Monday, November 24, 2008

Fight Stress With Healthy Herbs and Healthy Eating

Whenever we get too busy or stressed, we all tend to make poor food choices that will actually increase stress and cause other problems. To get the most of your healthy eating and avoid stress, follow these simple tips.

Always eat breakfast

Even though you may think you aren't hungry, you need to eat something. Skipping breakfast makes it harder to maintain the proper blood and sugar levels during the day, so you should always eat something.

Carry a snack

Keeping some protein rich snacks in your car, office, or pocket book will help you avoid bloodsugar level dips, the accompanying mood swings, andthe fatigue. Herbal supplements like Ginseng, Cayenne Pepper and Garlic have all have the nutrients you need.

Healthy munchies

If you like to munch when you're stressed out, you can replace chips or other non healthy foodswith carrot sticks, celery sticks, or even sunflower seeds.

Bring your lunch

Although a lot of people prefer to eat fast foodfor lunch, you can save a lot of money and actually eat healthier if you take a few minutes and pack a lunch at home. Even if you only do this a few times a week, you'll see a much better improvementover eating out.

Stock your home

As important as it is to get the bad food out of your house, it's even more important to get the good food in! The best way to do this is to plan a menu of healthy meals at snacks at the beginning of theweek, list the ingedients you need, then go shop for it. This way, you'll know what you want when you need it and you won't have to stress over what to eat.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Healthy Skin Secrets Revealed !

(6 tips to get rid of your itchy skin, acne, and other skin conditions !)

Many people with itchy skin and other skin conditions attempt to treat their irritated skin with external face washes, soaps, lotions and treatments. However, there better ways. One of them is by changing your diet a little.

1 A healthful diet rich in natural whole foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains and beans is recommend for treating skin conditions. Americans tend to eat fried foods in large quantities, usually cooked in the most harmful of fats and oils. Not all fats are bad, but the fats that typical families eat make them more prone to develop acne, itchy skin and other skin problems, such as what’s in ice cream, cheese, bacon, and milk.

2 Acne cannot really be treated using creams and soaps because the root of the condition lies beneath the skin. Pimples and blemishes are caused by bacteria and other irritants embedded underneath the skin's oil glands and hair follicles, which are generally caused as a result of improper hygiene and poor diet – such as too much processed, fatty, fried and sugary foods.

3 A skin-healthy diet emphasizes raw and lightly cooked vegetables, especially green leafy vegetables that contain valuable trace minerals and are rich in fiber. Fresh green vegetables are essential.

4 Also include in your diet lean protein sources and complex carbohydrates, such as rice, whole-grain bread, and potatoes. These fiber-rich foods help ensure a clean gastrointestinal tract, which is especially important in the management of skin problems.

5 Eat three healthy meals daily to provide important nutrients and to decrease your appetite for sugary or greasy fried foods.

6 Foods rich in vitamin A, like apricots, watermelon, and broccoli, as well as foods like lean beef, nuts, beans and whole grains that are rich in zinc can also be helpful in reducing itchy skin, acne and other skin problems.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Eczema, and what to do about extremely dry itchy skin

Characterised by extremely dry, inflamed and itchy skin, eczema is a very common problem that affects one in ten of us.
When eczema ( itchy skin) develops early in life, it is mainly referred to as atopic and usually runs in families with a history of allergies such as hayfever and asthma.

Certain household allergens such as dust, house-mites and animal danders seem to provoke flare-ups. Outbreaks of eczema can also be triggered by viral infections and stress.

Eczema (itchy skin) usually appears on the inner arms, especially elbows, backs of knees and wrists but in severe cases may affect the whole body.

Sometimes tiny itchy blisters appear and the skin can be weepy. Scratching itchy skin can allow germs to pass into the skin which leads to infection.

Eczema also occurs when the skin reacts to certain irritants such as nickel in jewellery, perfumes and plastics. This may also be referred to as contact dermatitis. Long-term use of hydro-cortisone creams makes the skin thinner and more easily damaged.

Here are some better natural alternatives :

Try applying a compress, made with an infusion of chamomile, to itchy skin and inflamed areas. Apply some aloe vera gel to the skin .

• The omega-3 and -6 fatty acids are particularly helpful for eczema sufferers. As well as moisturising skin from within, they also reduce inflammation. It is well worth supplementing your diet with a combination of cod liver oil and borage oil capsules. Zinc, vitamin C and B6 are also important nutrients for promoting skin healing.

