Aloe Vera. Photo Credit: Steve Hillebrand, USFWS

Aloe vera is a popular plant that nearly everybody has heard of these days. It is renowned for its medicinal purposes. Although it looks like a cactus and likes to live in dry areas, it is actually a member of the lily family. The active substance is the jelly on the inside of the leaves and this is put into the many aloe vera drinks, capsules, creams, shampoos and other products that are available on the market. It contains a wide range of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and other nutrients which lead to its potent medicinal abilities.

When drunk, aloe vera has citrus like flavor that some people like and some don’t, although the addition of fruit juice can make it more palatable. (continue reading…)

ⓒ iStockPhoto - szefei

In Coconut Oil, Friend or Foe Part 1, I discussed some of the unique properties of coconut oil.  In Part Two of this series, I have chosen to review some of my own personal experiences relating to the effects of what is being touted as nature’s “miracle” oil.

As a brief review, unrefined, virgin coconut oil, also called coconut butter, comes from processing the meat of the mature brown coconut.  Even though coconut oil is 92% saturated, it has no trans-fats and contains no cholesterol.  The fatty acids in coconut oil are medium chain fatty acids (MCFA’s).  These fatty acids are shorter than large chain fatty acids/triglycerides found in other fats and oils that are responsible for raising one’s cholesterol.  Large chain fatty acids take longer to digest and tend to be stored as stubborn fat, while MCFA’s are broken down very quickly and burned as fuel before they can be stored as fat.  Coconut oil contains a high concentration of lauric acid, which plays a key role in protecting the digestive tract by killing bacteria and viruses and is a potent anti-microbial agent.  Its health advantages further vary from metabolic miracle to a healing skin and beauty aid.

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Children get allergic reactions every now and then. Some children may be affected severely and some others may be mildly depending upon the sensitivity of the child. Symptoms of allergic reactions include sinus congestion, redness, skin rash, headache, difficulty in breathing, diarrhea or vomiting. Signs like vomiting, unconsciousness and obstructed airways require urgent medical attention.

The reactions generally come without any warning signs until the specific allergen causing allergic reaction is identified. However, identifying specific allergens or substance that cause contact dermatitis and a local skin irritation may be quite complicated. Physicians use patch tests to identify the offending substance.

Here are few natural remedies for some of the allergic skin problems common in children. (continue reading…)

©iStockphoto.com - Goldmund

Glowing and clear skin does naturally what makeup tries to simulate artificially. Natural homemade masks can help bring a permanent glow and clarity to your skin. For acquiring beautiful and healthy skin you can apply any of the following easy, homemade masks.

Note: Make sure that before you apply any of the following masks, your hands are clean and the dish in which you are going to prepare the mixture is washed and dried properly. Wash your face before and after you apply any of the homemade skin products. Wash your face gently with a little bit more water and pat dry. (continue reading…)

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It’s that time of year again when we get to enjoy the beach, pool, flip flops and open-toed shoes.  Our feet get to breathe again and everyone gets to see what’s been hiding all winter in cute boots.  Well it’s time to whip those babies into shape with an at-home green pedicure.

Before you get started you’ll want to make sure you have everything gathered around you so you don’t have to keep getting up.  Get something to soak your feet in, a few favorite essential oils for the foot bath or even a few lemon slices, nail files, nail brush, pumice stone, a cuticle stick, lotion and oil for your cuticles (you can even grab your olive oil). (continue reading…)

ⓒ iStockPhoto - aleksandarnakic

Clear, glowing, gorgeous and blemish-free skin requires taking care of skin not only from the outside but also from inside. Skin glows if it is healthy, and if you are healthy. Lifestyle affects the appearance of our skin, particularly when it comes to acne.

Developing better skin habits like cleansing regularly, applying the right treatment products can prove to be helpful in maintaining your clear complexion clear to an extent, but it’s only when you target skin from both the outside and the inside that you’ll begin to see longer-lasting results. Healthy habits like eating the right foods, exercising consistently and taking out time for daily stress relief, are just a few measures to help your skin as well as your overall health. (continue reading…)