Home Remedies to Reduce Pimple Redness

1. Cold Compress

Using a cold compress is one of the best ways to reduce pimple redness. The cold temperature helps contract the blood vessels underneath the skin, which in turn minimizes the pimple’s appearance and redness.

It will also help calm irritated skin and shrink the size of the pores to accelerate the healing process.

1. Wrap some ice cubes in a thin towel.
2. Gently rub the compress on the affected area for 1 minute.
3. Take a break for 10 minutes, then repeat again.
4. Do it as many times as needed.

Note: Do not apply ice directly on the skin. It can cause frostbite and damage skin cells

2. White Toothpaste

Another readily available ingredient that can help reduce pimple redness is white toothpaste.

Many varieties of toothpaste contain baking soda, triclosan and hydrogen peroxide, among other ingredients, that help dry out pimples and reduce the redness and swelling.

1. Before going to bed, wash the affected skin with plain water.
2. Apply a little white toothpaste on the affected area and leave it on overnight.
3. The next morning, wash your face with a mild cleanser to remove the residue that accumulated overnight.
4. Gently pat dry the skin.

Note: Avoid toothpastes that contain menthol or fluoride, which can irritate your skin.

3. Aspirin

Aspirin contains salicylic acid, which can reduce redness and inflammation caused by breakouts of acne or pimples. Salicylic acid offers anti-inflammatory effects by suppressing an enzyme responsible for inflammation.

Another bonus is that aspirin helps dry out pimples quickly.

1. Crush 1 or 2 aspirin tablets into a fine powder. If you are worried about the aspirin drying out your skin too much, you can add a little honey as well.
2. Mix enough water into the powder to form a paste.
3. Apply the paste on the affected area using a cotton swab.
4. Allow it to sit for 20 to 30 minutes.
5. Finally, rinse off the paste using lukewarm water.
6. Use this remedy 2 times a day.

4. Moist Tea Bag

Tea contains a good amount of tannins that help reduce swelling, and hence is beneficial in reducing the redness caused by pimples.

The warmth of a moist tea bag when applied onto the affected area will also open up the pores, potentially drawing bacteria or pus to the surface, thus treating your acne

1. Dip a tea bag in warm water for 1 minute and remove it.
2. Allow it to cool down a bit, then squeeze the excess water out.
3. Place the warm tea bag on the pimple and allow it to sit for a while.
4. Then, rinse your skin with cold water and pat dry with a clean towel.
5. Repeat the process several times a day

5. Cucumber

Cucumber is a known anti-inflammatory agent that helps reduce inflammation and swelling. Its astringent nature works by restricting the blood vessels in your skin, lessening the redness.

Its soothing nature is also beneficial during pimple outbreaks.

1. Cut a cucumber into thin slices.
2. Chill the slices in the refrigerator for about 1 hour.
3. Place a slice over the site of the pimple.
4. Once it warms up, replace with another cool cucumber slice.
5. Do this for 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
6. Repeat this remedy several times a day.

Additional Tips

• Drink an ample amount of water throughout the day to keep your skin properly hydrated and help flush out toxins.
• Wash your face with a gentle face wash twice a day, in the morning and at night, to keep it free of acne and pimples.
• Exfoliate your skin once a week, but avoid scrubbing excessively.
• Eat a diet rich in vitamins, minerals and essential fats to keep your skin healthy.
• Avoid stress and anxiety in life.
• Exercise daily, even if it is just walking for 20 minutes.
• Be sure to wash off your makeup before going to bed.

Health Benefits of Lemon Water

1. Improves Digestion

Several components in lemon stimulate your liver to produce more bile needed for healthy digestion. Also, lemon assists the digestive system in flushing unwanted materials and toxins out of the body.

A daily glass of warm lemon water helps relieve symptoms of indigestion, such as heartburn, belching and bloating.

It also prevents constipation and diarrhea by promoting smooth bowel functioning. The American Cancer Society recommends this healthy drink to cancer patients to help stimulate bowel movements.

2. Aids Weight Loss

If you are trying to lose weight, drinking a glass of warm lemon water with honey will definitely help you reach your goal. Lemon is high in pectin fiber, which helps fight hunger cravings and keeps you feeling full for a longer time.

