Propolis

Propolis is a resin-like material from the buds of poplar and cone-bearing trees. Propolis is rarely available in its pure form. It is usually obtained from beehives and contains bee products.

Propolis has a long history of medicinal use, dating back to 350 B.C., the time of Aristotle. Greeks have used propolis for abscesses; Assyrians have used it for healing wounds and tumors; and Egyptians have used it for mummification. It still has many medicinal uses today, although its effectiveness has only been shown for a couple of them.

Propolis is used for cancer sores and infections caused by bacteria (includingtuberculosis), by viruses (including flu, H1N1 “swine” flu, and the common cold), by fungus, and by single-celled organisms called protozoans. Propolis is also used forcancer of the nose and throat; for boosting the immune system; and for treating gastrointestinal (GI) problems including Helicobacter pylori infection in peptic ulcerdisease. Propolis is also used as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent.

People sometimes apply propolis directly to the skin for wound cleansing, genital herpes and cold sores; as a mouth rinse for speeding healing following oral surgery; and for the treatment of minor burns.

In manufacturing, propolis is used as an ingredient in cosmetics.

How does it work?

Propolis seems to have activity against bacteria, viruses, and fungi. It might also have anti-inflammatory effects and help skin heal.
Cold sores. Applying a specific 3% propolis ointment (Herstat or ColdSore-FX) might help improve healing time and reduce pain from cold sores.
Genital herpes. Applying a 3% propolis ointment (Herstat or ColdSore-FX) might improve healing of recurrent genital lesions caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Some research suggests that it might heal lesions faster and more completely than the conventional treatment 5% acyclovir ointment.
Improving healing and reducing pain and inflammation after mouth surgery.

Insufficient Evidence for:

Cancer sores.
Tuberculosis.
Infections.
Nose and throat cancer.
Improving immune response.
Ulcers.
Stomach and intestinal disorders.
Common cold.
Wounds.
Inflammation.
Minor burns.
Other conditions.

There isn't enough information to know if propolis is safe. It can cause allergic reactions, particularly in people who are allergic to bees or bee products. Lozenges containing propolis can cause irritation and mouth ulcers.
Special Precautions & Warnings:Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of propolis during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Asthma: Some experts believe some chemicals in propolis may make asthma worse. Avoid using propolis if you have asthma.

Allergies: Don’t use propolis if you are allergic to bee by-products including honey, conifers, poplars, Peru balsam, and salicylates.

The following doses have been studied in scientific research:

APPLIED TO THE SKIN:
For cold sores: A 3% propolis ointment (Herstat or ColdSore-FX) applied 5 times daily.
For herpes outbreak: A 3% propolis ointment (Herstat or ColdSore-FX) applied to the blisters 4 times daily.
As a mouth rinse after mouth surgery: A solution containing propolis, water, and alcohol.

Homemade Facial Scrub

Exfoliation is an integral part of skincare regime. It helps to get rid of dead cells from the surface of the skin, improves blood circulation, leaving your skin clean and bright. Natural face scrubs are cheaper and more important they are free of chemicals. You have to keep certain things in mind before using any exfoliating mask. The scrub you choose should be gently and should not damage your skin. Never use scrub on infected or inflamed skin. After exfoliation, it is important to moisturize your skin as exfoliation tends to dry your skin. People with oily skin can exfoliate once in a week, while people with dry skin can exfoliate once or twice a month. Choose scrub according to your skin type, what suits one person may not suit another person. Over exfoliating your skin can cause skin irritation or damage your skin. So do take care of these small things before using face scrub.

How to apply facial scrub

Wash your face well and apply scrub on clean damp skin. Avoid area around the eyes.

Let the scrub dry a little. Wet your hands and exfoliate using gentle circular upward movements.

Scrub lightly as vigorous movements will damage the skin.

Make your own Facial Scrub

Do you know that you can make your own facial scrub at home with ingredients available in your kitchen. Here are a few Natural Facial Scrub Recipes which are easy to prepare at home.

1. Orange peel yogurt facial scrub

Orange peel powder is readily available in the market which you can buy and use. If you cannot get orange peel powder, you can dry orange peels in the sun, powder it finely and store it in an air tight container. Take a tbsp of orange peel powder, mix it with a tsp of plain fat free yogurt and make a paste. Add water if needed to adjust the consistency. Use it as a face scrub.

2. Lentil facial scrub

Dry moong dal (pasi paruppu) well in the sun, grind it to a fine powder and store it in a container. Take 2 tsp of the dal powder, mix it with required milk to get a smooth consistency. Apply it on face and when it is half dry, gently rub in circular upward movement and then rinse off with warm water. Pat dry and apply your favorite moisturizer.

