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Health

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Especially during allergy season, I wake up daily so stuffed up. I can’t breathe through my nose, my eyes itch, and it’s all around not a very fun experience. A few years ago, I stumbled upon this method to relieve sinus congestion. Of course, this alone won’t fix the problem permanently. Kicking up the spicy food in your life and drinking lots of pure water will help relieve sinus congestion as well.

Here’s my method:

  1. Push your tongue against the roof of your mouth. Apply pressure but don’t go overboard.
  2. Place your thumb between your eyebrows.
  3. Press down with your thumb for about 30 seconds, applying a decent amount of pressure. Don’t push too hard though.

Your sinuses will begin to drain almost immediately. This works because the vomer bone in your nasal passages rocks back and forth with the pressure, which loosens up the phlegm in your sinuses, allowing it to drain.

Pretty neat, huh? Next time you’re feeling stuffed up, give it a try.

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Art by: Alex Grey

1. Mugwort.

5992704509_b859210440_zImage credit: Wolf94114, Flickr

Mugwort is a commonly used herb in Europe. It’s believed to help settle the stomach and treat digestive troubles, and it can also be used as a dream augmenter. Mugwort can be smoked, burned as an incense, or used as a tea. It can help you achieve lucid and meaningful dreams.

2. Mexican Tarragon.

TAGETES LUCIDAImage credit: James Gaither, Flickr

Tarragon is another dream enhancing herb. It’s commonly used in Mexican dishes and is frequently used in traditional Dia De Los Muertos observances for its powers of inducing lucid dreaming. This can be used as a tea or incense as well.

3. African Dream Bean.

318363683_6a0a32a0ab_zImage credit: Dinesh Valke, Flickr

Off the coast of Madagascar, as well as in some parts of Australia and Asia, you’ll find this rather common bean growing. It’s used sometimes as a skin treatment and is also great for teething babies. It’s most interesting use is its power to induce not just lucid dreams, but dreams that purportedly connect you with the spirit realm. The bean itself is eaten for this effect.

4. Wild Asparagus Root

14285130280_6377131f70_zImage credit: BiteYourBum.Com Photography, Flickr

Wild asparagus root, which is fairly widespread, is legendary for allowing your consciousness to soar during sleep. It purportedly helps you achieve dreams of other dimensions and places as you sleep. It can also help relieve stress and help keep your lungs and kidneys healthy.

5. Blue Lotus.

5520900648_a001ba1b6d_zImage credit: Greenstone Girl, Flickr

For Egyptians of yestermillennia, the Blue Lotus was among the most sacred of plants. It was associated with life origins and divine perspectives. It was also used to stimulate sex drive and fertility. The ancients believed it could slow down the process of aging. Many believe that this flower was soaked in water or wine and could be used as an intoxicant. It helped its user achieve visionary states.

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He was a happy, healthy 4-year-old boy, and Brianna Radar considered Matthew her perfect son. He was a real acrobat, often climbing up on things he shouldn’t be.

One day, Matthew was alone in the kitchen and he got into the spices. He decided to try to eat some of it and immediately began choking. His mother found him on the floor having a seizure. She did what she was supposed to and called 911. He was taken to the hospital, but two hours later died from accidental cinnamon asphyxiation.

The reason I post this is because of the now infamous viral phenomenon, the “Cinnamon Challenge.” This challenge, if you haven’t heard, involves taking a tablespoon of cinnamon in your mouth and swallowing it whole without liquids in under a minute. Most participants end up choking on it.

Matthew Radar wasn’t intentionally taking this challenge of course, but it demonstrates that young kids and adults too can be seriously hurt or die from ingesting cinnamon. Matthew’s story is truly tragic, and every parent should know the dangers.

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The CDC estimates that about 70 million Americans and countless more around the world have some sort of trouble sleeping. If you’re one of those people who struggles to fall asleep, Harvard professor Dr. Andrew Weil invented a breathing technique, called the 4-7-8 technique, that can have you knocked out in less than a minute. It’s easy to do but takes practice to get fully comfortable with it.

Take a comfortable position, be it sitting or laying down. Make sure your back is straight. Put the tip of your tongue on your upper front teeth. Breathe in through your mouth, then hold your breath and count to 7. Exhale through your mouth, then count to 8 before you inhale again. Repeat the cycle four times and you should be asleep before your final repetition.

Okay, so how does it work?

