Is Monogamy Unnatural? (Video)

An idea permeates our modern view of monogamy and relationships: that men and women have always paired off in sexually exclusive relationships.

But before the dawn of agriculture, humans may actually have been quite promiscuous. Author Christopher Ryan walks us through the controversial evidence that human beings are sexual omnivores by nature, in hopes that a more nuanced understanding may put an end to discrimination, shame and the kind of unrealistic expectations that kill relationships.

Our cultures domesticate us for obscure purposes, nurturing and encouraging certain aspects of our behavior and tendencies while seeking to eliminate those that might be disruptive.

– Dr. Chris Ryan, Sex at Dawn

Feb 19, 2014Jun 17, 2016

33 Healthy Ways to Use Coconut Oil

Scientific research on coconut oil has revealed health benefits that affect your entire body, inside and out.

You’ve heard good things about it and now you have a tub of it sitting in your pantry. So how do you use coconut oil?

Cooking and Eating

1) Cooking at High Heat – Some oils are unsafe to cook with at high temperatures, coconut oil is a great alternative.

2) Eat it by the Spoonful – Coconut oil is that delicious and healthful. Enjoy one spoonful each morning.

3) Smoothies – Add one tablespoon of coconut oil into your favorite smoothie recipe and increase your energy with the oil’s MCTs.

4) Replace Vegetable Oil for Baking – Next time you make your favorite brownie recipe, replace the vegetable oil with coconut oil. Your friends will be begging you for the recipe.

5) Pan Frying – Next time you fry up a batch of sweet potato fries or a piece of chicken, use coconut oil.

6) Coconut Oil Coffee – Adding a spoonful to your coffee is a delicious way to start your day with a huge energy boost! Here is a great recipe for coconut oil coffee.

7) Homemade Granola – Check out this delicious recipe for coconut granola.

8) A Spoonful in Tea – Allow some coconut oil to melt and mildly flavor your next cup of tea.

9) Salad Dressings – A simple recipe for a salad dressing with coconut oil can be found here.

Coconut Oil Skin Care

10) Cheekbone Highlighter – Apply a small amount on cheekbones over makeup.

11) Shaving Lotion – Close shave and a moisturizer at the same time.

12) Facial Scrub – Combine coconut oil with Himalayan crystal salt and apply to face each night. Washing it off is optional.

13) Body Scrub – Combine coconut oil and sugar. Check out this DIY Sugar Scrub recipe.

14) Makeup Remover – Healthier, stronger and longer eye lashes are just a bonus!

15) Homemade Deodorant – You only need a few ingredients in addition to coconut oil to make this simple deodorant recipe.

16) Homemade Lip Balm or Lip Gloss – Apply directly or create a flavored version with this simple lip balm recipe.

17) Sexual Lubricant – We swear by this one 😉

18) Massage Oil – Coconut oil is the perfect choice for a massage oil. Not too greasy and with a relaxing scent.

19) Body and Facial Moisturizer – Apply directly after showering.

20) Sunburn Care – A great moisturizer to use after you’ve gotten a bit too much sun.

21) Dry Feet Treatment – Mix with salt to form a foot scrub.

22) Elbow Rub – Helps manage the dry skin on your elbows.

Coconut Oil Hair Care

23) Leave-in Overnight Conditioner – Looking for a deep conditioning hair treatment? Rub a small amount of oil into hair (mostly at ends), comb through and put hair in a loose bun before bed, and wash out in the morning.

24) Defrizzer of Split Ends – Just put a tiny amount on your hands and run them through the frizzy areas.

25) Static Reducer – Rub your hands together with a little bit of coconut oil on them and run them through your static-y hair.

Other Healthy Uses for Coconut Oil

26) Homemade Toothpaste – Combine equal parts coconut oil and baking soda. Sweeten with stevia and flavor with your favorite essential oil.

27) Aromatherapy – Whether you like coconut or not, the soothing aroma of coconut oil is pleasing to us all and can help us wind down after a long, stressful day.

28) Wound Care – Although you may not be ready to give up your Neosporin, coconut oil can even be used as a topical protector for wounds, shielding them with a thin chemical layer from outside contaminants. You can apply a small amount of coconut oil to small scrapes and cuts.

29) Metabolism Booster – 2 tablespoons per day are proven to rev up your metabolism.

30) Thyroid Supporter – Regular coconut oil consumption has been shown to support healthy thyroid function.

