Skin Care - Home Remedies for Skin Allergies

A healthy and radiant skin is one of the most sought after things, perhaps by all women!! If you have it, you cannot hide it - but yes, you need to maintain it.

The key to a glowing skin is right there within your arm's range. One can attain a healthy supple skin though a three-tier approach involving diet, exercise and proper cosmetics.

Here is a step-by-step guide to skin care -

1) Water - drink two to three litres of water daily to detoxify.

2) Have a rich diet full of vegetables, fruits. Increase the fibre content in your daily diet. Avoid excess refined sugar, sweets as it damages collagen in skin and makes it lose its elasticity.

3) Invigorate your sluggish lifestyle. Come on, get moving!! Go to the gym or just stretch.

4) Restrict intake of alcohol and caffeine.

5) Keep stress at bay.

6) Go for a daily skin care regime- i.e. cleanse, tone and moisturize.

7) Apply a moisturizer to hydrate your skin externally. A homemade moisturizer is a mixture of cucumber, juice and buttermilk.

8) Go for an exfoliation once a fortnight either at a professional salon, or at home. It helps remove dead cells and revitalize the skin through blood circulation. Oatmeal combined with mashed apple is an excellent home scrub

9) Do not forget to apply sunscreen with a SPF of minimum 15 at least 10 minutes before going out of house. If you get a suntan, relieve yourself with a mixture of curd and cucumber juice.

10) Use cosmetics depending on your skin type. Learn about your skin type first and then try commercial products.

Skin care is not as difficult as it looks to be.

Thus, the ABC of a beautiful and radiant skin - balanced diet, hydration, cleansing and protecting it from sun and wind should be a part of your daily skin care regimen.

Some popular herbal remedies for skin care -

Water - Drink a minimum of 8-10 glasses of water daily to detoxify the body. It naturally hydrates the skin and gives that young vibrant look.

Turmeric: This is the basic grandma's remedy - just apply fresh turmeric paste along with curd and gram flour on to your face. Your complexion clears up within a few days, as turmeric is very good for skin health.

Tea extracts: It is a natural antiseptic and is useful for skin acne.

Neem, tulsi: Drop some neem leaves into your bathtub, and you will feel the difference in your skin within a few days. If you have any external skin rash, infection, just apply a paste of neem or basil leaves to heal up, as they have excellent anti-bacterial properties, clear up pimples and acne; and keep the skin naturally invigorated.

Sandalwood paste: It soothes the skin, cools it and moisturizes it naturally.

Different skin types and their care -

1. Dry skin -

To avoid any sort of skin problem, one should drink at least eight to ten glasses of water a day to keep dry skin well hydrated. Along with it, eat a high quality healthy diet rich in fresh fruits, nuts and vegetables; get some exercise and the secret 8-hour sleep daily to get a healthy skin.

Home remedies for dry skin:

o Do not expose yourself to sun too much, as well as to too much air conditioning.

o Reduce how often you wash your face to maximum two times a day, and if possible use slightly tepid water.

o Avoid caffeine and alcohol as they cause dehydration. Also do not smoke, as smoking deprives the skin of oxygen and nutrients making it dry and flaky.

o Avoid using a commercial highly perfumed soap. Instead, use non-detergent, neutral-pH products to cleanse your skin.

o Massage your face every night before sleeping with a good hydrating moisturizer, and be generous in the areas surrounding the eyes.

o For cracked skin on fingers and feet, use a cream rich in vitamin E and aloe vera. Massage in well.

2. Oily skin -

Oily skin is the least vulnerable, and it ages least of all. The best thing to do is to take measures to keep the skin pores from being clogged and forming acne.

- Follow strictly the experts' advice - clean your face two to three times daily with a good medicated soap, one, which works well with your skin.

- It is best to use water based non-comedogenic product that effortlessly and effectively dissolves sebum.

- Use an oil free moisturizer to maintain a shine free complexion. It will also help if you use tepid water to clean face as it loosens the dirt easily.

- Before applying make-up, use an antiseptic day cream which contains benzyl peroxide as it reduces sebaceous secretions.

