Sunday, March 11, 2012

Homemade egg conditioner recipe

Homemade Egg Conditioner Recipe
Ingredients:
1 teaspoon baby oil
1 egg yolk
1 cup water
Directions:
Beat the egg yolk until its frothy, add
the oil then beat again. Add to the
water. Massage into the scalp and
throughout your hair. Rinse well.
Use fresh.

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Back to Nature - Honey




-Honey use and production has a long and varied history. In many cultures, honey has associations that go beyond its use as a food. It appears in literature, religion, linguistics, folk belief and is frequently a talisman and symbol of sweetness. The main uses of honey are in cooking, baking, as a spread on breads, as an addition to various beverages such as tea and as a sweetener in commercial beverages.

-It contains Carbohydrates (Sugars and Dietary fibre), Fat, Protein, Water, Vitamins B2 (Riboflavin), B3 (Niacin), B5 (Pantothenic acid), B9 (Folate), B6 and C, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Sodium and Zinc. It is a mixture of sugars and other compounds. With respect to carbohydrates, honey is mainly fructose (about 38.5%) and glucose (about 31.0%). Honey's remaining carbohydrates include maltose, sucrose, and other complex carbohydrates. It also contains tiny amounts of several compounds thought to function as antioxidants, including chrysin, pinobanksin, vitamin C, catalase, and pinocembrin. The specific composition of any batch of honey will depend largely on the mix of flowers available to the bees that produced the honey.

-Its collection is an ancient activity. Eva Crane The Archaeology of Beekeeping (1983) states that humans began hunting for honey at least 10,000 years ago. She evidences this with a cave painting in Valencia, Spain. The painting is a Mesolithic rock painting, showing two female honey-hunters collecting honey and honeycomb from a wild bee hive.

-In Ancient Egypt, honey was used to sweeten cakes and cookies, and was used in many other dishes. Ancient Egyptian and Middle-Eastern people also used honey for embalming the dead. In the Roman Empire, honey was possibly used instead of gold to pay taxes. Pliny the Elder devotes considerable space in his book Naturalis Historia to the bee and honey, and its many uses. The fertility god of Egypt, Min, was offered honey. In some parts of post-classical Greece, like Rhodes, it was formerly the custom for a bride to dip her fingers in honey and make the sign of the cross before entering her new home.

Honey in the Bible. The Old Testament contains many references to honey. In The Book of Judges, Samson found a swarm of bees and honey in the carcass of a lion (14:8). In Matthew 3:4, John the Baptist is said to have lived for a long period of time in the wilderness on a diet consisting of locusts and wild honey. The book of Exodus famously describes the Promised Land as a "land flowing with milk and honey".

In Jewish tradition, honey is a symbol for the New Year—Rosh Hashana. At the traditional meal for that holiday, apple slices are dipped in honey and eaten to bring a sweet new year. Some Rosh Hashana greetings show honey and an apple, symbolizing the feast. In some congregations, small straws of honey are given out to usher in the New Year.

In Islam, there is an entire Surah in the Qur'an called al-Nahl (the Honey Bee). According to hadith, Prophet Muhammad strongly recommended honey for healing purposes. The Qur'an also promotes honey as a nutritious and healthy food.

In Buddhism, honey plays an important role in the festival of Madhu Purnima, celebrated by Buddhists in India and Bangladesh. The day commemorates Buddha's making peace among his disciples by retreating into the wilderness. The legend has it that while he was there, a monkey brought him honey to eat. On Madhu Purnima, Buddhists remember this act by giving honey to monks. The monkey's gift is frequently depicted in Buddhist art.

In Western culture the word "honey", along with variations like "honey bun" and "honey pot" and the abbreviation "hon", has become a term of endearment. In many children’s books bears are depicted as eating honey, (e.g. Winnie the Pooh) even though most bears actually eat a wide variety of foods, and bears seen at beehives are usually more interested in bee larvae than honey. In some European languages even the word for 'bear' (e.g. in Russian 'medvĂ©d', in Czech 'medved, in Hungarian medve, in Croatian 'medvjed') is derived from the noun which means 'honey' and the verb which means 'to eat'. Honey is sometimes sold in bear-shaped jars or squeeze bottles.

Because of its unique composition and the complex processing of nectar by the bees which changes its chemical properties, honey is suitable for long term storage and is easily assimilated even after long preservation. History knows examples of honey preservation for decades, and even centuries. A number of special prerequisites are, however, necessary to achieve these conservation periods. It includes sealing the product in vessels of chosen material, kept in a favourable environment of specific humidity, temperature, etc. One example is the natural process of bees sealing of the honey in honeycomb cells with wax caps. Acacia honey is known to be more resistant to crystallization.

