How to Use Medicinal Herbs Safely

How to Use Medicinal Herbs Safely



Many people use medicinal herbs to treat conditions that they formerly treated with prescription medication. Herbs may have many benefits for treating colds, flu, sore throats and even depression. As with prescription medications, you must know how to use medicinal herbs safely. Follow these steps to learn how.









1


Research different medicinal herbs before taking anything. Check out Di-Di Hoffman's Timeless Herb Secrets website for information on herbs. From the homepage, click on "Wellness Articles" from Quick Links to access some herbal remedies. You also should review the "Herb Info Pages" as well.





2


Use medicinal herbs that have the scientific name on the package. If it doesn't have both the genus and the species, there is no guarantee of authenticity. For example, the genus species of thyme is Thymus Vulgaris.





3


Pay attention to all the warnings on medicinal herbs. Take the recommended dosage to treat your ailment. Even though it's an herb, you can overdose.





4


Watch for adverse reactions when taking medicinal herbs. There is the possibility that you could be allergic to some herbs. Stop taking the herb and call your physician if you experience a rash, dizziness, diarrhea, itching or abdominal cramps.





5


Be cautious of new herbs or popular herbs with new uses. These have not been around long enough for people to experience all the possible side effects or to know its interaction with other medications or herbs.








Tips & Warnings










Never give medicinal herbs to a child under 2 without first talking to your pediatrician. Even though most herbal medicines claim to be safe for
children
6 months and over, taking the wrong dosage can produce an allergic reaction. It even can be fatal.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2096262_use-medicinal-herbs-safely.html

How to Use Kitchen Herbs for Medicine

How to Use Kitchen Herbs for Medicine



Most of us have a very good medicinal herb storehouse--we just don't realize it. Our kitchens are loaded with herbs and spices that we use when we cook.

They are not only good for cooking but they also have medicinal value. An example of this is
basil
. When I have menstrual cramps, I like to experiment with different herbs to see which will work to relieve them the best. The most effective one for me is basil, which I always keep on hand because of all the Italian cooking I do.

I also use sage for sore throats, ginger for inflammation and to keep my metabolism going strong, and I love to use cayenne when I have colds to relieve congestion and boost my immune system.

What follows is a list of typical kitchen herbs and what they are used for when it comes to medicine.







Things You'll Need:





A pantry filled with herbs




Resources to do your own research such as a good website or a good herbal book









1


Basil: menstrual cramps, digestive problems, expels gas.





2


Oregano: pain and inflammation, antifungal.





3


Cinnamon: colds and flu, diabetes, metabolism.





4


Cayenne: pain (when applied topically), colds and flu, strengthens the metabolism, congestion.





5


Mint: digestion, antispasmodic (makes it good for cramping), relieves flatulence.





6


Rosemary: used topically for skin problems and dandruff, stimulates menstrual flow, relieves inflammation and spasms.





7


Dill: good for the digestion, seeds encourage breast milk to flow.





8


Parsley: filled with vitamins and minerals, used topically for dandruff, bad breath, bladder infections, diuretic.








Tips & Warnings










Make sure you research the articles on your own.








Consult with a doctor before using any of the herbs.








Beware of any side effects.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2094522_use-kitchen-herbs-medicine.html

How to Use Instant Iced Tea as a First Aid Tool

How to Use Instant Iced Tea as a First Aid Tool



Instant Iced Tea mix wasn't created to be a first aid tool; but in an emergency, something is always better than nothing. You can reap some home made medical knowledge and become the resident first aid expert at home if you follow the steps below.







Things You'll Need:





Instant tea




Large bowl




Milk of magnesia




Burnt toast







In Case of Poisoning




1


Neutralize the poison or induce vomiting if possible. If someone has ingested poisoning, either corrosive or noncorrosive, administer the correct first aid immediately.





2


Mix 1 tsp of instant tea with 2 tbsp. of water.





3


Add 2 tbsp milk of magnesia and 4 tbsp of very burnt toast. Mix thoroughly.





4


Give the solution to the patient and make him drink it.





5








6






Other Instant Iced Tea Remedies




1


Soak your foot in a bath of 1 cup of instant iced tea diluted by 1 gallon of warm water to get rid of a corn. Do procedure for 30 minutes for a week or two, as necessary.





2


Secure some instant soothing for that sunburn. Fill up the bath tub with some warm water and add about 2 cups of instant tea and soak. The pain from the sunburn will be gone, or at least relieved a bit.








Tips & Warnings










If the patient is unconscious, never give anything by mouth.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2094355_use-instant-iced-tea-as.html

How to Use Indian Head Massage

How to Use Indian Head Massage



Indian Head Massage has been practiced for over 4,000 years, mostly as a way to prevent hair loss. The theory behind Indian Head Massage is that energy channels in the body get blocked and negative energy builds up, causing physical problems. Thousands of years later, Indian Head Massage is still a popular way to promote hair growth. However, it's also used as a gentle method for easing stress.