Home remedies for oily skin -

- Cucumber juice works great on oily skin. Before applying make-up, rub it on the excessively oily parts of your face and dry it thoroughly.

- It is very important that you definitely remove all make up before going to bed. Gram flour mixed with curd acts as an effective cleansing milk which cleans open pores.

- Be cautious about your diet if you have an oily skin! Go for a protein rich diet, but restricted in sugar and salt. Take plenty of leafy green vegetables and fresh fruits. Cut down on animal fat, fatty foods, alcohol and junk food.

- It is advised that you reduce consumption of iodized salt.

- Do not miss out on the 8-10 glasses of water daily to keep the skin hydrated and to flush out toxins.

- Exercise is also a must. Exercise works magical on any skin as it boosts circulation, encourages blood flow, and cleans the skin from within.

3. Sensitive skin -

This is a very unpredictable skin type, and one needs to be extra cautious while dealing with it. Almost anything and everything can react to it.

- It is always advised to use the simplest and purest products- colour free, alcohol free, fragrance free and preservatives - a complete no-no.

- If using any new cosmetic, it is very important that you patch test it on your skin three to four times initially. The best parts are small areas like behind your ear or on hands. Go for it only if there is no skin reaction.

- Limit exposure to sun. While going out it is important to use a sun block because sensitive skin can easily get discoloured or age spots may appear. Use a sunscreen with only physical ingredients such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which deflects the UV rays rather than absorb them.

- Try to use only natural or homemade products - they are best. Fresh and natural!!

- If you have sensitive skin, keep skin clean always. Wash your face maximum twice a day with a natural pH balanced cleanser.

- If going to a party, use only those cosmetics, which are hypo-allergenic and non-comedogenic.

- Always use cosmetics that do not contain many ingredients. The more the number of ingredients, the more the probability of it causing a reaction.

- Do not forget to drink plenty of water to detox for making your skin glow.

- Eat a well balanced diet that includes fresh fruits, green vegetables and nuts.

- Daily exercise to get that radiant glow from inside

- While washing face, avoid steam or very hot water. Hot baths and steams lead to broken capillaries.By Dr John Anne

Natural Cures For Skin Allergies

Hives are an allergic skin reaction during which certain cells release histamine and other inflammatory chemicals. These chemicals cause small blood vessels in the area to leak and this causes the raised patches of skin - somewhat circular in shape. There may only be one or there can be many red patches. They last from one to three days. They can be white, pink or red and are itchy. They may also burn or sting. If the allergic reaction involves other systems of the body there may be a wheeze and difficulty in breathing, swollen lips and eyelids and general flushing. This can be a serious allergic situation and medical assistance needs to be sought immediately.

Our bodies are equipped with an immune system that is designed to recognize harmful substances that get into our blood stream or organs. The harmful substance or allergen enters our bodies and the immune system reacts through a system of plasma proteins called immunoglobulins - these search out and destroy the intruder. This is a complex process with many steps involved. During the process the cells release histamine and other chemicals that cause the familiar allergic symptoms - swelling, itching, hives or sneezing and so forth. In the lungs these chemicals can cause muscle spasms, which in turn narrows the air passages making it difficult to breathe.

To have this allergic reaction our systems must first be primed - become sensitive to the allergen. One or more encounters with the allergen are required before the sensitization develops. The first exposure 'programs' our immune system to recognize and react in a certain way when encountering the allergen. Subsequent exposure results in the allergic response.

The factors that trigger an allergic reaction can be varied and may include:

• Grasses and other plants
• Pollen
• Insect bites
• Food additives and certain foods
• Drugs
• Any of an enormous range of chemicals found in the air, water and generally in the environment
• Dust
• Animal dander
• and so forth

When the body is in good health it can be very tolerant to the invasion of incoming chemicals or foreign proteins. However, if the liver is overloaded with toxic material and the lymphatic system is already congested with unsuccessful attempts to clear waste from the tissue an allergic reaction can manifest. Some people are genetically predisposed to producing large amounts of histamine. Stress will also play its part with most conditions. When the body is in a relaxed state many instances of inflammation in the tissues can be avoided.