Day to day stress and anxiety add adrenaline to your bloodstream. This makes your heart beat faster and your breaths shorter and faster. This exercise prolongs your breathing, meaning you inhale more oxygen and slow down your heart a bit. This naturally helps relax your body.

Give it a try!

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Fabric softeners today come with a variety of nasty, toxic chemical ingredients that have no place in our homes, especially on our clothes. Chemicals like camphor, a central nervous system stimulant, and chloroform, a neurotoxic carcinogen. You’re not going to want this stuff on your skin, especially if you have kids in your family! Making your own fabric softener is a lot easier than you think and you’re spared all of these toxic chemicals.

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups of apple cider vinegar
  • 20 drops of essential oil (for scent, completely optional)
  • 1 cup of hot water
  • 3/4 cup of baking soda

Instructions:

  1. In a large container, combine the vinegar, baking soda and water. There will be bubbles, so a large container is necessary to prevent spillage.
  2. When the bubbles calm, pour it into a glass jar.
  3. Add your essential oils now if you choose to use them.

From here, simply shake the container before each use and use 2 tablespoons of the mix per load. Pretty easy, right? Give it a try and let us know what you think!

Image credit: forthemommas

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Some 55 diseases now have been linked to gluten, which is a protein found in wheat, rye and barley. It’s been said that most people are gluten intolerant at some level or another. About 15% of the U.S. population is strictly gluten intolerant, no buts about it. Are you one of them? You may be if you exhibit any of these symptoms.

  • 1. Gas, bloating, diarrhea and constipation. Constipation is common in children who have eaten gluten.
  • 2. Keratosis Pilaris, sometimes called ‘chicken skin’ that appears on the backs of your arms or thighs. Keratosis Pilaris appears because of a fatty acid and vitamin A deficiency secondary to fat absorption issues caused by gluten damaging your gut.
  • 3. Fatigue, tiredness, and brain fog after meals containing gluten.
  • 4. Autoimmune diseases like Multiple Sclerosis, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Ulcerative colitis, Lupus, Psoriasis, or Scleroderma.
  • 5. Neurological issues like dizziness or feeling off balance.
  • 6. Hormone imbalances and unexplained infertility.
  • 7. Frequent migraine headaches.
  • 8. Fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue. These diagnoses could indicate that your doctor just doesn’t really know what’s wrong.
  • 9. Inflammation and swelling in your joints, particularly knees, hips and fingers.
  • 10. Mood swings, ADD, depression and anxiety.

If you suffer from any of these, especially if it’s multiple, you could be gluten intolerant. If you think you’re gluten intolerant, don’t try to self-diagnose. Visit your doctor and get tested for wheat allergies and gluten intolerance. Also note that after you remove gluten from your diet, it can take months or years until it works out of your system.

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Statistically one in three bites of food you put into your mouth today is the result of the hard working yet humble honeybee. Sadly, bees are dying off at a rather alarming rate. People all over the world have done what they can, from planting flowers that bees like to visit, petitioning their governments to stop using pesticides that kill bees, and even keeping bees themselves.

Morgan Freeman is no different. His concern about the bees led him to convert is 124 acre ranch in Mississippi into a bee refuge complete with bee friendly plants like fruit trees and clover, magnolia trees and lavender, all spanning over many acres.

“There’s a concerted effort to bring bees back onto the planet…We do not realize that they are the foundation, I think, of the growth of the planet, the vegetation…” he told MNN.

Watch this clip to learn more about his motivations and actions:

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Blueberries are a recent addition to my diet because of how awesome they are for my health. It’s hard to imagine such a humble little berry could have such a huge impact, but they really do. After reading this, you’ll be picking yourself up a bunch of fresh, organic blueberries.

1. They improve heart health.

One study showed that blueberries and some other berries reduce the risk of heart disease in women due to their high anthoxyanins content.

2. They’re full of antioxidants.

Blueberries are loaded with antioxidants that help neutralize free radicals that can make aging harsher and cause cancer.

3. They reduce your risk of cancer.

Anthocyanins, the compounds in the berries that make them blue, help reduce cancer causing free radicals and block tumor growth.

4. They aid in weight loss.

1 cup of blueberries is 80 calories and absolutely loaded with fiber. Perfect for making you feel full longer.

5. They boost your immune system.

Blueberries are loaded with vitamin C making them ideal for fighting off bugs during cold and flu season.

6. They sharpen your vision.

Blueberries have been found in some studies to slow down the degradation of vision over time. Blueberries contain carotenoids, flavonoids, and vitamins A and E, all of which help you avoid worsening vision.