1


Set the scene in a quiet room, play soft music and light some aromatherapy candles. While you can perform Indian Head Massage on yourself to a degree, it's best to have it done for you or to do it for someone else. Ask someone to become your "practice partner" and switch off.





2


Seat your partner in front of you in a chair. Stand behind them with your hands gently on their shoulders. Squeeze the shoulders gently, starting close to the neck and working your way out to the shoulder. Return to the neck and repeat three times, increasing the pressure each time.





3


Bring your hands back to the neck and start making circular motions with your thumbs just below the collar bone. Work up to the hair line, lower the hands and repeat twice.





4


Place your forearms at the sides of your practice partner's neck and roll them out towards the shoulders by flipping the wrist outwards. Keep going until you get to the shoulders. Return to the middle of the back and repeat two more times.





5


Stand to one side of your partner and gently place your back hand at the base of their neck and your front hand on their forehead to keep their head still. Using the back hand, spread the thumb from the fingers and move up the back of the neck. Once you reach the hair line, touch it for a moment with light pressure. Lower the back hand and repeat 5 times.





6


Massage your partner's scalp by starting at either side of her head. With fingers pointing up, begin a gentle, shampooing-like motion, moving the fingers around the scalp 5 times. Return your back and front hands to their former positions on your partner's head. Start rubbing the scalp by moving the back hand back-and-forth. Switch hands and do the other side. Continue the all-over scalp rub with your finger tips for 1 minute.





7


Stand behind your partner again and move your fingers to the front of her forehead. Work your way in long strokes down and along the brow line and to each temple. Make tiny circles over the temples with your index and middle fingers. Bring your hands back to the forehead and repeat 3 times. Finish up with smooth, long strokes from the forehead to the back of the head for 1 minute, easing the pressure until your hands drift off your partner's head altogether.








Tips & Warnings










If you have any muscular conditions that require medical supervision, you'll need to check with your doctor before having an Indian Head Massage.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2078771_use-indian-head-massage.html

How to Use Hydrotherapy

How to Use Hydrotherapy



Hydrotherapy literally means water therapy. Our bodies are 70 percent water so it makes sense water would be life giving, healing and restorative. Even ancient civilizations knew of water's magical properties and built springs and spas. Today, there are several different ways to use hydrotherapy and all are accessible, easy and affordable. Read on to learn more.









1


Try neutral immersion baths. Water should be tepid, about 92 F to 98 F, and dotted with your favorite fragrance. This should be a relaxing experience lasting from 15 minutes to an hour. To get full advantage from an immersion bath allow yourself to rest quietly at least one hour afterward.





2


Mix up a sitz bath. Use warm water for cramps and hemorrhoids and cold water for constipation. If you alternate hot with cold, you can help fight a urinary tract infection. The healing effects of this form of hydrotherapy are increased if minerals or herbs are added, but be careful which ones you use if you are fighting hemorrhoids.





3


Start an aquatic exercising program. Most doctors agree exercising in water is helpful when you are recovering from surgery, arthritis, Fibromyalgia, osteoporosis, chronic pain or just want a low impact regime. This form of hydrotherapy gives you the benefit of a two-hour workout in just 30 minutes and burns twice the calories of exercises you would do out of the swimming pool.





4


Immerse yourself in a warm bath with water jets aimed at the aching parts of your body. This form of hydrotherapy will ease pain, relieve tension and help oxygen get into your cells.





5


Treat your feet to an alternating foot bath where your feet are submerged in hot water at 100 F for 5 minutes, then in cold water at 50 F for 30 seconds. When repeated twice this footbath will dilate and contract vessels which will move blood and lymph through your body to stimulate the immune system, improve circulation and encourage faster elimination of waste.





6


Participate in a 14-day mineral water drinking regimen. Minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium and others are beneficial. People with high blood pressure need to avoid this form of hydrotherapy because some mineral waters are high in sodium.








Tips & Warnings










Water temperature matters. Buy a thermometer to make sure the temperature for the immersion, sitz and alternating foot baths are appropriate as indicated above.








Consult your physician before using any form of hydrotherapy if you have diabetes, asthma, heart disease, kidney disease or bleeding problems. Pregnant women should avoid any form of hydrotherapy that requires extreme water temperatures.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2085379_use-hydrotherapy.html

How to Select Shoes to Wear With a Knee-Length Skirt or Dress

How to Select Shoes to Wear With a Knee-Length Skirt or Dress



Knee-length skirts and dresses are perfect for business occasions, sassy for an evening out and practical for a summer party. Your shoes will vary for every occasion.