Also, the combination of warm water, honey and lemon creates a more alkaline atmosphere in your stomach helping you lose weight faster.

3. Clears Skin

Daily consumption of warm lemon water can make a huge difference in the appearance of your skin. It helps purify your blood and encourages growth of new blood cells.

Also, the high vitamin C content as well as other antioxidants in lemon helps keep the skin free from wrinkles and blemishes and helps combat free-radical damage.

The water and honey add restorative, antibacterial and collagen-boosting properties to promote your skin health.

4. Supports Immune System

Warm lemon water also boosts the immune system. Being rich in vitamin C, lemon helps boost the immune system and assists the body in fighting colds and flu.Plus, lemon enhances the body’s ability to absorb iron, an important nutrient for a healthy immune system. Lemon also contains saponins, which have antimicrobial properties that help keep infections at bay.

5. Treats Bad Breath

The acidic nature of lemon, combined with the medicinal properties of honey and water, can help eliminate bad breath. It cleanses the mouth and activates production of saliva that kills odor-causing bacteria.

Lemon water also helps get rid of the white film on your tongue that usually develops while you sleep. This white film consists of decaying food and bacteria that cause bad breath.

6. Balances pH Levels

Lemon is one of the best alkalizing foods for the body as it contains both citric and ascorbic acid that help maintain the pH levels. A good pH level is essential as too much acidity in the body can be inflammatory.

Drinking lemon water regularly on an empty stomach in the morning helps remove overall acidity in the body, including uric acid in the joints that is one of the primary causes of pain and inflammation.

7. Increases Energy

The nourishing elements like vitamins B and C, phosphorous, proteins and carbohydrates present in lemon make it a natural energizing agent. It hydrates and oxygenates the body to keep you feeling revitalized, energized and refreshed.

Also, as lemon contains more negative-charged ions, it provides instant energy when it enters the digestive tract. Plus, the scent of lemon has mood-enhancing and energizing properties.

8. Cures Throat Infections

The antibacterial properties of lemon aid in fighting problems related to throat infections, a sore throat and tonsillitis.

The citric acid in lemon also aids in detoxification that is essential to keep the urinary tract free of infections. For women who suffer from frequent UTIs (urinary tract infections), this healthy drink will be a big help to keep recurrent infections at bay.

To sum up, having a glass of fresh lemon water first thing in the morning can improve your health immensely. For better health and energy, you must make this an essential part of your daily routine.

How to Increase Your White Blood Cell Count

1. Cat’s Claw (Uncaria tomentosa)

Cat’s claw is a South American vine found in the rainforests in the Amazon that possesses incredible immune-boosting properties.

A 2001 study published in Phytomedicine notes that when 12 healthy adult subjects were administered daily doses of cat’s claw water extract supplements for 12 weeks, they experienced an increased production of leukocytes.

Studies also have demonstrated the efficacy of cat’s claw consumption in patients who had a low WBC count post chemotherapy.

However, cancer patients should consult their doctors before consuming this herb, as it is known to have promoted survival of leukemic cells in lab conditions.

Note: Consult your doctor before consuming this herb if you are on any kind of medication. If you take blood thinners, use cat’s claw with caution as it could induce bleeding.

2. Astragalus

Also known as “huang qi” or “huang chi”, astragalus is a Chinese herb derived from the astragalus membranaceus plant. It possesses terrific WBC-promoting properties.

A 2006 study published in Phytotherapy Research notes that when patients consumed astragalus separately and in combination with other herbs for seven days, the activity of the immune cells was strengthened.

While astragalus does not eliminate cancer from its roots, it significantly boosts the immune systems of cancer patients by promoting phagocytosis in the existing WBCs.

A 2006 study published in Cancer Letters notes that the astragalus membranaceus plant exhibits T-cell-boosting properties in cancer patients. T-cells are the body’s vital immunity-boosting WBCs.

Astragalus is available as tablet or capsule supplements, as a tincture (alcohol extract) and prescribed by some doctors in an injectable form.

Note: Consult your doctor before taking this herb for any possible side effects and drug interactions.

