Preventing Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is the destruction of tooth structure and can affect both the enamel (the outer coating of the tooth) and the dentin layer of the tooth.

 

Tooth decay occurs when foods containing carbohydrates (sugars and starches), such as breads, cereals, milk, soda, fruits, cakes, or candy are left on the teeth. Bacteria that live in the mouth digest these foods, turning them into acids. The bacteria, acid, food debris, and saliva combine to form plaque, which clings to the teeth. The acids in plaque dissolve the enamel surface of the teeth, creating holes in the teeth called cavities.

To prevent tooth decay:

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride-containing toothpaste. Preferably, brush after each meal and especially before going to bed.
• Clean between your teeth daily with dental floss or interdental cleaners, such as the Oral-B Interdental Brush, Reach Stim-U-Dent, or Sulcabrush.
• Eat nutritious and balanced meals and limit snacks. Avoid carbohydrates such as candy, pretzels and chips, which can remain on the tooth surface. If sticky foods are eaten, brush your teeth soon afterwards.
• Check with your dentist about use of supplemental fluoride, which strengthens your teeth.
• Ask your dentist about dental sealants (a plastic protective coating) applied to the chewing surfaces of your back teeth (molars) to protect them from decay.
• Drink fluoridated water. At least a pint of fluoridated water each day is needed to protect children from tooth decay.
• Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral exam.

A mouth rinse containing fluoride can help prevent tooth decay, according to the American Dental Association.
Researchers are developing new means to prevent tooth decay. One study found that a chewing gum that contains the sweetener xylitol temporarily retarded the growth of bacteria that cause tooth decay. In addition, several materials that slowly release fluoride over time, which will help prevent further decay, are being explored. These materials would be placed between teeth or in pits and fissures of teeth. Toothpastes and mouth rinses that can reverse and "heal" early cavities are also being studied.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Home Remedies for Dry Facial Skin

    

 

              

 Dry skin is most commonly caused by environmental factors, including cold weather, low humidity levels and excessive bathing. Dry facial skin can be extremely uncomfortable for sufferers, and though it often goes unnoticed by others, it can also be embarrassing in some cases. However, there are a few natural home remedies for dry facial skin that may be able to replenish your skin's natural moisture. These remedies have not been approved by the FDA for effectiveness of treating dry skin.

Grapeseed Oil

Grapeseed oil is a common home remedy for dry facial skin. To use grapeseed oil on the face, simply massage a tablespoon into the skin for one to two minutes. Leave the grapeseed oil on the skin for about one hour, and then rinse the skin with cool water and pat dry with a clean towel. Grapeseed oil is not recommended for those with typically oily skin, even if skin is dry to due to environmental factors.

Avocado and Lime Juice

Avocado and lime juice is a common folk remedy for dry skin, as well as conditions like psoriasis and eczema. Mix the fruit of one-half ripe avocado with one tablespoon freshly-squeezed lime juice in a small glass or wooden bowl. Mash the fruit with the back of a spoon or the tines of a fork. Spread the mixture on the skin and leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse the avocado off with cool water and pat the skin dry with a clean towel.

Natural Aloe Vera Gel

Natural aloe vera gel is commonly used to treat burns and reduce the effects prolonged sun exposure. Natural aloe vera can also be used on dry skin to reduce inflammation and soothe the area. It is best to use an aloe vera product that is pure aloe vera gel, as added ingredients may irritate dry skin. If you live in an area that has fresh aloe vera plant leaves for sale, the gel on the inside of the leaves can be used as well. To use natural aloe vera gel, simply apply a small amount to the skin and let it dry. There is no need to wash aloe vera gel off, unless it irritates your skin.

Egg Yolk and Orange Juice

The mixture off an egg yolk and one tablespoon of freshly squeezed orange juice is a common folk remedy for dry facial skin. To use this remedy, combine one egg yolk and one tablespoon of freshly squeezed orange juice in a small bowl and mix with the tines of a fork. Apply the mixture to the skin with a brush in a thin coat, and leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse the skin dry with cool water and pat dry with a clean towel.

Eating More Vitamin E-rich foods

Vitamin E-rich foods like sunflower seeds, papaya, collard greens, mustard greens and olives can help dry skin, as vitamin E can help to regenerate skin cells faster while preventing skin cell damage from free radicals. Vitamin E supplements are widely available as well if you are unable to include vitamin E-rich foods into your regular diet.

