Herbal tea is quite familiar to all of us; we know that herbal tea is
not only tasty but filled with nutrients as well. Herbal tea is an art
in itself as it is made by infusing the right kind of herbs and brewing
it. The taste, color and the aroma will speak about its quality. The
herbal tea will definitely give you that extra kick in life but apart
from that there are many health remedies with herbal tea. You will be
surprised to know that the herbal tea has a lot more benefits then you
anticipated.
Here are some remedies using herbal tea:
Chamomile tea: Chamomile tea is best for relieving stress says studies. Any person who has a daily dose of chamomile tea will feel less anxious opposed to those who don’t. Chamomile tea also helps in relieving throat infection and also in soothing mild nausea and indigestion.
Chamomile tea: Chamomile tea is best for relieving stress says studies. Any person who has a daily dose of chamomile tea will feel less anxious opposed to those who don’t. Chamomile tea also helps in relieving throat infection and also in soothing mild nausea and indigestion.
Peppermint tea: An upset stomach can be felt well by
treating yourself to a dose of peppermint tea. Everybody knows
peppermint to be a breath freshener but the fact is that it can aid in
digestion too. It helps to relax the stomach muscles and eases the
bloating.
- Peppermint tea is also beneficial for
- Reducing pain and bloating from gas
- It acts as a mild expectorant for cold or bronchitis
- Reducing congestion due to cold or flu
- Relieving nausea
- Reduces cramping from diarrhea
- Induces sweating which is incidentally a body’s natural way of cooling mechanism. It helps to reduce fever.
Valerian: The Valerian herb as per research helps to
increase the levels of gammaaiminobutyric acid, which happens to be a
brain chemical that helps to induce sleep and relax the mind too.
Cinnamon tea: Cinnamon is anti-bacterial, antiviral
and antifungal which makes it an excellent remedy overall. Cinnamon is
also a wonderful source of immune-boosting antioxidants. You can also
try these best home remedies using cinnamon. Cinnamon tea can be used for:
- Increasing blood circulation
- Soothing a sore throat
- Reducing nausea
- Decreasing the cold symptoms
- Easing the discomforts of stomach
- Warming up a person suffering from chills
Hibiscus Tea: Hibiscus flowers contain high levels
of antioxidants. It is helpful for the inflammation of mucus membranes
such as sore throats, gum disease and cystitis. It is calming, relieves
insomnia, helps with weight management, and fights free radicals, as
well. High in vitamin C and antioxidants, hibiscus tea is well known for
lowering blood pressure.
Lemongrass tea: Lemongrass tea is an herb loaded with healing powers. Lemon grass tea helps to
- Aid digestion
- Calm down the nervous system and anxiety
- Act as a mild diuretic in order to reduce fluid retention
- Dilate blood vessels and to enhance its circulation
- Treats high blood pressure if had on a regular basis
Ginger tea: Ginger is a commonly found herb in every
household. This humble herb when infused in tea forms a powerful
medicine for cold and cough. Ginger tea is great to decrease nausea,
prevent or to treat motion sickness, soothe a sore throat, reduce
congestion and cold. Try these home remedies using ginger tea >>
Clove tea for ailments: Clove tea has antiviral,
antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.
Clove tea helps in the following:
- It is a powerful analgesic hence gives instant pain relief
- It breaks down the mucous so works as an expectorant
- Treats tonsillitis by relieving pain and also providing a dose of antiviral and antibacterial components.
Source
Did you know that we are made up of
50-75% water? Think about that for one minute. More than half of us is
water. That’s incredible. We only start to feel thirsty when we have
lost about 2-3% of our water and many of us actually ignore the signs of
thirst. Your body needs water for a multitude of reasons. Here are just
a few:- Flushes out toxins
- Helps the nutrients get to your organs and tissues
- Regulates body temperature
- Protects joints and organs
You can see how water is pretty important
to drink. We get 20% of our water through food so what about the other
80%? It’s up to you to provide your body with that and it should come
from water. But water is boring to drink. It’s bland. You have a hard
time pouring a glass of water and drinking it straight up. In fact, you
hate is so much you’d rather just not drink it all.
