5 powerful Herbs for Treating Acne

usually occurs when there is an overproduction of oil or sebum that mingles with dead cells that in turn blocks the pores on the skin. When this happens, bacteria set in causing inflammation and bumps on the skin. There are many causes of acne such as sensitivity to certain types of makeup, hormonal changes, stress, as well as the type of food often consumed. Most would treat their acne by using medication but you might be surprised to find that there are natural ways to treat your flare ups.

5 Useful Herbs to Alleviate Acne Flare Ups

1. Aloe Vera. Aloe Vera is an amazing herbal plant because of its many uses. From treating cuts and burns to providing you with essential nutrients when made into juice, another benefit that can be added to this plant is being able to treat acne. The pulp of the plant is actually a good skin cleanser and can help alleviate inflammation. Simply split the skin of the aloe and apply directly onto the skin to get relief.
2. Lemon. What’s great about lemon is that it is readily available so you can use this treatment anytime you need it. Start off by washing your face to get rid of any dirt or impurities on your skin. Add some lemon juice into a cotton ball then apply on your face. Another possible treatment is the “steam cleaning” where you hold your face on top of a steaming bowl of lemon juice with a towel over your head to prevent the steam from escaping. This helps loosen up any oil and dead skin cell build up so you can wipe them away afterwards.
3. Cucumber. Another possible treatment for acne is cucumber. This vegetable isn’t just good for your overall health but it can also help relieve your acne. All that you have to do is to blend its pulp until liquid and apply onto your acne. You can also drink four to five cups of cucumber juice every day for a week to help cleanse your lymphatic system as well as blood to help clear up your acne woes.
4. Garlic. This particular herb is believed to be quite effective in treating acne thanks to its antibacterial properties. You can either apply it on your acne to help clear up your skin or ingest it whichever you prefer. Of course, you need to dilute the garlic first before you apply it onto your skin.
5. Mint. The menthol found in mint works as a painkiller and anti-inflammatory making it an ideal acne remedy. Although it won’t cure your acne, it can help reduce the swelling and lessen the pain that comes with it. You should first mash up the leaves to get the juice from the plant then wash your face before applying the paste. Leave it for 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing with cold water.

Acne flare ups can be treated without having to rely on medications all the time. With the following herbs mentioned above, it will be easier and cheaper to treat your acne problem at home.

home Remedies for curing Hair Fungus

Infections caused by fungus can happen from time to time. It’s not limited to your kitchen space alone but it can also affect your body too. When it strikes, you are sure to feel uncomfortable especially when there is itching and pain to deal with. You might be surprised but hair fungus can also occur especially when your scalp is filled with oil, dead cells, and even pollutants which make it the perfect breeding ground for fungi. You shouldn’t be surprised to find ringworm on your scalp when you don’t protect your hair. When fungi appear on your scalp, it can become quite itchy, flaky, and even dry too. So how will you be able to remedy this problem?

Neem Oil

Neem Oil is a common component in many Ayurvedic treatments and one of its uses is to treat hair fungus. In this recipe, you will need 2 to 3 tablespoons of coconut oil and a teaspoon of neem oil. You will need to combine the oils together before applying on your hair and scalp. Let it sit overnight. You can cover your hair with a shower cap so as not to stain your pillows. Rinse hair in the morning. This treatment should be done once every 3 days until the hair fungus disappears. Neem oil is known for its antimicrobial properties so this is a useful treatment for removing fungal infections.

Apple Cider Vinegar

What’s great about apple cider vinegar is that it contains antiseptic, anti-inflammatories, and antimicrobial properties that can help treat hair fungus. ACV can regulate the pH levels of your scalp so that there will be less oil being produced. You can mix some rosemary, green tea, fresh lemon juice, as well as apple cider vinegar in a spray bottle and shake until the ingredients have combined completely. Spray this solution on your scalp and let it soak for 40 minutes. Rinse your hair afterwards. You can repeat this treatment several times in a week until you have treated your scalp completely.