31) Energizer – 1 teaspoon can give you a burst of energy instead of turning towards a caffeinated energy drink.

Coconut Oil for Animals

32) Feed it to your Dog or Cat – Coconut oil isn’t just healthy for humans. Here is some good info on the benefits for dogs and cats.

33) Put It On Your Cat’s Paw – Put half a teaspoon on your kitty’s paw to keep a shiny coat and cut down on hairballs.

Feb 12, 2014Jun 17, 2016

Chia Fresca: The All Natural Revitalizing Energy Drink (Recipe)

Chia Fresca (or iskiate as it is known in Central America) is an all natural revitalizing energy drink whose effects last all day, yet only takes seconds to prepare.

How Do I Make It?

Luckily, Chia Fresca requires few ingredients and is super simple to prepare.

Chia Fresca Recipe

Yield: 2 cups

Ingredients:

2 cups water or coconut water
1.5 tbsp chia seeds
1/2 tbsp fresh lemon or lime juice, or to taste
Sweetener, to taste (1/2 tbsp maple syrup is good)

Preparation:

1. Add the chia and water into a jar or glass and stir well. Let sit for 10 minutes to allow the chia seeds to swell up. I like to use a jar with a lid so I can shake it up really well and break up the chia clumps.

2. Add lime or lemon juice and sweetener to taste. Stir well and enjoy!

For nutritional info, click here.

It Looks Weird! Do I Have to?

Great Question! Here are a heap of reasons to make Chia seeds part of your routine:

1. Chia seeds are gluten free.

2. They are high in dietary fiber, making it great for digestion.

3. They contain 20% Omega 3 ALA, making it a super food for the brain and heart. Chia seeds have eight times more Omega 3 than salmon!

4. They boast 20% protein. The protein is a complete protein with all 8 essential amino acids.

5. They are high in antioxidants.

6. Chia seeds contain five times more calcium than milk.

7. They contain seven times more vitamin C than oranges.

8. Chia seeds contain three times more iron than spinach.

9. They contain twice the potassium content of a banana.

10. They have a positive impact balancing blood glucose levels (making it awesome for diabetics).

*Nutritionists recommend that 15g/0.53oz (one tablespoon) of Chia consumption each day. Make sure to drink plenty of water, as Chia is high in fiber.

Enjoy!

> A Natural Energy Drink | Oh She Glows

> Reasons to Eat Chia Seeds | The Wellness Warrior

Feb 10, 2014Jun 17, 2016

Visual Workout Guides for Full Bodyweight, No Equipment Training

Use these easy to follow, no equipment visual workout guides to keep your mind and body healthy. Each training guide has recommended reps for all fitness levels, challenge yourself to a personal best.

Abs of Steel

What it works: lower abs, upper abs, side abs, abs, abs, abs all the way.

Tip: Always exhale when you perform any exercise that tenses the abs. This flattens your lower stomach and brings the abdominal muscles into proper alignment, increases the pull exerted on them and strengthens them faster.

Beach Workout

What it works: Aerobic system, cardiovascular system, quads, calves, chest, triceps, shoulders, back, biceps, lower abs, abs, lower back.

Tip: Sand can sap as much as 60% of your strength and water adds up to 40% more drag on every movement. Running on sand on the beach and in water can work either your cardiovascular system or your aerobic one, depending on the intensity of the exercise. If you want to challenge yourself, up the intensity level and feel the extra burn.

Wake Up Workout

What it works: Cardiovascular system, chest, shoulders, triceps, biceps, lower abs, core, quads.

Tip: This is a fast, light workout designed to help you get your body going in the morning. Take deep, even breaths, throughout to help you start the day with an inner glow.

Dynamic Pyramid Workout

What it works: Cardiovascular system, anaerobic system, aerobic system, quads, shoulders, chest, triceps, biceps, abs, lower abs.

Tip: The trick to getting the maximum benefits here is to start off at the same intensity (about 75% of what you can normally do) and maintain it. That way you do not fall into the trap of burning high on the lower reps and fizzing out on the higher ones and you benefit from the ramping up and lowering of the pyramid system.

Bruce Lee Workout

Bruce Lee perfected his abs through an intensive, daily routine that worked them to the max. He believed that a strong set of abdominal muscles changed all the power the body could output in every movement and it appears, he was right.

What it works:Upper abs, lateral abs, lower abs, core, quads.