Home Remedies for Dry Skin Patches

              

Patches of dry skin are attributed to several factors. Though simple changes in climate can dry exposed areas, particularly during the winter, skin issues can also point to recurring medical conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. According to the book "Alternative Cures: More Than 1,000 of the Most Effective Natural Remedies," many home remedies work for dry skin patches regardless of the cause. If your condition worsens, however, you may want to seek prescription treatment.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera supplies your skin with the moisture that it craves, particularly during cold, dry winter months. "Jude's Herbal Home Remedies" recommends applying aloe vera to your dry skin patches several times a day until they fade. To use the gel from an aloe plant, cut off one leaf at the base of the stem with a sharp knife. Squeeze the gel from inside the leaf into your palm and rub it gently into your dry skin. If you don't have access to an aloe vera plant, the aloe vera gel available at drugstores works just as well.

Vitamin E Oil

Vitamin E oil has healing properties that are particularly helpful for skin, hair and nails. "Alternative Cures" says that there are a couple of different ways that you can treat your dry skin patches with vitamin E oil. The first method is to purchase vitamin E capsules and ingest one each day. The second, quicker method involves applying the oil directly to your skin. Puncture one of the capsules with a needle and squeeze the oil onto your skin. Massage the oil into the dry patches until it's absorbed, and repeat the treatment once daily until the skin heals.

Horsetail

"Alternative Cures" says that one of the best home remedies for the discomfort associated with eczema is a horsetail compress. The dried herb, which is available in many natural food stores, reduces swelling, quells itching and moisturizes dry skin. Combine 1 tsp. of dried horsetail with 1 cup of water and bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Let the liquid boil for about 10 minutes, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool sightly. Soak a soft, clean towel in the horsetail infusion and place it on your dry skin. Wrap the compress with a dry towel to minimize dripping and keep it warm and leave it in place for at least 10 minutes. Repeat the treatment twice daily for best results.

Witch Hazel

A witch-hazel-based treatment is best for dry skin patches that are scaly and red, according to "Jude's Herbal Home Remedies." Mix 4 tbsp. each of lemongrass, rose petals, witch hazel and corn meal. Measure out 2 tbsp. of the mixture into four cups of boiling water. Allow the mixture to steep for 30 minutes, then add it to a hot bath. Soak in the bath for 10 to 15 minutes, keeping your dry skin patches immersed at all times

Looking Younger In 5 Easy Steps

It !s inevitable that our skin w!ll start to sag and wrinkle, as our muscles lose their tone, when we get older. Unfortunately, we can look even older as a result of these natural ageing changes! There are a number of external factors that play a role !n damaging the skin and leading to early onset of age-related changes, !n addition to just age causing these changes.

However, you can make sure your skin looks and stays young for years by caring for your skin !n the follow!ng ways. These tips w!ll help you do this.

1. Eat fresh fruit and vegetables
The antioxidants found !n fresh fruits and vegetables fight the free radicals that form !n the body due to exposure to pollutants and toxins. These free radicals are not only responsible for the changes seen !n the body due to ageing, but they can destroy the skin cells, and some even cause certa!n types of cancer. Foods rich !n vitamins C and E can help prevent early onset of ageing because they counteract these free radicals, by neutralizing them and preventing them from attacking the cells.


2. Use sunscreen
Protect your skin from the harmful ultraviolet rays that are emitted by the sun w!th the sun protection factors !n sunscreen. With constant exposure, these damaging UV rays can lead to some types of skin cancer. Protecting the skin w!th sunscreens w!th a h!gh SPF can help keep the skin younger.


3. Using face scrubs
Face scrubs contains tiny particles that gently exfoliate the surface layers of the skin, allowing new skin cells to form, thus keeping the skin healthy. These products also have mild skin cleansers to wash dirt and bacteria out of the skin’s pores, wh!ch prevents acne and keeps the skin healthy.

4. Botox injections
Botox injections are helping people attain younger looking skin !n literally minutes, all around the world. They !ncrease the skin’s tone and get rid of lines and wrinkles by blocking the nerves that supply the skin and muscles of the face. Safe and effective, !t !s the preferred treatment for staying young. Younger looking skin !s also very affordable w!th th!s treatment.


5. Getting enough sleep
Sleep plays an !mportant role !n maintaining our health, there !s no doubt about that, and our youthful looks are no exception. Not only does a good night’s rest ‘reset’ the body’s functions, but skin rejuvenation takes place when we are sleeping. Lack of sleep can also contribute to low immunity and we!ght gain.
Many d!fferent means of looking and staying young are available to us. Although the f!ve ways l!sted here are just a start, !f you do these regularly you can $tay looking young for a long time.

