How to Use Blackthorn for Health

How to Use Blackthorn for Health



The blackthorn tree is known for its berries, the chief ingredient of sloe gin. These purple berries also have medicinal uses, as do the tree's dark green leaves, white flowers and gray and orange layered bark. Follow a few simple steps to reap the health benefits of this ancient folk medicine.







Things You'll Need:





Blackthorn flowers




Cooking pot




Water




Strainer




Blackthorn leaves




Blackthorn bark




Blackthorn marmalade or jam




Blackthorn berry elixir









1


Brew blackthorn flower tea to use as a laxative or diuretic. Place two blackthorn flowers in 16 oz. of boiling water. Steep for 10 minutes. Pour through a strainer. Drink one cup in the morning. Repeat in late afternoon or evening. Realize the health benefits within a day.





2


Pick blackthorn leaves to make a mouth rinse. Boil four leaves in 16 oz. of water. Skim away the leaves and cool the liquid. It has an astringent effect. Gargle two or three times a day to relieve sore throat and inflamed tonsils. Gargle once a day for general oral health.





3


Use blackthorn bark to make a nerve tonic. Place one teaspoonful of grated bark in a strainer. Pour through one cup of boiling water. Drink warm or cold to produce a calming effect and restore emotional health.





4


Eat blackthorn marmalade or jam to reduce indigestion. Spread a teaspoonful or more on bread or a cracker to control stomach discomfort. Keep a jar on the dinner table for use during meals.





5


Drink blackthorn berry elixir to increase breast milk production. Do this under the supervision of a physician. Take one tablespoonful every six hours until desired results appear.








Tips & Warnings










Blackthorn is available in health food stores as elixir, tea, marmalade or jam, and dried bark.








Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should never use blackthorn without first consulting a physician.








Discontinue using blackthorn if signs of an allergic reaction occur including a swollen tongue or throat, difficulty breathing, chest pain and hives.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2126238_use-blackthorn-health.html

How to Use Birch for Health

How to Use Birch for Health



Birch
trees
, with their delicate silver bark, are among the first to bloom in spring. Their early appearance is associated with life, renewal and fertility. As a result, birch bark and birch leaves have a rich history as ingredients in folk remedies. Follow a few simple steps to use birch for a variety of health conditions.







Things You'll Need:





Birch bark




Birch leaves




Water




Kitchen hammer or pestle









1


Treat diarrhea. Brew birch bark tea. Use a teaspoon of ground birch bark and 8 ounces of boiling water. Allow the bark to steep for 15 minutes. Drink 3 cups spaced 4 hours apart to eliminate this health problem.





2


Address skin conditions. Make a birch bark paste. Use sufficient water to cover the bark. Boil until soft and then mash with a kitchen hammer or pestle. Apply the paste to sores, abrasions and inflammations. Repeat daily and watch for improved skin health within a week.





3


Soothe sore muscles. Rub them with birch oil, also called birch tar. Massage with the oil after exercise to reduce pain and stiffness.





4


Repel insects. They carry diseases that can compromise health. Use birch bark extract. It has a high concentration of acid that wards off mosquitoes, gnats and other bugs. Combine 25 drops with 4 ounces of water. Use a spray pump bottle to distribute the mixture evenly over exposed skin.





5


Accelerate hair growth. Brew a tea using two handfuls of birch leaves. After shampooing, use the tea as a final rinse. Massage the scalp.





6


Increase urination. This is important for the overall health of the urinary tract and prevention of kidney and bladder stones. Brew a birch leaf tea or take a tincture made from 2.5 grams of dry birch leaves. Drink one cup of tea or 25 drops of tincture, 3 times a day.








Tips & Warnings










Birch is available commercially in health food stores as oil, tincture, extract, powder, flakes and capsules.








People who are allergic to aspirin should not use birch. It contains chemical compounds that are similar to aspirin.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2123415_birch-health.html

How to Use Ayurvedic Herbal Remedies

How to Use Ayurvedic Herbal Remedies



Ayurveda is a holistic medicine that promotes a natural lifestyle. It uses natural products to treat and prevent problems like headaches, muscle cramps and high cholesterol. Ayurveda remedies can be purchased or easily made with items you may already have in your kitchen. Follow these steps to find out how.







Learn About Herbal Ayurvedic Remedies




1


Research the uses of herbal Ayurvedic remedies. They can be used for diseases of the nervous system, lymphatic system, respiratory system, digestive system and circulatory system. They can also be used to treat skin diseases.





2


Know these popular herbs often used in Ayuverdic remedies: Amalaki, Arjuna, Ashwagandha, Bala, Bibhitaki, Brahmi, Dashmula, Guduchi, Guggul, Haritaki, Jatamansi, Mandukarparni, Manjistha, Nimba, Pippali, Punarnava, Shankapushpi, Shatavari, Shilajit, Triphala and Tulasi.





