Wednesday 18 February 2015

Coconut Oil for Skin Care

Using coconut oil is a wonderful natural way to make your hair and skin soft, radiant, and healthy. Coconut oil is natural, there are no chemicals in it. Coconut oil can be successfully used in cosmetic products for the treatment of wrinkles and to fight the skin aging process. It improves hydration, firmness and tone, nourishing deep into the skin epidermis. It also protects against cell damaging free radicals.

What makes coconut oil good for cosmetic purposes and skin care is its small molecular structure of its medium chain fatty acids allows for easy absorption through the skin. Coconut oil has an anti-oxidant effect which helps slow cellular aging and explains the benefits seen with long term use of coconut oil in the diet and on the skin.

To remove eye makeup

Yes, coconut oil even works on waterproof mascara! Put a little on a cotton ball and gently sweep it over your eyes, paying attention to your under-eyes as well. The oil does a great job breaking down waxy, inky eye makeup, and leaves the delicate area hydrated, too. Once you're done, wash your face as usual.

Moisturizing with Coconut Oil

Coconut oil makes a great skin moisturizer on its own, with a blend of other oils, or as a carrier for essential oils. Additionally, this can also be added to lotions and creams that need extra moisturizing properties. For the same reasons that coconut oil makes a great cleanser for all skin types, it also works as a moisturizer for any skin type. The key is to know how much your skin needs and how. Oily skin may need drier carrier oils such as argan or olive, while dry skin will probably drink coconut oil all up.

Natural deodorant

With the use of coconut oil as a deodorant it is all natural, no aluminium, or other chemicals. It has its own antibacterial and antifungal properties which reduce body odour. It is able to be used on sensitive skins without causing irritation. A little piece of solid coconut oil can be rubbed into each underarm, massaged in and used as a deodorant.

Cleansing with Coconut Oil

Many facial soaps and cleansers on the market are made with harsh chemicals and an overabundance of alcohol that will strip your skin of its natural oils, causing an overproduction of oil that can lead to skin issues such as acne and clogged pores. Coconut oil is the perfect cleanser for any skin type, even oily, as it will gently wash away all dirt, impurities, and even the toughest makeup, but not every last bit of your natural oils.

As a body moisturizer

A recent animal study found that when applied topically, virgin coconut oil can speed up wound healing, and a human study found it to be effective in increasing hydration and reducing water loss in seriously dry skin. Sounds like a recipe for a really good lotion to us! It's a health-expert favorite, too. It smells delicious, is very affordable, and leaves our skin feeling nourished and smooth.

Saturday 14 February 2015

Benefits of Coconut Milk For Skin, Hair and Health

Coconuts and coconut milk have traditionally gotten a poor rap due to its high saturated fat levels. However, island populations all over the world have used the fruit's meat juice, milk and oil in everything from cooking to disease prevention. Furthermore, the initial fatty acids in coconut milk may aid weight loss, improve immune function, reduce heart disease risk and improve skin and hair health.

Coconuts are noticed by some as a miracle food, helping protect and cure the body of internal and external ailments. Coconut has many uses, many of which build up the immune system and the body's defenses. You'll find coconut milk in the ethnic foods section of a nearby grocery store or make it at home.

Read on the following benefits of coconut milk in this article.

Stronger Immune System

It is contains lauric acid, antimicrobial lipids and capric acid which possess antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties. This lauric acid on entering a persons body gets converted into a compound called monolaurin that is believed to fight the viruses and bacteria that cause herpes, influenza as well as HIV.

Aids in building strong bones

It isn't rich in calcium, but it is rich in phosphorus. Phosphorus is definitely an essential nutrient that the body needs for strengthening bones. It's must to take phosphorus with calcium particularly to prevent bone loss since it supplies phosphate to the body.

Nourishes the Hair

Applying coconut milk on your scalp provides a cooling sensation. It nourishes your hair by providing natural moisture from roots to ends. You are able to apply some fresh homemade milk and massage for three to five minutes. Leave it for 20 minutes and shampoo your hair as always. This will boost the hair follicles and stimulate hair growth. Many of the beneficial for restoring dry, damaged, weakened and brittle hair as well as split ends.