Tip: Bruce Lee was renowned for his explosive martial arts moves. Aim, here, to do every exercise as fast as you can, upping your personal intensity level, exhaling fast and hard at the point of maximum muscle tension.

Stay Awake Workout

If you need to work late and stay focused exercise is a great way to keep your body and mind awake. Try this workout if you want to give yourself that extra boost every extra hour of staying up late or during a particular challenging day when you need to fire on all cylinders.

Tip: Keep room temperature low, the more comfortable you are the easier it’ll be for your body to relax and snooze. Wash your face with cold water every so often.

Daily Burn Workout

What it works: Calves, triceps, lateral abs, quads, lower abs, front hip flexors, core

Abs On Fire Workout

What it works: Upper, lower and lateral abs.

Tip: Every time you tense the abdominal muscle wall exhale. This flattens your lower stomach and brings the abdominal muscles into proper alignment, increases the pull exerted on them and sculpts them faster. One thing to remember, if you’re new to all this, your abs will need to get a little bit stronger before you can start feeling that burn. So, persevere and it will happen.

Leg Day Workout

Legs are what you need to use when you want to run (from zombies, werewolves and vampires, for example) and they’re also kinda useful in everyday life because we still walk to get to places. This is a workout to help you make them strong and capable of performing at will.

Max Impact Workout

1 minute round of high intensity exercise going at your 100% and 1 minute rest followed by another round of training and so on until you are out of rounds or passed out on the floor, whichever one comes first.

Each exercise in the workout has a target number of reps (optional sub quest).

Core Fusion Workout

What it works:Cardiovascular system, aerobic system, quads, chest, triceps, biceps, glutes, lower abs, upper abs.

Tip: Never stop. Simply go from one exercise into the next allowing the change of activity to ‘rest’ the muscles on the go.

Office Workout

Just because you’re at the office does not mean you can’t workout. This is the kind of exercise routine that can be carried out anywhere you have a little space and some privacy.

What it works: Lower abs, core stability, calves, triceps, abs, quads, glutes, lower back.

Tip: None of this need be done fast. You are, after all, at the office. But do them in a focused way and they help you work out every single muscle group of your body.

Total Abs Workout

What it works:Upper abs, lower abs, lateral abs, core.

Tip: To get the most out of each exercise, whenever you do any ab rep pull your lower stomach in, flattening the muscles. This changes their alignment and makes them work harder on each rep and they get stronger, faster.

Want more visual workout guides? Neila Rey has a new one posted weekly.

Jan 22, 2014Jun 17, 2016

How Cannabis Can Benefit Athletic Performance and Recovery

Many world-class athletes have been penalized for smoking cannabis, but science suggests it could be the smarter choice.

At the start of 2014, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announced that he might be open to allowing injured players to use medical marijuana in states where it is legal.

A number of top athletes in the NFL, along with various other sports leagues, have been known to enjoy cannabis. And there are many good reasons why athletes should be allowed to use the substance without fear of consequences.

It’s a Safer Way of Managing Pain

Marijuana’s potential to relieve pain has been noted by many players in the NFL, and was also acknowledged by their commissioner.

As former Denver Broncos player Nate Jackson explained to The Denver Post,

NFL players live in a great deal of pain on a daily basis, and marijuana helps with that.

Teams pass out opioid painkillers, which are highly addictive. And that can affect a player long after they are done playing.

Marijuana doesn’t have those types of effects.

It Doesn’t Harm Lung Function

One might wonder why athletes would be okay with smoking cannabis, considering the importance of lung health in professional sports.

But the largest study ever to investigate this effect, published in 2012, helps to explain why.

The 20-year-long study, which involved over 5,000 adults, concluded that regular marijuana smoking (a joint a day for 7 years or a joint a week for 20 years) had no negative impact on lung function.

It May Even Improve Lung Function

On the contrary, the study found evidence of slight improvements in lung capacity for those who smoked cannabis.

The researchers suggest that the traditional method of smoking cannabis, which involves deep inhales, could actually contribute to better lung function over time.

Unlike Alcohol, It Doesn’t Cause Hangovers or Bodily Harm

Banning athletes from using cannabis forces many to turn to alcohol instead, which poses a number of disadvantages.

As former Seattle Seahawks player John Moffitt recently explained:

If you’re an athlete and you’re drinking (alcohol), you’re deteriorating your body far more than if you’re an athlete and you’re using marijuana.

