Home Remedies

Whether you want to minimize the amount of over-the-counter and prescription medications you take or you are looking to supplement over-the-counter medication, the following remedies can help ease the symptoms of your cold. You should always consult a physician when you are ill with symptoms of the common cold and before trying natural home remedies.

Neti Pot

The neti pot helps to clear mucous out of the nasal passages by flushing them with salt water. This home remedy helps the cilia in the nostrils to work more effectively by clearing them of the thick mucous. This means that the neti pot helps your nose to function better overall. OptingHealth recommends using a neti pot three times a week, but it can be used safely on a daily basis.

This home remedy is relatively cheap and easy to accomplish either on an as needed or daily basis. It takes a small first time investment of $5-$20. This is the price of a neti pot. Neti pots and other nasal irrigation systems can be purchased at Walmart, drug stores, and natural food stores. They can also be purchased online.

Learning how to use the neti pot is not overly difficult. It is best to have someone who knows how to use one teach you. It looks like a small tea pot. Depending on its size, you add around a teaspoon of salt and warm water. The temperature of the water is a personal preference, but warmer water is preferable.

Tilt your head to the left, but not forward or backward, and pour the water into your right nostril. Tipping your head forward will cause the water to go where it’s not supposed to and could be painful. When done properly, the neti pot will not give you the burning sensation associated with getting water in your nose. Gently blow your nose afterward. Repeat on the other side.

Warming socks

Warming socks are a comforting home remedy that also help with circulation. The technique is accomplished by wearing a pair of cotton socks soaked in cold water under a pair of dry wool socks.

The cottons socks warm up in a matter of minutes and are dry by morning. But, the transition from cold to hot will keep your blood moving. The wool socks keep your feet warm, but an extra blanket is a good idea. Warming socks are just one type of hydrotherapy.

Garlic

Garlic remedies ease symptoms of the common cold. Healing properties of garlic soothe coughing by clearing mucous from the bronchial passages.

Research shows that garlic also keeps people from getting sick in the first place. People who take garlic regularly get better faster when they do get ill.

Garlic can be used and taken in several different ways. The easiest method is taking an over-the-counter supplement. This method of using the remedy produces less garlic smell. WebMd recommends taking an enteric coated garlic supplement rather than the odorless versions. This allows the garlic to get through the stomach and into the small intestine, which reduces the smell and increases the effectiveness. The process of making the garlic odorless reduces the amount of allicin, the healing component present in the garlic.

Common naturopathic preparations of garlic include garlic infusions (boiling it in water. Garlic oil can be applied directly to the skin. Applying it to the bottom of the feet and wrapping feet with plastic wrap helps with a bronchial cough. This garlic remedy is sometimes referred to as “garlic socks.”

These remedies are great to help ease the symptoms of your cold. You could even get better more speedily that you would without them. Getting plenty of rest and eating homemade chicken soup are, of course, still highly recommended.

Trust the Weight Loss Guru of Celebrities: Check Out Dr. Oz’s Weight Loss Plan

When Hollywood celebrities and personalities want to lose weight, they turn to gurus with various kinds of weight loss programs. Dr. Mehmet Oz is one of the most trusted names in the business. His work is closely followed by A-listers such as Oprah Winfrey, and many others. He is a recognized television host, an author, a product endorser and even consultant to the stars. With his amazing success rate, it is no secret why the Dr. Oz weight loss plan has millions of fans.

His advice and tips are pretty simple. He says don’t drink soft drinks or soda with meals. This is because the sugar found in sodas interrupts the hormone Leptin from signaling your brain that you are already full.

Dr. Oz tells his patients to build muscle in order to get rid of fat. He says muscle burns more fat and advises people who want to lose weight to target 10,000 steps a day. This regimen will also strengthen your bones.

Eating snacks is not a bad thing, Dr. Oz says. Snacking on a handful of nuts or slices of fruits will help stave off hunger pangs and keep you from binge-eating or indulging in sweet and fatty food.

Dr. Oz is also the subject of several controversies, but this does not hinder him from preaching his advice of good health. He has come up with both quick-start and long-term weight loss programs.