Traditionally honey was preserved in deep cellars and stored in ceramic or wooden containers; however glass is now the favoured material. When conventional preservation methods are applied, it is not recommended to preserve it for longer than 2-3 years. As honey has a strong tendency to absorb outside smells, it is advisable to keep it in clean, hermetically sealed vessels. It is also advisable to keep it in opaque vessels, or stored in a dark dry place, preventing it from absorbing any moisture. If excessive moisture is absorbed it can ferment. It should not be preserved in metal containers, because the acids in the honey may promote oxidation of the vessel. This leads to increased content of heavy metals, decreases the amount of nutrients, and may lead to stomach discomfort or even poisoning. Because honey has a high tendency to absorb outside smells and moisture, it is not advisable to preserve it uncovered in a refrigerator, especially together with other foods and products. Excessive heat can have detrimental effects on the nutritional value of honey. Heating up to 37Deg C causes loss of nearly 200 components, part of which is antibacterial. Heating up to 40Deg C destroys invertase, and important enzyme. Heating up to 50Dec C turns the honey into caramel (the most valuable honey sugars become analogous to sugar).

For more than 2000 years, it has been used by humans to treat a variety of ailments through topical application, but only recently have the antiseptic and antibacterial properties of honey been chemically explained. Wound Gels that contain antibacterial honey and have regulatory approval for wound care are now available to help conventional medicine in the battle against drug resistant strains of bacteria MRSA. As an antimicrobial agent it may have the potential for treating a variety of ailments. Antibacterial properties are the result of the low water activity causing osmosis, hydrogen peroxide effect and high acidity.

Some studies suggest that the topical use of honey may reduce odours, swelling, and scarring when used to treat wounds; it may also prevent the dressing from sticking to the healing wound. A review in the Cochrane Library suggests that honey could reduce the time it takes for a burn to heal - up to four days sooner in some cases. Antioxidants in honey have even been implicated in reducing the damage done to the colon in colitis. Such claims are consistent with its use in many traditions of folk medicine. Most micro-organisms do not grow in honey because of its low water activity.

It appears to be effective in killing drug-resistant biofilms which are implicated in chronic rhinosinusitis. Topical honey has been used successfully in a comprehensive treatment of diabetic ulcers when the patient cannot use other topical antibiotics. It has also been used for centuries as a treatment for sore throats and coughs, and according to recent research may in fact be more effective than most common medicines. Mixed with lemon juice and consumed slowly, it coats the throat, alleviating discomfort. The antibacterial and antiseptic properties aid in healing sore throats and laryngitis.
NB: Honey frequently contains dormant endospores of the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, which can be dangerous to infants as the endospores can transform into toxin-producing bacteria in the infant's immature intestinal tract.

A main effect of bees collecting nectar to make honey is pollination, which is crucial for flowering plants. The study of pollens and spores in raw honey can determine the floral sources of honey. Because bees carry an electrostatic charge, and can attract other particles, the same techniques of can be used in area environmental studies of radioactive particles, dust, or particulate pollution.

Let's applaud the Honey Bee…

Acne Cure With Neem and Turmeric

Neem and turmeric have antibacterial properties and are effective in acne cure. Neem (Azadirachta indica) and turmeric (Curcuma longa) can suppress and kill bacterial activity is effective in treating acne rashes and acne bacterial infection.

Neem oil applied over the infected area is beneficial in curing acne. Turmeric powder mixed with either water or aloe vera gel can be applied over acne rashes.

Turmeric can also be used internally. It is a regular condiment/spice in Indian traditional cooking. It not only adds taste to the food, but also helps liver with removal of toxins. It also helps in killing bacteria and infection. It is therefore considered a blood purifier and detoxification agent. This also gives considerable advantage in treating acne inflammation.

Turmeric powder and neem oil together is also good combination for acne treatment. You can also crush a few neem leaves to make a paste to which you add a tsp of turmeric powder. Apply it over acne inflammation spots. Both have antiseptic properties and helps in controlling inflammation.

It takes only a few days for turmeric to show results in acne treatment. You can mix turmeric powder with coconut oil and apply the paste directly over acne inflammations. Allow it to dry and leave the dried paste on your acne inflammation overnight. Do this for two or three days and find considerable improvement in the condition of your skin.

Acne caused due to hormonal imbalances too is cured this way.

