Getting rid of nail fungus- the natural way

FungalNail(Onychomycosis) is the most common disease of the nails, affecting around 10% of the adult population. Infected nails may appear thickened and discoloured and if left untreated can spread to other nails in the hands and feet.

What Nail Fungus Looks Like

Nail fungal infections will typically start out looking like a simple white or yellow spot on the nail’s tip. As the fungus develops the nail may begin to thicken, become cracked, get darker in color, change shape, or become dull.

In some cases the nail may begin to separate from the bed, which can be a bit uncomfortable. If nail fungus is not treated it can go on forever. Even if you do treat your nail fungus, it can reoccur at any time.

Fungal Nail is usually caused by contact with Dermatophyte fungi, often as a result of having Athlete’s Foot. Some groups are particularly susceptible to fungal nail infections such as smokers, diabetics, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems.

It most commonly effects the toenails because our feet are kept inside dark, warm shoes that moisture can become trapped in. This fungus can also be caused by yeast or mold, but it is collectively referred to as nail fungus.

Your GP will give advice on the treatment options available to you, all of which have varying degrees of success. Unfortunately in many cases conventional treatments prove ineffective. The risk of harmful side effects may put patients off trying oral medication and many simply choose to live with the condition. Here are a few tips to cure nail fungus naturally, effectively and painlessly, along with the added advantage of a cheap pedicure!

Natural Ways to Get  Rid of Nail Fungus

If you suffer from nail fungus there are some natural ways that you can treat your nails in order to get rid of it. One option is to use tea tree oil and orange oil.

To make this mixture you will need the following:

A teaspoon of tea tree oilHalf a teaspoon of orange oilHalf a teaspoon of olive oil or grapeseed oilCotton balls

Mix all of the ingredients together and then soak a cotton ball in the mixture. Apply the cotton ball directly to the nail that is infected. Let all of the oil seep out and then let the nail dry naturally.

An alternative is to place four or five drops of tea tree oil in a bowl of water that is big enough to soak your feet in. Let your feet soak for fifteen to 20 minutes.

You should perform these treatments in the mornings and in the evenings.

Baking Soda and Vinegar

Another option for naturally getting rid of nail fungus is to create a vinegar and baking soda soak.

To make this soak you will need:

5 tablespoons of baking soda
A cup of vinegar (white or apple cider)
Water
Bowl to soak your feet in

First, mix the vinegar with enough water to soak your feet with. Place your feet in the bowl for 15 minutes. Pat your feet dry and then add baking soda to the mixture. Place your feet back in the bowl for another 15 minutes.

The vinegar will help to kill the fungus and the baking soda will keep more fungus from growing.

Coconut oil

Another natural remedy for nail fungus is coconut oil. Simply rub coconut oil on your nails twice each day. This can help get rid of the fungus and keep it from growing back. In addition it will help to soften your feet and hands.

These natural remedies are all safe and easy to use and should help you get rid of any type of nail fungus that you may have.

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/282857.php
http://www.top10homeremedies.com/how-to/how-to-get-rid-of-toenail-fungus.htm
http://www.medicinenet.com/fungal_nails/article.htm

See what this health drink can do this for you!

Health benefits of ginger tea:

It strengthens the immune system

Fastens recovery when sick

Smoothes stomach irritations

Has a favorable impact on the nervous system

Stimulates the work of the intestines, soothes flatulence

Stimulates circulation

It will warm you better than any blanket

See how you can prepare this health drink by clicking on the link below:

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Bye bye mosquitoes and fleas. Natural homemade insect repellant for healthy living.

Mosquitoes suck, literally. And if you’re a mosquito magneto, you’re probably tired of having itchy, bumpy skin. People are usually prone to bites due to a combination of scent, light, heat, and humidity.

Different species of mosquitoes — such as the ones that carry malaria — prefer bacteria and sweat. Others are attracted to carbon dioxide and certain hand odors.

Whichever species you encounter, you can protect yourself without having to use a DEET-based chemical repellent. Most government agencies recommend DEET products, but they can cause health and environmental problems.

Heavy exposure to DEET has been linked to memory loss, headache, weakness, fatigue, muscle and joint pain, tremors and shortness of breath in humans and is particularly toxic to children.

Needless to say, this is a pesticide we do NOT want to be using – especially when there are so many more effective ways to keep mosquitoes away using natural remedies and ingredients. 

If you want to keep the mosquitoes away without relying on chemicals, here are some more natural repellent options.

Lemon Eucalyptus Oil

Used since the 1940s, lemon eucalyptus oil is one of the more well-known natural repellents. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) has approved eucalyptus oil as an effective mosquito repellent. A recent studyshowed that a mixture of 32 percent lemon eucalyptus oil gave more than 95 percent protection against mosquitoes for three hours.

You can create your own mixture with one part lemon eucalyptus oil to 10 parts sunflower oil or witch hazel.