• As stress aggravates eczema, finding a way to stay calm and composed helps keep flare-ups at bay. Be sure your diet is rich in anti-stress B vitamins.

• Chinese herbal medicine is often successful at treating skin problems such as eczema. Treatment is specially tailored to each individual.

• Reduce exposure to dust and house-mites as well as any known allergens. Investing in anti-dust-mite bedding often reduces eczema flare-ups.
Wear pure cotton, silk and soft natural fibres next to your skin – avoid prickly wool.

Food allergies can also trigger and exacerbate eczema.

The above remedies take a lot of patience and time.

There is a much faster and effective natural remedy for eczema ( itchy skin ) which is detailed in my book How To Blast Your Allergies Away Forever ! You can check it out here http://www.thenaturalremedies.com

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Time Tested Herbal Skin Care Tips

Glowing and healthy skin is an asset, it’s about beauty and it’s also about health.


Skin care has been important since the dawn of humans. In ancient times, herbal skin care was the only way to take care of skin.

So what are the ways herbal skin care helps your skin ?

Aloe vera, which is an extract from the Aloe plant, is one of the best examples of an herbal skin care product. Freshly extracted aloe vera is a natural hydrant that helps in soothing skin. It also helps in healing cuts and treating sun burns. This I know this from personal experience when I had a serious sunburn. Aloe is an amazing skin healer.

A number of herbs are known to possess cleansing properties. Dandelion, chamomile, lime flowers and rosemary herbs, are a few examples of such cleansers. Their herbal skin care properties are enhanced when they are combined with other herbs like tea.

Antiseptics are another important part of Herbal skin care. Lavender, marigold, thyme and fennel are good examples of herbs that are known to possess antiseptic properties. Lavender water and rose water also form good toners.

Tea plays an important part in herbal skin care. Tea extracts are used for treatment of skin that has been damaged by UV radiation.

Oils prepared from herbal extracts present another means of herbal skin care. Tea tree oil, Lavender oil, borage oil and primrose oil are some popular oils used in herbal skin care. Some fruit oils (e.g. extracts from fruits like banana, apple and melon) find use in shower gels (as a hydrating mix)

Homeopathic treatments and aromatherapies also come under the umbrella of herbal skin care remedies.

Herbal skin care is good not only for the routine nourishing of skin but also for treatment of itchy skin and skin disorders like eczema and psorasis. Most herbal skin care products don’t have any side effects (one of the most important reason for preferring them over synthetic products).

Moreover, herbal skin care products can be easily made at home, hence making them even more attractive. Try the healing power of herbal skin care, it will help keep it youthful and healthful. And if you suffer from a skin condition, it will get you on the road to recovery.

Monday, October 13, 2008

Refresh and Revitalize for Beautiful Skin !

Natural ‘Organic skin care’ is not only friendlier to skin, but also inexpensive. If exercised in the right way, organic skin care can prevent the occurrence of a lot of skin disorders, including itchy skin, eczema and others, and can help keep your skin healthy and young-looking for a much longer time.

Organic fruits and vegetables are the most popular things on organic skin care routines e.g. cucumber is very common in organic skin care routines. Turmeric, apple, papaya, ginger are others that find a wide use in organic skin care routines.

These organic materials have a very refreshing and vitalizing effect on your skin. Almost every skin care book/guide has section on organic skin care (including the actions of various fruits and vegetables on skin).

So choose the ones that are more suitable for your skin type and start experimenting with them until you finally select the ones that are most suitable for inclusion in your organic skin care routine.

It’s important that you use fresh organic fruits/vegetables. Don’t try to utilise the rotten ones for your skin, their only place is the garbage bin.

Milk is known to posses good cleansing properties; in fact, the name of some skin care products contains the word ‘milk’ in them. A combination of milk with ground oatmeal acts as wonderful cleanser.

Ground oatmeal is especially good for oily skins and is a popular ingredient in organic skin care regimen. It is used in various combinations e.g. with egg, honey, milk and fruits, for preparation of organic facial packs.

Wheat germ is another ingredient in organic skin care procedures. It is rich in vitamin E and is known for its exfoliation as well as moisturising properties.

Wheat germ, in various combinations with other organic materials, is used to prepare facial masks for normal and dry skin types. Wheat germ oil is another way in which wheat germ is used for organic skin care.