Well you don’t have to drink boring bland water anymore to get that 80%. Grab a lemon and start slicing and squeezing. Move
over blah water. Hello lemon water. Is it good for you? Safe to drink?
Better than you think. Here are some reasons why you should be heading
to the grocery store and stocking up on these cute little yellow fruits.
11 Reasons to Drink More Lemon Water
Natural Vitamin C.
Remember your doctor telling you Vitamin C
is pretty darned important for healing wounds, providing nutrients and
creating collagen for your body just to name a few things. This vitamin
does not get stored in your body so you need to replenish the supply
daily. What better way than to drink it naturally.
Potassium please.
Lemons have potassium too. This mineral
is good for the heart and helps lower high blood pressure and reduces
your risk of stroke.
Clean that liver.
We all know that our liver has a big job.
It filters and flushes out crap. Drinking water is important in aiding
the liver to do that but did you know that water with lemon lowers the
toxins in your body so the liver doesn’t have to work quite as hard?
Digestion aid.
Lemon water is great for helping with
digestion. Try squeezing some lemon into some warm water, not cold, and
drink it after a meal. Chances of having an upset stomach after dinner
will be slim.
No more sore stomach.
And speaking of upset stomachs, lemon water will naturally soothe a sore stomach and relieve indigestion.
No thanks, I’m not hungry.
Trying to lose weight or maintain your
figure? Try drinking lemon water before a meal or before going out to
eat. It is a great appetite suppressor. You will feel fuller, sooner and
longer and won’t eat as much. No pig outs for you!
Clearer skin.
We all know that drinking lots of water
keeps our skin soft and supple but did you know that putting some lemon
in that water will help keep your skin clearer too? Of course, remember
it is flushing toxins out of our body better and because of that, better
skin.
Say aaaaah with more confidence.
Lemon water gives you fresher breath so
you won’t have to be embarrassed by bad breath again. The sweet citrusy
drink cleanses your palettes and your breath naturally.
More energy than coffee?
Absolutely. Try replacing your regular
morning coffee with a cup of warm water and lemon for a week and see
what happens. The first two days you may feel a slight detox from the
coffee but I guarantee you will feel better the rest of the day.
Start the day right?
If you don’t think you are ready to give
up coffee just yet, that’s ok. How about having a nice glass of lemon
water while you’re coffee is brewing? Your body has been asleep and
without hydration for almost 8 hours so it desperately needs water upon
waking. Remember, even though coffee is made of water, it will not
rehydrate you. In fact, it will do the exact opposite. Do it a favor,
give it some water.
A wonderful natural flavor.
Put away those horrible drink crystals
that claim to enhance the taste of your water naturally. There isn’t
anything natural about them. Anything that says sugar free means
chemical shit storm. Remember that. Do not put that in your body.
If you aren’t so convinced just yet, why
not try a lemon water test for a week and see how you feel. Can you
think of any other benefits of lemon water that I may have missed? Share
them below.
10 attitudes to ditch if you want to be happy
Hatred and grudges
Hatred in any form is detrimental to health and steals your energy.
While I am not the type of person who “hates” I do get mad with people
sometimes. Temporarily. Still, what I’ve realized is this: hating or
harboring ill-feelings gets you nowhere. It won’t reverse what happened
and it definitely won’t make you feel better, unless you count that
momentary sense of satisfaction at cussing them. So it is best, for our
own good, to let it go. Try forgiveness for your own sake. Don’t hold those grudges
Gossip
Good clean gossip – who doesn’t love it? So long as it produces a good laugh among friends
and eases your tension – and lets you move on happily with your
routine, good. But when it becomes a habit and you revel in saying mean
things – you know you’re in trouble. My policy is – as far as possible,
if you have nothing nice to say, say nothing. That doesn’t mean being
silent when you should speak up.