3


Understand that the herbs are obtained from the leaves, barks and roots of
trees
found in Asia.





4


Learn how to combine herbal remedies for safe and effective use. It isn't recommended to use any of these herbs on their own because they're very potent. You should combine them with other herbs for balance.





5


Learn how to use Ayurvedic remedies properly. They can be taken orally, applied on the skin or even inhaled. The method of use depends on the user's intent.





6


Know what to expect. Natural medicine works slower than traditional medicine because they begin by strengthening the body and the immune system before working on the problem areas.



Know Where to Find Ayurvedic Remedies




1


Find Ayurvedic remedies at a Homeopathic or natural medicine store.





2


Consider checking a nutritional supplement store or a health food store.





3


Buy prepared remedies online at Web sites like AyurvedicCure.com (see Resources below). Prices vary from moderate to expensive.





4


Consult an Ayurvedic professional for advice before using the remedies to treat a disease. This is recommended because one or more of the herbs may aggravate a dormant ailment, making the patient feel worse. The Ayurvedic practitioner will examine the patient and make a recommendation based on the results.





5


Learn more about Ayurvedic remedies for different ailments at AyurvedicCure.com (see Resources below).



Make Home Remedies




1


Try simple home remedies for arthritis, cold and cough, constipation, diarrhea, fever, indigestion, headache and weight loss. Find recipes for home remedies at AyurvedicCure.com (see Resources below).





2


Expect home-made remedies to include easily-obtained items such as lemon juice or black pepper. The cost of making the remedies will be low to none if you already have the necessary ingredients.








Tips & Warnings










Go to an emergency room if you develop symptoms like nausea and vomiting, chronic pain or dizzyness.








Use purchased Ayurvedic remedies with caution. There is evidence of toxicity in some Ayurvedic medicines due to the inclusion of heavy metals such as lead and arsenic.








Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. Keep your doctor informed about anything new you undertake.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2033074_use-ayurvedic-herbal.html

How to Use an Iridology Camera

How to Use an Iridology Camera



In alternative medicine, iridology is the practice of diagnosing health by examining the iris of the eye, specifically its spots and colors and their particular locations on the iris. According to iridology, the eyes have so many nerve endings which are connected all over the body that cell changes on the iris are indicative of problems with other organs and parts of the body. Iridology is meant to diagnose vulnerable organs of the body (like a weakened liver) rather than specific diseases (like cirrhosis). Follow these steps to learn how to use an iridology camera so you can see for yourself.







Things You'll Need:





Iridoscope




Computer with Internet access




Iridology chart




Iridology camera







Use an Iridoscope and Iridology Camera to Diagnose Health




1


Talk to a certified iridology practitioner. Ask about the practice of iridology and the purposes for which it can be used.





2


Research professional iridology equipment online, including iridoscopes, iridology
cameras
and iridology charts. Shop around to find the right equipment for your specific needs, at the best price. Professional iridology equipment can be very expensive.





3


Decide whether to buy a 16 mm or 35 mm iridology camera. If you're purchasing a digital camera, decide on the number of pixels you want. A 35 mm camera will yield a larger image than a 16 mm camera. However, note that it's the lens type and size, rather than the film size, that determines the scope of the picture and how much of the surrounding area is photographed.





4


Use an iridoscope to magnify the iris for examination. A homemade iridoscope can be made using a flashlight and a powerful magnifying glass. You can also buy a professional-grade iridoscope.





5


Focus the iridology camera on the iris and take the picture. Make sure the iris as well as the surrounding area are sufficiently lit.





6


Examine the picture you take with an iridology chart. Look for particular areas of the iris which correspond to specific areas of the body, as well as specific colorations and types of markings that may indicate health problems.





7


For more information on iridology and becoming a certified iridology practitioner, go to the "International Iridology Practitioners Association" Web site (see Resources below).








Tips & Warnings










Most modern iridology cameras are digital. They can be connected to a computer; so the iris can be viewed on a monitor during the exam.








Be aware that iridology isn't used to diagnose specific diseases. Rather, it's used to find areas in the body where problems may exist. For example, an iridology reading may indicate a weak pancreas. This would serve as a warning to the patient to be careful of diabetes; but it doesn't mean the patient necessarily has diabetes or will have it later in life. It only indicates that there's a potential danger.








An iridology camera shouldn't be used to diagnose your own health, or anyone else's, unless you have received iridology training and are certified in iridology. You can obtain certification from a group like by International Iridology Practitioners Association (see Resources below).