3. Apple Face scrub

Peel the skin of apple, remove the seeds and blend it to a fine paste, add a tsp of honey, 2 tbsp of powdered oats and little water if needed. It is perfect to exfoliate the face.

4. Rice Flour Yogurt Scrub

Mix rice flour with plain fat free yoghurt and scrub your face gently in upward circular movements.

5.Sandalwood gram flour scrub

Mix equal quantities of gram flour (kadalai mavu/besan) and pure sandalwood powder with little raw milk to a paste. Do not buy scented sandalwood powder. Effective for persons with normal and oily skin.

6.Chickpea Exfoliating Scrub

Take equal quantity of sandalwood powder and chickpea powder, mix it with needed water to make a paste. Apply to the face, leave it for 5 minutes and then gently scrub in circular movements using your finger tips. This scrub works great for oily skin.

7.Plain Oatmeal scrub

Take a tbsp of oats and cook with half cup of water. Allow it to cool. Add a tsp of fresh lemon juice to it. You can use just the cooked oats alone as a scrub. It also works great.

8.Yogurt oatmeal scrub

Cook 2 tbsp of oats till soft. Let it cool. Mix it with a tsp of yogurt and honey and use it as a scrub. This is great for persons with dry skin.

9.Cornmeal scrub

Mix a tbsp of Cornmeal flour with water and gently scrub your skin in circular movements.

10.Almond scrub

Almond flour with a tbsp of milk makes a good scrub. Alternatively you can soak 5-6 almonds for 4-5 hours, remove the skin and grind it to a fine paste with milk. After scrubbing for 5-6 minutes, leave it on the face to dry, then rinse off with warm water. Persons with oily skin can replace milk with rose water.

11.Honey Almonds Scrub with milk

Mix almond flour with ½ tsp of honey, needed milk and mix it to a paste.

Home made body scrub

1.Wheat husk Body Scrub

Wheat husk + milk makes an excellent body scrub.

2.Sugar scrub

Sugar especially brown sugar is a great scrub. Mix 1-2 tsp of sugar with 1/3 cup of olive oil and use it to exfoliate your hands and legs. Apply the mixture to wet skin, scrub gently and then wash off using your regular body wash or mild bath soap or bengal gram flour.

These homemade scrubs or natural exfoliating mask will help exfoliate and leaves your skin soft, smooth and refreshing. Get started and pamper yourself at home.

8 Fat Burning Foods You Should Start Eating

Yes, fat keeps you protected, warm and alive. But too much of anything can be, well, bad. If you are trying to pare down your pot belly, look at these tips of fat- burning foods.

Breakfast cereal

Start your day skinny by boosting fiber and providing fewer calories from fat than other popular breakfasts such as bacon and eggs, ready to eat cereal can help you fill up and slim down. Study from one journal of the dietetic association found that women who eat cereal are 35 percent less likely to be overweight than those who eat other breakfast foods. To get the most bangs for your breakfast buck, choose rich in fiber, low-fat cereals and aim for five grams per serving.

Low fat yogurt

Plain, low fat yogurts are one of the best sources of calcium, a mineral that might fight fat. Not getting enough calcium triggers the release of calcitriol- a hormone that causes you to store fat, whereas in taking of your daily calcium needs help you burn fat more efficiently. Yogurts and other dairy foods are leading sources of leucine, which helps fight fat as well.

Peanuts

Ironically, elephant favorite peanuts fight weight gain, slow rises in blood sugar and what is more curb hunger. One study found that those who add 505 calories of peanuts to their diets for 2 weeks experience almost no change in body weight and a 25 percent drop in triglycerides- fats that are associated with heart disease. Researchers say that satiating power of peanuts helps people eat less overall.

Wardrobes that Wow

Modern Style

Everything about this system is stylish and easy to locate, which makes getting ready a breeze. The artistic cabinetry created by California Closets features adjustable glass shelving to store a variety of accessories, perfumes and purses.

Space-Savvy

This wardrobe is created in a room that lacks any existing closet space. Designed by ClosetMaid, this functional focal point utilizes a balance of drawers, shevles and hanging space to store clothing and accessories.  

Matching Design

The abundance of storage space in this wardrobe competes with a full walk-in closet. While organization is essential in closet planning, it's very important to consider how the closet system fits with the surrounding design elements. Photo courtesy of ClosetMaid

Old World and Functionality

Timeless, custom cabinetry with full-height storage neatly displays his and her belongings. This closet system, designed by Studio Becker, is made from Mahogany and can easily pass for a fine antique. 