Yogurt and sour cream are other organic materials that are popular for their exfoliation and moisturising properties.

Use of organic honey is also popular in organic skin care procedures. It helps in retention of moisture and helps impart a glowing look to skin.

Rose water takes its place as a toner in organic skin care routines. Lavender water is popular too.

‘Organic skin care’ uses combinations of various organic materials that complement each other and enhance each other’s effectiveness. Moreover, these combinations are also helpful in over-riding the harmful effects (if any) of various organic materials that form them.

Organic skin care is really an art that, once perfected, can give wonderful results for your skin in a very cost effective manner.

In the next post I will share with you more tips on anti-aging skin care.

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Beneficial foods for Dry Itchy Skin

Diet and Nutrition

People with dry skin should eat a balanced diet that is rich in protein from vegetable sources and contains plenty of raw foods. Foods that are high in sulfur (like garlic, onions, eggs and asparagus) help keep the skin smooth. Vitamins A and C are good for skin, so foods containing these vitamins (like carrots and apricots) will help keep the skin looking healthy.

Vitamins

As well as including vitamins in your diet, vitamins for dry skin can be applied to your face. Products can be bought that include vitamins C and E, which excellent for dry skin care.

Hydration

Ensure your dry skin is kept hydrated. Drink plenty of water (at least eight glasses a day). A humidifier can also help keep your skin moist if the air is dry. Give your face a sauna by filling a bowl with boiling water and putting your face over it. Add some essential oils or herbs. (Chamomile, lavender and peppermint are good in a facial sauna for dry skin.) If you do add herbs, the water can be kept afterwards and used as a herbal toner.

USING ARTIFICIAL CREAMS AND SUPPLEMENTS

When cleaning your body, avoid using harsh soaps, alkaline soaps or products that contain alcohol or detergents. Instead use mild cleansers, mild soaps or natural-pH products.

Moisturizers need to be applied regularly. They should be applied in the morning and at night. Apply liberally, while your skin is damp. Thick greasy moisturizers or oil-based creams are good dry skin lotions. When choosing a moisturizer or lotion, try and find a lotion for dry skin. Ask your pharmacist or beauty consultant for the best lotion for dry skin, depending on your budget. Body oil (or baby oil) can help combat dry itchy skin or severely dry skin. Apply after a bath.

For dry itchy skin, inflamed skin or a dry skin rash, there are special creams and lotions that can help solve the problem. Choose the lotion or cream that works best for your particular problem.

SUPPLEMENTS

Evening primrose oil supplements are good for all skin conditions. Omega 3, antioxidants and multivitamins will also keep your skin looking healthy.
Conclusion
Dry skin care does not have to be difficult. The right dry skin lotion, a good diet and avoiding the things that contribute to causing dry skin can keep your skin healthy.

Tips for Caring for Dry Skin

Dry skin (or xerosis) has a low level of sebum, which is the skin's natural lubricant. As it does not have enough sebum, it dries out easily and is unable to retain the right amount of moisture needed for healthy skin.

Dry skin care is important as damaged and dry skin needs to receive the proper treatment. Dry skin lotions can help, but there are lots of other things people can do to minimize dry skin and the damage that it does. Here are some effective tips for caring for dry skin.

What Is Dry Skin and How Is It Caused?

Dry skin (or xerosis) has a low level of sebum, which is the skin's natural lubricant. As it does not have enough sebum, it dries out easily and is unable to retain the right amount of moisture needed for healthy skin.

A number of factors may cause dry skin. It is more common in winter when the cold outside and the heat inside contribute in drying up the skin. It can also be caused by hot water or harsh soaps. Poor diet or smoking can also cause or aggravate the problem. Dry skin may also be a symptom of other conditions, including dermatitis, eczema, ichthyoids, psoriasis, an under active thyroid and diabetes. Dry skin becomes more common as people age.

Problems Faced by People with Dry Skin

People with dry skin may find their skin cracks and peels or becomes flaky. Dry skin may look parched and feel tight after washing. It can also become red,itchy, irritated and inflamed. Dry itchy skin is a common problem for people with dry skin. In extreme cases, there may be deep fissures that bleed.

Dry skin ages more quickly than other types of skin. Wrinkles and fine lines can often become a problem.