Dr. OZ’s weight loss plans are sensible and sustainable. He believes in eating more portions of healthy food such as smaller pieces of lean meat and more fruits and vegetables. One caveat though, they must be low in glycemic index so as not to make your blood sugar spike.

If a celebrity needs to drop the pounds for a very important role, she calls Dr. Oz for help! The effects are most often than not staggering.

Dr. OZ advises patients to start their day with a healthy breakfast. Hot water and half a lemon is great for boosting one’s metabolism and organic green tea.

Weight loss is achieved easily by getting rid of artificial sweeteners and beverages laced with preservatives. One interesting thing in his diet plan, though, is the lack of dairy with the exception of Greek yogurt.

Probiotics and multivitamins also work wonders in helping people lose weight. A detox bath and massages get rid of stress and toxins in the body. You’ll be amazed at how less stress can affect weight loss.

Filling up with fiber and eating with awareness is key to weight loss – and in keeping the weight off.  Dr. OZ has been very successful at what he does. His methods are tested and proven and celebrities swear by their effectiveness!

Gwen Stefani Without Makeup is Somewhat Unrecognizable, but Let’s Give Her a Break

Sometimes, people are too critical of Gwen especially when they see her without or with barely minimal makeup. Before you even judge her and say that Gwen Stefani without makeup is ugly, don’t forget she is almost 50 years old. She has been performing for a very long time – even way before you were born. Let’s give her a break and just appreciate her for how she has aged gracefully.

In a rare event, Gwen posted a photo of herself with barely anything on her face. She obviously looked different, but still pretty.

If you look closely, Gwen’s photos reveal her real age even with makeup on. Of course, she is almost 50 now.

Gwen was mocked when this photo surfaced since she looked really old. Sometimes, people forget that she is almost 50 years old.

Say whatever you want about her, but for someone like Gwen to have stayed long as a pop artist, it is such a huge deal.

A lot of other artists during her time and after her have already faded, but she remains relevant until today.

Gwen’s skin has obviously shows some signs of aging, but she still looks amazing. She also performs as if she has never grown older.

Who cares about Gwen looking a lot older? She is still a very talented artist and she was able to maintain her relevance until now.

As a judge in The Voice, Gwen has appeared with more natural looking makeup, and she looks even more beautiful.

Would you believe she sported this ridiculous makeup back in the 90’s? Before Lady Gaga or Nicki Minaj rose to stardom, Gwen has already blazed the trail.

Gwen is a genius who has retained her relevance in the industry over the years. She deserves an applause for all her accomplishments.

Calico Cat Facts – Why are they the best domestic cats?

Calico cats became popular because of their triple colored fur. Contrary to the common notion about them, they are not so much of a different breed. This is only thought because of the color they have. It is really distinct but it is just about it. The fur is usually dominated by black and orange spots. These may be of various names as well. For instance, there is the so called lapjeskat. This pertains to patches cat. This is usually situated in Netherlands. There is also this mi-ke. This means triple fur which is always in Japan. These are some of the Calico Cat Facts available and there are still many.

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Other breeds of cats and more

There are breeds of the said cat which are normally present in the calico coloration. These are British Shorthair, Exotic Shorthair, American, Turkish Van, Shorthair, Manx, Japanese Bobtail,  and Persian. All of these exist too. Basically, calico is only a variation. This involves the fur and it is not, in any way, a distinctive breed, in contrary to how others would like to perceive it to be. The historic origin though is not yet certain for everyone. There is this orange mutant gene which is commonly seen around these calico cats. These have been confirmed already. These come with their own point and have been migrated towards that of domestic cats which are always in Southern Europe and North Africa. This is observed throughout the port in Mediterranean cities most especially in Europe. This is also true for Spain, Italy and France. There are claims though saying that it really originated in Egypt.

As for a ton of cultures around the whole world, calico cats are always seen as lucky charms. They are also a sign of good omen. There is this notion that they can bring about good fortune to the family. This is why they are being kept all the time. There are instances when they are being referred as money cats. This is the idea in the US alone. Calico cats are also known for being the companion of Japanese sailors. They observe this during voyages since the belief is that they can be kept safe regardless of the unfavorable events in the seas. This is how different it has been.

