Home Remedies To Lighten Hair

There are some great home remedies to lighten hair - no need for bought hair dyes if you have dirty blonde or mouse colored hair.

Sun

The best, purest and most natural way to get those real blonde highlights is to be out in the sun. Lie face down with clothing covering your skin and spread your hair out to drink in the rays of sunlight. Or just get out in the sun more. Anyone with blonde to mid brown hair will find that it is always lighter in summer - provided you do not stay indoors all of the time.

Do not overdo it of course. You must be careful not to become sunburned. Use a strong sun blocker on all exposed skin and you may also consider using sun cream on your scalp.

Swimming

Swimming in either a pool or the sea and then letting your hair dry in the sun is a great way to lighten it. It’s great exercise too!

However, some of us live in climates where there is very little sun for many months of the year. What do we do then?

Hydrogen Peroxide

Mix small amounts of household ammonia and hydrogen peroxide in equal quantities. Warning: it will smell bad! Test on a small area of skin near the ear and wait 24 hours to see if there is any allergic reaction. If not, mix a fresh batch and apply to hair. Rinse off when developed. You may also want to test on a strand of hair.

Never use household bleach or any other chlorine based product on your hair. This can destroy your hair, cause terrible damage to your skin and possibly kill you with the fumes.

Lemon Juice

Squeeze one fresh lemon. It should give you about 2 tablespoons of juice. Mix this with 3 times the quantity of water and apply to dry hair. Leave for several hours before rinsing out. Do this every day and your highlights should become lighter in a very natural looking way.

You may want to use more of the lemon juice/water mixture if you have very long hair and less if you have short hair.

Tea

Ordinary tea can lighten brown hair - seems crazy given the color that it is, but it’s true! Make tea to a normal strength that you would drink, let it cool and then rinse your hair with it.

It is best to test a strand before using tea on your whole head. If your hair is already a light shade, it may darken it.

Some of these methods can leave your hair rather dry, so be sure to use a good conditioner for blonde hair. Shampoos and conditioners containing chamomile are great for fair hair.

Going out in the sun after using any of these home remedies to lighten hair will increase their effectiveness.

Natural Remedies For Growing Hair Back

Natural remedies for growing hair back can avoid some of the complications of transplants and other processes. Hair loss is something that happens to most men and many women but the process can be prevented, slowed or even reversed in some cases.

While transplants are the quickest way to replace lost hair, they do have some disadvantages. One is that they do not stop further hair loss. So for example a man with a round balding patch at the crown who has transplants, will later probably develop a bald ring around the transplanted area as the hair loss spreads. The other main disadvantage is that unless you have a series of many treatments, people are likely to notice that you suddenly have more hair. They may think it is a hairpiece, toupee or wig.

Natural hair loss remedies come in various forms and the best results are likely to come from using more than one.

Massage

Scalp massage can stimulate hair growth where the loss is temporary or not severe, and can help to prevent further loss of hair. Gently massage the full scalp with your fingertips for about three minutes each day. Be careful not to scratch the scalp with your nails or damage any growing hair.

Massage with jojoba oil will provide the scalp with B and E vitamins plus many minerals that will give hair a boost. Jojoba oil is particularly effective if you have a tendency to skin problems such as dandruff, eczema and psoriasis, or oily hair.

A Chinese form of massage said to stimulate the follicles involves tapping the scalp with the fingers of both hands. Beginning in the middle of the base of the skull at the back, tap about 20 times then move the tapping slowly upward and outward around the ears. Then begin again at the back a little higher than where you started before. Repeat until you have covered the whole scalp, finishing at the front.

Nutrition and Vitamins

The hair requires a full balance of vitamins and minerals to grow healthily. Most of us do not get all that we need from our diets. Increasing your intake of fresh fruits and green leafy vegetables to around 10 varied portions a day will go a long way toward rectifying any deficiencies.

Make sure that you are getting enough of these nutrients in particular:

Vitamin A
All B vitamins, especially B6 and B12
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Zinc
Iron
Copper
Iodine
Essential fatty acids

You can track all of the nutrients in your diet with a free computer program such as the Cron-o-meter available from http://spaz.ca/cronometer

If any of the above nutrients are deficient in your diet you can either look for foods that contain more of them (best option) or take supplements, except for vitamin A which should always be supplied from food. The best food sources of vitamin A are orange and red vegetables such as carrots, pumpkin, red pepper etc or dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach.

Men should pay particular attention to the amount of zinc in their diet because it is very important for the prostate. It is vital to have enough, but too much can cause problems.

