Hong Kong and spread anxiety."

The film's creators thanked the Film Awards for its "courage" in giving the award to the contentious project.

"Thank you for having the courage to give this to us," producer Andrew Choi said in his acceptance speech.

"This award shows that Hong Kong actually has hope. This award tells us that we need to keep working hard."

Dark vision

Set in 2025 -- a decade on from its release -- "Ten Years" predicts far greater Chinese control of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), with restrictions placed on the use of the Cantonese dialect, uniformed "youth guards" attacking shops selling banned materials, and desperate protesters driven to self-immolation as Beijing tightens its grip on the city. 

 

Director Chow Kwun-wai told CNN earlier this year that the film was an attempt to shock audiences into taking concrete action to better their situation now, lest they be left with only terrible choices later on.

"Hong Kong has been fighting for democracy for many years, and we've been lied to for many years," he said.

 

Huge success

The terrifying vision of the future in "Ten Years" has resonated with audiences in the city, even outperforming "Star Wars" in one cinema on the two films' opening weekends.

After its initial success, the film opened city-wide, far exceeding its creators' expectations.

"The reaction was quite unexpected," director and co-producer Ng Ka-Leung told CNN.

On April 1, more than a dozen special screenings were held of the film around the city, to packed crowds, and the filmmakers are in talks with international distributors.

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