Dramatic Elements

Getting ready for a night out on the town is a treat in this space. Recessed lighting and elegant velvet curtains create a dramatic effect, showcasing this custom-designed, ClosetMaid wardrobe. 

Wire System Wardrobes

For those on a budget a wire system wardrobe is a wonderful option. It can easily be installed and uninstalled, and is functional for almost any space. Photo courtesy of ClosetMaid

Brain Foods That Help You Concentrate

Ginseng, Fish, Berries, or Caffeine?

Listen to the buzz about foods and dietary supplements, and you'll believe they can do everything from sharpen focus to enhance memory, attention span, and brain function.

But do they really work? There's no denying that as we age, our body ages right along with us. The good news is that you can improve your chances of maintaining a healthy brain if you add "smart" foods and drinks to your diet.

Caffeine Can Make You More Alert

There's no magic bullet to boost IQ or make you smarter -- but certain substances, like caffeine, can energize you and help you concentrate. Found in coffee, chocolate, energy drinks, and some medications, caffeine gives you that unmistakable wake-up buzz, though the effects are short-term. And more is often less: Overdo it on caffeine and it can make you jittery and uncomfortable.

Sugar Can Enhance Alertness

Sugar is your brain's preferred fuel source -- not table sugar, but glucose, which your body processes from the sugars and carbs you eat. That's why a glass of something sweet to drink can offer a short-term boost to memory, thinking, and mental ability.

Have too much, though, and memory can be impaired -- along with the rest of you. Go easy on the sugar so it can enhance memory without packing on the pounds.

Eat Breakfast to Fuel Your Brain

Tempted to skip breakfast? Studies have found that eating breakfast may improve short-term memory and attention. Students who eat it tend to perform better than those who don’t. Foods at the top of researchers' brain-fuel list include high-fiber whole grains, dairy, and fruits. Just don't overeat; researchers also found high-calorie breakfasts appear to hinder concentration.

Fish Really is Brain Food

A protein source linked to a great brain boost is fish -- rich in omega-3 fatty acids that are key for brain health. These healthy fats have amazing brain power: A diet with higher levels of them has been linked to lower dementia and stroke risks and slower mental decline; plus, they may play a vital role in enhancing memory, especially as we get older.

For brain and heart health, eat two servings of fish weekly.

Add a Daily Dose of Nuts and Chocolate

Nuts and seeds are good sources of the antioxidant vitamin E, which is linked to less cognitive decline as you age. Dark chocolate also has other powerful antioxidant properties, and it contains natural stimulants like caffeine, which can enhance focus.

Enjoy up to an ounce a day of nuts and dark chocolate to get all the benefits you need without excess calories, fat, or sugar.

Add Avocados and Whole Grains

Every organ in the body depends on blood flow, especially the heart and brain. A diet high in whole grains and fruits like avocados can cut the risk of heart disease and lower bad cholesterol. This reduces your risk of plaque buildup and enhances blood flow, offering a simple, tasty way to fire up brain cells.

Whole grains, like popcorn and whole wheat, also contribute dietary fiber and vitamin E. Though avocados have fat, it's the good-for-you, monounsaturated fat that helps with healthy blood flow.

Blueberries Are Super Nutritious

Research in animals shows that blueberries may help protect the brain from the damage caused by free radicals and may reduce the effects of age-related conditions such as Alzheimer's disease or dementia. Studies also show that diets rich in blueberries improved both the learning and muscle function of aging rats, making them mentally equal to much younger rats

Benefits of a Healthy Diet

It may sound trite but it's true: If your diet lacks essential nutrients, it can hurt your ability to concentrate. Eating too much or too little can also interfere with your focus. A heavy meal may make you feel tired, while too few calories can result in distracting hunger pangs.

Benefit your brain: Strive for a well-balanced diet full of a wide variety of healthy foods

Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements?

Store shelves groan with supplements claiming to boost health. Although many of the reports on the brain-boosting power of supplements like vitamins B, C, E, beta-carotene, and magnesium are promising, a supplement is only useful to people whose diets are lacking in that specific nutrient.

Researchers are cautiously optimistic about ginseng, ginkgo, and vitamin, mineral, and herb combinations and their impact on the brain.

Check with your doctor.

Get Ready for a Big Day

Want to power up your ability to concentrate? Start with a meal of 100% fruit juice, a whole-grain bagel with salmon, and a cup of coffee. In addition to eating a well-balanced meal, experts also offer this advice: 

Get a good night's sleep. 

Stay hydrated. 

Exercise to help sharpen thinking. 

Meditate to clear thinking and relax.