Being Ungrateful
Gratitude
is the direct route to happiness. I have proof. It is worth cultivating
as an attitude, a habit. Focusing on what we have rather than what we
don’t have will only make us happy. So if you’d rather be happy (who
wouldn’t?), being grateful has to be a habit. Develop the ability to see
the silver lining no matter how bleak some things look! What am saying
is – count your blessings. Regularly.
Toxic friends
You know those frenemies,
those pseudo-friends. Everyone has them. Those clingy people who fill
your ear with their whiny tales, their complaints and who, when you
finally try to help them, will ignore your advice and carry on exactly
the same way. And be back to go through the whole hamster wheel
experience. Tiring, annoying. Let go of these “friends”. Friendship has
to be interactive and the ones who permanently lean on you are the ones
that believe in give and take. You give, they take. Know what I mean?
Weed them out, now. And don’t be guilty. They’ll just find someone else,
they will!
Clutter
Less is really more, people. As I find out every single day now. I’ve been working hard at clearing my clutter. I’ve made spring cleaning
a year-round activity. Living as we do in a decently sized apartment,
it is all too easy to accumulate. Also, I grew up in a thrifty household
where the “waste-not-want-not” concept was rigidly followed. Old habits
die hard. But new habits must take the place of old if we are to move
on. Purging helps to focus on the things that matter – relationships,
people and things we really enjoy doing. So now is a good time to go
through your closet, your attic, your life – and discard what you
haven’t needed or used in three months. No just-in-cases!
Expectations
Seriously, this is one big thing to let go of. You know what the
Buddha said. Desire is the cause of all suffering. It is true. When you
expect nothing, you are never disappointed. When we’re happy with what
we have, life takes on meaning.
The extra weight
I just had to add that in, right? Health is wealth. Maintaining a healthy weight is the key to good health. So dump the extra pounds. Take action now.
Confusing complex with complicated
Complexity is interesting. Fun, even, whether it is people or things.
Complicated, not really. Simplify, don’t complicate. Enjoy the complex,
and kiss the complicated goodbye.
Saying yes by default
Yikes, I suffer from this and am working on letting it go. I really must learn to “say no” more often. Why the need to please everyone? If something cuts into our time or makes us unhappy, why do it?
Fear of growing old
Really! What is to get scared of? Age is a number, most of the time.
It is how we live that counts. Do the things that you are passionate
about. Don’t put off things. Ditch the someday thinking. You are never
too old to dare to dream and live your dream!
Hows this for monday motivation!?
Most people want more self discipline. But the real issue for most people is actually energy. Higher energy leads to higher self discipline.
Self discipline leads to satisfaction, accomplishment and success so there are good reasons to focus on it.
So what are some of the ways to increase energy levels?
1 - The biggest problem with low energy is the time wasting activities that can go along with it. Things like watching TV, video games, idle surfing etc. These activities take little energy but they can take valuable time from the sleep that would help rejuvenate and energize. So just sleep rather than waste time.
2 - Health is tied to energy levels. The obvious path to health is eating well and exercising properly. We all know how to live healthy - but sometimes we do not. Again, this can be tied to the energy cycle. With no ambition, we take the easy path and rather than prepare healthy food, we eat easy fast "bad" food. So just break the cycle.
3 - Eat. Yes, low energy can be tied to low blood sugar levels. Eat a healthy snack to improve energy.
4 - Take a break. A 5-10 minute walk is a perfect break. We tend to lose our productive focus if we take no breaks. A break can actually improve productivity, energy and focus.
5 - Breathe. A few deep breaths can increase energy in less than a minute.
6 - Practise good posture. Simply sitting up straight can increase energy.
7 - Meditation can be a great way to increase energy. Of course if you are too tired, it might lead to sleep (which might also be a good thing). Meditation may seem like a waste of time but the increase in energy can pay dividends that more than make up the time.
8 - Just move. This can be a bit like a break. Simply standing, walking 20 steps, stretching, doing some exercises all increase energy.
9 - Sleep. We need adequate sleep to have energy. The statistics on the percentage of the population that is sleep deprived is staggering. And sleep does not have to be all in one stretch - naps also count. Many highly successful people have been known to nap.