Herbal Remedies

Men may find the herbal treatment Saw Palmetto useful in treating hair loss. This is believed to have an action on the prostate which is involved in typical male pattern baldness. Be careful not to take too much because if the male hormones that lead to hair loss are reduced too far, breast tissue can develop.

Saw Palmetto may be useful for some women too but must not be taken with hormone therapy, oral contraceptives or any other medication that contains hormones.

Reduce Stress

Stress can cause hair loss and therefore anything you can do to reduce stress or anxiety in your life is likely to have a beneficial effect on your hair. Try meditation or practice relaxation techniques for 10 minutes each morning, preferably after exercise. Regular exercise will both reduce stress and create a healthier skin and scalp.

These solutions may help in cases for male pattern baldness and age-related hair loss in women. They do not constitute a health treatment or cure. If your hair loss is related to health problems or medication or has an unknown cause, it is best not to rely on natural remedies for growing hair back and you should see your doctor.

Treating Chicken Pox With Herbal Remedies

It is likely that you may not have experience in diagnosing and treating the following medical conditions, so if in any doubt do not hesitate to contact a doctor as soon as possible.

Chicken Pox or Varicella. This, like the smallpox, is contagious, and effects persons but once during their life, and is much milder and less dangerous than smallpox; and is also communicable by inoculation, but affords no protection from variola.

The eruption commences on the breast and back; then to the face, scalp, and extremities. Chicken pox is distinguished from the smallpox by the former having no fever, or if any, it is of an uncertain continuance. About the second or third day the vesicles are filled with serum; and about the fifth day there is a crust on the pustules, while in the smallpox it is several days later. The chicken pox has been sometimes mistaken for the smallpox, and matter has been taken for that of smallpox in inoculation which has led persons sometimes to think they have been afflicted with smallpox twice in their life.

Treatment.—

Keep the patient warm in bed for a few days; use a spare regimen, and keep the bowels gently open.

Cow Pox -

Cows are subjected to an eruption on their udders, which is frequently communicated to the hands or arms of those who milk them, and those who have been afflicted with this eruption are never liable to smallpox. Dr. Jenner very satisfactorily ascertained that this eruptive pustule was a much milder disease than the smallpox, and that in general it secured those who had been affected with it from afterwards being liable to various infections. He also observed that the vaccine pox is not communicable other than by inoculation, and that on this account it might be inoculated in a family without endangering the others—a circumstance of the greatest importance.

The vaccine virus should be taken from the pox which appears on the nipples of the cow, which pox or pustules is commonly of somewhat livid colour, and is surrounded by erysipelatous inflammation.

Operation.—

The skin near the top of the arms should be punctured with a sharp-pointed crow-quill, then dip the sharp nib in the fluid, and insert under the skin. The fluid

should be transparent, as it is not to be depended upon if at all opaque. The matter, if not used immediately, should be dried gradually before it is laid by for future use; it should be well corked up in a bottle. If the fluid be taken from another child, it should be taken before the ninth day. The child should not be less than two nor more than six months before it be inoculated; and at the time of operation the child, if possible, should be in good health. The success of inoculators depends on the management of the patients while under the disease.

Treatment.—

For the first eight days the child should be kept cool and shielded from the external air. The diet should be bread, milk, light puddings, water gruel, weak broths, and white meats. Their medicine should be mild purgatives and tea made of equal parts of Ground Ivy, Bistort Root and Herb, and Agrimony; boil them in as much water as will make a strong tea. Four table-spoonfuls five or six times a day.

Measles or Rubeola .—

This disease, like smallpox, proceeds from infection, and is more or less dangerous according to the constitution of the patient, the season of the year, and the climate or locality of the resident.

Symptoms.—

Chilliness, shivering, succeeded by heat, thirst, anxiety, pains in the head, back, and loins, heaviness and redness of the eyes, with an effusion of tears, swelling of the eyelids, nausea, sometimes vomiting of bilious matter, dryness of cough, hoarseness, hurried respiration, difficulty of breathing, frequent sneezing, and a discharge of acrid matter from the nostrils; with a pulse at the same time strong and frequent.

Treatment.—

Our business is to assist Nature by throwing out the morbific matter and bringing perspiration to the surface. Cooling medicines should be given, as the infusion of Marigold or Elder Flowers; tea of Balm or Agrimony. When the violence has abated, which it ought to do about the fourth day, prepare the following: A handful each of Clovers, Peppermint, Ground Ivy, Flax Weed, Red Raspberry leaves, with Ginger Root ½ ounce. Infuse in 1 quart of hot water; strain and sweeten.
Dose.—Three or four tablespoons as often as may be required.

Old Home Remedies - Grandmother’s Secrets That Work!

