How to Use Simple Living to Become Healthier

How to Use Simple Living to Become Healthier



Are you wondering how to enhance your health gently and safely? When we think of getting healthy, we often think that the solution is complex and tough. We reach for strong medicine, multi-herb formula, and approach it from a "boot-camp" perspective. Fast healing is the best healing, right?

Not necessarily. Slow down! There are some basic elements that will help make you healthier than you are right now. Returning to basics and living a simpler life work a lot better in the long run than anything potent.

Follow the guidelines for good health and take some nourishing tonic herbs daily, and you will feel so energized and healthy that the word "detox" won't even cross your mind.







Things You'll Need:





Nourishing herbal teas of your choice--choose from stinging nettle, oatstraw, red clover, and lemon balm




Plenty of water




Exercise




Rest




Nourishing, healthy foods




Special extras such as a good book, creativity, spending time with loved ones, prayer









1


Choose one or two herbal teas to sip throughout the day. To make the tea boil one cup of water and pour over tea bag, or one cup of the dried herb.





2


Get some exercise each day--at least 30 minutes. You can walk, garden, do some housework--as long as you're moving.





3


Make sure you take breaks every now and then and go to bed at a reasonable time.





4


Take the time to prepare healthy meals and eat them slowly. Really enjoy what you're doing.





5


Choose several "special extras" to enjoy such as a good book, a bubble bath, spending time with your loved ones, seeing a movie or praying.








Tips & Warnings










Learn how to prioritize your life so you don't get overwhelmed.








Surround yourself with nature each day.








Learn about the world around you.








Choose your favorite herbs and grow them indoors. Add them to foods, teas, etc. It's nice to enjoy something green and fresh year round.








Don't work too hard!








Always make sure that your doctor approves of any herbs you decide to take.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2091345_enhance-health-simple-living.html

How to Use Rose Oil for Depression

How to Use Rose Oil for Depression



Depression can be a struggle for many people in our fast-paced society. Some just feel the "blues" every now and then. Some have an on-going battle with recurring sadness and have been diagnosed by a professional. There are many kinds of treatments. Sometimes rose oil helps. Read on to learn more.









1


Know that there are several types of rose oil on the market. Some are much more expensive than others, depending on the way they are produced. Steam distillation produces the most expensive rose oil. Because it takes so many rose petals to make a small amount of oil, the cost can get quite high. Rose Geranium (sometimes called Rose-French) is less expensive, has similar ingredients and similar smell. You can buy rose oil in all its forms online, in department stores and pharmacies and anywhere aromatherapy products are sold.





2


Use a drop or two of rose oil as a perfume. A drop on your wrists and you can smell the aroma whenever you feel yourself getting "down" during the day. Test your skin with a tiny drop at first if you have sensitive skin. Make sure it doesn't irritate your skin when you use rose oil for depression.





3


Put a few drops on a handkerchief to carry with you. The aroma of rose oil is relaxing and soothing. Putting it on a handkerchief is a great alternative if your skin is sensitive.





4


Sprinkle a few drops into your warm bath water. The steam from the bath will help release more of the soothing properties when you use rose oil for depression. Your bath will be restful and calming to your nerves. As you relax and let go of stress, your spirits lift. Stress is often a cause for depression.





5


Massage a few drops of rose oil into stress points on your body if your skin is not irritated by rose oil. Rubbing rose oil into the back of your neck and lower back helps soothe and lift your spirit. Some massage therapists use different forms of rose oil on clients who struggle with depression.


http://www.ehow.com/how_2092179_use-rose-oil-depression.html

How to Use Rooibos Tea for Health

How to Use Rooibos Tea for Health



Rooibos tea has proven medicinal properties. South African folklore about the benefits of drinking tea made from this native plant also touts the health benefits that people have realized for centuries. Try this wonderful, rich flavored tea and decide for yourself. The tea is enjoyable and soothing. Improved health is a nice side benefit.







Things You'll Need:





Rooibos tea









1


Decide if you prefer to brew loose tea or plan to buy bagged tea. Bags are more convenient to use. However, some experts claim that the loose tea has more health benefits. South African researchers report that both green and red Rooibos are caffeine free and have less tannin than traditional black tea.





2


Contact a South African Rooibos tea supplier online. It is also possible to buy Rooibos tea in larger health food and organic food stores, if you have them in your area.





3


Purchase green Rooibos tea for high levels of ant-oxidants like superoxide dismutase. Red (oxidized) Rooibos has significant levels of anti-oxidants, too. Rooibos tea contains minerals that improve skin and the nervous system. Studies show that it can stop stomach cramping, reduce hypertension and relieve headaches.