Things You'll Need:





Women's Boots



Women's Closed-toed Shoes



Women's Dancing Shoes



Women's Dress Shoes



Women's Sandals









Step
1



Consider where you'll be wearing your outfit. For a casual job, loafers and flats are excellent choices. For a dressier job, stick with pumps. Go out on the town in strappy, high-heeled sandals. When attending summer parties, opt for the more casual wedge-heeled sandal.




Step
2



Choose color wisely. Black is a business standard. Navy is most appropriate when worn with a navy outfit. A rich medium brown will casually complement all tan, navy and black-toned ensembles.




Step
3



Play with the color of your leisure time shoes. Contrast your black evening attire with a bright red or hot pink shoe. Or coordinate the color of your top with the color of your shoes.




Step
4



Wear knee-high boots in the winter months to keep warm. Because this look can shorten the appearance of the leg, give short legs a lift with a slight heel.




Step
5



Balance the weight of your garment with that of your shoes. Lightweight fabrics like silk and linen are best accessorized with lightweight leather and microfiber shoes. Heavier leather shoes will balance thicker skirts.




Step
6



Remember that suede is considered more casual than leather, and patent leather will dress up your spring ensembles.







Tips & Warnings









When venturing out in sandals, remember your toes! Touch up toenail polish, and ensure the color complements your outfit.








When your good leather shoes get caught in the rain or land in a puddle, blot the excess moisture and air dry. Avoid drying them with any heat sources, as this will parch the leather and damage the shoe.



http://www.ehow.com/how_9678_select-shoes-wear.html

How to Select Shoes to Wear With a Full-Length Gown

How to Select Shoes to Wear With a Full-Length Gown



Whether it's a night at the opera, your office
Christmas
party or a celebration to ring in the new year, the right pair of shoes will add the final touch to your ensemble. Strappy sandals, stilettos, ballet slippers ' the possibilities are endless.







Things You'll Need:





Formal Gowns



Hosiery



Women's Closed-toed Shoes



Women's Dress Shoes









Step
1



Consider the color of your dress. Decide whether you would like to match the color of your dress or whether you prefer to contrast your dress and match your shoes with your handbag.




Step
2



Consider the fabric. For a flowing, lightweight silk dress, consider strappy sandals or mules. For a heavier fabric such as velvet or a heavy silk, consider patent-leather, supple-leather or velvet shoes.




Step
3



Complement the embellishments in your dress with those in your shoes. If your dress has embroidery, rhinestones or appliquГ©s, look for textured shoes with similar decoration. If your gown has gold or silver accents on a solid background, gold- or silver-toned shoes make a great contrast.




Step
4



Take a moment to focus on the length of your dress. Evaluate whether it will sweep the floor without a few extra inches.




Step
5



Think about the height of your
date
. If you need a few extra inches to reach him, look at mid- and high-heeled shoes. If you're evenly matched in height, look at ballet slippers or low-heeled mules.




Step
6



Remember to consider comfort when you are shopping. You might find a very beautiful shoe that will be perfect for a sit-down event. If your activities call for a few hours of dancing, however, buy shoes that can get you through the evening as comfortably as possible.







Tips & Warnings









If you wear stilettos, give your feet a break when you sit down for the performance or dinner by slipping off your shoes. Your calves and lower back will thank you in the morning.








Treat yourself to a pedicure if you choose open-toed styles.



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How to Select Shoes for Stripping

How to Select Shoes for Stripping



Selecting shoes for stripping can be fun. However it's important to select shoes that are comfortable and will allow you to dance and move around the stage freely. You want to radiate sexiness and self confidence. Selecting the correct shoes will help you with this accomplishment and prevent any unnecessary embarrassments.









Step
1



Decide what color of shoe you want before making your selection. You may have several outfits that need matching shoes. If out shopping, bring along the outfit to determine an appropriate match.




Step
2



Find a shoe that is sexy, yet comfortable to wear. Try it on and walk around the area, paying special attention on how it feels on your foot. If choosing a backless shoe, be sure it will not fall off during a performance.




Step
3



Adjust the ankle straps on the shoe if need be. Walk around to test the comfort of the shoe. If the strap is too tight or loose, make necessary adjustments and then try again. If selecting a boot, be sure it's tight enough around your calf and ankle.




Step
4



Determine what dance move you will be performing on stage when selecting a shoe for stripping. If you are pole dancing, you may want a high heel of some sort that can hook around the pole. A shorter heel may be more appropriate if parading back and forth.




Step
5



Check the bottom of the shoe. You do not want one that is slippery as this may cause you to fall while dancing on stage. A shoe with traction on the bottom can prevent slipping or falling.







Tips & Warnings









Select shoes with easy release, not lots of straps or zippers, if you will be shedding your footwear along with your clothes.