Moisturize Skin

You are able to consume it or apply it directly to the skin to produce a smoother texture because the fat within this product will help your skin lock in moisture. After cleansing your skin, convey a layer of coconut on your skin for 15 minutes then rinse it away for the best results.

Aids in Weight Loss

Coconut milk is often considered as a fattening agent because of its saturated fats. But it is also rich in fiber, making you feel full for a longer time and when taken in moderation, can help to control weight.

Helps to prevent anemia

Insufficient iron is the most common nutrient deficiency among the people throughout the world. Iron deficiency in body doesn't allow the body to develop enough hemoglobin for keeping sufficient oxygen levels in red blood cells, leading to anemia. Each cup of coconut supplies the body with nearly one fourth of daily value of iron.

Remove Makeup

Combine two parts olive oil with one part coconut oil and affect the skin to gently remove makeup while moisturizing the skin. This can be a much healthier alternative to most commercial makeup removers which are alcohol-based.

Prevent Wrinkles

Consuming coconut milk gives you high doses of vitamin C and copper that can help to improve the elasticity of your skin, reducing the appearance of wrinkles.

Tuesday 3 February 2015

How to Make Hair Grow Faster With Oil

Essential oils hair loss associated with the natural aging process and healthy hair growth. Help your hair grow faster by providing nutrients and oils that support healthy hair growth. Oils are a natural way to promote hair growth and are packed full of vitamin E, the vitamin responsible for providing nutrients to the hair and nails. Some of the beneficial oils include grapeseed, olive, peppermint and jojoba. Incorporating them into your hair care regimen is how you'll make your hair grow faster.

We will discuss the benefits are all three and why every woman should keep these wonder oils not only in their kitchen but also in their personal beauty supply store they call a bathroom.

Argan Oil

Argan oil is taking the beauty world by storm and why not, it is an excellent oil for healthy hair. It hydrates and moisturizes hair, it penetrates hair shafts and nourishes deeply. Argan oil is rich in anti-oxidants and repairs damaged hair. The high vitamin E and vitamin F content repairs damaged hair and makes the hair lustrous. Argan oil also treats split ends. It is known as “liquid gold” for its wonderful properties on hair and is absolutely great for hair damaged from heat styling.

Rosemary Oil

Rosemary oil is often used in shampoo. Rosemary has the ability to stimulate the hair follicles, which results in hair growth. Rosemary helps hair grow not only longer, but stronger.

Coconut Oil

Its the best hair oil and gives healthy, soft, and lustrous hair. Coconut oil is a natural conditioner rich in vitamin E and antioxidants which repairs damaged hair. Coconut oil is known to penetrate into hair follicles and stimulating hair growth and moisturizes dry hair. Coconut oil makes hair softer and prevents hair breakage and split ends. Also, when herbs like bhringa, brahmi, curry leaves, and other ayurvedic ingredients are added to coconut oil, it becomes a miracle oil that cures all hair issues and makes hair grow faster in a short period of time.

Lavender Oil

Lavender oil is used for many purposes one of which is hair loss. Several smaller studies have shown that individuals suffering from alopecia (hair loss) who massaged their heads daily with lavender and other essential oils had significant hair re-growth over the course of seven months.

Sesame Oil

Sesame oil is used as a base oil in many ayurvedic preparations for hair growth, for example, bhringraj oil. Since sesame oil is anti-microbial, it treats a lot of scalp infections and fungal infections. Sesame is best when used as a hot oil treatment. It conditions hair, nourishes scalp, and gets rid of dandruff and the vitamin E in the oil boosts hair growth.

Thursday 29 January 2015

Coconut Oil for Hair care

Coconut oil is, hands down, one of the most effective hair treatments for a very wide variety of hair issues. Coconut oil is natural, there are no chemicals in it. Toss out your deep conditioners, under-eye creams, and lotions - you don't need them anymore! A jar of unrefined coconut oil is an all-purpose moisturizer great for all skin and hair variations.

If you are looking to promote hair growth, your hair care regimen must include oil application. Many people use coconut oil for hair growth. When used correctly this oil conditions, protects and moisturizes the scalp and allows the hair to grow properly.