Castor Oil

Castor oil is recommended for treating hair fungus as it contains antifungal properties that can easily eliminate the fungal growth on your scalp. It also conditions the skin so this is another plus when using this product. All you will need is castor oil and cotton ball to apply the oil on the affected area. Use gloves when applying this product on the infected area so as not to spread the infection on other parts of your body. Leave the oil on the infection for an hour before rinsing your hair thoroughly. Use a blow dryer to dry your hair afterwards to prevent the fungus from spreading. 

These home remedies can easily eliminate the problem with regular use. What’s great about these remedies is that they are all safe to use so you can use them any time you want without worrying about any side effects.

Wonderful Health Benefits of Grape Leaves

Grape leaves, which is a popular staple of heart-healthy Mediterranean cuisine, are loaded in minerals and vitamins. Grape leaves are often found in bottles or cans, while raw or fresh grape leaves are best consumed after they are blanched or steamed.

Whether canned or freshly picked from grapevines, grape leaves can provide your body with a wide range of beneficial nutrients, from antioxidants, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, and calcium.

To get the health and nutritional benefits of grape leaves, you can turn these tasty leaves into delicious rolls filled with meat, rice, vegetables, or used them in salads.

Health Benefits of Grape Leaves:

1. Anti-inflammatory Properties

Grape leaves are known to be mildly anti-inflammatory and this is based on a rating system that estimates the inflammatory potential of foods and its food combinations.

Chronic inflammation may cause certain disease and illnesses, such as heart disease, some types of cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. Other diseases that are a result of inflammation include arthritis and gastrointestinal diseases, including Crohn’s disease.

2. Anti-microbial Antioxidant Properties

Whole grapes are a good source of antioxidants, but as it turns out, grape leaves are rich in anti-microbial and antioxidant compounds as well.

A research which was published in the International Journal of Food Properties in early 2013 compared the antioxidant properties of grape leaves collected in the months of May, August, and September. The study reported that the grape leaves plucked in September had the highest levels of total flavonoids, phenols, stilbenes and flavonols, all of which are known for strong antioxidant properties.

In addition, this study found grape leaf extract to contains antimicrobial activity against Salmonella Infantis, Escherichia coli, Stapylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus and Campylobacter jejuni.

3. Contains Low Glycemic Load

A single serving of grape leaves is full of nutrients, but has low glycemic load of 1. Monitoring one’s glycemic load is very important, most especially for diabetics, because it measures the effect of food on blood-sugar levels.

A daily total glycemic load target for the average, healthy individual is 100 or less, which makes grape leaves a healthy choice. People with metabolic syndrome or diabetes should aim for a lower number.

4. Source of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Did you know that there are some plant-based foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids in significant amounts? Chia seeds, flax seeds, walnuts and canola oil top the list of the best plant-based sources of omega-3 fatty acids. But there are also some green leafy vegetables, including grape leaves, that make it to the list as well.

Fresh grape leaves have about 2% fat, a surprisingly large amount for a green vegetable, and that substantial share of fat is omega-3.

5. Natural Remedy for Varicose Veins

A study published in the March 2004 issue of the journal Drugs in R & D examined the effects of red vine leaf extract on transcutanous oxygen pressure, cutaneous micro-circulation and leg edema in both men and women with chronic venous insufficiency.

Venous insufficiency is a medical condition, in which the veins have trouble pumping blood back to the heart and is characterized by the presence of spider veins, varicose veins, or chronic leg swelling.

The results of the study were promising, in which after the 6-week trial period, patients who received red vine leaf extract reported improved oxygen levels, improved microvascular blood flow and a decrease in leg circumference.

6. Rich in Calcium and Magnesium

Grape leaves are also loaded with magnesium and calcium, along with a number of other health enhancing minerals. Just one ounce provides at least 7% of the daily value for magnesium and 10% of the daily value for calcium.

Both magnesium and calcium are important for bone health. But, this mineral combination also plays an important role in healthy muscle and nerve function.

Nutritional Information of Grape Leaves:

Grape leaves are very low in calories, and has about 14 calories for every five leaves. For your general wellness and health, grape leaves are a good source of nutrients. These includes vitamins C, E, A, K and B6, niacin, iron, riboflavin, fiber, calcium, folate, copper, magnesium and manganese.

A single heart-healthy serving or just 1 cup of grape leaves, has no cholesterol or fat and is very low in sugar and sodium.