4


Brew your Rooibos tea in a teapot using fresh, filtered water. Loose tea users need about one tablespoon per cup of water. Use one tea bag for each cup. Pour boiling water over tea and allow it to steep for five to ten minutes.





5


Add honey or sugar to taste, if desired. Many people drink this delightful tea without sweeteners, because it is naturally somewhat sweet and nutty flavored. Skip the sugar and save your calories for something else.





6


Replace any caffeinated beverage that you normally consume, with freshly brewed Rooibos tea, daily, until you no longer need the caffeine kick. Then use rooibos tea as your daily hot beverage of choice with meals or instead of coffee or caffeinated tea.





7


Enjoy Rooibos tea over ice, if you like cold tea. Although it is normally served hot in South Africa, many U.S. and European rooibos drinkers have adapted rooibos tea to replace the black teas loaded with tannic acid and caffeinated tea for iced tea.








Tips & Warnings










All Rooibos tea sold in the U.S. is imported from South Africa. Plan your purchases, to avoid shortages.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2078401_use-rooibos-tea-health.html

How to Use Peppermint Oil for Inflammation

How to Use Peppermint Oil for Inflammation



The peppermint plant has been used for centuries for all types of inflammation, both on the outside of the body and the inside. Its pleasant smell can calm even the most stressed individual, and its soothing oils help the body heal.







Things You'll Need:





Peppermint oil




Warm milk




Chamomile oil




Eucalyptus oil




Rosemary oil




Lavender oil




Carrier oil









1


Apply a few drops of peppermint oil immediately to a bruised area to relieve any inflammation and pain. Avoid getting it in cuts.





2


Rub peppermint oil mixed with a carrier oil on joints to relieve arthritis or tendinitis pain. For a more complete treatment, blend 10 drops of chamomile, 5 drops each of eucalyptus and
rosemary
, 3 drops of
lavender
and 7 drops of peppermint oil. Dilute in 2 tablespoons of a carrier oil and massage it into inflamed joint.





3


Treat gallbladder inflammation with peppermint oil capsules. Consult your local health food store and see warnings below.





4


Boil some peppermint leaves in milk, strain, and drink it hot to relieve abdominal inflammation.





5


Gargle with a few drops of peppermint oil in a glass of water for relief of inflammation of the mouth and pharynx. It has antimicrobial and antiviral properties.








Tips & Warnings










Don't use peppermint oil if you have a serious gallbladder inflammation, obstruction of the bile ducts or severe liver disease. If you have gall stones, consult with your physician before using.








Acid reflux is known to be made worse by use of peppermint oil.








As with any herb or drug, be careful if you are taking prescription medicine and check with your doctor for adverse interaction problems.








Do not apply peppermint oil to the face and nasal area of very small
children
, or give it as a tea. It can cause choking and bronchial spasms.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2095626_peppermint-oil-inflammation.html

How to Take Ginkgo Biloba for Health

How to Take Ginkgo Biloba for Health



Ginkgo biloba (Ginkgo biloba) is also know as fossil tree, kew tree and maiden hair tree. It is one of the oldest living
trees
and can live for 1,000 years. Unlike most medicinal herbs, ginkgo biloba is normally taken as a standardized extract prepared from the dried leaves. The following steps will help you decide whether or not to take this herbal supplement.









1


Read about the historical uses of ginkgo biloba. The Chinese have used the leaf and seed medicinally for thousands of years and the earliest recorded reference to ginkgo biloba was in 2,800 BC. The seeds were served in drinks to speed the metabolism of alcohol. The leaf extract was used against allergies, asthma and bronchitis.





2


Examine the current uses of ginkgo biloba. It is widely used to treat dementia, eye problems, tinnitus and many other ailments, especially in Europe. The most important active ingredients are believed to be flavonoids and terpenoids.





3


Look at the results from modern scientific testing of ginkgo biloba. Clinical trials have not shown any measurable benefit to memory. The data is less clear for other treatments, but the Food and Drug Administration has not approved it for the treatment or prevention of any ailment.





4


Take no more than the normal dosage of 120 mg/day although dosages up to 240 mg/day are sometimes recommended. Standardized extracts contain 24 to 32 percent flavonoids and 6 to 12 percent terpenoids.





5


Study the side effects of ginkgo biloba. The extract is considered safe and side effects are rare but may include stomach upset, headaches and dizziness. Ginkgo biloba should not be taken by
children
less than 12 years old, pregnant and nursing women, or patients with bleeding disorders.


http://www.ehow.com/how_2068076_take-ginkgo-biloba-health.html

How to Select Eyeglasses and Sunglasses

How to Select Eyeglasses and Sunglasses



Prescription glasses and sunglasses have to be functional but also look good. Fortunately, there are so many styles that it's easy to find the right pair. Learn the technical details first, then shop around.