3. Echinacea

Echinacea is a well-researched, immune-boosting Native American herb.

Unlike vaccines that target a specific disease and antibiotics that directly attack bacteria, echinacea stimulates the activity of the WBCs that fight diseases through a process called phagocytosis.

A 2005 study published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics notes that 11 healthy individuals (between 26 and 61 years old) who consumed two echinacea tablets daily for 14 days experienced an increase in the overall number of WBCs and stimulated activity of leucocytes.

Note: Patients who have liver disorders or diabetes should consult their doctors before consuming this herb. Consult your doctor if you are on any kind of medication before consuming this herb. If you take blood thinners, use echinacea with caution as it could induce bleeding.

4. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Dietary omega-3 fatty acids increase the body’s production of phagocytes, a type of WBCs that engulf harmful foreign entities like bacteria entering our bodies through a process called phagocytosis.

A 2001 study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention notes that the levels of WBCs in female volunteers increased when they took dietary fatty acids.

In addition, a 2013 study published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology notes that fish oil consumption promotes the activity of a type of WBCs called B cells.

Foods with the highest omega-3 fatty acid content include flaxseed oil, fish oil, chia seeds, walnuts, salmon, oysters, spinach and soybeans.

5. Vitamins B6, B12 and Folic Acid (Folate)

Vitamins B6 and B12 as well as folic acid are all responsible for producing WBCs in the body.

A 2011 study published in the Journal of Medical Case Reports notes that a neutropenia patient reported significantly decreased levels of vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid. Oral vitamin B6 supplementation increased the level of neutrophil WBCs and corrected her condition.

Severe neutropenia can cause cancer. The study further suggests a thorough screening for deficiencies of vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid in neutropenia patients for focused treatment.

Foods rich in vitamin B6 include sunflower seeds, turkey, chicken, dried nuts, avocados, bananas and spinach.

Foods rich in vitamin B12 include fortified breakfast cereals, low-fat milk and yogurt, chicken, clams, salmon and trout.

Foods rich in folic acid include dried beans and peas; lentils; leafy greens like broccoli, spinach, okra and asparagus; and citrus fruits. Folic acid supplements are also an option.

Note: Consult your doctor for recommended daily doses of these foods/supplements suitable for your health conditions and any prescribed medication.

Poor hygiene will increase your risk of infection, further suppressing your immune system and decreasing your body’s WBC production.

Make sure to regularly wash your hands, avoid unpasteurized and raw foods, and wash, peel and cook your vegetables really well before consuming them.

Easy Steps to Take Care of Your Lips This Winter

1. Hydrate Your Lips from Within

As the winter season has a dehydrating effect on your lips, you must take special care to keep them hydrated from within.

This can be done by taking care of your diet. First of all, you need to drink about 8 to 10 glasses of water a day. However, everyone has different requirements for water, so consult your doctor to find out how much you need to drink based upon your health and fitness level.Besides drinking water, eat fresh vegetables and fruits that are rich in water content. Try oranges, kiwi, watermelon, cantaloupe, apples, and watery veggies like celery, tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini and carrots.

Also, eat foods rich in vitamins A and C. While vitamin A helps maintain and repair the skin tissue, vitamin C increases the collagen production to make the lips more supple and full. It also protects the skin from sun’s ultraviolet rays.

2. Use DIY Masks Regularly

Homemade hydrating masks can help add the much-needed moisture to your lips in the winter months.

A variety of hydrating lip masks can be made easily using common ingredients from your kitchen, such as honey, olive oil, avocados and milk cream.

• Honey is a great moisturizer for chapped lips. Simply apply honey on your lips, or make a paste of honey and glycerin and apply it before going to bed to enjoy softer lips in the morning.
• Apply fresh milk cream on your lips and leave it on for 10 minutes. Then, gently wash your lips with a cotton ball dipped in lukewarm water. Do this daily to enjoy soft and pink lips.
• Add some olive oil to a spoonful of mashed avocado and apply it on your lips. Wait 15 minutes, then rinse it off using lukewarm water. Do it once daily.
• Mix 1 teaspoon of rose water with 1 teaspoon of honey. Apply this mixture on the lips and leave it on for about 15 minutes. Wash it off with normal water and pat dry. Repeat once daily.