It Aids Recovery and Performance

There are many other reasons why cannabis is so popular among athletes. In fact, some researchers argue that it should remain banned as a performance enhancing drug, due to its long list of benefits.

Writing in Frontiers in Psychiatry, a pair of neuroscientists from Brazil’s University of Sao Paulo provided this summary:

Cannabis smoking can be helpful for some activities such as extreme sports, as it improves muscle relaxation, reduces anxiety, and extincts fear memories (e.g., negative experiences) leading to enhanced performance.

It is also worthwhile to note that cannabis smoking improves sleep time and recovery, which may favor performance when an athlete is facing multiple competitions in a short period of time.

The debate on cannabis as a banned substance has led to recent changes in Olympic drug testing rules as well.

> Top 5 Reasons Why Athletes Prefer Marijuana | Leaf Science

Jan 20, 2014Jun 17, 2016

Essential Oils – Basic Usage and Benefits (Guide)

The many uses and benefits of essential oils range from skin care, muscle relaxant, aromatherapy, first aid and stress relief.

Let’s take a moment to acquaint ourselves with the basic knowledge and uses of essential oils.

Essential Oils: The Basics

Essential oils are not really oils. They do not contain the fatty acids that constitute what we would consider an actual oil.

Most essential oils are high in antibacterial, anti-fungal, and antiviral properties: This makes them an excellent addition to your homemade cleaning preparations. Oils that are best for cleaning are: Lemon, grapefruit, eucalyptus, peppermint, tea tree, lavender, and rosemary.

Essential oils are minuscule in molecular size, which means they are absorbed well by the skin – making them perfect ingredients in personal care items intended to heal, soften, and nourish. However, they do not accumulate in the body over time – they simply offer up their healing properties and then pass on through.

Scientific studies have shown that rosemary essential oil helps your brain perform. Specifically, smelling rosemary essential oil helps memory recall and performance on tests. Interestingly, this study also showed that groups that inhaled either rosemary or lavender essential oil felt much more relaxed than those who inhaled no odor at all.

Fragrance oils and essential oils are NOT the same thing. As a rule of thumb, if you see the word “fragrance” or “fragrance oil” or even “perfume” on anything, you can assume this is synthetic and NOT natural. (Even if it says natural fragrance.)

Essential oils are wholly natural and cannot be patented; which means that you’ll never see an essential oil in a pharmaceutical drug. Because essential oils cannot be patented, drug companies will not waste money studying them. This limits our scientific knowledge of essential oils greatly, and the majority of what we know about them are things that have been passed down through thousands of years of personal use and experimentation.

Most essential oils should never be used undiluted on the skin. Instead, they should be combined with “real” oils (called carrier oils), waxes, butters, alcohols, or other diluting measures. If you don’t dilute, you may end up with an unfortunate reaction (and unhappy skin).

There are a few essential oils that are generally recognized as safe to use undiluted. The only essential oils that are widely acknowledged as safe to use undiluted (sparingly) are: lavender, German chamomile, tea tree, sandalwood, and rose geranium.

Never use an undiluted essential oil on a baby or child. Children have much thinner, more delicate skin than adults have, and tend to be very sensitive to the potency of essential oils. In fact, even if you do use essential oil in a recipe for children, only use half of the essential oil recommended in the recipe.

19 Essential Oils Safe for Babies

Bergamot (Citrus bergamia)*

Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica)**

Chamomile, Roman (Chamaemelum nobile)

Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens)

Frankincense (Boswellia carteri)

Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

Lemon (Citrus limon)*

Mandarin (Citrus reticulata)*

Marjoram (Origanum majorana)

Melaleuca-Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)

Orange (Citrus aurantium)*

Rose Otto (Rosa damascena)

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)**

Rosewood (Aniba rosaeodora)

Sandalwood (Santalum album)

Thyme (Thumus vulgaris CT linalol)

Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata)

*These oils are photosensative; always dilute. To prevent a rash or pigmentation of the skin, do not use citrus oils when exposed to direct sunlight.