Natural Hair Remedies

Home Remedies for Dry Hair


Dry, damaged hair often needs more intense conditioning than other hair types. Using natural hair remedies such as a weekly or bi-weekly hot oil treatment or deep conditioning hair pack can work wonders to restore dry, frizzy hair.

 

Deep Conditioning Hot Oil Treatment

1. Combine 2 tablespoons jojoba or almond oil with 6 drops sandalwood, 3 drops chamomile OR palmarosa and 1 drop ylang ylang in a small glass.
2. Put the glass into a bowl of very hot water. Stir the hot oil mixture until it reaches a nice warm temperature.
3. Apply the hot oil straight onto your dry hair or dampen your hair slightly first - most people generally find that one way works better for them. Experiment to see which is best for you.
4. Pile your hair on top of your head and put on a shower cap or wrap your hair in plastic wrap. (I use a plastic bag from the grocery store and clip it closed at the front.) Wrap a towel around your head and relax for at least 20 minutes. A couple of hours to overnight can be great for really dry, over-processed hair. (If you keep it on overnight, protect your pillow with an old towel.)
5. Wash the hair oil out. A great trick for getting the oil out is to massage some shampoo into your hair before you get it wet. This helps break down the oil and makes it easier to wash out.

Deep Conditioning Honey Hair Pack

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons Honey
• 1 tablespoon Jojoba or Sweet Almond Oil
  (or your choice of carrier oils)
• 1 Egg Yolk
• 3 drops Lavender essential oil
• 3 drops Rosemary essential oil

Directions

1. Beat together the honey, oil and egg yolk. Stir in the essential oils.
2. Dampen your hair, then use your fingers to massage the mixture into your hair.
3. Pile your hair on top of your head and put on a shower cap or wrap your hair in plastic wrap. Wrap a towel around your head and relax for at least 20 minutes.
   
4. Rinse your hair well, then shampoo to remove the conditioner.

Natural Hair Remedies for Oily Hair

  Oily hair can look heavy and greasy even when you wash it every day. Hair gets greasy-looking when the oil glands on your scalp are working overtime to product sebum, the body's natural oil. Here are a few natural hair remedies you can use to help cope with oily hair.

• Use a clear, natural shampoo  Wash your hair daily, massaging the shampoo into your scalp and leaving the shampooo in your hair for at least 5 minutes. If your hair still feels oily after you've washed and dried your hair, you need to wash it twice in a row. Shampoo can take away only so much oil at once, so don't be afraid to use lots or wash twice.


• Use a herbal hair rinse to reduce shampoo residue and help slow down your scalp's oil production. Use the recipe .


• Oily hair often needs much less conditioning than normal or dry hair. Lack of moisture is not the problem! If you find that the ends of your hair are dry, try putting the TINIEST amount of Jojoba oil onto the ends only.

Minty Fresh Hair Rinse for Oily Hair

1. Combine 2 cups (500ml) distilled water with 3 tablespoons each dried Peppermint and Rosemary in a pot and bring to a boil on the stove.
2. Remove from the heat and let steep for an hour.
3. Strain out the herbs and pour into a large dark glass or PET plastic bottle.
4. Add 2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar and 10 drops Peppermint, 5 drops Tea Tree and 5 drops Rosemary essential oil.

To use your herbal hair rinse, shake the bottle, then simply pour it over your hair after conditioning, rub it gently into your scalp and rinse.

Natural Hair Remedies for Gray Hair

My research on remedies for gray hair turned up mixed reviews about the effectiveness of natural treatments for reversing gray. That said, ALL of the natural hair remedies used the herb Sage, and some people swore it really worked for them.

 

Rosemary-Sage Natural Hair Dye

Ingredients

• 2 cups hot water
• 1/2 cup dried sage
• 1/2 cup dried rosemary

Directions

1. Combine all ingredients in a pot. Simmer for 30 minutes, then steep for several hours. Strain, then use the resulting liquid for the colorant.
2. Pour the liquid onto your hair and leave on until dried. Rinse and dry.
3. Repeat once or twice weekly until you reach the desired shade, then monthly to maintain color.

It's my understanding that this method of covering gray works cumulatively over time - it's not an instant fix.

Also, I would suggest using this recipe in conjunction with the basic shampoo and conditioner recipes, using the herbal infusions for gray hair included with the recipes.