For Dandruff

Warm some coconut oil over low heat for a few minutes. Make sure it is not too hot and that you can touch it and rub it on your hands comfortably. Massage it all over your scalp making sure to pay attention to areas with the most trouble. Leave the oil to set for some time and then rinse with a mild but good anti-dandruff shampoo. You can also mix lemon juice and coconut oil together and rub it into your scalp before bed. Wash it out the next morning and practice this about once a week for continued dandruff free hair.

Use coconut oil to tame frizzy hair

To keep wild locks under control, warm up a small bit of coconut oil between your hands and run your fingers through your hair. The oil will help smooth strands out without looking greasy. For a deep conditioning treatment without the chemicals, leave the oil in your hair all day.

For Conditioning

A consistently dry scalp generally means there is a lack of moisture in your hair follicles. To remedy this you can use coconut oil as a conditioning treatment to restore moisture. Rub the oil either with your palm or finger tips into the scalp and roots of your hair for a soothing and conditioning effect. You can also make an oil mixture for this. Combine coconut oil, geranium oil and rosemary oil for added conditioning results. Also, make sure you stay properly hydrated!

Shields hair protein

Lauric acid, a major component of coconut oil gives the oil its protective properties. Lauric acid is a fatty acid that easily binds hair proteins thus helping in protecting roots of hair strands and preventing hair breakage. Coconut oil can reduce or prevent hair protein loss more effectively than mineral and sunflower oils (these two oils are common ingredients of many hair care products).

For Damaged Hair

Coconut oil can nurture and repair even harshly damaged hair. Heat from products such as blow dryers, straightening irons or curling irons and chemicals from hair dye, shampoos and styling products cause hair to lose much needed proteins that keeps hair strong. Damaged hair is often brittle and dry due to a loss of natural hair proteins. Coconut oil contains these hair proteins and can provide complete nutrition to the hair follicles to make up for the proteins they have lost. Make the oil slightly warm and apply into the scalp and hair, working from the top down to the bottom.

Friday 16 January 2015

Natural Skin Care Tips

Natural beauty isn't just what you're born with. It's also about making the most of your assets, toning down any flaws and presenting well. It's also about having a beautiful personality, one that isn't self-absorbed but encompasses others in your circle of care.

These beauty tips are easy, all natural, and best of all, you probably already have everything that you need hiding right there in the kitchen. If not, you can easily find them at any grocery store.

Dry Brush Exfoliation

A dry brush exfoliation may be done before showering. It eliminates dead skin cells and allows the skin to detoxify  (skin is the largest organ of elimination). Dry brush exfoliation is also said to improve circulation and reduce puffiness. Some people may find the gentle pressure calming. A soft natural bristle brush is needed.

Natural Cleansers

Cleanse your skin naturally using products from your grocer or even organic cosmetics. A good natural cleanser for combination skin is raw honey. Raw honey is honey in its most natural form. Honey has skin healing properties and it helps the dry areas of combination skin retain moisture. Honey has a soothing effect and it is rich in minerals, vitamins (such as B-vitamins and biotin) and antioxidants. Honey's antiseptic properties help combat acne in the oily areas of combination skin by reducing bacteria on the skin.

Exercise and Circulation

If you can move your body for a minimum of 20 minutes a day (at an intensity high enough to break a mild sweat), you are well on your way to achieving a 'glow'. Your blood is your body's transporter of nutrients to your skin so the more you circulate your blood, the better delivery of vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants to your skin.   These vital nutrients can then help slow aging, boost firmness and help repair skin cells.

Natural Toners

Toning the skin is an important part of any skin care regimen. It is especially important in combination skin because it helps to balance the skin. Toner removes cleanser residue from the skin, removes and redistributes excess sebum from the oily areas and gently moisturizes the dry areas. Use a solution of cucumbers and distilled water as a toner after cleansing combination skin. Rose water or other hydrosols are also excellent natural toners for combination skin types. Astringent toners, such as lemon juice may be too harsh for combination skin. Astringent products strip oil from the skin, and in turn, the skin may produce excess oil to replace this loss.

Improve Your Digestion

In alternative medicine, good skin is a reflection of a properly functioning digestive system. People with skin disorders such as acne, rosacea, and psoriasis who also experience constipation and other digestive conditions may benefit. Two common cuprits are a lack of fiber and fluids.

