Five ways to use Aloe Vera Gel for skincare

Article by Elizabeth Walling(NaturalNews) If you`re plagued by severe acne or dry skin and searching for natural relief, then the aloe vera plant may just become your new best friend. Aloe vera gel is a popular remedy used in herbal medicine. It grows in dry climates such as those found in parts of Africa and India.

Various studies have been conducted to examine the benefits of the aloe vera plant and it was found out that aloe vera does in fact have several properties that are effective in treating a variety of skin conditions, cosmetic ailments, hair and scalp problems, and many more. It is also said to be useful in treating wounds and burns, minor skin infections, cysts, diabetes, and elevated blood lipids in humans.

Aloe contains beneficial compounds such as polysaccharides, mannans, anthraquinones, and lectins. The secret of the aloe vera plant is in the transparent, juicy substance contained in its long, thick skinned leaves–the aloe vera gel.

Five Benefits of Using Aloe Vera Gel to Treat Skin Conditions

Suitable for all skin types, aloe vera gel can be used even by people with sensitive skin. Let`s take a look at the benefits of using aloe vera gel to treat skin conditions.

1. Aloe vera gel is great for moisturizing.

For women: Popularly used as a moisturizer by women who use mineral make-up regularly, aloe vera gel is great for face. Applying aloe vera gel on skin prior to application of make-up can prevent the skin from drying.

For men: Aloe vera gel can be used as an aftershave. Its healing properties can treat small cuts caused by shaving.

2. Aloe vera gel is great for treating acne.

Aloe vera gel has antimicrobial properties that kill bacteria and anti-inflammatory properties that reduce skin inflammation. It allows the skin to heal quickly and naturally with minimal scarring. Aloe is moisturizing but doesn`t give skin a greasy feel, so it`s perfect for anyone with an oily complexion.

3. Aloe vera helps fight common problems of skin aging.

Let`s face it: as we get older, everyone begins to worry about the appearance of lines and the loss of elasticity in our skin. The vitamin C and E present in aloe gel can improve our skin`s natural firmness and keep our skin hydrated.

4. Aloe vera can lessen the visibility of stretch marks.

Whether due to a growth spurt, weight change, or pregnancy – many of us are plagued with unsightly stretch marks. These marks appear due to minor tears in the layers of the skin caused by sudden and excessive stretching. Aloe vera gel can help hide these stretch marks by healing these wounds.

5. Aloe vera can be used to treat sunburn.

Aloe vera gel can reduce the pain and swelling you experience during sunburn. It acts as a protective layer on the skin and helps replenish its moisture. When the skin is hydrated, then it will recover faster from the sunburn.

Further Reading:

http://www.bitterrootrestoration.co…

http://www.targetwoman.com/articles…

http://www.nahanniriverherbs.com/262

Aloe Vera id Good!

(NaturalNews) When the thyroid gland goes out of whack and begins secreting large amounts of thyroid hormones, this condition is called hyperthyroidism 

Article by Dr. David Jockers

This condition is classified by increased heart rate, loss of weight, excessive sweating, anxiety & agitation, weight loss, fatigue, tremor, & increased bowel movements. Fortunately, we are beginning to understand this condition better and how to treat it naturally to restore balance and harmony back to the body.

The most common causes for hyperthyroidism are a chronically inflamed thyroid (thyroiditis) and an autoimmune condition called Graves Disease. Both inflammatory and auto-immune disorders are caused by an over-active and under-coordinated immune system. Several key factors such as intestinal dysbiosis, common food & environmental allergens, nutritional habits, vitamin D levels, & heavy metal toxicity must be addressed with any inflammatory and auto-immune disorder.

Dysbiosis is an overpopulation of antagonistic organisms in the gut that damage the intestinal wall allowing food particles to easily pass over and end up in the bloodstream. When undigested food particles are recognized by the immune system and tagged as foreign invaders in the body, the immune system then unleashes an assault of inflammation causing a systemic allergic reaction.

The most common food allergens to avoid include gluten containing grains such as wheat, barley, rye, oats, kamut, & spelt. Soy products, different nuts, eggs, and heavy proteins are often not tolerated well. Obviously all processed and man-made foods need to be avoided at all costs. Other common allergens include those of the nightshade family such as eggplant, tomatoes, & onions. Anyone with auto-immune reactions or excessive inflammation should get tested for food allergies or try an elimination diet to see if the conditions improve.

An anti-inflammatory diet and lifestyle are critical for full recovery from these conditions. Anti-inflammatory foods help to modulate the immune system giving it a more accurate pair of eyes so as to not over-inflame when stimulated. To effectively de-inflame, it is key to completely avoid man-made foods, sugars, and food allergens as listed above. The long chain omega 3 fatty acids EPA and DHA powerfully de-inflame the body by restoring natural balance to the lipid wall of the cell membrane.

Other great anti-inflammatory foods include coconut products, berries, and non-denatured, whey protein from grass-fed cows and goats. This protein source is also loaded with L-glutamine and enhances cellular glutathione stores which are both necessary for rebuilding the gut and de-inflaming the body. Anti-inflammatory herbs such as turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, rosemary, & oregano among others should be used as much as possible.