Old home remedies have gotten a bad reputation since the rise of the male-dominated medical profession, but some of those old time remedies are just as effective as modern medications. They have even found their way into many of the products that we buy in the drug store. Why pay more for something with a fancy name done up in a capsule when you can find it for free growing in your garden, or buy it for a few cents in the supermarket?

Ginger

Ginger can be used for both nausea and heartburn. Eat a small piece of ginger to relieve your discomfort. Either fresh or pickled ginger should work equally well.

Alternatively, make ginger tea by soaking a piece of ginger in water that is almost boiling. Leave to steep and drink when it is just warm. Add honey if desired.

Ginger tea either with or without honey is also good for relieving the symptoms of a cold.

Home Remedies For Cold Sores (Fever Blisters)

Cold sores, aka fever blisters, and other types of herpes sores respond well to anything astringent. Lemon is one of the best old fashioned natural remedies for a cold sore that you will find.

If you can, place a thin slice of lemon over the area where you feel the itch of a cold sore starting. Hold it in place with medical tape if necessary. Replace with a fresh slice every few hours. You should soon find that the itching stops and the sore will not appear.

If the sore is on your face and this just looks too weird, fill a small clean perfume bottle with freshly squeezed lemon juice and spray it onto the area about once an hour.

You can also use apple cider vinegar in a perfume bottle in the same way.

Note this must be done before the blister breaks out. Never use lemon juice or vinegar directly on an open sore.

If your cold sore has already appeared, try drinking the juice of one lemon mixed in a glass of warm water four times a day between meals. You can also do this once a day for prevention - first thing in the morning is best.

Fruit And Fiber For Constipation

Constipation can have many causes but the most common are lack of fiber in the diet, lack of exercise and certain medications. The doctor will not diagnose constipation unless you have not had a BM for three days or more, but most of us feel uncomfortable before this point and a healthy person eating plenty of fiber will have two or three BMs every day.

Dried fruit is the classic traditional remedy for constipation. Daily consumption of a bowl of figs, prunes, dates or even raisins should sort out your regularity within a few days. Always soak the fruit for 2-3 hours in warm water before eating. You can cook it if you wish. Drink the juice as well as eating the rehydrated fruit.

For quick relief, take 2 to 4 teaspoons of castor oil. This is another well known home remedy for constipation.

To avoid it happening again, increase your consumption of fruit and vegetables to at least 5 portions every day and preferably 10. Choose whole grain bread and brown rice over white varieties, and drink plenty of water. Sometimes dehydration alone is responsible for the problem.

Old home remedies can help with a wide range of common ailments, but always see your doctor if the problem persists.

Natural Remedies and Children: The Pros and Cons

Are you a parent? If you are, there may come a point in time where your child may be faced with a minor medical issue. This minor medical issue can include something such as head lice, the chicken pox, a severe headache, or a toothache. While many parents wouldn’t think twice about taking their child to a professional in the medical field, you may want to do so. Did you know that there are a large number of natural remedies that can be used to treat a wide range of minor medical problems, such as headaches, toothaches, head lice, or the chicken pox?

As nice as it is to hear that there are a number of natural remedies that may be perfect for children suffering from minor medical problems, many parents are still unsure. After all, parents want what is best for their children. That is why many parents, especially those who are unfamiliar with home remedies and natural remedies, are a little bit leery. Of course, natural remedies have their advantages and disadvantages, but so does just about everything else in the world. With that being said, you may still be wondering if natural remedies are right for your child. To help you come up with the conclusive answer that is best for your own family, please continue reading on.

As previously stated, natural remedies have their own sets of advantages and disadvantages. For the advantages, you will find that there are a large number of them. For example, natural remedies are safe. In fact, they are much safer than most over-the-counter products, as these products are often stocked full of chemicals that many of us cannot even pronounce.

The ease of use and implementation is another advantage or plus side to using natural remedies as a way to treat minor medical problems in a child. One of the reasons why natural remedies are also commonly referred to as home remedies is because many of the needed ingredients can already be found inside most homes. This makes treating a child with home remedies easy and convenient. It is also important to mention the saved time and money. Home remedies eliminate travel and costly trips to the doctor’s office or drug store.

Although most home and natural remedies are regarded as being safe, there are still a number of steps that you will want to take when using a home remedy on your child. For starters, be sure to follow all directions. Next, never give your child a home remedy that has an ingredient that they may be allergic to or have a reaction with, such as dairy foods. It is also important to discuss the process with your child. For example, if you are using mayonnaise to kill head lice, be sure to tell your child not to touch the mayonnaise, let alone eat it. Generally speaking, using your best judgment as a parent is one of the easiest ways for you and your child to see success with a home remedy.