What you can do

All of the recommendations for hives and other allergic reactions are aimed at improving overall health and vitality. This is achieved by removing toxins from the body, making sure that a healthy eliminative diet is eaten, that the body has the nutrients that it needs to heal and obtain balance.

However, the first place to start is to eliminate the offending substance from contact or entry into the body. If the allergen problem is food or food additives, for example, it is important that the foods be eliminated from the diet. If the problem is dust or moulds or pollens it is important for these to be eliminated - so that the immune system has a chance to rest and regain its balance.

• Follow safe colon cleansing principles - this means that the whole body - including the lymphatic and immune systems will be cleansed and this is an effect way to assist the body to regain a balanced immune system.
• The diet needs to be based on salads, vegetables, fruit and a moderate level of protein intake. It is particularly important for anything that suppresses the immune system and congests the lymphatic system needs to be removed from the diet. This means all sugars, dairy products, fatty food, all process and refined foods and fatty foods. Eliminating these foods will also provide the body with the opportunity to begin eliminating toxic material. This will begin to allow a rebalancing of the immune system.
• In addition to eating a healthy diet it is important to supplement the nutrients that are eaten so that there are plenty available for the healing process. The nutrients that are needed can be obtained from a good multivitamin and mineral supplement. In particular vitamins C and the B group vitamins are needed.
• It is also important to limit the toxic load that the body has to deal with as much as is possible. This means stop smoking , avoid alcohol, reduce or eliminate the chemicals that are used in and around the house, use organic foods and so forth.
• There are two groups of herbs that will provide assistance. Those cleanse the liver and those that cleanse the lymphatic system. Herbs for cleansing the liver are:

• Dandelion

• Milk thistle
• Burdock
• Centaury
• Fringe tree Herbs for cleansing the lymphatic system are:
• Red clover
• Burdock
• Cleavers
• Violet leaves In addition to the liver and lymphatic herbs the following can be useful. The following can be made as a tea and then applied as a compress to the affected area.
• Liquorice (licorice) has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergy properties. It acts in similar ways to cortisol - the bodies own anti-inflammatory hormone. As well as using liquorice internally as a tea you can also apply the tea to the affected skin with a clean cloth three or four times per day. Be aware of the issues related to liquorice before you use it internally.
• Chamomile is also an anti-inflammatory that you can take internally as well as applying the tea to the hives three or four times per day. You can also use it in a lukewarm bath. If you are allergic to other members of the daisy family you may also be allergic to chamomile.
• Diluted, distilled witch hazel can be used externally to ease the itching.

The following is a useful formula:

• 4 tablespoons chamomile
• 1 tablespoon licorice
• 1 teaspoon basil
• 1 teaspoon rosemary
• 1 teaspoonful turmeric or 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 3 cups water

Place the herbs into a medium saucepan and add the water. Bring to the boil and then simmer for 10 minutes. Strain and allow to cool. Place on a gauze cloth and apply to the affected area. Refrigerate any left over for later use.

Hives are an allergic skin reaction that cause raised patches of skin. There may only be one or there can be many red patches. They are one of a range of conditions that indicates hypersensitivity of the immune system. The underlying problems that have lead to the hypersensitivity and allergic responses need to be addressed - as well as providing immediate relief from the skin inflammation.By Dr Jenny Tylee

Garlic - The Miracle Cure?