**These oils should never be used undiluted on babies and children.

Almond – bitter -Toxic

Aniseed – Anethole rich

Angelica – Emmenagogue

Basil – Possible irritant

Birch – Possible irritant

Black pepper – Skin sensitization

Boldo leaf – Toxic

Buchu – Liver hazardous

Calamus – Toxic

Camphor – Toxic

Cassia – Skin sensitization

Cedarwood – Emmenagogue

Chamomile – Emmenagogue

Cinnamon – Skin sensitization and emmenagogue

Clary sage – Emmenagogue

Clove – Skin sensitization

Elecampane – Skin sensitization

Fennel – Anethole rich

Fir – Possible irritant

Ginger – Emmenagogue

Horseradish – Toxic

Hyssop – Could cause toxicity

Jaborandi leaf – Toxic

Jasmine – Emmenagogue

Juniper – Emmenagogue

Lemon -Possible irritant

Lemongrass – Possible irritant

Marjoram – Emmenagogue

Melissa – Possible irritant

Mugwort – Toxic

Mustard – Toxic

Myrrh – Emmenagogue

Nightshade – Toxic

Nutmeg – Skin sensitization

Oregano – Skin sensitization

Parsley seed – Apiol rich

Pennyroyal – Toxic

Peppermint – Emmenagogue

Pine – Skin sensitization

Rose – Emmenagogue

Rosemary – Emmenagogue

Rue – Toxic

Sage – High thujone content

Sassafras – Toxic

Savin – Toxic

Savory – Could cause toxicity

Southernwood – Toxic

Stinging nettle – Toxic

Tansy – Toxic

Thuja – Toxic

Thyme both Red and Linalol) – Possible irritant

Wintergreen – Toxic

Wormseed – Toxic

Wormwood – Toxic.

(and skip Essential Oils completely in your first trimester):

To test if you’re sensitive to an essential oil combine one drop of essential oil with 1/2 tsp carrier oil (like olive, jojoba, or sweet almond). Rub this on the inside, upper portion of your arm and wait a few hours. If no redness or itching develops, you’re most likely not sensitive to that essential oil.

Keep all essential oils out of the reach of children – and avoid contact with your eyes. This is just standard safety precautions, but must be mentioned.

Do not take essential oils internally, especially oils like wintergreen and eucalyptus. While some essential oils may be used well-diluted in something like toothpaste with safety, it’s generally recognized that there’s no need to take essential oils internally. In fact, there are several toxic essential oils that should be avoided even through skin contact. Luckily, these are NOT common essential oils, and most of them you’ll never find in the store.

To test your essential oil to see how “pure” it is, put a single drop of it on a piece of construction paper. If it evaporates quickly and leaves no noticeable ring, it is pure. If you have a ring left, then it is likely diluted by the manufacturer with an oil of some sort (this test will not work for myrrh, patchouli, and absolutes).

Essential oils will last for at least 5 years (if not 10), so one bottle could literally last you a decade. The only exception to this rule is citrus oils, which will see a reduction in potency after a year or two.

Store your essential oils in dark glass bottles out of direct sunlight. This is simply to help preserve their potency.

Remember that what you’re allergic to in food, you will be allergic to in essential oils. So if, for some reason, you can’t eat sage without breaking out in a rash, steer clear of sage essential oil (or any product containing it).

Use essential oils to help your mood. Lavender, peppermint, grapefruit, chamomile, lemon, ylang-ylang all help produce happy, joyous moods. Clary sage helps with PMS (although there have been reports that overuse of clary sage can lead to intoxication). Rosemary increases focus and concentration.

> 21 Things You Should Know About Essential Oils | Crunchy Betty

Jan 8, 2014Jun 17, 2016

The Color of Pee – What Your Urine Says About You (Infographic)

The color of your urine is a great indicator for overall bodily health. Primarily, it will tell you if you are dehydrated, but once in a while a truly odd pee color can tip you off to more serious health problems.

It’s a good idea to make it a habit of taking a quick look at your urine.

What Your Urine Says About You

Jan 7, 2014Jun 17, 2016

Holistic Pain Remedies – Let Food Be Thy Medicine

“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” – Hippocrates

Balanced nutrition with the cornerstones of water, fruits and vegetables have shown to promote health and well being.

On that same tip, many foods also have curative properties for common aches, pains and discomfort. These holistic pain remedies are simple to use and effective enough to be mentioned in an era when technology is accelerating at an exponential pace.

Holistic Pain Remedies

Water Flushes Out Pain Inducing Histamine From The Body

Whether it’s your feet, your knees or your shoulders that are throbbing, experts at New York’s Manhattan College, say you could kick-start your recovery in one week just by drinking eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily.

Experts say water dilutes and flushes out histamine, a pain-triggering compound produced by injured tissues.