3. Exfoliate Weekly

Just like your skin, your lips need to be exfoliated to get rid of flaky and dull skin. After exfoliating, your lips will look fresher and more evenly toned.

In fact, regular exfoliation is the secret behind soft and pink lips. When it comes to exfoliation, once or twice a week is enough. More than that can worsen your lips and cause redness, irritation or soreness

To exfoliate your lips, use a natural abrasive lip scrub made with sugar and olive oil.

1. In ½ teaspoon of granulated sugar, add enough olive oil to make a paste.
2. Gently rub the paste on your lips, using circular motions to remove any flaky or dead skin.
3. Rinse off the remaining mixture using lukewarm water.
4. Finish by pampering your lips with a mild moisturizer to truly see a smoother difference. You can apply a few drops of almond oil, coconut oil or olive oil to keep your lips hydrated and properly moisturized.
5. Repeat once or twice a week.

4. Moisturize Several Times a Day

Lips tend to lose moisture faster than other areas on the body. Consider slathering on a moisturizing lip balm several times a day to keep your lips properly hydrated.

In the morning, when you brush your teeth, rub your lips gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush. It will help remove the dry skin from the lips and make them look fresh and soft.Then, using a few drops of olive oil or coconut oil, massage your lips gently for a minutes. This will increase the blood flow.

As in winter season, moisturizing the lips is more effective against the dry air, you need to apply a lip balm about every two hours. Also, after sweating, swimming or exercising, reapply the balm.

Note: Do not scrub your lips if they are flaky or peeling.

5. Lip Care before Bedtime

During the winter months, it is crucial that you take care of your lips properly before going to bed.

Before going to bed, wash your lips thoroughly with lukewarm water. Pat dry the lips with a soft cloth, then immediately apply a lip balm. Keep your lip balm near the bed and use it liberally every time you wake up at night.

Choose an oil-based lip balm rather than a water-based or alcohol-based formula to help your lips retain moisture during the night.

• A few drops of coconut oil, olive oil or almond oil works as an effective lip balm.
• Mix glycerin and rose water in equal amounts and apply this mixture to your lips, as well as your whole face, before going to sleep.
• Additional Tips
  • Avoid eating spicy, hot or pungent foods that force your tongue to the lips.
  • For the winter season, choose lip balms with extra moisturizing agents like shea butter, beeswax, jojoba oil, coconut oil, honey and aloe vera.
  • It is best to avoid wearing lipstick, especially in the winter. Instead of lipstick, you can use a moisturizing lip balm that has a tint of color.
  • If you are in the habit of using lipstick every day, choose those with moisturizing ingredients.
  • Wear a mouth guard when playing sports. This will help prevent you from injuring your lips as well as teeth.

Beauty Benefits of Almonds for Skin, Hair and Nails

1. Keeps Skin Healthy

Almonds are a great way to pamper your skin. They can improve skin complexion, reduce the severity of sun damage and make your skin healthy from within.

The high vitamin E content in almonds helps fight off damaging free radicals and even oxidative damage, which can take a toll on your skin.

A 2007 study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology reports that topical application of almond oil can protect the skin from ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. It can even reverse previous damage.

Another study published in 2010 in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice sheds light on the emollient properties of almond oil, which helps rejuvenate and soften the skin.

• Just a 5-minute body massage with almond oil after taking a bath can do wonders for your skin.
• For a weekly skin treatment, prepare a scrub by blending together 10 soaked almonds and a little honey. Use this scrub once a week to get rid of dead skin cells and add a healthy glow to your skin.
• To boost your skin health from within, add 2 to 3 teaspoons of sweet almond oil to a cup of warm milk and drink it daily.

2. Reduces Wrinkles and Fine Lines

Needless to say, almonds can also fend off wrinkles and fine lines.

Vitamin E, a strong antioxidant present in almonds, is essential for regeneration of new skin cells that help keep the skin plump and moisturized. Also, it can tighten the skin to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, crow’s-feet as well as age spots.

