Healthy happy you.
Whenever I have a bad cough — take the last EIGHT days for instance — I'll take a hot shower for some temporary relief. The warmth of the heat coupled with the steam helps moisturize my dry and irritated throat and helps loosen the phlegm in my chest. Because the cold I have this week is especially brutal, my friends have been offering me all sorts of remedies, like these Aura Cacia Read more
When I think of eucalyptus, the image of koalas munching these leaves in the wild immediately pops into my head. However, the plant's medicinal properties can be traced back to Aboriginal people of Australia who used it as a remedy for skin problems and respiratory ailments – pretty similar to the uses today. Eucalyptus essential oil comes from the steam distillation of the tree's leaves and Read more
Apartment Therapy recently shared this photo from a reader who used eucalyptus to create a spa-like showering environment. It's such a simple, satisfying trick. Just hang a few branches of eucalyptus inside your shower curtain, and as soon as the steam from your shower hits the plant, your bathroom will be infused with this plant's cleansing scent. Eucalyptus has a high concentration of menthol, Read more
For a relaxing steamer when you're starting to feel a bit under the weather, try this using: 6 drops of eucalyptus essential oil 6 cups of water Bring the water and oil to a near boil. Using a towel, make a tent over the water and steam your head for 5 minutes. I would recommend turning the burner off and putting the pot on a trivet away from the stove starting to steam. The eucalyptus steam Read more
Simple syrup is one hot ingredient right now, and what's so great about it is that it takes minimal effort to create something special and useful. We've been noticing unique and exciting flavor combinations and recipes, like rhubarb and rosewater syrup, popping up all over the place. To make your own flavored simple syrup, all you need to do is add whatever flavoring component (citrus zest, Read more
April is Rosacea Awareness Month, a perfect time to understand more about the inflammatory condition that, according to the National Rosacea Society, affects 16 million Americans. Many mistake the facial redness or bumps for acne, but there are tell-tale signs you may be dealing with rosacea instead. And although there is no cure, dermatologists can provide treatment (find one through Read more
Sorry to burst your bubble, but you're not going to save by drinking vodka! However, the liquor actually has a couple of household uses that will come in handy. Not to mention, you won't be splashing unnecessary money on products and you'll be doing the environment some good because it's less toxic. Invest in a bottle of cheap vodka to stretch your dollar in these ways: Clean Your Clothes: Read more
When Spring arrives, the air is instantly filled with the smell of sweet blooming flowers. That smell alone motivates me to get outside and enjoy the nice weather. How do scents influence your mood and feelings? Does the smell of lavender relax you while the smell of eucalyptus promotes alertness? If you need some assistance getting your Spring training started, have a peek at five of the Read more
We've got a new partnership with Padma Lakshmi! The host of the Emmy-winning Top Chef, writer, and designer started Padma Lakshmi, a social networking site that celebrates our favorite topics, including food adventures, recipes, and party planning. She'll be dishing up goodies for us here on YumSugar monthly. Today, Padma shows us what the spice cardamom is useful for, and why it's so much better Read more
It's an oldie, but a goodie: Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser ($25). Besides, it's actually kind of fun to use. The two-step treatment begins by washing the face with the creamy, cooling cleanser, rubbing it in with circular motions to release dirt and makeup. The second step involves polishing the skin with a muslin cloth that's included as part of the kit. Once you rinse off the Read more