“Plus water is a key building block of the cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones, your joints’ lubricating fluid, and the soft discs in your spine,” adds Susan M. Kleiner, Ph.D., author of the book, The Good Mood Diet. “

And when these tissues are well-hydrated, they can move and glide over each other without causing pain.”

Ginger for Muscle Pain

When Danish researchers asked achy people to jazz up their diets with ginger, it eased muscle and joint pain, swelling and stiffness for up to 63 percent of them within two months.

Experts credit ginger’s potent compounds called gingerols, which prevent the production of pain-triggering hormones. The study-recommended dose: Add at least 1 teaspoon of dried ginger or 2 teaspoons of chopped ginger to meals daily.

Peppermint Oil Baths for Muscle Pain

Stubborn knots can hang around for months if they aren’t properly treated, says naturopath Mark Stengler, N.D., author of the book, The Natural Physician’s Healing Therapies. His advice:

Three times each week, soak in a warm tub scented with 10 drops of peppermint oil.

The warm water will relax your muscles, while the peppermint oil will naturally soothe your nerves — a combo that can ease muscle cramping 25 percent more effectively than over-the-counter painkillers, and cut the frequency of future flare-ups in half, says Stengler.

Tame Chronic Pain With Turmeric

Studies show turmeric, a popular East Indian spice, is actually three times more effective at easing pain than aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen, plus it can help relieve chronic pain for 50 percent of people struggling with arthritis and even fibromyalgia, according to Cornell researchers.

That’s because turmeric’s active ingredient, curcumin, naturally shuts down cyclooxygenase 2, an enzyme that churns out a stream of pain-producing hormones, explains nutrition researcher Julian Whitaker, M.D. and author of the book, Reversing Diabetes.

The study-recommended dose: Sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon of this spice daily onto any rice, poultry, meat or vegetable dish.

Grapes For Your Back Ache

Recent studies at Ohio State University suggest eating a heaping cup of grapes daily can relax tight blood vessels, significantly improving blood flow to damaged back tissues (and often within three hours of enjoying the first bowl).

That’s great news because your back’s vertebrae and shock-absorbing discs are completely dependent on nearby blood vessels to bring them healing nutrients and oxygen, so improving blood flow is essential for healing damaged back tissue, says Stengler.

Cloves for Toothaches

Gently chewing on a clove can ease tooth pain and gum inflammation for two hours straight, say UCLA researchers. Experts point to a natural compound in cloves called eugenol, a powerful, natural anesthetic.

Bonus: Sprinkling a ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves on meals daily may also protect your ticker. Scientists say this simple action helps stabilize blood sugar, plus dampen production of artery-clogging cholesterol in as little as three weeks.

Erase Earaches With Garlic

Place two drops of warm garlic oil into your aching ear twice daily for five days. This simple treatment can clear up ear infections faster than prescription meds, say experts at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine.

Scientists say garlic’s active ingredients (germanium, selenium, and sulfur compounds) are naturally toxic to dozens of different pain-causing bacteria.

To whip up your own garlic oil gently simmer three cloves of crushed garlic in a half a cup of extra virgin olive oil for two minutes, strain, then refrigerate for up to two weeks, suggests Teresa Graedon, Ph.D., co-author of the book, Best Choices From The People’s Pharmacy.

For an optimal experience, warm this mix slightly before using so the liquid will feel soothing in your ear canal.

Ease Joint and Headache Pain With Cherries

A daily bowl of cherries could ease your joint and headaches, without the stomach upset so often triggered by today’s painkillers, say researchers at East Lansing’s Michigan State University.

Their research reveals that anthocyanins, the compounds that give cherries their brilliant red color, have anti-inflammatory effects 10 times stronger than ibuprofen and aspirin.

“Anthocyanins help shut down the powerful enzymes that kick-start tissue inflammation, so they can prevent, as well as treat, many different kinds of pain,” explains Muraleedharan Nair, Ph.D., professor of food science at Michigan State University.

His advice: Enjoy 20 cherries (fresh, frozen or dried) daily, then continue until your pain disappears.

Heal heartburn with Cider Vinegar

Sip 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar mixed with 8 ounces of water before every meal, and experts say you could shut down painful bouts of heartburn in as little as 24 hours.

“Cider vinegar is rich in malic and tartaric acids, powerful digestive aids that speed the breakdown of fats and proteins so your stomach can empty quickly, before food washes up into the esophagus, triggering heartburn pain,” explains Joseph Brasco, M.D., a gastroenterologist at the Center for Colon and Digestive Diseases in Huntsville, AL.