8. They prevent UTIs.

This one I actually didn’t know! Blueberries fight urinary tract infections by preventing bacteria from sticking to the wall of your bladder and urethra. Urine luck!

9. They sharpen your mind.

Researchers have found that blueberries help prevent memory loss that comes naturally with age. Some memory loss can actually be reversed by eating blueberries. Researchers found that older adults given blueberry juice scored higher in memory tests than those who received a placebo.

Not bad for such a small berry, huh? What’s your favorite way to eat berries?

Image credit: @rsseattle, Flickr

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Menstruation has a variety of symptoms that sometimes vary in intensity. Some women routinely have difficult periods, others are a little easier to cope with. Sometimes it varies from month to month. I think it’s pretty much universal that menstruation is no fun either way.

Fortunately, there’s an excellent tea that helps relieve the symptoms of menstruation so you can get on with your life. Here’s how it’s done:

You will need:

  • 6 dried rosebuds
  • Water

Pretty easy, right? All you do is boil a mugs worth of water and pour over the rose buds. Allow to steep for a few minutes, then strain the rosebuds out of the tea. Add a teaspoon of honey, stir well, and drink.

With any luck, your harsh menstruation symptoms will subside, or at least be more manageable.

Image credit: Tom Godber

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Life gets tough sometimes. You start to feel like you’re on an emotional rollercoaster after a bit. But did you know that those emotions can cause a decline in your physical health? Dr. Susan Babel, a psychologist that specializes in trauma-induced depression, wrote in Psychology Today, “Studies have shown that chronic pain might not only be caused by physical injury but also by stress and emotional issues.”

“Often, physical pain functions to warn a person that there is still emotional work to be done,” she continued. So what could the various pains you experience mean? Let’s go through it.

1. Pain in your head.

Pain in your head, like headaches and migraines, can be triggered by the stresses of day to day life. Be sure to take time out of every day to relax. Do something that eases the tension.

2. Pain in your neck.

Feeling a pain in your neck? You must have kids! Just kidding. Pain in your neck is an indication that you may be having trouble with forgiveness of others, or even yourself. If you’re feeling neck pain, consider the things you love about yourself and others. Consciously work toward forgiveness.

3. Pain in your shoulders.

Pain in your shoulders may indicate that you’re carrying a real emotional burden. That’s where the saying “shouldering a problem” comes from. Focus in on some proactive problem solving and distributing some of that burden to other people in your life.

4. Pain in your upper back.

If you’re feeling pain in your upper back, you’re probably coping with a lack of emotional support. You might be feeling unloved or you could even be holding your love back. If you’re single, it might be time to go for a date.

5. Pain in your lower back.

Lower back pain might mean you’re worrying too much about money or you’re lacking in emotional support. It may be a good time to ask for an overdue raise or consider a financial planner to help you utilize money a little bit better.

6. Pain in your elbows.

Pain in your elbows has a lot to do with resisting changes in your life. If your arms are feeling stiff, it may mean that you’re too stiff in your life. It may be time to think about making compromises and shaking things up a little bit. At the very least, go with the flow.

7. Pain in your hands.

With your hands, you reach out to others and connect. If you’re feeling hand pain, it may mean that you’re not reaching out enough. Try making new friends. Have lunch with an associate. Make a connection.

8. Pain in your hips.

If you’ve been afraid of moving, that may manifest as a pain in the hips. Sore hips could be a sign that you’re too resistant to changes and moves. It may also show a caution toward making decisions. If you’re thinking on some big ideas, it’s time to make a decision.

9. Pain in the knees.

Knee pain can be a lot of different things, but it can be a sign of a big ego. You might think that you’re a little bit too awesome. Humble yourself. Spend some time volunteering. Make sure you remember that you’re mortal. You’re just human.

10. Pain in your calves.

Calf pain is likely triggered by emotional tension of some kind. Stress may also be the culprit. Jealousy may be causing your sore calves too. It might be time to let go of something big.

11. Pain in the ankles.

Pain in your ankles may be a sign that you’re depriving yourself of pleasure. It may mean it’s time to indulge a little bit more. Spice up your romantic life a bit.

12. Pain in your feet.

When you’re depressed, you might feel some foot pain. Too much negativity can manifest in your feet not feeling so good. Look for the little joys in life. Find a new pet or a new hobby. Look for joy.

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