Prescription eyewear




Step
1



Consider frame materials. Aluminum and titanium frames are very durable and offer custom fitting options. Plastic frames are light and durable but usually can't be bent to offer a custom fit.




Step
2



Assess overall weight. Glasses need to be comfortable. Large lenses and thick frames add up to heavy glasses, something most people find uncomfortable. If you need thick lenses, get the smallest diameter lens that looks good on you.




Step
3



Understand lens materials. Glass lenses resist scratching but are heavy and have lower shatter resistance. Polycarbonate (plastic) lenses are light and shatter resistant but demand care to prevent scratches. Custom options for lenses include an antireflective coating to cut glare, enhanced thinness for light weight and good looks, and photoreactive tinting that gets darker in bright light. Beware: These options can easily double your total cost.




Step
4



Shop for metal frames that can withstand vigorous bending without damage. Opt for a separate set of specialized
sports
glasses with an impact-resistant frame and lenses secured by a strap.


Sunglasses




Step
1



Read the label carefully. You want 100 percent UV (ultraviolet light) protection from both UVA and UVB rays. Some lenses are labeled as UV400, which means the same thing.




Step
2



Own several pair of sunglasses since one pair can't do everything. Leave a pair in the car for driving--cheap ones if you tend to sit on them. A slim stylish pair will not protect your eyes from debris while riding your bike. Expensive, sporty wrap-arounds will make you look like a yahoo at work.




Step
3



Look for shatter-resistant polycarbonate lenses for water and snow sports, which require protection against strong reflected rays. Glass lenses, with their increased scratch resistance and fine optical quality, are a good choice for pricey, dress-up glasses. Polarized lenses, which reduce glare, are always a good idea.




Step
4



Choose lens color carefully. Sensitive eyes need dark lenses. Gray or gray-green are good for general use. Brown works well for daytime driving or golf. Yellow and amber provide depth perception in low-light conditions. Avoid light blue and pink for driving or sports as they distort color. Some models have interchangeable lenses.







Tips & Warnings









Talk to your optometrist and get prescription sunglasses if you need them. Or get clip-ons that attach to your regular glasses.








You don't have to spend a lot to get good protection. Moderately priced sunglasses, around $20, frequently offer good eye protection. Designer sunglasses can cost $100 to $300. Ask about a warranty.








Take a Polaroid camera along when you shop for glasses. If you're undecided, get a picture of you wearing them to bring home.








If you're under age 20, your eyes let in more UV rays. Since
children
spend a lot of time outside, protect their little eyes from UV exposure and glare.








Too much UV radiation can lead to blindness. Not all tinted glasses--even very dark ones--protect against UV radiation, so be sure to check the label.



http://www.ehow.com/how_110075_select-eyeglasses-sunglasses.html

How to Select Clothing Colors That Complement White Hair and Light Eyes

How to Select Clothing Colors That Complement White Hair and Light Eyes



Enhance your
beauty
by dressing in clothes that best complement your coloring. Choose colors that celebrate your unique features and facilitate your daily wardrobe coordination.







Things You'll Need:





Men's Casual Pants



Men's Casual Tops



Men's Dress Shirts



Men's Dress Sweater



Men's Khakis



Mens' Dress Pants



Women's Casual Tops



Women's Dress Coats



Women's Dress Pants



Women's Dress Shirts



dresses and skirts









Step
1



Begin your journey into personal color by divorcing yourself from your favorite colors and whatever colors currently reside in your closet.




Step
2



Remove all traces of makeup and examine your skin in the mirror. The majority of those with white hair and light eyes have an ivory complexion with pink or peachy undertones. Your eyes range from clear green to steel blue.




Step
3



Select ivory, beige, light grays, clear yellow greens, light oranges, violet blues and orange reds to really sparkle. Light camels and marine blues will further enhance your beauty.




Step
4



Avoid dark, solid colors, which will render you pasty.




Step
5



Go shopping. You're armed with personally empowering information, so get out there and use it!




Step
6



Try on colors that you've determined to be well suited to your coloring. Step out of the dressing room into light that is as close to daylight as possible, and get an honest opinion from a friend or sales associate.







Tips & Warnings









Experiment. There are a million colors out there; if you're unsure which one is right for you, try it on and get a few opinions.








Color blind? Find someone you trust, give her your list of colors and have her help you select the shades most complementary for you.








If you find a color you like that is outside of your range, consider it for pants or a skirt. Keep it far away from your face.



http://www.ehow.com/how_9612_select-clothing-colors.html