Certain foods such as cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, & kale among others contain goitrogens in their raw state. Goitrogens block thyroid hormone production and thus help to slow down the thyroid. Therefore anyone suffering from hyperthyroidism would benefit greatly from eating raw cruciferous veggies.

Vitamin D deficiencies are a common day epidemic. Vitamin D helps coordinate the immune response by allowing the body to recognize between foreign and self proteins. This reduces inflammation and auto-immune reactions. A healthy range for vitamin D3 (25-hydroxy cholcalciferol) is between 60-100 ng/ml which is much higher than the medically acceptable 32 ng/ml. Be sure to know your levels and get them over 60 ng/ml. Spend 20-30 minutes a day in the sun or supplement with 10,000-50,000 IU of high quality emulsified vitamin D3 for a period of time until you reach the desired levels.

Other factors that dramatically affect the immune system and thyroid gland include environmental toxicity. This could be in the form of heavy metals, overexposure to pesticides, herbicides, household molds, personal hygiene products, household cleaning agents, tap water, non-stick coated pans, and others.

http://www.nationalnutrition.ca/hea…
http://www.naturalnews.com/030475_i…
http://www.endocrineweb.com/conditi…
http://home-remedies-guide.blogspot…

About the author

Dr. David Jockers owns and operates Exodus Health Center in Kennesaw, Ga. He is a Maximized Living doctor. His expertise is in weight loss, customized nutrition & exercise, & structural corrective chiropractic care. For more information go to www.exodushc.com To find a Maximized Living doctor near you go to www.maximizedliving.com

hyperthyroidism

Article by Tony Isaacs

(NaturalNews) For many people, vanilla may be the key for eliminating headaches. Vanilla extract

contains eugenol, an essential oil that has antiseptic and analgesic properties and that helps unclog blood vessels.

The ancient Egyptians discovered that vanilla beans would cure a headache almost every time regardless of how serious the duration or intensity. Though they did not discover why vanilla worked, they found that it was three times more effective than their previous best treatment, turmeric.

One headache sufferer reported that nothing had worked for his constant headaches of 40 years until he turned to vanilla. He drank a tablespoon of pure vanilla extract in 8 ounces of water before going to bed, and the next morning the usual headache pain was only half its normal intensity. Two days later it was gone completely and hasn’t returned in over a year.

If vanilla does not do the trick, here are some other natural headache remedies to try:

General Headaches

* Dull a tension headache by massaging a few drops of peppermint essential oil into your temples. Peppermint appears to prevent your body from sending pain signals to your central nervous system. According to one German study, peppermint works as well as 1,000 mg of acetaminophen.
* Mix one teaspoon of finely ground cinnamon (called dalchini in India) in one teaspoon water and apply to the forehead. This remedy can be very effective for headaches caused by exposure to cold air.
* Lying down in a dark room, and perhaps getting an hour or two of sleep, will almost always make you feel better.

Migraine Headaches

* To prevent and relieve migraines, grind a 1 inch piece of ginger root and add to an eight ounce glass of fruit juice; drink once daily. For more immediate relief take the piece of ginger root and chew on it. Ginger extract can also be used. Note: Ginger has quite the hot, spicy flavor but can offer quick migraine relief.
* Magnesium deficiency can cause migraines. Up to 95% of us are deficient in magnesium and taking 250 mg or more per day may be just the ticket to relieve migraines.
* Taking a hot shower followed by a cold shower of five minutes each, as hot and as cold as you can stand them, may relieve migraines in as little as 20 minutes. While you are in the shower, think pleasant thoughts and remind yourself that everything is OK and so are you.
* Grind lemon peels and apply as a paste on the forehead. Migraine cures using this remedy has been found very effective and long lasting by many.
* Use one of the following mixtures:
- 1) Mix 200 ml of spinach juice with 300 ml of carrot juice.
- 2) Mix 100 ml each of beet and cucumber juices with 300 ml of carrot juice.
* Drink 2 tablespoons of vinegar
* Grind fresh ripe dark grapes and drink the pure juice.
* Blessed thistle, cayenne, chamomile, fennel, fenugreek, garlic, lobelia, thyme, and wood betony have all been used separately and in combination for migraines.

Sinus Headaches

* Eat a jalapeno pepper as soon as possible to help drain the sinuses and relieve the headache.
* Peppermint steam inhalation acts as a decongestant and can quickly relieve sinus headaches.
* Make a paste from dry ginger with a little water or milk and apply to the forehead.
* Take 10-15 basil leaves, 4 cloves and one teaspoon dried ginger, grind into a paste and apply to the forehead.
* Try a hot footbath along with a cold compress on the forehead with vanilla.

Sources included:

http://www.ehow.com/about_6455375_v…
http://www.tbyil.com/Headache.htm
http://www.squidoo.com/remedies-4-h…

About the author

Tony Isaacs, is a natural health author, advocate and researcher who hosts The Best Years in Life website for those who wish to avoid prescription drugs and mainstream managed illness and live longer, healthier and happier lives naturally..vanilla.