Monday, October 11, 2010

Sunburn Remedies


1. Rub an ice cube on sunburn.

2. Put 1 part vinegar and 1 part water in a spray bottle spray on sunburn.

3. Put some tea on a wash cloth, place on the burn and put an ice pack on top.

4. Break open an aloe vera leaf, scoop out some of the gel and gently spread over the burn.

14 Table Manners Every Child Should Know

Every parent wants to launch their children into the world with the skills they need to succeed. Equipping children with good table manners is an important lesson that all parents should want to give to their children. Using good table manners allows the focus to be placed on the conversation not on the act of eating. Having good table manners gives people the confidence to participate in any dining situation with ease.

Start introducing manners lessons slowly to very young children and add more refined lessons as the child matures. Consistency and repetition are very important when teaching children. Parents will have to reinforce the rules time and time again until good practices become habit. Remind children whenever a slip in manners occurs but don't scold or nag.

Practicing good manners daily will eventually lead to mastery and manners will become second nature. As children develop fine motor skills, their use of utensils and glassware will improve. With constant repetition, by the early teen years, kids will have built up a comprehensive collection of manners which parents need only fine-tune for teens to be capable of attending the most formal of occasions.

For the well being of the children, even busy families should find the time to sit down together each evening for a meal. The most simple of meals, including take-out fare, are fine choices. Make sure that the food is transferred and/or served in serving dishes and that the family uses dinnerware. If dinner is impossible on certain evenings, families can sit down later in the evening for dessert; make sure to set the table and use dinnerware and utensils.

Teaching children the proper way to set the table is a perfect start for introducing the use of utensils, plates and glasses. Explain where each utensil is placed, what it is for, when it is used, and the correct way to hold it. Young children love being given a responsibility and will happily and proudly set the table each evening. Put placemats, napkins, silverware, plates, cups and bowls within reach of children to facilitate easy table setting. A good idea in homes with small children is to purchase nice quality melamine dishes so when plates drop they will not break.

Children do not learn proper table manners overnight. It takes years of repetition and consistent training to refine their skills. Parents have eighteen years to help shape their child's table manners so there is plenty of time to patiently work with them. Expect lots of errors and missteps, use gentle guidance, never scold or embarrass, just kindly correct and continue eating.

If parents begin teaching manners when their children are toddlers, by the time the kids are in kindergarten they will have mastery of the basics.

The following is a list of table manners that your child should have a good grasp of by age six.

  • Wash their hands and face before sitting down to the table.
  • Sit down in their proper seat and put their napkin in their lap.
  • Wait to begin eating until everyone is seated and has been served. Many families wait until an adult gives permission to start eating.
  • Stay seated in their seats without wiggling in their chairs, going under the table, or getting up and down.
  • Say, "Excuse Me," and ask permission to leave the table.
  • Elbows do not belong on the table.
  • Mouths should stay closed while chewing and pieces should be bite sized.
  • "May I please" and "Thank you" should be used when children would like food and never reach across the table.
  • Participate in the conversation during dinner and no interruptions when other people are talking.
  • Slurping, burping, squealing, singing, humming are all sounds that are not to be made at the table.
  • It is never kind or polite to make negative comments about what is being served for dinner.
  • Before getting up at the end of the meal say, "May I please be excused?"
  • Ask if adults would like them to clear their dinner plate.
  • Thank the cook.

Preparing children for adulthood starts the moment the baby is placed in the arms of the mother. Teaching children to use good table manners is a wonderful gift that will serve them well throughout their entire lives. Parents will be proud that their children are using the good manners that they have taught them, and more importantly children will be polished and refined and capable of being comfortable in any situation.

Saturday, August 7, 2010

How To Get Luscious Lips With Minimal Beauty Products :)


Your lips are one of the most tell-tale parts of your body. While effective skin care can keep your lips plump, any negligence in skin care or unhealthy habits like smoking or excessive alcohol consumption can make your lips appear dry and flaky.

In fact, your lips take center stage every time you speak, eat, drink or kiss someone. Rough and dry lips are such a turn off. Fortunately, with the right skin care and make-up techniques, you can get perfect lips and a luscious kissable pout.

Here are some supple beauty tips to make your lips look healthy and beautiful:

Step 1: Soften your Lips

The first step towards achieving lush, beautiful lips is to keep them soft and supple. Here is how to do that:

Exfoliate
The skin on your lips is thinner than the skin on the rest of your body and thus is highly prone to dryness and chapping. Before you color your lips, you need to remove all the dry flaky skin. You can either rub a wet toothbrush over lips or use a lip exfoliator.