I'd love to know these natural hair remedies this really work for gray hair (and I'm sure I'm not the only one!) so if you try it, I'd be grateful if you'd share the results on the Hair Help page.

Natural Hair Remedies for Dandruff

  Everyone sheds millions of skin cells from their scalp every day, mostly without ever noticing it. Dandruff can sometimes be caused by an overgrowth of microscopic fungus living on your scalp. These natural hair remedies are formulated to help solve this problem.

If you live in a cold, dry climate, your dandruff may be the result of an over-dry scalp. Try using the deep conditioning treatments at the top of this page, since the natural hair remedies for dandruff below will further dry out your scalp. And try washing your hair less frequently if you can stand it.

Ginger Pre-Shampoo Treatment for Dandruff

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon (15ml) Sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) Lemon Juice
• 5 drops Ginger essential oil

Directions

Combine the ingredients in a small glass or bottle. Make sure they're well mixed - you want to emulsify the oil and lemon juice.
To use, massage into your scalp and let dry before shampooing. Do this at least three times a week.

Dandruff Shampoo Tips

• Use the Basic Shampoo Recipe with the optional additions for dandruff included with the recipe. If you don't want to make your own shampoo, buy a good unscented shampoo and for every 4oz (125ml) add the following: 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 10 drops tea tree, 10 drops lavender, 5 drops lemon and 5 drops rosemary essential oil. Shake until everything is well mixed.


• When you wash your hair, massage your shampoo into your scalp and then wait 5 minutes before rinsing it out. This gives the essential oils some time to affect the fungus. It may take a week or two before you notice results from natural hair remedies, so stick with it!

Anti-Dandruff Scalp Treatment

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (125ml) Witch Hazel
• 20 drops Tea Tree essential oil
• 20 drops Lavender essential oil
• 10 drops Lemon essential oil
• 10 drops Rosemary essential oil

Directions

Combine the ingredients in a 4oz (125ml) dark glass or PET plastic bottle.
To use, massage about a tablespoon into your scalp every night before you go to bed. Keep doing this until the dandruff clears up..
Use this homemade hair care treatment once a week.

                            

 

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Grey Hair - Remedy of Grey Hair

Hair is made of epidermis cells. An oily substance called sebum is secreted from sebaceous glands in the skin at the roots of the hair which determines the color of the hair and also provides nutrition to it. Hair does not receive nutrition from external resources. It gets it only through blood.

Melanin is a natural substance in the body. When due to known or unknown reasons there is a decay in it, the hair roots and cells do not get enough of it or if the root cells become weak, there is a premature graying of the hair. The following reasons are considered to be the causes of premature graying:

1. Decay of melanin,
2. Anxiety, sorrow etc.,
3. Keeping late nights,
4. Excessive, untimely sex or sex in a standing position,
5. Hereditary factors,
6. Chronic cold,
7. Use of very hot or immature spices,
8. Frustration or dejection in love,
9. Use of inedible oils,
10. Faulty circulation of blood in the head,
11. Secretion of oil or sweat from the scalp,
12. The damage caused by syphilis,
13. Excessive exposure to the Sun,
14. To remain hungry for long periods or excessive fasting,
15. Excessive secretions from thyroid gland in tall persons,
16. Too much eating of foods cooked in mixed oils,
17. Appearance of white spots on the scalp,
18. Burns,
19. Frequent use of hydrogen peroxide in the hair,
20. Mental shock,
21. Eating hot food, excessive physical labor, anger, fear, jealousy and failure,
22. Lack of Vitamin B, iron, zinc and iodine in the food,
23. Washing the hair with hot water and the use of a dryer for drying it,
24. Constipation,
25. Heavily scented hair oils,
26. Refined sugar and sugary products such as tea, coffee, soft drinks, pastries, jam and jelly.

Natural Home remedies for the treatment of grey hair

Simple home remedy for grey hair using rosemary & sage tea - To make a strong rosemary & sage tea use equal amounts of rosemary & sage to 1 cup of water, combine ingredients and steep for 10 minutes, strain and use liquid for the colorant. Preacaution : These processes must be repeated daily for a few weeks before you notice any changes.
Good home remedy for grey hair using Lemon juice - The acid in lemon juice can be very hard on the skin and hair. If you want to lighten dishwater blonde hair with lemon juice, rinse the hair daily with a tablespoon of lemon juice mixed with a gallon of warm water until the desired color is achieved. It is a well-known hair lightener that is natural and effective.