Moreover, almonds have an abundance of protein, which is the building block of skin.

• For a daily treatment, apply some warm almond oil onto your wrinkles. Gently massage for at least 5 minutes. Do this every night before going to bed.
• For an anti-wrinkle face pack, combine 1 tablespoon of almond powder, 1 egg white and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Mix thoroughly and apply it on your face. Allow it to dry, then scrub it off and rinse your face with lukewarm water. Use this face pack once or twice a week.

3. Promotes Healthy Hair

Be it hair loss, thinning hair, graying hair, frizzy hair or an itchy scalp, almond oil is the answer to many hair problems.

Being rich in hair-friendly nutrients like vitamin E, biotin, manganese, copper and essential fatty acids, almond oil promotes healthy hair growth.

Also, the oil penetrates deep into the hair shafts and softens scalp tissue to treat scalp inflammation.

Plus, the zinc in almond oil promotes the renewal of new cells. In fact, a zinc deficiency often contributes to thinning of hair and hair loss.

Use either of the following remedies to improve the health of your hair:

• Massage your scalp in circular motions with lukewarm almond oil mixed with a few drops of rosemary and lavender essential oils. Leave it on for 2 hours, then shampoo as usual. Do it 2 or 3 times a week.
• Another option is to heat 3 tablespoons of almond oil, 2 tablespoons of castor oil and the petals of 2 or 3 hibiscus flower for a few minutes. Allow it to cool, then massage your scalp with it for 10 minutes. Wrap your head with a towel and allow it to sit for 1 hour. Wash it out with shampoo, and condition your hair. Do this once a week.

4. Diminishes Dark Circles

Almond oil is also beneficial for treating dark circles under your eyes.

Being rich in nourishing vitamins and minerals, almond oil can rejuvenate the delicate skin under your eyes and help lighten the dark circles.

Use either of the following remedies daily until the dark circles disappear:

• Massage the skin under your eyes with a few drops of almond oil. Leave it on overnight. The next morning, wash it off with cold water.
• Mix 5 or 6 drops of almond oil into 1 tablespoon of raw honey. Apply it gently on the skin under your eyes before going to bed. Leave it on overnight, then wash with cool water the next morning.

5. Lightens Dark Lips

You can use almond oil to make your lips lively and vibrant. It has many essential nutrients that will nourish your lips, and its softening and moisturizing properties will make them soft and beautiful. Plus, its antioxidant properties will help lighten and brighten dark lips.

Use any of the following remedies to lighten and soften your lips:

• Apply a few drops of almond oil on your lips and massage gently. Do this daily before going to bed.
• Prepare a mixture with equal amounts of castor oil and almond oil. Use it to massage your lips once or twice a day to lighten their color.
• Mix 5 or 6 drops of almond oil with 1 teaspoon each of honey and lemon juice. Apply it on your lips, wait 10 minutes and then rinse it off with lukewarm water. Use it twice daily to enjoy pink and soft lips.

Home Remedies for Dandruff

1. Indian Lilac

The antifungal and antibacterial properties of Indian lilac, also known as neem, help treat dandruff as well as many other hair problems like scalp acne, itchy scalp, and hair fall efficiently.

1. Boil a handful of neem leaves in four cups of water.
2. Cool and strain the solution.
3. Use this decoction as a hair rinse two or three times a week.

2. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil helps eliminate dandruff due to its antifungal properties. It also moisturizes dry scalp and provides relief from itching.

1. Take some coconut oil and mix half the amount of lemon juice in it.
2. Rub it on your scalp and massage for a few minutes.
3. Wash your hair after at least 20 minutes.
4. Follow this remedy two to three times a week.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar

Scalp treatment with apple cider vinegar is effective in getting rid of dandruff. It restores the pH balance of the scalp, thereby inhibiting the growth of yeast. It also works as a natural hair clarifier and helps clean clogged pores and hair follicles.

1. Take two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar.
2. Mix an equal amount of water and 15-20 drops of tea tree oil in it.
3. Apply it onto your scalp and massage. Rinse your hair after a few minutes.
4. Follow this natural treatment two or three times a week.

