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Showing posts from October, 2024

10 magnesium-rich foods to add to your diet

Magnesium-rich foods and supplements are top of mind for everyone (and their algorithms) lately—and for good reason. As Samantha Dieras , DCN, RD, director of ambulatory nutrition services at Mount Sinai Hospital, explains, this mineral plays a vital role in over 300 biochemical reactions in our bodies, such as protein synthesis, muscle and nerve function, blood pressure regulation, energy production, inflammation management, metabolism, and bone development. In other words, magnesium is pretty essential for our overall health. The easiest way to make sure you’re getting enough of this important mineral is through the foods you eat. Below are the 10 magnesium-rich foods that experts recommend incorporating into your daily diet if you haven't already. Dark Chocolate One of the most magnesium-rich foods, dark chocolate comes with a host of health benefits. Dieras explains that it reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease , may lower blood pressure , and improves brain fun...

5 Ingredients to Add to Your Smoothies for Better Skin & Healthy Locks

Smoothies are a nutritious, yet delicious way to give your body a health boost. But, have you ever thought of adding superfood ingredients like pearl powder, he shou wu and turmeric to your recipes? While these ingredients may not sound like they belong in your blender, these powerful additions have been found to make your hair thicker and your skin brighter. Here are five herbs you should definitely add to your smoothie recipes to reap the benefits of better skin and healthy locks:    1. Chinese Knotweed (He shou wu)  This Chinese knotweed vine is usually available in powdered form and can be purchased at a well-stocked health or Chinese medicine shop, you can also buy it online.    Benefits: According to TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) he shou wu is thought to stimulate hair growth, making your hair thicker.    Use: One way to reap the benefits is to include it in smoothie. Simply check the package label for dosage instructions and add...

11 Remedies for Children’s Winter Ailments

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Winter is here, bringing with it congested noses, sore throats, fevers, inflammations and, of course – the flu. Modern medicine offers a variety of cures for each disease, but I believe that it’s worth trying good old home remedies before you start pumping your kids full of drugs. This article will teach you 11 classic home remedies that have proven their efficacy for many generations. 1. Decongesting     The most common winter issue for children and adults is a congested nose. Luckily, it can be treated naturally, quickly and effectively:    Boil 3-4 sage leaves in a deep bowl and add 2-3 drops of eucalyptus oil    Bend over the bowl and cover your head with a towel    Inhale deeply and your nose will be back to normal in no time 2. Phlegm   Phlegm tends to travel down our throats and make it hard to breath, prompting bouts of coughing. The solution is a very old, but highly effective one:    Draw a hot bath and add a...

The Benefits of Adding Garlic to Your Garden

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Using garlic in the garden is a brilliant way to save yourself from making use of dangerous chemical fungicides and pesticides. In fact, garlic has many fungicidal, insecticidal, and antibacterial properties, among many other interesting uses. 1. Roses love garlic According to the Herb Society of America, planting garlic next to rose bushes helps keep pests and diseases at bay, and also enhances their fragrance.      2. Garlic teas for powdery mildew   Cut 5 garlic cloves and pour a liter of boiling water over it. Let it rest for 24 hours, then drain and dilute it with another 3 liters of water. Pour it all into a sprayer and spray it onto any plants suffering from powdery mildew.      3. Garlic around fruit trees   Growing garlic close to fruit trees reduces diseases and pests. It repels weevils, borers, and fruit flies, as well as protecting peach trees from leaf curls, and apple trees from apple scab. 4. Garlic instead of fungicide ...

Easy 2-Ingredient Weed-Killing Spray

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Summer is here, and while your garden might be in full bloom, you have probably also noticed some pesky weeds creeping up in places where they shouldn’t be. Thankfully, whether weeds are making your garden look messy or are turning your patio green, you don’t have to deal with them for long. All you have to do is grab a couple of secret weapons from your kitchen and toss them into a spray bottle. Have you guessed what these ingredients are? They’re vinegar and soap, of course. Simply spray some white vinegar and soap on those annoying weeds and your garden and patio will have their style back in no time at all. The acetic acid in the vinegar burns the weeds on contact while also lowering the pH of the soil, making it very difficult for them to grow back. The soap, on the other hand, simply helps the vinegar to stick to your weeds instead of dripping right off. Directions  1. Add your desired amount of white vinegar to a spray bottle, alongside 1 teaspoon of dish soap....

12 Unexpected Ways to Use Steeped Tea Bags Around the House

 Brewing a cup of tea is one of life's simple pleasures. But did you know that your little tea bag can do so much more than provide a warm and cozy beverage? Used tea bags have a variety of beneficial—and unexpected—uses around the house, even after you’re done steeping the perfect cup in your favorite mug.   "Used tea bags shouldn't just be cast aside as soon as you've finished enjoying your tea," says Ken Doty, COO and Cleaning Expert at The Maids. “There are plenty of cleaning tasks that they can help support." Instead of throwing tea bags straight in the trash, consider what else they might be able to accomplish for you. From helping scrub items in the kitchen and infusing scents into the air to assisting in the garden, these clever waste-reducing methods will leave you impressed by the tiny-yet-mighty tea bag.    1. Simmering Potpourri An easy way to make good use of a tea bag? Katie Burnett, head of product & marketing for Por...

12 Ways to Use Cornstarch to Clean and Freshen Your Home

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    Cornstarch may be your not-so-secret weapon for thick soups, perfect pie fillings, rich custards, and crispy fried chicken, but it should also be a key player in your arsenal of natural cleaners. When used correctly, it can deodorize carpets , polish sinks and showers, remove hard-to-lift grease stains from clothes, and so much more.   "Cornstarch is absorbent, which means it can soak up moisture and oils," says Katie Dills, brand president of The Cleaning Authority. "This makes it effective for cleaning tasks like deodorizing and removing stains. Its texture also makes it great for polishing surfaces without scratching." Increase the versatility of cornstarch by using it dry, mixing it with water to create a paste, or combining it with vinegar to enhance its stain removal abilities. Ahead, cleaning experts share the many ways you can use cornstarch to clean your home.     WARNING Just like with other ingredients , avoid combini...