Impede the Progress of IBS and Indigestion With Fish

Indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel diseases…if your belly always seems to be in an uproar, try munching 18 ounces of fish weekly to ease your bowels.

Repeated studies show that the fatty acids in fish, called EPA and DHA, can significantly reduce intestinal inflammation, cramping and belly pain and, in some cases, provide as much relief as corticosteroids and other prescription meds.

“EPA and DHA are powerful, natural, side effect-free anti-inflammatory, that can dramatically improve the function of the entire gastrointestinal tract,” explains biological chemist Barry Sears, Ph.D., president of the Inflammation Research Foundation in Marblehead, MA.

For best results, look for oily fish like salmon, sardines, tuna, mackerel, trout and herring.

Pineapple Prevents Digestive Woes

One cup of fresh pineapple daily can cut painful bloating within 72 hours, say researchers at California’s Stanford University.

That’s because pineapple is naturally packed with proteolytic enzymes, digestive aids that help speed the breakdown of pain-causing proteins in the stomach and small intestine, say USDA researchers.

Salt for Ingrown Toe Nails and Foot Pain

Regularly soaking ingrown nails in warm salt water baths can cure these painful infections within four days, say scientists at California’s Stanford University.

The salt in the mix naturally nixes inflammation, plus it’s anti-bacterial, so it quickly destroys the germs that cause swelling and pain.

Just mix 1 teaspoon of salt into each cup of water, heat to the warmest temperature that you can comfortably stand, and then soak the affected foot area for 20 minutes twice daily, until your infection subsides.

Horseradish for Sinus Problems

According to German researchers, this eye-watering condiment naturally revs up blood flow to the sinus cavities, helping to open and drain clogged sinuses and heal sinus infections more quickly than decongestant sprays do.

The study-recommended dose: One teaspoon twice daily (either on its own, or used as a sandwich or meat topping) until symptoms clear.

Beat Bladder Infections With Blueberries

Eating 1 cup of blueberries daily, whether you opt for them fresh, frozen or in juice form, can cut your risk of a urinary tract infection (UTIs) by 60 percent, according to researchers at New Jersey’s Rutgers University.

That’s because blueberries are loaded with tannin, plant compounds that wrap around problem-causing bacteria in the bladder, so they can’t get a toehold and create an infection, explains Amy Howell, Ph.D. a scientist at Rutgers University.

Honey Heals and Soothes Mouth Sores

Dab painful canker and cold sores with unpasteurized honey four times daily until these skin woes disappear, and they’ll heal 43 percent faster than if you use a prescription cream, say researchers at the Dubai Specialized Medical Center in the United Arab Emirates.

Raw honey’s natural enzymes zap inflammation, destroy invading viruses and speed the healing of damaged tissues, say the study authors.

Tomato Juice For Leg Cramps

Potassium deficiencies, which occur when this mineral is flushed out by diuretics, caffeinated beverages or heavy perspiration during exercise can lead to leg cramps.

Sip 10 ounces of potassium-rich tomato juice daily and you’ll not only speed your recovery, you’ll reduce your risk of painful cramp flare-ups in as little as 10 days, say UCLA researchers.

End Endometrial Pain with Oats

The ticket to soothing endometriosis pain could be a daily bowl of oatmeal.

Endometriosis occurs when little bits of the uterine lining detach and grow outside of the uterus. Experts say these migrating cells can turn menstruation into a misery, causing so much inflammation that they trigger severe cramping during your period, plus a heavy ache that drags on all month long.

Fortunately, scientists say opting for a diet rich in oats can help reduce endometrial pain for up to 60 percent of women within six months.

That’s because oats don’t contain gluten, a trouble-making protein that triggers inflammation in many women, making endometriosis difficult to bear, explains Peter Green, M.D., professor of medicine at Colombia University.

Flax For Breast Pain

In one recent study, adding 3 tablespoons of ground flax to their daily diet eased breast soreness for one in three women within 12 weeks.

Scientists credit flax’s phytoestrogens, natural plant compounds that prevent the estrogen spikes that can trigger breast pain.

More good news: You don’t have to be a master baker to sneak this healthy seed into your diet. Just sprinkle ground flax on oatmeal, yogurt, applesauce or add it to smoothies and veggie dips.

If you have a couple of home remedies or holistic approaches to add to this list, feel free to do so in the comments. The feedback is greatly appreciated.