On Maryland, calico cats were dubbed as the official state cat. This happened on October 2001. There were authorities who finally decided that the move be made because of the coloration of the fur of the calico cat. This can be a mix of white, orange and black. This shares the same qualities with that of Baltimore Orion. This is the representative of Maryland. This may also be synonymous to that of the Baltimore Checkersport butterfly. This is the insect representative of Maryland.

There are many who have surely heard of these calico cats. Despite this though, one thing can be assured – they may also be sweet. This sets them apart from other breeds of cats out there.

Interesting Facts about Martin Luther King Jr – Revelations you didn’t see coming

The name Martin Luther King Jr will always play an important role in history. It is indeed an understatement to say that he is the most, if not, one of the most influential people in activism. He became popular for the roles he was able to play in American Civil Rights Movement. He made sure for the mentioned to be persistent, peaceful and at the same time, critical. During the said movement, this Baptist minister was able to deliver a thousand of speech. He got to travel countless of miles in order for equality to be fought. All of these are always found on interesting facts about Martin Luther King Jr.

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More about Martin Luther King Jr

Despite of owning quite a high profile, well this is evident in a tenfold of buildings, parks, street and school names, there are still many facts about Dr. King that not all people are very much informed of. What are these?

It has been said that Martin Luther King Jr. was not really named that way initially. In the year 1930, Michael Sr. went to Germany. He was then inspired by the presence of the Protestant Reformation, Martin Luther. As this happened, the said father changed his own name. Since that, he found ways in order to change the name of his son too.

It was also not a secret that Dr. King was a bit inclined to cigarettes. This was the case even if he tried to keep the mentioned under certain covers. It was still discovered by friends, family and even photographers. From that, he was known to be a smoker for his entire lifetime.

Aside from the mentioned, Martin, up until now, is perceived as smart. Well, imagine being able to attend college as early as 15. That says a lot – right? This happened though because he was accelerated. He did not even have to go through grades nine and 12. These contributed to him being able to go to college earlier than expected. Aside from this, just at Morehouse College, Dr. King also became a part of the Alpha Phi Alpha. This is a fraternity. He then graduated in the year 1948. This gave him a degree in Bachelor of Arts in technology.

Another fascinating fact is that Dr. King actually won a Grammy. This was the result of his singing in his church’s choir. The mentioned was witnessed during his childhood. This was in the gala night, the premier of “Gone with the Wind.” However, Dr. King was not that popular for his skills in singing. As a matter of fact, it was only in the year 1971 when Dr. King was able to snatch a Grammy award for the category Best Spoken Word Album. This was considered to be a post honor because of his album.

Dr. King will always be a Trekkie too. He even became responsible in making Nichelle Nichols stay the first season of Star Trek. This is so unlikely.

Natural Remedies for Acne: Prevent Pimples and Blackheads with Natural Treatments

Acne can affect self-esteem and can permanently leave skin scarred and damaged. With natural treatments, adults and teens can help to treat acne and leave skin looking clearer and healthier.

Natural Acne Spot Treatment

Though garlic is know in folklore to ward off vampires, it also does a great job ridding the skin of pimples. This treatment can be purchased at any grocery store and should be bought in bulb form in the produce section.

Garlic works to treat acne by ridding the skin of impurities and helping to eliminate oils that clog pores. The garlic works as an astringent and dries the skin. Because of this, it is important to start with small amounts to prevent sensitive skin from dramatic drying or burning.

To apply the garlic, anyone can simply take one raw clove and cut it in half. The cut end of the garlic clove should then be lightly rubbed onto any blemishes. The garlic can be left on the face for around five minutes and then the face should be rinsed clean. If any burning results, the face can be washed with milk, which should help to neutralize the garlic.

Tea tree oil is another natural spot treatment that can be found at most health food stores and at some pharmacies.