If you are interested in examining what all of your options are, in terms of natural remedies, you can perform a standard internet search online. When doing so, it may be best to search for the specific home remedy that you are looking for. For example, if you are interested in getting rid of your child’s head lice, search with the phrase “natural head lice remedy.” In addition to using the internet to your advantage, you can also purchase your own printed natural remedy manual, many of which are available for sale both on and offline.

As you can see, there are number of advantages to using home remedies and natural remedies as a way to treat your child when they are dealing with a minor medical problem, such as head lice, the chicken pox, a headache, or a toothache. Whether your family is uninsured or if your child just has a fear of the doctors office, consider giving a natural remedy a try first. Both you and your child may be pleased with the results.

Natural Remedies for Acne

Acne is a skin condition that millions of individuals deal with, sometimes on a daily basis. Although acne is not a life threatening condition, it can cause great stress. Acne, especially when constantly touched or picked at, can also lead to scaring or even an infection. For that reason, those suffering from acne often look for different ways to seek relief.

When it comes to seeking relief from acne, there are a large number of over-the-counter products that claim to provide relief. In addition to simply just appearing on store shelves, a large number of over-the-counter acne medications are also appearing on our television screens and with famous celebrities standing behind the products. Of course, if you are suffering from acne you can give these over-the-counter products a try, but it is also important to know that you do have a number of different options. These options involve the use of natural remedies and home remedies, which are a safer way to treat acne, as they do not rely on the use of potentially dangerous chemicals.

There are a number of natural remedies for acne that rely on the use of food. One of those remedies is that of lettuce. Saturating lettuce in water for about an hours worth of time will result in a special mixture. This mixture should then be applied to the skin, acting as a rinse. This approach is a nice and easy way to get rid of unwanted acne.

Fresh lime juice and milk are another natural remedy for getting rid of acne that comes highly rated and recommend. With this natural remedy for acne, boil a half of glass of milk. Once that milk has cooled, add in about the same amount of lime juice. You can then use a cloth to apply the mixture onto your acne infected area. As an important reminder, wait until the boiled milk has cooled to an ideal level to promote comfort and prevent burns.

For a small area of acne, ripe tomatoes can be used. For this home remedy, cut a ripe tomato in half and place the inside, wet portion of the tomato on the pimple or pimples. Leave it on for about an hours worth of time and then wash off. A similar approach to this natural remedy and one that still comes highly rated and recommended involves the use of tomato paste.

As previously stated, those suffering from severe acne put themselves at risk for developing an infection or scaring. Those who are known to touch or pick at their pimples are first advised to stop. That is the best way to keep your skin healthy. With that being said, Aloe Vera can also provide relief. When applied to the affected area, Aloe Vera can help to promote healthy healing on the skin.

As outlined above, there are a number of different natural remedies and home remedies for those suffering from acne, like you. As for why these natural remedies are advised, there are a number of different reasons. If you have ever tried over-the-counter skincare products before, you likely already know that they can be costly. Imagine that cost added up overtime. It is also important to note that many over-the-counter acne treatment products have poor reviews. In fact, did you know that some products actually cause users more problems with rashes and acne than before? That is why many are now starting to rely on natural remedies instead, as they are affordable, easy to implement, and safe.

Herbal Medicine Usage Theories

When you use herbs, you probably don’t think about why you are using them the way you are. Most herbal medicine practitioners subscribe to one of several different theories about the proper use of herbal medicine. One of the oldest theories is the Chinese theory that states that herbal medicine is divided into two categories that produce yin-yang balance: pro-oxidants and anti-oxidants. Another, slightly more recent theory about herbal medicine is derived from Native American uses. Native Americans used herbs according to their physiological effects and spiritual uses.

A modern theory combines some of these older theories to create the use of herbal combinations to treat illnesses. According to the Triune formula, there are nine herbal combinations that nourish, supplement, or drain the main organ systems of the human body. This formula was derived from ideas in Chinese herbal medicine.

Create A Natural Remedy Using Honey

The healing properties of honey are numerous. It is the mystery behind many natural remedies. Having many medicinal applications for common conditions. From burns to fending off viral colds or flue. Honey is an antibiotic. But also has excellent anti viral and anti fungal qualities. Why not try some of them out? Here’s simple recipes, tips and tricks, to get you started!

Which Honey?