Moisturize
Before you apply lipstick or gloss, rub on a thin layer of lip balm on your lips, preferably one that contains petrolatum or mineral oil. Apply this lip balm once again before going to bed at night.

Treat the Lines on your Lips
Whenever you talk, eat or kiss someone, the muscles around your mouth are used frequently as a result of which, fine lines begin to appear along this area. However, you can prevent this by applying sunscreen on this area before you venture outside. Also, consider using a lip treatment that aims to stimulate collagen within the cells and plump up and fill out fine lines. Try Kinerase Ultimate Volume Lip Conditioner with SPF 20. It is a great lip treatment that plumps up your lips and protects and repairs the signs of aging. It leaves the lips noticeably smooth, full, glossy and youthful.

Step 2: Choose a Lip Color

Your lip color speaks volumes about your personality. Ideally, choose a color that's a couple of shades lighter or darker than your natural lip color. Remember, the color of your skin and hair effects how the shade of your lip color appears. Light colored hair can make your lip color appear brighter while darker hair can make it look darker. Here are some tips to choose the best color for your complexion:

Fair Complexion
Go for lighter shades such as pale pink, beige and light coral.

Medium Complexion
The best shades are brown-based tones of rose, darker beige and mauve.

Dark Complexion
Try shades like red, deep plum and chocolate lip color.

Also, if you want to make sure that your teeth look dazzling white, use lip colors with blue undertones such as wine, plum and rosy pink shades. And stay clear of orangey coral lip color that can make your teeth appear yellow.

Step 3: Apply Lip Color

Line your Lips
Start by outlining the edges of your mouth with a lip liner, one that closely matches your natural lip color. The color of your lip liner should never be darker than your lip color lest it shows through. Also, instead of drawing a harsh line, use short, quick strokes to gently outline your lips from the outer corner of one side of your lips to the middle. Once you hit the center of your lips, repeat the same thing from the opposite corner.

Fill in the Center
With the same lip liner, fill in the center of your mouth so that you aren't left with a ring of liner if suppose your lipstick wears off.

Color your Lips
Finally, start coloring your lips. If you are using creamy lipstick formulas, you can use them directly from the tube. In case of matte or intense colors, you need more precision application with a lip brush. For extra shine, dab on some gloss on the top.



Saturday, April 17, 2010

Lemon - A Miracle for Beautiful Hair and Skin


Even though we go out in the market to get the most appropriate beauty products for ourselves, sometimes we just have to look in our own homes for a better solution. To our very own surprise we may find it too in our own backyard. We are talking about the tiny lemon.

For ages this lemon has been used as one of the foremost and most useful beauty product we can imagine. With its rich content of nutrients it helps you with your skin as well as your hair. Lemon by itself or with any other ingredient makes a very good amalgamation for skin or hair care.

It is so common that anyone or everyone can use it. One cannot say that only the rich and famous were able to make good use of it. It has good amount of Vitamin C which makes things easier if you want to have lovely and ravishing skin.

It is a very good cleanser as the nutrients does wonder internally as well as externally. Due to the good work done for our digestive system it helps in giving a very clean and clear skin. If you mix lemon in a glass of warm water and drink it everyday, it will help in clearing the toxins from your body.

By cutting a lemon and rubbing it on your skin and keeping it for nearly an hour would help in removing the sun tan. It will also help in reducing your chances of wrinkles and treating the ever growing blemishes. It would work even better if you happen to rub olive oil before rinsing. It acts as a bleaching agent so avoid using this mixture before going in the sun.

Lemon is a good for your hair too, as it helps in removing dandruff. Rubbing or massaging lemon juice on your hair regulates the blood in your head helping in hair growth. The glands are regulated too which help in producing oil to have a beautiful and shiny hair.

As it helps in stimulation lemon has been used in many of the aromatherapy soaps and oil to rejuvenate you in every aspect. If you have brittle nails rubbing sliced lemon everyday would help you with a much stronger and sturdier nails. You can try one of the common treatments for the nails by soaking them in lemon juice for 10 minutes and then brushing them with equal parts of vinegar and warm for good shape.

It is also used to remove blackheads. If you rub lemon juice over blackheads, keep it overnight and rinse it in the morning it will help you tremendously. Continue doing this every night till the blackheads are gone. It can also be used as a breath mint. Squirt some lemon juice in your mouth and swirl it in your mouth for sometime and then drink it. This method would help in getting rid of your bad breath.

Lemon is acidic; one should use it in proper proportions. It acts as an astringent which may not be good in excess quantity. Before trying any of these remedies please see to it that you are not allergic to it.