Guilt can reduce energy. Self discipline, energy and guilt at tied together for most people. Giving yourself permission to not be perfectly disciplined all the time can reduce guilt and increase energy.
Track your energy and compare it to your self discipline level and you will find there is a link. Work on energy levels to improve self discipline.
t’s that time of year again….no, not Halloween. The time of year where I want to lock myself up in the house and never, ever come out because EVERYONE is sick! I try so hard every year to avoid getting a wicked cold. I’m like a magnet to germs, and it’s inevitable that if I make human contact, I’ll probably end up sick for a week. Does that sound fun to you? Me either.
Last year, we went to a Johnny Winter concert, and he was soooo sick (as in cold, also sick as in rad). We ended up going to hang out back stage since Alex was taking photos, and 1 day later, it hit us all like the plague. I’ve never felt so sick in my life, and I don’t plan on feeling that way any time soon.
Some of you would say I probably have a weak immune system, and you’d be right. I eat well and exercise, but I’m just one of those people. So, what do I do now to keep the germs at bay? (Aside from vigorous hand washing)
May I introduce to you…….FLU SHOT!
This little elixir has everything you need to up your immune system and combat those cold germs. I’ve been taking a “shot” of this once a week since September, and I have been going strong. I’m probably the only person I know who hasn’t had a cold yet. This recipe makes about 2 cups. I like to divide it into 1/2 cups in small bottles for easy access. The best part is that this is all natural, so you can really drink as much as you want! Feel a cold coming on? Have a small glass. Already sick? Have a small glass. These ingredients all work in their own way to help fight your cold. I’m not a big fan of medicines, or real flu shots. I’m terrified of needles as it is, and frankly, every time I got a shot, I’d get the flu. So what’s the point? If there’s a natural remedy that works, I’m much better off.
Flu Shot Immunity Elixir
Makes 2 Cups
What You’ll Need:
+ 1-1/2 cups freshly squeezed orange juice (use store-bought if you’d like)
+ 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
+ 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
+ 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
+ 1 teaspoon (or more) honey
Whisk this all together, and drink. You can store this in the refrigerator in sealed jars for about 2 weeks.
Why These Ingredients Work:
Orange Juice: Well, as we all know, OJ is packed full of Vitamin C, which is a key ingredient in boosting our immune systems.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This is a super food for many reasons. It helps clear out a stuffy nose, it can almost instantly help cure a sore throat, as the acidity and antibacterial properties kill germs. It also helps you regain your PH balance, which your body needs when fighting off a cold. Just to name a few.
Fresh Ginger: It is an antioxidant, anti inflammatory, and antibacterial. It can help fight off a cold better than most. Plus, it’s great for upset stomachs.
Cayenne Pepper: It’s a metabolism booster, anti inflammatory, and antioxidant. If you’re already sick, cayenne helps shrink the blood vessels in your nose and relieves congestion.
Honey: This is one of the best ways to soothe a sore throat. However, Honey is antibacterial, which will help kill of germs in your throat and body, which will not only prevent you from getting sick, but help you get better.
In
Anxiety Relief,
Breathing
Yoga For Complete Beginners - Relaxation & Flexibility Stretches 15 Minu...
Fancy getting up 15 minutes earlier to try this every morning for a week?
Who doesn't want to be happier? Furthermore, is happiness as elusive as we may have been lead to believe?
I think not.
Certainly much has been written about the pursuit of happiness lately, however, I believe it is much simpler and probably easier to be happy than we think.
Perhaps in this increasingly complex world that we live, we are over-complicating what it takes to be happy. Happiness often lies in the simplest of things.
