Natural Remedies for Age Spots

Many of us have age spots, (also known as liver spots,) and most of us do not like them, especially when they are on the face.  Just looking in the cosmetic department of any store tells us that while we as individuals do not like them, the cosmetic industry loves them, as evidenced by the large array of expensive lotions and potions to treat them.  Those of us with a Celtic heritage are more likely to get them, especially where there has been extended sun exposure.

 

Spots can be a variety of colors, and while harmless, they can disguise something more sinister – Melanoma, so getting a skin check occasionally is important.  It takes a long time to develop these spots, and it will take time to fade them out, but persevere, you can get rid of them!

Apple cider vinegar is a very effective treatment for age spots.  Apply with a cotton bud or finger, leave on for 20 minutes or so and rinse off.  For an even stronger mix, blend with a little onion juice (not recommended prior to a romantic interlude!)

To speed up the process, you can mix 3 tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar into a mug full of water (hot or cold), and drink this twice daily for a month. This will not only improve your age spots, but it will also give you a healthy young glow and make you feel energized and active. 

Aloe Vera Juice is also effective – simply rub on the spot and leave it to do its work.  Aloe does not need to be washed off

 

Lemon Juice will also bleach them and eventually they will no longer be visible.  You need to use fresh lemon, not the stuff in bottles.  

 

Castor Oil is also helpful, just rub on the spots twice daily and you should see visible results in about a month. 

 

Sandalwood.  (A personal favourite) You can make homemade pack with two tablespoons of sandalwood powder, two teaspoons of rose water, and one teaspoon each of glycerine and lemon juice. Apply this pack on the spots and allow it to dry naturally. Use cold water to wash it off. Repeat a few times a week until your brown spots disappear.

I use Sandalwood oil, glycerine and lemon juice.  It smells great, and seems to be helping

Have you got Age Spots?  Do they bother you? Do you treat them with anything?

6 Great Herbs For Home Health

There are a myriad of natural alternatives for modern medicine. Even better to note is that many of these natural alternatives can be found in and around our own homes. You will also find that the majority of the herbs mentioned on the list can be bought for relatively cheap.  Below is a list of common herbs and some of their uses. Many of the issues they can help with you will be aware of as they are often mentioned in old wives tales. Hopefully there are a few gems amongst them that you can make use of.

Rose

Roses are more than just a beautiful gesture to a loved one. They can also assist with a whole range of ailments. Rose petal preserves may help alleviate symptoms of PMS by helping to reduce the irritability of menstrual cramps. Inhaled, rose oil can help soothe asthma, calm anger, alleviate depression, reduce headaches, and even lighten the feelings of resentment, grief, and jealousy. Cool huh?

Stinging Nettle

Nasty to the touch, but it has its uses. Stinging nettle can combat inflammation and swelling. When taken in capsule form, it can also reduce redness and irritation in eyes.

Ginger

This is merely a glimpse of gingers powers, but its health benefits are endless (don’t take that literally. I mean, I’m sure its uses are finite, but you get the idea). To start with, ginger helps with nausea and motion sickness. It can help with blood flow. It helps the body release the proper enzymes to break down food so nutrients can be dispersed easier. It is a great natural immunity booster, and tastes great too!

Garlic

One cooking’s favourite additives. Use in any dish to bring an intense flavour to your cooking. Not only great to cook with, garlic also helps to reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels. According to the US National Health and Medical Research council, consuming half a clove of garlic per day can help decrease bad cholesterol  by nearly 10%. Your breath may not thank you for it, but your heart will.

Dandelion

This is more than just a pretty flower. Dandelion has been used for centuries to aid in many cures. Dandelions roots and leaves can be used to cleanse the liver, treat diabetes, acne, anaemia, high blood pressure, cancer and urinary disorders.

Parsley

This herb is known more as a garnish on your plate than a health supplement. Parsley has a high level of chlorophyll which can help boost immunity, clear toxins, and lower inflammation. Parsley also contains alpha-linolenic acid, which is an omega-3 fatty acid that has been linked with reducing the likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease, and arthritis.

This is a mere glimpse of what your garden can provide you with health benefits and cures. There are a myriad of other herbs, flowers, and vegetables that can also assist. Hopefully there are a few things on the list you should be able to find in at home. Happy gardening!

Living Life on Purpose

Many of us live our lives in a perpetual state of unconsciousness. There, I said it. I know it is harsh, and I won’t be surprised if you are scoffing at the mere thought of a comment so audacious. It is indeed a harsh comment to make. I pose the question to you though; how purpose-filled is your life? It may not be easy, but being brutally honest with yourself in this case is a wise move. Us humans don’t seem to grow so well when we remain in our comfort zone. When you take a realistic audit of your life, and your daily doings, how conscious are you of your decisions and movements?

Do you set goals? Do you work towards those goals, and keep them in the forefront of your mind every day? If you don’t, then is it possible that you are merely drifting through life? Do you think if you say to yourself “Gosh darn it, I really need to lose weight” it is magically going to happen? Or, maybe, just maybe if you set a goal and write it down then it may be more likely that you will lose weight?

If you answered ‘yes’ to the latter then you are on the right track. Living life on purpose begins being conscious of your decisions (even your lack thereof), and how they affect where your life goes. By setting a goal to lose ten kilograms by xxx date, you are making a decision to change your behaviour, and as a result, the shape of your body. By further breaking up the goal into smaller pieces, you will be able to start living on purpose. As an example your goal may look like this:

By (date) I will have lost ten kilograms, look, feel and be healthier.

By (date) I will have lost five kilograms towards my goal of losing ten kilograms by (date).

In order to achieve this goal, I will go to the gym for one hour, three times per week. I will reduce my meal portion sizes, and reduce my sugar intake.

I will also stop eating chocolate every day.

Obviously this is just a guideline to go off. The moral of the story is that if you fail to plan, you plan to fail. This is the same theme that runs through any endeavour you undertake. Whether that is sports, education, or life in general.

Make a decision to be decisive. Consciously choose to make choices. Purposely live your life on purpose.