Garlic's powerful curative properties have been known and used for eons. Many cultures have used garlic over the centuries to ward off everything from minor illnesses to evil spirits and for extra protection they add a heavy dose to most meals! Anyone who has ever seen a Dracula movie can surely remember the villagers running around with garlic wrapped around their necks to fight off those evil vampires.
Garlic was even used during major Plague outbreaks, and with some reported success! They just saw that garlic prevented more illnesses, and they were sure it was because the evil spirits were frightened away and not able to inhabit the sick person's body to cause more trouble.
Some writings that have survived from the thirteenth century suggest that victims of the Plague who had been fed and covered with garlic either lived longer or survived altogether. It's too bad the people didn't quite realize why the garlic was working - it could have perhaps saved even more lives.
Its incredible success in healing is the sole reason that we still use garlic today.
Modern medicine, however, has finally pinpointed the exact reasons why garlic works and its curative powers can all be attributed to one tiny ingredient called allicin. This is the same chemical that gives garlic its distinctive aroma, and its antibacterial abilities. It is because of allicin that many professional health care providers have added garlic to their practice.
The scientific community can't quite agree whether garlic is an herb, vegetable, or flower - but when it comes to healing, no one really cares. Garlic actually is a member of the lily family and it is closely related to the onion.

Garlic is one of the most potent "miracle cures" known to man. It:
o Is a powerful antibiotic.
o Is also kills some fungi and viruses including Athlete's Foot and even Herpes.
o Can help reduce blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels which in turn helps to reduce tissue swelling.
o Reduces blood sugar levels by increasing insulin production.
o Fortifies the body's immune system.
o Reduces the cancer causing effects in nitrates.
Garlic can be eaten alone, added to other foods raw or cooked, taken in tablet form, or applied topically. Baked garlic is actually a tasty and healthy side dish which has a bit of a nutty flavor. Simply put an entire unpeeled head of garlic in a shallow pan, brush liberally with olive oil, and bake for about half hour at 350 degrees F. The garlic will be soft and can be easily removed clove by clove.
If you are going to buy garlic tablets, make certain you are buying pure unadulterated garlic. Do not purchase tablets that have been "deodorized". These tablets have had their allicin removed to prevent any residual odor, but it is the allicin that provides the majority of the healing. When the allicin content is changed, there is little point in even taking the tablets.
Be aware that garlic is very strong. Some people complain of stomach or digestive upsets after even one tablet. Others report minor to serious skin irritation when garlic and/or its juice is used topically. So before deciding on your new garlic regimen, start slowly. Don't take tablets and add it to every meal on a particular day. You could be sorry.
So, what can you do with garlic?
o Take one 800 mg capsule daily to strengthen your immune system and fight off minor illnesses including colds, various infections, and allergy symptoms.
o Apply the juice to skin irritation such as poison ivy, eczema, hives
o In the rare instance that you find a case of measles or chicken pox, garlic juice soothes the skin and can prevent some scarring. The juice also kills the germs that are live on the skin, decreasing any chance of cross contamination.
o Garlic has shown remarkable results in recurrent yeast and urinary track infections. For a yeast infection, a tampon completely soaked in garlic juice can be inserted and left overnight. For a UTI, take up to three 800 mg capsules each day either instead of or along with your prescription antibiotic.
o Ingrown nails that have become infected, swollen and painful can be easily treated with a cotton ball soaked in pure garlic juice or fill a small bowl and let your finger or toe soak for ten minutes or so. Two or three treatments in one day can provide dramatic results.
o Garlic works wonders for hemorrhoid sufferers! Make a compress of crushed garlic by putting about a tablespoon on a gauze square, and place over the affected area for about 10 - 15 minutes. It will help to sooth the inflame tissues, reduce swelling, and kill any bacteria present.
o Post-partum: New moms with stitches have found great relief with some warm sitz baths with added garlic juice. It helps the tender skin heal, reduces swelling, and helps prevent infection.
Note: If you don't like chopping or pressing garlic, it is perfectly acceptable to buy a jar of real garlic that has been previously minced or chopped. This is actually an ideal alternative if you plan on using the garlic juice in some of the remedies such as a sitz bath because the garlic is packed in plenty of the juice. Having ready to use garlic is also a boon when it comes to cooking. You can add a spoonful to anything at the last minute without needing to plan ahead.

By Marie Duffoo

7 Tips to Give Natural Relief For Sneezing From Seasonal Allergies

To successfully combat symptoms like sneezing from seasonal allergies it is important to know what triggers the reaction. You do not have to know specifics, but understanding the processes will help you form a plan of action in your battle with seasonal allergies. Before we get to the 7 tips, let's briefly explore what happens.