How to get rid of grey hair - Getting rid of grey hair

Effective home remedy for grey hair - Make a paste of 2 tspn henna powder, 1 tspn yogurt, 1 tsp fenugreek (methi seed powder, 3 tspn coffee, 2 tspn basil juice and 3 tspn mint juice and apply to the hair. Wash hair with shampoo after 3 hours. This is beneficial for the treatment of falling off of hair
Natural home remedy for grey hair - Amla is the best cure for grey hair and falling hair. Regular massage of "amla" paste rubbed into the scalp has worked wonders in many cases, frequently reversing the process of greying.

Homemade recipes for grey hair

Natural home remedy for grey hair - The butter made from cow's milk has the property of preventing premature greying of hair. A small roll may be taken internally and a little quantity may be massaged into the hair roots twice a week.
Herbal home remedy for grey hair - Massage your hairs with coconut oil and Lemon everyday for at least 15 minutes. There are instances of people having black hairs even up to the age of 60-70 years by using this method. This will prevent from grey hair.

Diet tips for grey hair

A faulty diet and mental worries are the two primary causes of premature greying of hair. Lack of some of the B vitamins, iron, copper, and iodine in the daily diet is said to be a contributory factor. Mental worries produce extraordinary tension in the skin of the scalp; this interferes with the supply of vital nutrition necessary for the health of the hair.
A drop in melanin production may be caused by a lack of the mineral copper. Eat foods such as crab, oysters, sunflower seeds, cashews and almonds, which have significant amounts of copper.
Drink butter milk with a 2 teaspoons each of yeast and wheat germ will prevent and cure premature greying of hair.
Proteins - consuming more of protein gives your hair natural shine and good texture. Include more of sprouted whole grains, cereals, meat and soy in your diet.
One should avoid eating these things because they lead to the depletion of energy, cause wrinkles in the skin and untimely graying of the hair.
(The hair of princess Marry of Philippines turned grey overnight all of sudden at the age of 21 when she heard of the shocking news of the death of her husband in an accident.)

A Natural Remedy for Grey Hair

        

If stray grey hairs are robbing you of your youthful looks, you may want to try a natural remedy at home. However, home remedies are based only on the experiences of others who have had success using them. At-home remedies may or may not work on your hair, or may take several applications. Stop using any homemade coloring treatment if you experience any scalp discomfort or pain.

Amla Powder Treatment for Dark Hair

Step 1

Mix 2 tbsp. amla powder, available from health food stores and online retailers, with 2 tbsp. liquid coconut oil in a small bowl. Amla powder is made from the fruit of the gooseberry tree, and is awidely used herb in India. Amla powder darkens hair, and is best used on  brown or black hair.

 

Step 2

Apply the amla powder treatment to hair and scalp, taking care to cover all of your grey hairs with the treatment.

Step 3

Place a shower cap on your head, or wrap your head with plastic wrap and cover with a towel.

Step 4

Leave the amla powder treatment on your hair and scalp overnight.

Step 5

Remove the wrapping from your head, rinse your hair and scalp with cold water, then shampoo and style your hair as usual.

Henna and Herb Treatment for Dark Hair

Step 1

Mix 2 tbsp. henna powder, available from online henna suppliers, with 2 tsp. basil essential oil, also available online or from health food stores, in a small bowl.

Step 2

Add 2 tbsp. coffee grounds and 1 tbsp. powdered fenugreek, available from health food stores or online herbal retailers, to mixture and stir thoroughly.

Step 3

Add 2 tsp. plain yogurt to mixture and stir thoroughly.

Step 4

Apply henna and herb treatment to hair, and let the treatment sit on your hair for two to three hours. If you have long hair, wrap your hair with plastic wrap or a shower cap to protect your clothing and furniture from any staining that may occur from the treatment.

Step 5

Remove wrapping from your head and rinse out the treatment with cool water. Shampoo and style your hair as usual.

Home Remedy for Blonde Hair

Step 1

Mix 1 tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice with 3 tbsp. liquid coconut oil in a small bowl.

Step 2

Apply the treatment to your hair, and let the treatment sit on your hair for 15 to 20 minutes.

Step 3

Rinse off the treatment with cool water and wash and . style your hair as usual.

Things You'll Need

• 2 tbsp. amla powder
• 2 tbsp. liquid coconut oil
• Shower cap or plastic wrap
• 2 tbsp. henna powder
• 2 tsp. basil essential oil
• 2 tbsp. coffee grounds
• 1 tbsp. powdered fenugreek
• 2 tsp. plain yogurt
• 1 tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice.

  .3 tbsp. liquid coconut oil