For acute chest pain or other serious symptoms, visit a medical doctor or hospital right away.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2033048_use-iridology-camera.html

How to Restore Energy With Chinese Medicine

How to Restore Energy With Chinese Medicine



Once so full of energy, you now find it hard just to drag yourself out of bed. You have seen a number of doctors, only to hear it's "in your head." You know your vitality has been sapped, you just don't know how to get it back. Consider turning to Chinese medicine in order to restore your energy.









1


Seek out the nearest acupuncture practitioner. An ancient Chinese practice steeped in mystery, acupuncture has made its mark in today's alternative medicine treatments to restore energy levels to their maximum.





2


Drink your herbal tea. Traditional herbs for restoring low-energy levels include Panax Ginseng, Siberian Ginseng, Schisandra, Astragalus, Chinese Kudze, Lo aHan Kuo, Bitter Orange and Chinese Blackberry. Buy a ready-made blend, or combine your own for a custom treatment.





3


Sign up for Tai Chi classes. This ancient soft-style martial art is purported to restore low-energy levels, increase your sense of well-being, sharpen your reflexes, lower your blood pressure and even increase your flexibility. Research has shown Tai Chi may restore energy levels by increasing blood circulation and reducing depression.





4


Eat with the seasons. Traditional Chinese medicine instructs us to eat the foods that are natural for each season. Instead of filling up on sugars, try eating locally grown fruits and vegetables in the spring and summer and dining on meats, grains and spices produced locally in the fall and winter.


http://www.ehow.com/how_2122706_restore-energy-chinese-medicine.html

How to Wear Fantasy Lingerie

How to Wear Fantasy Lingerie



Fantasy lingerie is lingerie that helps you fulfill a sexual fantasy. It's just one part of acting out a fantasy, but for some, it's the most important part. The best part about fantasy lingerie is that a lot of the costumes come with props. When you wear fantasy lingerie, you get to become whatever character you want, which brings lots of

spice


into the bedroom.









Step
1



Decide what type of look you want. Traditional fantasy lingerie is the sexy nurse or maid costumes. Fantasy lingerie has expanded and now includes many more costumes, such as belly dancer, mermaid, cowgirl, cheerleader, schoolgirl, biker girl, witch, jungle woman, devil, waitress and famous cartoon princesses.




Step
2



Pick fantasy lingerie that makes you feel comfortable and sexy. If your partner's fantasy involves a costume you're not comfortable with, see if they have a different fantasy, or choose a costume you think they'd like.




Step
3



Create a theme around your lingerie that helps fulfill the fantasy. If you're wearing a cartoon princess outfit, play music from the movie and wear a wig that matches the character's hair.




Step
4



Use the props in a sexy way rather than in the way they're traditionally used. If you're a maid with a feather duster, don't literally start dusting furniture, but run the duster over your partner or over yourself. Dress up like a cowgirl and lasso yourself a cowboy rather than a stuffed cow.




Step
5



Remember that fantasy lingerie is meant to be dramatic and over the top. Get into the character your playing and leave your ordinary self behind for a few hours.




Step
6



Finish off your fantasy lingerie costume with matching shoes. Wear stilettos, boots or paint your feet with intricate designs, if that's more appropriate.


http://www.ehow.com/how_2273607_wear-fantasy-lingerie.html

How to wear fall fashion's top trends

How to wear fall fashion's top trends



Whether it be fall, summer or spring, learning about trends these days takes a little research. Pick up magazines, such as "Vogue," "Elle" or "W" to see the latest trends. Do you own items that look like those shown in the magazines? If not, now is the time. Read on to learn how to wear fall fashion's top trends.







Things You'll Need:





Magazines



<br>An established budget



<br>A few items that are fashionable



<br>Accessories









Step
1



First and foremost, know your body type. If the fall fashions say to wear only A-line skirts but you have a boxy figure, scratch that. Choose items that work for your body type. So, for that boxy figure, add some curves by choosing a belted dress or separates.




Step
2



See what is fashionable by checking out magazines.




Step
3



See if you have these items in your closet. Make a list (and a budget) of items that would complement what you already own.




Step
4



Choose funky, fun accessories, but stay within your frame of comfort. Don't just buy something that is trendy if you'll never use it.




Step
5



Match your outfits so that you look like the models in the magazines. Try to pick colors that are in (the past few seasons, brown was in, and then gray was the new black).




Step
6



Mix up items you own with new items. And don't be afraid to tailor items you already have. (You love that coat but it has shoulder pads. Yuck!)







Tips & Warnings









Shop for your body type.








<br>Dress for your body type.








<br>Stay within your comfort zone.








<br>Buy cool, funky accessories.








<br>Establish a budget.








Don't buy just to buy.








<br>Don't throw away all out of
date
items if they can be tailored.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2278027_wear-fall-fashions-top-trends.html