Techniques for Dealing with Dry Skin

There are a number of things you can do for effective dry skin care. Baths and showers should be taken in warm, instead of hot, water, and should be kept as short as possible. Soap should be used sparingly. Mild cleansers and pure soaps are better. When drying your skin, use patting motions and avoid rubbing the skin too much. Try massaging your skin to increase the flow of natural oils.

Because cold and heat exacerbate the problems of dry skin, people with dry skin should protect their face and skin when going out into the wind or sun, and they should always wear a sunscreen.

Exercise, a good diet and enough sleep will all help keep your skin healthy.


NATURAL TECHNIQUES

Instead of using a commercial cleanser, use a vegetable oil like olive oil or almond oil.

Aloe Vera is very good for dry skin and it has healing and soothing properties.

Calendula and comfrey soften the skin. They may be used in a facial sauna.

Cold compresses can help alleviate dry itchy skin. Add a few drops of essential oil.

Milk baths are very effective in the treatment of dry skin on the body. Add powdered milk and almond oil to a warm (not hot) bath.

Herbal teas like chamomile, dandelion, peppermint, borage, fennel, coltsfoot or calendula help improve the skin.

A good home remedy for dry skin is to make your own beauty mask. Combine an egg, honey, olive oil and rosewater. Apply onto your skin and leave it there for fifteen minutes before washing off.

Another home remedy for dry skin is to mash some avocado and apply onto your face.

Friday, August 29, 2008

Foods and Vitamins to Beautify Your Skin

When it comes to caring for your skin, vitamins and good nutrition can be just as beneficial as a good skin care treatment. Vitamins are important in keeping your skin looking and feeling healthy. They can also help prevent and treat any problem areas and skin disorders, including itchy skin. This article discusses:

What are the vitamins that keep your skin healthy?
Which food products/items contain vitamins for a healthy skin?
Learn more on supplements that helps your skin to stay healthy

When it comes to caring for your skin, vitamins and good nutrition can be just as beneficial as a good skin care treatment. Vitamins are important in keeping your skin looking and feeling healthy. They can also help prevent and treat any problem areas and skin disorders. A bad diet that is lacking in vitamins can make your skin blotchy and lifeless, and itchy. When looking at your overall skin care, pay attention to your diet and ensure it includes the right vitamins good for skin care.

Vitamins and Minerals

Here are some of the best minerals and vitamins for healthy skin. Including these skin rejuvenating vitamins in your diet will help keep your skin looking healthy and free from problems.

VITAMIN A

Vitamin A is a very good vitamin for healthy skin. It helps strengthen the skin and repair tissues. It can be taken in foods, as a supplement or as a topical cream. Vitamin A can help prevent dry skin and acne. It can also be used to treat wrinkles.

VITAMIN E

Vitamin E is an antioxidant that can help prevent free radical damage to the skin. Vitamin E is a good vitamin to take when your skin is suffering some damage from the sun or other factors.

VITAMIN C

Vitamin C helps with healing wounds and other damage to the skin. There is some evidence to suggest it may rejuvenate the skin. Vitamin C will also help the immune system fight off illnesses.

VITAMIN D

Vitamin D is an antioxidant that may play a role in skin pigmentation.

VITAMIN B

Vitamin B helps keep your skin tone healthy. It is also a good vitamin for relieving stress, and so it may prevent some of the skin problems (like eczema) that can be caused by stress. There are a number of different vitamins in the vitamin B group.

Vitamin B1 is an antioxidant that helps rid the body of toxins. It can also assist circulation.
Vitamin B2 helps keep the skin healthy. It can also help prevent acne.
Vitamin B3 improves circulation.
Vitamin B5 helps reduce stress.
Vitamin B6 helps keep the immune system healthy.

ZINC

Zinc helps the skin's natural healing process. It is good in preventing the over-production of sebum, which will also help clear up acne. Zinc also helps the immune system.

Foods to Eat for Clear Skin

Skin vitamins can be taken as nutritional supplements or they can be incorporated into your diet. Here are some foods good for your skin.