An allergic reaction is when your body's immune system reacts to what it believes to be a harmful substance. The body releases histamines to subdue what it sees as an invader. This harmful substance is usually something common such as pollen, grass, weeds etc. Different people will suffer from seasonal allergies at different times, depending on what their bodies interpret as foreign. Some may suffer from spring allergies, seeking relief from the sneezing that accompanies this seasonal allergy, when it seems everything is in bloom. Others, who feel congested or have water eyes, may only suffer when certain plant pollens are in the air, such as the red cedar bloom in Texas. There are folks who suffer seasonal allergies all year through, going from one allergic reaction to the next.

As each allergic sufferer has different substances that trigger reactions, each may suffer in a different way. In addition to sneezing and watery eyes already mentioned, a stuffy nose and sinus headache may be added to the symptoms. It is the immune system's way to rid the body of the substance it sees as hostile.

The drug companies have turned season allergies into big business. There are plenty of over the counter medications available as well as prescription drugs you can get from your primary health care provider. The good news is there are steps you can take to relieve your seasonal allergies naturally. Of course consult your primary health care provider if your symptoms are severe and be sure to tell them of any steps you are taking to help find relief.

Let's look at some natural alternatives.

1- First evaluate your diet. The way to a healthy immune system is initially through proper nutrition. Ensure you have a varied diet full of nutrient rich fruits, vegetables and whole grains. This will help all of your body system function to their optimum and allow you to better combat seasonal allergies.

2- If you are looking for something to sweeten your tea, there may also be a form of relief in sight for your allergies as well. Honey as a seasonal allergy relief option has worked for people, although you must use a local honey. Honey has pollen in it. If you use a honey which is local to your area, it contains the pollens which are making you stuffed up and wheezy. The theory behind using honey is much like an allergy shot your doctor gives you. Taking a teaspoon or two a day of local honey a few months before allergy season will help your body desensitize and boost your immune system.

3- Certain vitamins can aid in allergy relief. Vitamin C has been shown in studies to help alleviate seasonal allergy reactions. It is a natural antihistamine. Vitamin E is an antioxidant. This means it can fight free radicals causing allergies. It can also help the immune system. Citrus fruit and broccoli are good sources of Vitamin C. Vitamin E can be found in whole grains and food such as spinach. If you can't get enough to create the measurable results that you need for seasonal allergy relief, there are pharmaceutical grade natural supplements that produce the best results.

4- Magnesium is a mineral that can be helpful in allergy relief. Studies have shown many people seeking season allergy relief are deficient in magnesium. Once the level is raised the sufferer notices less symptoms. Magnesium is located in green leafy vegetables as well as nuts. If you do not have these in your diet consider pharmaceutical grade supplements.

5- There are a natural immune builders that many people use successfully to not only manage allergy symptoms but to improve immune function that help the underlying causes. Natural interferon immune builders can build immunity and for some people help fight the condition itself. Echinacea is an herb that stimulates the body's natural resistance to foreign invaders, giving the immune system what it needs to stay strong. It is taken for short periods, such as a week at a time, to supercharge the immune system. Other herbs that can be found in combination with echinacea are black elderberry and larch tree; both help the body maintain a healthy immune response.

6- Fish oil has also been known to help alleviate season allergy symptoms because it is an anti-inflammatory. Allergic rhinitis actually means inflammation of the nose. When you can alleviate the inflammation, it helps with the pain and discomfort many people suffer.

7- Probiotics are healthy bacteria that work in our intestines to strengthen our immune system. Probiotics are especially helpful after a course of antibiotics or if your immune system is run down. The use of probiotics has increased significantly in the past five to ten years, and is one of the fastest growing supplements.

Taking a few simple steps to seek natural relief for the sneezing from seasonal allergies, and a host of other symptoms, may help those who suffer find measurable relief during allergy season, and all year long since we are constantly exposed to allergic irritants like free radicals, illnesses, disease, and pollution of different kinds including toxins and chemicals. -By Vicki Zerbee