4. Baking Soda

Being a mild exfoliant, baking soda helps remove dead skin cells and absorbs excess oil. It can also help balance pH levels on the scalp and reduce the growth of fungi that cause dandruff.

1. Wet your hair and rub a handful of baking soda onto your scalp.
2. After a couple of minutes, rinse your hair well with warm water.
3. Repeat once or twice a week for a few weeks.

Note: Do not shampoo your hair after this treatment.

5. White Vinegar

White vinegar is one of the best home treatments for dandruff. Vinegar has acetic acid that prevents growth of fungi on your scalp and relieves itching.

• Add one-half cup of vinegar to two cups of water. Rinse your hair with this mixture after shampooing your hair.
• Another option is massage your scalp with a mixture of two parts white vinegar, one part olive oil and three parts water. After 10 minutes, rinse it off and shampoo your hair using a mild shampoo.

Follow either of these remedies once or twice a week

How to Increase Your Height

1. Take Ashwagandha

According to Ayurveda, ashwagandha (scientific name: Withania somnifera), also known as Indian ginseng, helps increase height.

Ashwagandha contains various minerals that broaden the bone skeleton as well as its density. This in turn increases your height. You can easily find ashwagandha in an herbal store.

1. Mix two tablespoons of ashwagandha powder in a glass of warm cow’s milk.
2. Add sugar or jaggery according to your taste and mix well.
3. Drink it every night before going to bed, at least for 45 days to increase your height.

Note: For this remedy to work, you must avoid fast food completely.

2. Drink Milk

Milk is rich in calcium, an important mineral for bone growth. Calcium also acts as a height booster. Besides calcium, milk has vitamin A and protein that are essential for overall development of the body, including height.

To increase your height by a few inches, drink at least two to three glasses of milk daily. In addition, eating dairy foods like cheese, cottage cheese, yogurt and cream can have an effect on height.

3. Indulge in Yoga

You can also do some yoga to increase your height naturally. Certain yoga exercises facilitate the release of growth-inducing hormones in the body. Yoga also helps release stress that causes tension in the back muscles, which in turn paves the way for maximum growth.

The best yoga pose to increase height is the ‘Surya Namaskar’, in which there are 12 different postures performed in a particular chronological order. To learn about ‘Surya Namaskar’,

4. Stretch Your Body

Stretching is another effective way to enhance height at any age. Try to stretch your body by standing on your toes for a few minutes daily, several times a day. Other stretching exercises that you can try at home include car stretch, super stretch, cobra stretch, bow down, twists and basic leg stretches.

5. Engage in Exercise and Sports

Exercise and sports stimulate the release of growth hormone that contributes to your height. To enjoy good height, you must exercise regularly and take part in sports activities.

One good exercise to increase height is skipping where you need to jump a lot. Do skipping for at least 30 minutes each day in an open area.

Holding on to a horizontal bar and hanging with your spine stretched out is another effective exercise to facilitate height gain. Stay in the position for 10 seconds and repeat at least six times daily.

Plus, play games like tennis and basketball that require you to jump a lot. This will help increase your height and also help in maintaining ideal body weight.

Also indulge in outdoor activities, like cycling and swimming, on a regular basis to enjoy good height and a toned body.

6. Get Proper Sleep

When you rest, the body grows and regenerates tissues. In fact, the Human Growth Hormone (HGH) responsible for increasing height is produced naturally in the body when you have a sound and deep sleep

During sound sleep, the brain is relaxed and releases more growth hormones. On the other hand, a tired brain shows low release of growth hormones. As a rule, during the growing stage, a person must have at least eight to 11 hours of proper sleep every night to enjoy maximum height.

7. Enjoy Sunlight

Sunlight is the best natural source of vitamin D, a key nutrient needed for overall growth, including maximum height. When your body does not get enough vitamin D, you can have weak bones as well as less height. To make sure your body gets the required amount of this vitamin, spend 20 to 30 minutes daily in the sunlight.

Additional Tips:

• Try to maintain ideal body weight as obesity can have an adverse effect on your height.
• Stop smoking as it acts like a growth inhibitor.
• Avoid drinking as it suppresses your growth level.
• Avoid eating fast foods.