Like a lot a things. You get out what you put in. Raw and organic honey is definitely the best option. It will taste better than most mass produced brands. Plus, has much more nutrients.
Three Honey Cold Remedy Recipes
1) This is great for fighting a cold, and also for calming the stomach. Warm through a cup of raw honey. Until it becomes liquefied. Mince and peel equivalent to 2tbs of ginger. Chop a quarter cup of lemon balm. Add both to the honey and keep it simmering for twenty minutes. Pour into a glass container and tightly seal the cap.
2) Feeling blocked up? Congested? For every cup of raw honey. Blend in a quarter cup of fresh lavender or mint. Hyssop and Thyme. Even Rosemary, sage and Rosehip will do the trick. You can use dried herbs too. Just reduce the amount to one eighth cup.
3) The Ultimate cold or flu remedy. A good idea to keep it at hand over the winter months. A simple garlic and honey remedy. So simple to make. Just fill a container with cloves of garlic. Pour over the raw honey. It will need to be left to infuse. At least a few days, before use.
Honey Remedies and Storage
A cool dry cabinet is Okay. The refrigerator is better. Make sure you make a note of the date it was made. So you can keep track of things.

How Much To Take
If you are feeling under the weather, just one teaspoon. Three or four times a day. If it’s a case of the flu. Some people like to use their honey mixtures with apple cider vinegar. Or water. To make infusions. The brave will also add a spot of cayenne pepper. Renowned for it’s great healing advantages. Remember! Honey must not be given to young children, under one years of age. They love it. But the risk of botulism is high.

Natures Helping Hand
Is there a more natural way? Than using herbal remedies. To fight our ailments and discomforts. Another important thing to understand? Honey is loaded with sugar. Natural or no. So no doubling up quantities! The most fundamental important thing, to using these natural honey remedies, is this. Get the honey from a local source. It will give the best results and you’ll be on your way to Wellville. In no time at all!

Oil Pulling

Oil pulling is part of the Ayuvedic tradition of holistic medicine. These ancient remedies created in India provide simple solutions to numerous maladies both physical and psychological.

How does oil pulling work?

There are a few theories on the way that oil pulling works. Some say that the movement massages and stimulates the sublingual muscles to excrete toxins stored up in the body. Others report that the production of saliva is the catalyst for the draw out of bodily toxins.

How do I oil pull?

The procedure is quite straightforward; take 1 tablespoon of oil into the mouth on an empty stomach. Swish the oil in your mouth much as you would mouthwash being careful not to swallow the oil. If you swallow a minuet amount this is fine.

Pull the oil through your teeth as well as chomping and moving your jaws in a biting motion. The oil will change in consistency from thick and yellow to thin and foamy. This is due to the fact that your saliva is mixing with the oil bringing with it toxins being excreted sublingually through the tongue.

Swirl and pull the oil through your teeth for 15-20 minutes. At the end of the session spit the pulled oil into the sink or toilet. If you discard the oil in the sink be sure to clean the sink with an antibacterial wipe or soap.

Rinse your mouth with water 2 to 3 times and then brush your teeth as normal. You will notice that after a few weeks of this your tongue will become pinker and healthier looking. Your teeth will be whiter and your breath will improve.

Some say that tilting your head back while oil pulling will ensure that oil is getting all the way to the back of the molars. This is an advanced technique and not recommended for those just beginning. Remember to slowly swish and pull the oil in your mouth, this is not a race and you will not get any more benefit from rushing things.

It is recommended that you wait an additional 10 minutes before you have breakfast. You may practice oil pulling 3 to 4 times a day if desired making sure to do so on an empty stomach each time.

Are there any precautions to take while oil pulling?

The main precaution involved in oil pulling is to practice it on an empty stomach. You run the risk of vomiting if you oil pull after eating. The best time to oil pull is in the morning, after you brush your teeth, but before breakfast.

Being careful not to swallow the oil after pulling is another precaution. After the oil is pulled through it will contain toxins extracted from the body. If you do happen to swallow the oil it will be passed through the system.

The type of oil is also something to keep in mind. Sunflower and sesame seed are the recommended oils to use. Cold press oils are the highly desirable, refined oils are required.

Make sure to clean the sink with antibacterial soap after each session. The toxins pulled into the oil are concentrated and this precaution will keep from getting anyone sick who happens to use the sink after you.

If symptoms worsen discontinue oil pulling for a week or two and then resume the practice. Some people have very sensitive systems and because of individual physiology may not be able to oil pull. If you notice that symptoms are not subsiding then discontinue permanently.

How can oil pulling help?

Oil pulling has been purported to effectively treat gingivitis and whiten teeth. Skin conditions such as eczema, and acne have been reported to improve after sustained use. Lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and even diminished migraines have been attributed to the practice of oil pulling.