Healthy happy you.
I have friends who are all about popping pills to ease their ills. Advil for sore knees, Tylenol for headaches, and Prilosec for heartburn. I'm not dissing these medications because they definitely serve their purpose in making you feel better, but if you're more into the natural route, here are some foods that are proven to have medicinal powers. Asparagus: As a natural diuretic, asparagus has Read more
Epazote (pronounced Eh-pah-zo-tay) is an herb used for its strong licorice-like flavor, similar to that of anise, fennel, or tarragon, but it's much stronger in fragrance and flavor. It can also be compared to cilantro. It is native to Central America, South America, and Mexico, and is also called Mexican Tea, Jesuit's Tea, Skunkweed, or Wormseed. The plant is pretty amazing - It has been used Read more
I love rosemary -- it is easy to grow and wonderful to cook with. Plus, I just learned it is not only a powerful antioxidant, but also might have some specific anti-cancer properties as well. Its active ingredient carnosol has been shown to inhibit the growth of skin tumors. This lovely Mediterranean herb can help fight colds and may help keep your memory in tact. It's quite fragrant and Read more
Sure, lipstick gift sets and prepackaged holiday soaps are lovely, but a handmade gift always feels extra-special. There isn't anyone on this planet who doesn't like to relax, so treat your loved one to some serious chill-out time with custom-blended scented bath salts. To see just how easy these bath-time presents are to make, just keep reading. Read more
When the weather gets chilly and windy, skin gets dry, flaky, and easily irritated. No surprise, then, that clogged pores pose a major problem. In warmer weather, using acid or a drying agent like benzoyl peroxide is the easy solution, but when skin is already sensitized, both often just end up inflaming things further. Don't worry, though. There are plenty of gentle ways to keep pores clear. To Read more
If you find yourself suffering from a scratchy, sore throat, take comfort in the herbs astragalus, licorice root, and elm bark, which have a soothing effect on throat and respiratory issues. While the medical properties of these herbs have not undergone extensive scientific research, they have been brewed as healing teas for centuries and are mainstays in the alternative medicine community. Their Read more
Some ailments need the power of the medicine cabinet, but other times when you're not feeling that hot all you need to do is look toward the spice rack. Whether you're in a bad mood, can't stop coughing, nursing a hangover, or have post-workout soreness, here are four spices that can help you feel better — no medicine required! What: Peppers When to use: When you're feeling down. Why: The Read more
We are excited to share one of our fave stories from Prevention here on FitSugar! Find out which immune-boosting supplements really help — and which are just hype By the Editors at Prevention Flu shots, hand washing, healthy eating, and regular exercise are the best ways to avoid cold and flu. But sometimes even the most scrupulous germaphobes and healthy people get sick anyway. While Read more
Now that you have the long weekend ahead of you, you should take some time to invigorate yourself over the holiday. If work has been getting to you, consider and explore these four alternative treatments. Acupuncture: There are certain points on your body that harnesses your body energy or chi. Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medical practice that manipulates needles on your body to treat all Read more
If you ever suffer from cramps, bloating, insomnia, breast tenderness, headaches, acne, or food cravings, your hormones may be in flux and need to be balanced. Hormones are crucial to our well-being since they impact our bodies at the cellular level and, if stabilized, many of the above symptoms can be alleviated. According to The Biggest Loser trainer Jillian Michaels, the toxins in processed Read more