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Tea tree oil works as an antiseptic and has antibacterial qualities that help to remove impurities from skin. The oil works into pores and helps to rid blemishes of pore-clogging bacteria.

Tea tree oil can be applied by dabbing a small amount onto the pimple. Most people will be able to leave the solution on skin, but others may experience irritation. If this occurs, the oil can be removed by washing the face. A small percentage of tea tree oil can often be found in facial gels or moisturizers which can be applied to the entire face.

Natural Acne Treatment Mask

Kaolin clay is a natural product that can be used as a mask to dry and treat oily and acne-prone skin. Kaolin clay masks can be purchased at health food stores and at pharmacies. Queen Helene’s Mud Pack Masque and Mint Julep Masque both contain large amounts of kaolin clay and can be found at most pharmacies.

The kaolin clay works by drying oily skin and pulling impurities from the skin. The clay also helps to shrink pores and improve skin’s texture.

Before applying a kaolin mask, the face must be thoroughly clean and slightly wet. The mask should then be applied in a thin layer over the entire face. The mask can be left on until it has dried. The mask can then be washed off using warm tap water. To shrink pores even more, a cold water rinse can be applied after the mask has been washed off. The face should then be patted dry with a clean washcloth.

Combine Acne Solutions

The acne treatments above can be used alone or together to help improve the appearance of skin. If used regularly, natural acne treatments can reduce the number and severity of blemishes on the skin.

Composite Volcano Facts

The most interesting composite volcano facts

A volcano is a mountain, hill or mound constructed by lava flows, solid fragments and extrusions of dome-like structure.  The overall shape of a volcano is depending on several factors like volume of water and explosivity of eruptions.  Many kids and teenagers have an interest to know composite volcano facts these days. If you are willing to be aware of the composite volcano comprehensively, then focus on following details.

What is a composite volcano?

A composite volcano is a famous volcano genre in our time. This volcano is otherwise known as a stratovolcano.  More than a few layers of strong volcanic ash, pumice tephra and lava build this kind of volcanoes. The main factors that differentiate the composite volcano from the shield volcano are effusive eruptions, periodic explosive eruptions and a steep profile.

In general, multiple eruptions are causes of composite volcanoes formation in the world.  The grandest mountains in the earth are composite volcanoes beyond doubt. This is because these mountains are formed through alternative layers of blocks, bombs, volcanic ash, cinders and lava flows.  The following famous mountains are composite volcanoes.

  • Mount Fuji in Japan
  • Mount Cotopaxi in Ecuador
  • Mount Shasta in California
  • Mount Hood in Oregon
  • Mount St. Helens in Washington
  • Mount Rainier in Washington

The maximum percentage of feldspar minerals and quartz in the composite volcanoes reveals the power of rhyolite lavas, andesite and decite. The overall gases in the magma play the major role behind the highly explosive nature of minerals in the lavas of composite volcanoes.

Surprising facts about the stratovolcano

If you look at the active composite volcano, then you can listen to thick lava flows on its sides. The less fluid nature of these lavas has so many minerals. Even though the composite volcano erupts less frequently than other volcanoes such as shield volcano, the power of the eruption is stronger than the shield volcano eruption.  Students who listen to composite volcano facts in their academic know about the deadly pyroclastic flows production from the composite volcano.

A conduit system is the main part of a composite volcano. The crust of the earth has the magma reservoir. This magma rises to the earth surface sometimes. A proper accumulation of different materials erupted through this system is responsible for the formation of a composite volcano.  The size of the composite volcano is increased when so many categories of elements like cinders, ash and lava added to slopes of the volcano.

If the erosion begins to tear down the cone of the volcano, then the composite volcano turns out to be dormant. Toughened magma fills the conduit system when the cone is exposed away. The plug is only remains in this process. This is because the fissures complex is projecting above the surface of the land.

Crater Lake in Oregon has the most interesting variation of the stratovolcano. Scientists who research volcanoes in particular composite volcanoes nowadays listen to different aspects of this volcano. Geologists have ensured about so many changes to this Crater Lake about 6,800 years ago. These changes destroyed the top portion of this volcano.