VITAMIN A

Vitamin A can be found in the following foods:

Eggs
Whole milk
Liver
Carrots
Mango
Spinach
Breakfast cereal

VITAMIN B

Vitamin B can be found in the following foods:

Wheat germ
Oatmeal
Whole wheat
Bran
Whole brown rice
Dairy products
Milk
Liver
Kidney
Fish
Eggs

VITAMIN E

Vitamin E can be found in the following foods:
Almonds
Sunflower seeds
Peanut butter
Hazelnuts
Safflower oil
Spinach
Broccoli
Mango

VITAMIN C

Vitamin C can be found in the following foods:
Oranges
Grapefruit
Mandarins
Lettuce
Spinach
Green peppers
Strawberries
Tomatoes
Cabbage

VITAMIN D

Vitamin D can be found in the following foods.
Milk
Fortified rice
Fortified margarine
Salmon
Tuna
Liver
Cheese

Sunlight can also provide the body with vitamin D.

ZINC

Zinc can be found in the following foods.

Dairy products
Beans and lentils
Yeast
Nuts
Seeds
Cereals
Pumpkin seeds

All of these foods contain good skin vitamins. Foods to eat for clear skin include anything from the list of foods for vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin E. Vitamin C foods are good foods to tighten skin.


Conclusion

Eating vitamins good for skin, along with the right skin care treatment, can help keep your skin looking its very best, as well as reducing and preventing problem areas. The skin vitamins mentioned here are beneficial for everyone who wants healthy, problem-free skin.

Tips for Sensitive Skin Care

Sensitive skin care is more than just choosing the right sensitive skin care product. Sensitive skin has a low tolerance level to certain products or environmental conditions. People with sensitive skin may react quickly to chemicals, heat or wind by developing red, blotchy and irritated skin.

This following form part of this article:

What are the methodologies for dealing with oily skin?
Will fresh fruits and vegetables helps in having a healthy skin?
What is the role of artificial cream and supplements helps in skin care?
Sensitive skin care is more than just choosing the right sensitive skin care product. To provide the best sensitive skin care, you need an overall approach to providing the best possible care.

Sensitive skin has a low tolerance level to certain products or environmental conditions. People with sensitive skin may react quickly to chemicals, heat or wind by developing red, blotchy and irritated skin.

Different people have different levels of skin sensitivity. Some people may react to a product, while for others it produces no effect. Similarly, some people may have a very severe reaction, while others only have a mild reaction.

Problems Faced by People with Sensitive Skin

People with sensitive skin face many problems. The redness, irritation and blotchiness associated with sensitive skin can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. It can be annoying having to avoid everything that may cause sensitive skin to flare up. Providing the right sensitive skin care can be particularly difficult, as many skin products will have a negative effect.

Dealing with Sensitive Skin

NATURAL METHODS

Natural skin care can be an effective way of treating sensitive skin. Natural products are less likely to trigger the reaction that other products may have on sensitive skin. Here are some of the best natural ways to treat sensitive skin.

Food Intake and Hydration

Diet can play a big part in sensitive skin break outs. A healthy diet (containing plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables) will help skin look healthy. People with sensitive skin should pay attention to their diet and take note if any foods seem to trigger a sensitive skin reaction. Even some healthy foods may cause a reaction in some people, so do not discount these when you look at possible triggers. Hot and spicy foods are particularly likely to cause a negative effect.

People with healthy skin should also drink lots of water, which will help keep their skin hydrated. When skin is adequately hydrated, it is healthier and better able to fight off skin irritations.

Herbal Remedies

Herbal remedies are very good for sensitive skin, because they are free from the harsh chemicals that can cause skin problems. Generally, products that contain natural ingredients will be better for your skin and less likely to cause a sensitive skin reaction. Try the following remedies for some special sensitive skin care.

Use almond or jojoba oil to cleanse your face.
Comfrey steeped in water can make a good toner.
Make a facial exfoliate by mixing grapefruit with oatmeal.
Make a face mask out of fruit.
Cucumber and yoghurt also makes a good face mask for sensitive skin.
Licorice is a good product for sensitive skin. Look for skin care products that contain licorice.
Aloe Vera can soothe skin that is red, irritated and blotchy. Apply directly to the skin.

Even when using natural products, people with sensitive skin need to be careful. As some sensitive skin reactions are caused by allergies, even organic products may cause an adverse reaction in someone. Check every product on a small area of your skin first, and stop using a product if it seems to be triggering the symptoms associated with sensitive skin.

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Four Ways to Healing Your Itchy Skin , Eczema

The appearance of patches of reddened and inflamed itchy skin on various areas of the the face, the hands and the wrist occur during a condition called eczema, also known as dermatitis.