Note: University of Florida researchers caution against using the mixture on children under three years old.

Lavender

Crushed lavender flowers produce a fragrance and oil that can repel mosquitoes.

You can grow lavender in your outside garden or in indoor planters. Crush the flowers and apply the oil to bite-sensitive areas of the body, such as your ankles and arms. Alternatively, drop some lavender oil on a clean cloth and rub it onto the skin.

Lavender has analgesic and antiseptic qualities. This means that in addition to preventing mosquito bites, it calms and soothes the skin.

Cinnamon Oil

Cinnamon is more than just a great topper to applesauce or oatmeal. According to a studyconducted in Taiwan, cinnamon oil can kill off mosquito eggs. It can also act as a repellent against adult mosquitoes, most notably the Asian tiger mosquito.

A concentrated dose of cinnamon oil on your skin can be irritating, so be careful.

To make a diluted 1 percent solution, mix ¼ teaspoon (or 24 drops) of oil for every 4 ounces of water. You can spray the fluid onto your skin or clothing, around your home, and onto upholstery or plants.also

Thyme Oil

When it comes to repelling malarial mosquitoes, thyme oil is one of the best at providing protection. In one study, hairless mice had 5 percent thyme oil applied to the skin, with a 91 percent protection rate.

For a homemade brew, combine four drops of thyme oil to every teaspoon of base oil, such as olive or jojoba oil. For a spray, mix five drops of thyme oil with 2 ounces of water.

Greek Catnip Oil

Nepeta parnassica is a member of the mint family related to catnip that can also ward off mosquitoes. The white and pink flower grows up to 18 inches, but it’s the extract and oil from the bruised leaves that’s the most valuable.

One study found that oil from the plant can repel mosquitoes effectively for two to three hours. Additionally, researchers at Iowa State University found catnip to be 10 times more effective than DEET at repelling mosquitoes.

Soybean Oil

According to the University of Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, soybean-based products like Bite Blocker for Kids (2 percent soybean oil) can provide longer lasting protection from mosquitoes than citronella-based products — a more common ingredient in mosquito repellents.

In addition to just soybean oil, you can also add a little lemongrass oil to your home mixture. The combination has been tested to guard against multiple species of mosquitoes.

Eat More Garlic

Note: While this may repel mosquitoes, it may also repel fellow humans!

After eating lots of garlic, garlic oil is gently released from your pores. This garlic oil acts almost like a barrier between your skin and the mosquitoes.

Apply Neem Oil

Neem oil is a vegetable extracted from the Neem tree native to the Indian sub-continent – it is sometimes referred to as “the tree of life”.

Neem oil is a natural insecticide used on plants to keep harmful insects away, and it works the same way on humans. Apply neem oil to the skin and keep mosquitoes away.

Mosquito Repellent Drink

I’ve read a number of anecdotes which suggest that drinking apple cider vinegar is an effective mosquito repellent. Add one or two tablespoons of ACV to 16oz of water and consume. Sweeten with one tablespoon of honey to counteract the bitterness if you wish.

Applying vinegar directly on the skin works pretty much safely and effectively for me if nothing else is at hand. :)

Concluding Tips

Although these remedies come from plants, the oils can be harmful in high concentrations. The trick is diluting the home remedies with either lotion or water as suggested.

Further reading:
Read all about the natural homemade recipe for large scale application in mosquito infested areas, by clicking on the link below:
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Sources:

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Ramadan smoothies for weight loss!

With Ramadhan on us, many think about losing weight with all the fasting and heat and work... But few manage to do so because their Iftar is filled with fried food and sugary drinks. Here are some weight loss smoothies to shrink belly fat and add nutrition to your diet.

 Here are some suggestions:

Mango smoothie...  my favorite!

Ingredients:

• 1 glass water
• 1 banana
• 1 mango
• 1 cup pineapple
• 1 apple
• 1/4 cup hazelnuts, crushed

Preparation:

Blend everything together.

Cucumber – apple smoothie

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup hazelnuts, crushed
• 5 mint leaves
• 1 cucumber
• 1 apple
• ginger (2 inches)
• 2 celery stalks
• 1 glass water

Preparation:

Blend all the ingredients together.

Apple – banana smoothie

Ingredients:

• 1 glass water
• 1 banana
• 1 apple
• ginger (2 inches)
• 1 orange
• 1/4 cup almonds, crushed

Preparation:

Blend everything together.

Grapefruit – orange smoothie

Ingredients:

• 1 apple
• 1 orange
• 1 grapefruit
• 1 banana
• 1/4 cup almonds, crushed
• 1 glass water

Preparation:

Blend all the ingredients together.

Apple smoothie

Ingredients:

• ginger (2 inches)
• 1 apple
• 1 glass water
• 2 celery stalks
• a handful of spinach
• 2 tsp flax seeds

Preparation:

Blend everything together.