Archive for February, 2009

Tips and Remedies for Dry Skin

February 15th, 2009 -- Posted in skin remedies | No Comments »

Millions of people cope with dry skin every year. They are looking for remedies for dry skin conditions that are effective, natural, and affordable. Conditions of overly dry skin is effected by several main factors, including the weather, especially where it is very cold, windy, and humidity is low. Generally, when your body becomes unable to hold in the water and oil that it needs to keep skin moist, sometimes due to getting older, you end up with dry skin.

Nutritional deficiencies can also set the stage for dry skin. Having a diet low in vitamins E, A, and B, can also contribute to dryness of the skin. Dry skin lacks both oil and moisture. It is a condition where insufficient oil is generated by the sebaceous oil glands. It may be caused by other factors, including heredity or genetics. Although there are no lasting cures for this condition, there are still many home remedies for dry skin that you can do yourself, without spending lots of money on commercial skin care products.

Lotions and creams can be temporarily effective, but can become rather expensive. Many people spend lots of money hoping to get relief that never comes. Skin care is a huge, multi-billion dollar business, that continues to grow each year. Lots products flood the market making miraculous claims. But many of the treatments may be found in your kitchen pantry. Once a person understands why their skin is dry, they can begin learning effective ways of providing the care needed to restore it back to a healthy condition.

Here are a few home remedies for dry skin:

  • First, drink water. Water is an antioxidant and hydrates the body from inside and out.
  • Massage the face with almond oil or olive oil every night before going to bed. The oils can be used to massage the other parts of the body;
  • The best cleaning method for dry skin is soaking the face in lukewarm water for 10-15 minutes. It is better to avoid warm water to clean the face especially in winters;
  • Regular massage of skin with grapeseed oil, is a very effective treatment for dry skin.
  • In severe cases of dry skin castor oil or avocado oil is very beneficial.
  • Consider reducing or entirely eliminating both alcohol and caffeine;
  • Suggest eating fruits and vegetables high in vitamin E, A, and B;
  • Use mineral water when washing the face, instead of tap water;
  • Consider lifestyle changes in general, that promotes a healthy body;
  • Pay close attention to improving diet, nutrition, exercise, and your goals for better health;

It is my hope that this brief article has given you some useful ideas on home remedies for dry skin.

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Natural Remedies - Six Core Principles

February 10th, 2009 -- Posted in natural remedies | No Comments »

Natural remedies involve the use herbs, foods, exercise, meditation, and healthy living to heal and maintain health by those who practice its principles. These and many other natural methods are preferred over synthetic drugs and surgery. Although there are a multitude of ways to treat diseases and disharmonies in the body, changing one’s habit’s and lifestyle is probably the single greatest natural remedy to restoring and maintaining optimal health.

Naturopathy is a specialized area within practice of alternative medicine. The naturopathic approach to healing involves many different treatment modalities. Some practitioners follow the holistic path to patient care. They may suggest a patient have conventional medical care as well as having the natural remedies, thus providing a more comprehensive approach to the healing process.

Generally speaking, there are six core values that describes the principles and philosophy of naturopathy. The first is to do no harm, while providing the best care, with the least risk to the patient. The second would be to acknowledge and respect the vital, self-healing power of nature that each person has. The third principle would be to detect and remove the causes of disease, rather than only suppressing the symptoms. The fourth principle is to educate and inspire hope and encouragement, while promoting self-responsibility, and rational thinking. The fifth principle would be to consider all health factors and influences when treating the patient. And finally, to promote health, well-being, not only to the individual, but to the family, the community, and the world.

There are natural remedies and treatments to common illness and diseased conditions from curing acne, to high blood pressure, to weight loss, and beyond. For example, over 38% of adults in the United States, suffers from persistent heartburn and a condition known as acid reflux. Yet, the most effective remedy for this common condition, may actually be found in your kitchen pantry. For example, garlic is known to promote beneficial bacteria in the stomach, and gets rid of micro organisms that cause gastritis. Provided the garlic is fresh, crushing it or chewing it will yield the most benefits and relief. The application of natural remedies to treat illness, is a philosophy and practice based on common sense and the principles of healthy living.

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