Here are 50 simple ways in which you can add to your happiness:
1. Accept that life is not perfect.
2. Don't take yourself too seriously.
3. Don't take others too seriously.
4. Appreciate yourself.
5. Have meaningful goals - they give you purpose.
6. Get a pet.
7. Cultivate friendships. To have friends, be a friend.
8. Be supportive and seek support when needed.
9. Don't confuse materialism with success.
10. Know that money does not buy happiness.
11. Enjoy what you have.
12. Simplify your life.
13. Be more creative.
14. Be yourself.
15. Be more spontaneous.
16. Spend more time with happy people.
17. Keep a happiness journal for writing about the things that give you joy.
18. Find what you love to do and make it your life's work.
19. Be willing to learn and experience new things.
20. Be flexible.
21. Be open-minded.
22. Enjoy simple pleasures.
23. Practice gratitude.
24. Think improvement, not perfection.
25. When things aren't going well; know that it will pass.
26. Know that it's not what happens to you, but how you perceive it that's important.
27. Learn to live in and savor the moment.
28. Exercise regularly.
29. Get enough sleep.
30. Maintain a healthy diet.
31. Enjoy good conversation.
32. Have a hobby.
33. Take time for fun.
34. Practice moderation.
35. Cultivate an appreciation for the arts.
36. Read inspiring material.
37. Help others.
38. Have faith.
39. As Richard Carlson has said - Don't sweat the small stuff.
40. Smile for no particular reason.
41. Be agreeable.
42. Love yourself.
43. Listen to good music.
44. Watch less TV.
45. Give it your best.
46. Pamper yourself.
47. Practice mindfulness.
48. As Bessie Anderson Stanley wrote in her little verse Success: "Live well, love much and laugh often."
49. Be happy now. Don't make it conditional.
50. Share your happiness with others.
Interestingly, I experienced more happiness in the compiling of this list. As I contemplated each point it made me happier just thinking about it. Who'd have thought it?
Energy-boosting super foods are a quick and easy way to cleanse your body of all those sins and kick-start your metabolism into burning fat, fast. We know it's not rocket science to eat less processed food and stock up on healthy fruit and veg, but there are certain tasty treats that can give you an additional super-boost. Thankfully, they're all tasty, filling and wholesome enough to deserve a spot in your kitchen cupboard. So look through our top 11 super-foods that'll kill your diet crash and start you feeling energised again:
Brown rice
It might take a bit longer to cook than the white stuff, but brown rice is so much better for you. Not only will it make you feel full for longer, but it's also brilliant for those suffering from stress or digestive problems.
Yes, yes, we know you think it makes you bloated, but many 'wheat-intolerant' people are actually reacting to the pesticide residues left over from farming methods rather than the wheat itself. Try wholewheat bread and rolls made from organically grown wheat and your sarnies will suddenly seem a whole lot more tasty.
Oats
No wonder we're always been told to eat porridge for breakfast, oats are high in calcium, potassium, magnesium, vitamin E, B vitamins, protein and more. As well as helping improve your skin, they are brilliant for those suffering from stress and tiredness.
Broccoli
Much talked about for its cancer-fighting qualities, broccoli is also a great energy provider (as well as being stuffed with fibre, folate, vitamins A and C, potassium, B2, um? shall I go on?).
Lentils
They're cheap, colourful and a brilliant kitchen staple, unfortunately us Brits don't eat nearly enough. Just for once, forgo your regular pasta and cook a pan of these instead - your energy levels will thank you for it.
Sesame seeds
It's easy to add sesame seeds to your diet: simply choose the bagel or French stick at the supermarket which already comes topped with them. Alternatively, sprinkle them on your morning muesli or tuck into a dessert of halvah; made from pounded sesame seeds and honey, it's said to enhance sexual vigour and vitality!
Spinach
Popeye didn't eat tins of the green stuff for nothing, packed with iron, it's best eaten raw in salads as cooking it can make the iron harder for the body to absorb.
Sprouted seeds
The most live, pure, nutritious food imaginable, sprouted seeds are cheap and easy to grow yourself or, these days, can also be bought from most supermarkets. Add them to sandwiches, salads and stir-frys.
Apricots
For a natural sugar boost, munch on a handful of apricots. Whether dried or fresh, you'll feel immediate benefits.
Walnuts
Full of potassium, protein, zinc and iron, walnuts are a great energy resource. Eat them in salads or, if you must, atop a cheeky walnut whip.
Almonds
When you're feeling lethargic, pop a few of these in your mouth - they'll see through more than just your early morning meetings.