This patchy scaly skin can also affect the front of the elbows, the hands and the area behind the knees in the legs as the condition progresses.

However other areas of the body may equally be affected during the condition.

Scratching the affected skin can aggravate the condition to a great extent, unfortunately the affected areas of the skin tend to be very itchy and the desire to scratch such areas is almost irresistible.

The condition of eczema is very often hereditary in families where allergies to various types of substances are prominent.

The condition can be started by an allergic reaction or an allergy to foods, to various types of pollen, to many types of animal fur, and because of exposure to potentially allergenic substances in the environment.

Allergic hay fever often accompanies eczema, either that or it will tend to develop slowly in people already afflicted with eczema.

Histamine is a chemical active in the production of an allergic reaction in the skin, this chemical tends to be at higher levels than normal in people afflicted with the condition of eczema.

Eczema is triggered in many people who have some sort of exposure to various allergens in the environment.

These can include contact with various poisonous plants, poison ivy for example, the metal used in some types of jewelry, such as chrome or nickel, many types of synthetic and natural dyes, the chemicals present in various cosmetics and beauty products, the ingredients utilized to manufacture certain drugs and topical medications for application on the skin, and all sorts of cleaning agents which may or may not be corrosive to skin.

Prolonged exposure to sunlight, the presence of psychological factors like stress, and even an environment with dry and dehumidified air can bring about eczema.

Supplements and herbs for itchy skin

Eczema can be alleviated and relieved to a great extent through the use of supplements and herbal supplements The dry skin and itchiness can be reduced with

1. Vitamins A and E ,as symptoms reduce in intensity, lower the dosage of Vitamin A.


2. The allergic reaction of the body can also be lessened through the use of extracts of the seeds of grape, these extracts abound in antioxidant substances called flavonoids. These plant substances play an essential role in cellular processes.

3. Many external creams have chamomile or licorice extracts as ingredients, these make good topical applications for use on the affected areas of the skin, in people with eczema. The direct application of the cream or topical rub onto the skin can be very soothing , such lotions also reduce the levels of inflammation on the skin.

4. Horsetail herb contains silica which aids malnourished skin and can greatly relieve the symptoms of the itch .


However, the most effective, fastest, and safest herbs to get rid of your itchy skin are detailed in my ebook " How to Blast Your Allergies Away Forever ".

Where do allergies come from ?

Stop Allergies With These Safe, Natural Treatments

Almost everybody has suffered from an allergic reaction at least once in their life. It is estimated that about 36 million people in America are affected.

Allergies can affect several parts of the body at the same time, manifesting as asthma, food intolerance, eczema, dermatitis, hay fever, itching skin rash and migraine.

Just one of these can ruin and limit your enjoyment of life.

How uplifting can spring be if you know it will cause you untold discomfort and pain from hayfever; and how relaxing is a meal out if some of the ingredients might bring on a migraine that lasts for days?

But where do allergies come from ?

Allergies are an abnormal response of your immune system, which overreacts to exposure to substances called allergens.

These allergens can be anything from food ingredients, drugs, household dust or mites and cigarette smoke to animals.

Basically, your body misreads the substance and your immune system reacts as though you have come into contact with a poison.

It then tries to eliminate it from the body, and in this process, your immune system creates substances that irritate your tissues, substances bearing ominous names such as histamine, leukotrienes, interleukins and tumour necrosis factor.

The result is redness and inflammation of the tissues, pain or itching rashes of the skin, runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, diarhea, joint pains, dizziness and even shock that may be life-threatening.

Conventional drugs can cause all kinds of side effects, including some very severe ones. Remember, with allergies, your body's enemy is literally your over-reactive immune system, and the substances it produces to fight off what it mistakenly thinks are dangerous substances.

Histamine is one of the primary culprits in the allergic reaction, causing itching skin rash, itchiness and red patches of the skin. Conventional treatments such as antihistamines are taken following an allergic reaction and work by reducing histamine levels within your body and thereby reducing symptoms.

One of the main problems associated with the use of antihistamines is drowsiness, even though newer antihistamines are less likely to cause it.

However these, as well as older antihistamines, can cause a host of other side effects such as headache, difficulty in passing urine, nausea and vomiting. Rarely, conventional antihistamines may also cause palpitations, and liver damage.