Friday 9 January 2015

Herbs for Everyday Living

Using herbs in your life may be the key to vibrant health and wellbeing. With so many herbs to choose from, the subject can be overwhelming without professional assistance. Growing herbs at home is a fun, money-saving hobby that also happens to be good for your health. In addition to flavoring up your favorite dishes, herbs are filled with antioxidants and essential nutrients.

Everyday herbal remedies, offers you a one-stop place for natural herbal remedies, which also includes helpful articles, real life experiences, herbal products, herbal books and much more.

Anise

Anise seeds provide a sweet taste similar to that of black licorice when used in foods. They can calm an upset stomach and help with coughs and runny noses. Thanks to presumed estrogen-like properties, anise may increase milk flow in breastfeeding mothers, treat menstrual symptoms and boost libido.

Dandelion Root

When it comes to beneficial natural herbs, Dandelion Root is a big one. This root can help with your liver function and detoxification, and it is very nutritious. It can help you lower your blood cholesterol level, and treats anemia because of the high iron content. The root is also an excellent diuretic.

Holy Basil

This type of basil is often used to treat high cholesterol (although the research isn’t conclusive). What’s more, according to WebMD, some limited research shows many other benefits from the herb, including upper respiratory infections, asthma, diabetes and more. Researchers believe that this is because compounds in holy basil decrease pain and swelling.

Garlic

Garlic is one of the natural herbs which has been used for thousands of years. Garlic tincture has compounds which help your body fight off infections cause by viruses, bacteria, and fungi. The compounds also help keep your urinary tract and digestive system in good working condition. Garlic can be added to your meals or you can take a supplement to avoid any smell.

Ashwagandha

The leaf and berry are helpful in treating a vast array of ailments: calming anxiety, lowering inflammation and blood pressure and strengthening the immune system.

Astragalus

This root is often used in Chinese medicine, treating conditions related to cold and allergies, like running nose, itching, and sneezing. It is also used to strengthen the immune system.

Friday 2 January 2015

Olive Oil for Hair

With a variety of ways to style hair these days, it can really take a beating; whether from a curling iron, straightening iron, or coloring products. Altering your hair on a regular basis can make you look great, but can unfortunately take a toll on its quality. Many hair products contain chemicals that may damage you hair over time. This is not to say that you should not experiment with different hairstyles. However, it is beneficial to know some options for taking proper care of your hair on a regular basis.

You will immediately feel that your hair is easier to comb and is generally more manageable. However truly impressive results like faster hair growth, reduced hair loss and other more substantial benefits for hair and scalp come only with regular use, which should be at least once a week.

Dandruff treatments

Dandruff is usually caused when the scalp becomes dry and flaky, causing those unsightly white flakes. Olive oil is a natural moisturizer.  When massaged into the scalp it will moisturize your scalp, reducing the appearance of your dandruff naturally, with no chemically laden shampoos.  Use the treatment as often as needed until the problem fades and then just once or twice a week to keep it from reoccurring.

Scalp Massage

Another way to incorporate the rich benefits of olive oil into your hair is through scalp massage. Scalp massage not only stimulates root growth, promoting activity and increased circulation, it also helps distribute the scalp's natural oils through the shaft of the hair, increasing moisture content. Help your scalp out and work olive oil into your palms and saturate the hair as you relax. A little dose of oil will have a major impact on the health and sheen of your hair.

Use as hair conditioner

Is your hair as dry and brittle as sagebrush in the desert? Put the moisture back into it by heating 1/2 cup olive oil (don’t boil it), and then liberally applying it to your hair. Cover your hair with a plastic grocery bag, then wrap it in a towel. Let it set for 45 minutes, then shampoo and thoroughly rinse.

Frizzy hair tamer

Dry hair is brittle hair and even just brushing your hair can cause split ends that turn your hair into a frizzy mess. Using olive oil on just the ends of your hair moisturizes those brittle ends, and will help smooth down the split ends, taming the frizz and the flyaway hairs. Use it after styling on just the ends of your hair to tame your hair.

Adds Shine

Healthy hair has a natural shine. Damaged and dry hair looks dull and lifeless but you can bring your hair back to life with olive oil. When used as a conditioner olive oil infuses your hair with moisture, restoring it to a healthy and beautiful looking shine.

Easier to Manage

Unhealthy hair is not easy to style; it is either limp or frizzy. Using olive oil as a hot oil treatment will make your hair healthy and manageable once again.