> 20 Pain Cures You Can Find In Your Kitchen | I Village

Dec 31, 2013Jun 17, 2016

You’ll Never Look at a Banana the Same Again

After reading this, you’ll never look at a banana in the same way again.

Bananas contain three natural sugars – sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber. Thus, bananas give an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy.

For example, research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world’s leading athletes.

In addition to it’s energetic benefits, bananas can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions as illustrated below.

Depression

According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND among people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.

PMS

Forget the pills – eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood beneficially.

Anemia

High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood, helping relieve the symptoms of anemia.

Blood Pressure

This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat high blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit’s ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.

Brain Power

200 students at a Twickenham school ( England ) were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.

Constipation

High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.

Hangovers

One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.

Heartburn

Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.

Morning Sickness

Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.

Mosquito Bites

Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.

Nerves

Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system..

Overweight and at work? Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and chips. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.

Ulcers

The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.

Temperature Control

Many other cultures see bananas as a ‘cooling’ fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand , for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.

> Never Look at it the Same Way Again | Karen Stan

Dec 19, 2013Jun 17, 2016

Running Correctly: All You Need To Know Through Infographics

Running is a high intensity exercise that has lots of mental and physical benefits.

Many injuries can be avoided by warming up, running correctly with proper form, choosing the right running shoes and stretching before and after running.

All You Need to Know About Running Correctly

10 Benefits of Running

Common Running Injuries

Stretching

Running Shoes

Running Form

Dec 12, 2013Jun 17, 2016

The Healing Power of Cuddling (Study)

Is there anyone who doesn’t like cuddling? On the physical affection spectrum, it may not be an all-star, but it’s definitely a winner in terms of improving our health and well-being.

Besides the obvious physical pleasure of cuddling, there is a brain chemistry reaction that has far reaching effects. All those warm fuzzy feelings are nothing compared to the benefits we get from the release of the hormone Oxytocin.

How Does Cuddling Heal Us?

Lowers Our Blood Pressure

The next time you hold someone close, take a deep breath and let it go. Unless it’s someone you’d rather not be hugging, chances are you’ll notice your heart rate and your breathing slow down a bit. As the oxytocin levels rise, they affect the hormones that keep us at the ready for action and allow our blood pressure to drop.

Relieves Pain and Raises Our Pain Threshold

Ever have that feeling that nothing can hurt you because you’re so in love? Well, it was probably the oxytocin. This effect of oxytocin is particularly helpful for women in labor, but has implications for the rest of us too. What’s the first thing we do after jamming a finger? We rub it with our other hand. Even this self-stimulation triggers a release of oxytocin and helps us deal with the pain.

Reduces Social Anxiety

When our brains release oxytocin, we are more likely to have an optimistic outlook about connecting with others, better self-esteem and an easier time trusting those around us. Newer studies are exploring the usefulness of oxytocin (and even supplemental oxytocin) for both post-traumatic stress disorder and autism.

Lowers Levels of Cortisol

Too much cortisol is bad news—for our moods, our weight and our hearts. While stress hormones like cortisol are a good thing when we need to react in a hurry, poor stress management can keep cortisol levels high even when we don’t need it.

Protects Against Inflammation and Oxidative Stress

We hear all the time that inflammation is unhealthy and increases the aging process. Instead of reaching for another bowl of ice cream, consider a little extra cuddle time before falling asleep.

What About Single People?

Hug Your Friends

We associate cuddling and physical affection with romantic relationships, but something as simple as a hug will also increase oxytocin levels.

Play with Your Pet

Studies show that snuggling doesn’t have to be with our fellow humans to increase oxytocin. Any positive touch will elicit a release of oxytocin.

Take a Warm Bath

The physical sensations of warmth can help increase oxytocin flow.

Get a Massage

Massages don’t just help stretch out sore muscles; they’re also a great way to boost oxytocin levels and overall health.

5 Ways Cuddles Make Us Healthier by Kate Bartolotta was originally published on The Good Men Project.

Dec 9, 2013Jun 17, 2016

The Inspiring Workspaces of Creative Giants (Photo Gallery)

One’s creative juices can be augmented by a pleasant workspace environment.

If you’re having trouble with your creative output, taking a look at how successful creationists have traditionally set up their inspiring workspaces may help.

Although the spaces are unique to each artist, one over-arching theme is an aura of peace and solitude.