Control inflammation naturally with fatty acids from fish :

The good news is that the inflammation process can be controlled by using natural supplements such as omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. These are the 'good' type of fats found in oily fish, flax seed oil and perilla oil .

An antioxidant to strengthen your immune system :

Certain antioxidants, such as grape seed extract can be used to fortify your immune system and make it better able to cope with the onslaught of allergens.

Grape seed extracts contain natural plant chemicals called bioflavonoids, which work to reduce the allergic reaction. These are just a few ways to reduce allergies.

However, the most effective and fastest ways to blast your allergies away forever are detailed in my ebook " How to blast your allergies away forever !".

Thursday, August 7, 2008

9 all natural home remedies for your dry, itchy skin

Itchy skin can be painful and irritating, and it makes you want to scratch it, but scratching it often makes it worse.

There are a number of things that can cause itchy skin, two of the main culprits are eczema and dryness.

The good news is that there are some ways which can help to reduce itchy skin.

Usually, itchy skin is caused by dryness, which is why it is a common problem in the winter. Start by keeping your skin moisturized.

In extremely dry areas, consider using a humidifier to raise the humidity in your home, which will help to keep your skin moisturized and flexible.

You should also avoid extremely hot showers, abrasive soaps, and skin products which contain alcohol and other drying agents.

After bathing, pat your skin mostly dry and apply a rich moisturizer or oil to condition, soothe, and moisturize your skin.

Reapply your moisturizer at several points during the day

In addition to keeping your skin moist, you should also avoid tight, scratchy clothing, which can irritate the skin.

Many people also have itchy skin because they are allergic to something, so stick with natural fibers, try to avoid carpeting, and use mild hypoallergenic soaps and detergents.

Soothing baths can also help with itchy skin. . Keep soothing baths tepid, rather than hot.

Other home remedies include the following :

1. Aloe Vera : This gel-like substance from cut Aloe is widely known for treating skin burns and sunburns.


Aloe vera also helps in healing wounds and minor skin irritations such as an itchy skin rash.

The Aloe plant produces anti inflammatory, anti bacterial, and anti fungal properties.

It also contains folic acid, zinc, and vitamins C and E.

The best way to get the benefits of aloe vera is to use the fresh gel from the plant.
At the time of application, slice off a portion of the leaf and directly apply the gel to the affected area.

Aloe Vera is also great to heal sunburns.

2. Lemon a natural antiseptic which can soothe itchy skin. Squeeze fresh lemon juice onto itchy spot and allow it to dry.

3. Cloves and juniper berries can help to soothe itchy skin, and are often found suspended in salves.

To make your own, melt butter and beeswax in equal amounts before adding fresh ground cloves and juniper berries to the mixture, stirring, and allowing it to cool. Spread it directly on the skin

4. Mint, thyme and basil can also help with itchy skin : Try adding them to a bath, or making a tea out of one or all of these spices and dipping a washcloth in it. Run the washcloth gently all over the body to ease itchy skin.

5. Witch Hazel: Acts as an astringent that relieves an itchy skin rash as well as more serious skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.

Because of its anti-oxidant properties it is also used for treating sunburn. For maximum benefit, use fresh witch hazel bark.

Simmer one ounce of the bark with one pint of water and leave for ten minutes. Strain and cool. Apply with a clean cloth and leave it on for 30 minutes.

6. Calendula Essential Oil : Calendula is widely used for reducing inflammation and treating diaper rash. Experts say that Calendula works by stimulating the production of white blood cells that aid in destroying harmful microbes.

You can also use the actual herb by mixing it with boiling water, one cup of the boiling water to two teaspoons of the herb. Let it simmer for about ten minutes.

After the mixture has cooled, apply to the affected area by using a clean cloth.

7. Chamomile Essential Oil : Has anti inflammatory (anti-microbial) properties that soothes and eliminates an itchy skin rash and irritations.

Chamomile is also used in treating eczema, psoriasis, and sunburn. Please be aware, people who are normally allergic to grass and ragweed may acquire an allergic reaction to chamomile.

8. Jewelweed : Provides relief from poison oak, poison ivy rash, insect bites and bee stings.

To use, crush the fresh leaves into a ball and rub over the rash as quickly as possible

9. Wild Pansy : This is a European wild flower that soothes and relieves itching and skin irritations associated with eczema.

This is also used for soothing acne problems.