Natural Ways to Boost Your Energy

Energy drinks, such as 5-Hour Energy and others are a booming industry. Many people rely on these energy drinks to get through the day. I’ve seen them being pulled out of purses, laid on people’s desks, and sold out at the convenience stores. I’ve never tried these drinks myself, so I can’t speak for them, but wouldn’t it be better to try something natural first? There are several ways to naturally boost your energy levels throughout the day. Many of them are just common sense, but there are a few tricks in there, too. First of all, getting enough sleep … Continue reading →

Lowering Cholesterol Naturally

My cholesterol is probably high. I haven’t had it checked lately, but I know I’ve been putting on weight (20 pounds to be exact), not exercising (although I am trying to start a routine), and eating bad foods (think fried and processed and not enough fiber). My best friend does all the same bad things I do – weighs too much, no exercise, eats poorly – but his cholesterol is great. Why? Because he takes a pill every day to keep it down. Now, bad cholesterol is no joke, but I don’t want to take a pill to lower mine. … Continue reading →

Get the Healing Benefits of Tea

For centuries, tea has been seen in many cultures as not just a warm beverage but a medicine with distinct healing powers. Physicians and learned men would prescribe different kinds of teas for different ailments. And while that practice may seem so different in our own modern culture, the truth is that there are proven health benefits to tea. Getting out the maximum healing powers of tea can sometimes be a little tricky. For example, green tea is known for its array of antioxidants that are healthful for your body. Studies have shown a real connection between drinking green tea … Continue reading →

Apple Cider Vinegar for Digestive Health

Until I found out how well organic apple cider vinegar worked for a variety of ailments, I was the type of person who had over-the-counter and herbal remedies for just about everything. Due to the stress of being a single parent and lifestyle factors, I’ve always suffered with digestive problems and had probably spent thousands of dollars over the years on antacids, and various natural supplements. They’d help a bit, but nothing actually did the trick. Although I’ve been on a tight budget since my divorce, I decided to change my diet. Searching online I found a wealth of information, … Continue reading →

Tea Can Help You Focus

When you hit that afternoon slump, don’t head for the coffeemaker. Try a cup of tea, instead! Recent research is pointing to black, green, and oolong tea as a great way to sharpen your focus. Part of that mental boost comes from the caffeine in the tea — the same caffeine you could get from a cup of coffee or an ice cold soda. The other part of the mental boost is something you can only get from a cup of tea — an amino acid called theanine. When paired with caffeine, theanine can boost neural activity, helping you concentrate. … Continue reading →

Capsaicin

The compound that makes red peppers so very hot is also an amazingly effective pain reliever. Capsaicin was first identified in the 1800s — a Hungarian doctor in 1878 noticed that the compound could irritate the mucus membranes and promote the secretion of digestive juices. But this compound has the power to do more than just make your mouth and lips burn when you eat spicy foods. Studies have shown again and again that capsaicin cream can block pain neurotransmitters in nerve fibers. Capsaicin can be useful in relieving pain from shingles, arthritis, back pain, and more! The American Association … Continue reading →

Another Look at Natural Sleep Aids

Despite being really tired, I slept very poorly last night. I knew I had to get up early for a conference call and was worried that I would oversleep or miss my alarm. Instead, I spent the night dozing lightly and tossing and turning. I must have looked at the clock a hundred times! At least… that’s what it felt like. My bad luck — I have another early morning call tomorrow. I’m hoping I’ll sleep easier tonight, but I wouldn’t mind some help, either. And I’m sure I wasn’t alone in my sleeplessness last night — insomnia is a … Continue reading →

The Right Tea for the Job

Tea is good for you in many ways! But there are lots of teas out there… so how do you choose the one that’s best for what’s ailing you? Alas, some teas make big claims and have small (if any) benefits. The coffee and tea aisle at the food store is full of all kinds of health remedies. And for some things, like stress, anxiety, PMS, and an upset stomach, tea can be the perfect cure. You usually don’t need to drink much — just one or two cups can relieve the problem. If you are feeling nauseated, bloated, or … Continue reading →

Score Another Victory For The Great Sinus Experiment

A few days ago, I woke up with a sore throat. It must be allergies, I told myself. Post nasal drip, because I have a certain brown dog who hogs all the pillows and I end up sleeping flat on my back. But the sore throat stuck around. Yesterday it was joined by a stuffy nose. And a headache. My nose and sinuses got more and more congested as the day went on, and I finally had to conclude that it wasn’t allergies. It was the beginnings of a sinus infection. I pulled out the Echinacea and goldenseal and took … Continue reading →

Natural Remedies For Sunburn

Nobody’s perfect. We forget the sunscreen, and end up with sunburn. We find ourselves in situations where we wouldn’t imagine a burn was possible. That happened to me when I drove cross-country earlier this month — my left arm got toasted in the afternoon sun and I found myself in the middle of Iowa with a serious burn. So what can you do to ease the sting of sunburn? Cool water can be very soothing — if you can stand the sting of the shower water pummeling you. Try a washcloth or towel soaked in cold water if the shower … Continue reading →