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How to Select Shoes for Spring

How to Select Shoes for Spring



Spring fashion is all about ditching heavy clothing and dark colors for bright styles and fun prints. Look for navy blue nautical themes, polka dots, floral prints and neutral shades when shopping for classic spring looks. Get those spring skirts out of the closet and breathe new life into them with a pair of great looking shoes.









Step
1



Select a pair of flats or ballet slippers. Choose a pointy-toed flat to elongate the leg. Keep an eye out for ballet slippers with fun accents like flowers, buckles and bow ties. Consider a pair of comfortable flats with extra support for casual days at work or for spring travel.




Step
2



Select flip-flops for warm spring weekends. Choose classic rubber flip-flops if you want low-cost footwear. Dress up flip-flops with rhinestones and beads in metallic colors.




Step
3



Get a pretty manicure and show it off with a great pair of peep-toe heels. Look for bold floral prints, red-and-white polka dots or madras-plaid patterns, or select classic spring solid colors like tan, navy blue and red.




Step
4



Pick up a pair of rubber "duck" boots from an outdoor retailer like L.L. Bean, or look for a pair of mid-calf rubber rain boots. Tuck your jeans into your boots to keep them dry if you live in a rainy climate. Protect your shoes by strapping on a pair of colorful galoshes if you don't want to wear big boots. Pack a pair of nice heels and change out of your boots when you get to work if you take the bus or the subway to work.




Step
5



Pick up a pair of rubber Crocs for working in the garden. These vented shoes are waterproof and they come in several different styles.




Step
6



Buy a pair of wedge heels. Get a pair of wicker heels with fun gingham or floral prints for a spring picnic. Get a wood wedge in a solid color for everyday wear. Remember, the wider the wedge, the greater the ankle support.







Tips & Warnings









Pick up last year's most popular shoes at discount stores and end-of-season sales. Select classics, and you'll never have to worry about them going out of style.








Check return policies before you buy spring shoes. Make sure you can return your shoes if they create blisters or they're too hard to walk in.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2138933_select-shoes-spring.html

How to Select Lingerie for a Honeymoon

How to Select Lingerie for a Honeymoon



You and your spouse are starting a new life together and that no doubt means you need some new stuff. When planning your dream honeymoon, remember to include lingerie in your budget.







Pick Nightwear and Sleepwear




Step
1



Get some trashy bustiers, high cut bikinis, garter belts and stockings with high heels. You're going on your honeymoon, so make the most of it!




Step
2



Select at least one indulgence. A high quality long lasting peignoir set, for example, is something you are likely to wear again after your wedding night. Choose a long silky gown and robe or a well made lacy nightie that you can wear for a few years after you get married.




Step
3



Select lingerie according to your honeymoon destination. Buy something appropriate for the weather in the region you are visiting or that fits with your wedding theme. You might choose vintage style lingerie for a trip to the old world or colors of the country's flag where you are vacationing.




Step
4



Honeymoon in style. Are you a modern young wife or a romantic dreamer? Do you like plain cotton fabrics or light, lacy ones? There is lingerie for everyone from those who like glamour, flirty fun fashions and designer lingerie to those who like to roleplay their kinky fantasies.




Step
5



Make room in your suitcase for practical lingerie. No doubt you will venture outside of your hotel room at some point during your vacation. When that happens, you will probably want to wear actual underwear under your clothes. Some everyday undergarments might not be a bad idea to add to your honeymoon shopping list.




Step
6



Pick lingerie according to the time of year that you get married. There is lingerie with holiday themes (like
Christmas
and Valentine's Day), as well as different colors for every season. Select heavier fabrics like velvet and velour for Winter and satin and lace for Spring.




Step
7



Purchase a few sex toys to enhance your good time. Use them to accessorize your lingerie or to add to your honeymoon experience.




Step
8



Remember that the groom can wear lingerie, too. Men's honeymoon indulgences include sexy silk boxers with a matching robe or novelty g-strings (see Resources below). Even if your guy isn't into the fancy stuff, chances are he would like some new boxers and t-shirts to wear for his new bride.







Tips & Warnings









As with shopping for anything else, it's helpful to make a lingerie shopping list before you go to the store.








You can register for lingerie items when you register for other gifts. Any large department store will have its own lingerie department, or register with a specialty lingerie boutique.








Try everything on before you buy it. Not all lingerie is returnable and there is nothing worse than going on your honeymoon only to find that your new bra is too small and rides up on your back.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2102880_select-lingerie-honeymoon.html

How to Select Jeans That Mold the Butt

How to Select Jeans That Mold the Butt



If your butt is one of your best attributes or if you just like bringing attention to that area, you should select jeans that mold and shape your behind. The right pair of jeans can make a flat butt look plumper or offer some support and control to a larger, but not quite perfect, rear end. There are tons of choices, so take some time and find the pair that's perfect for you.









Step
1



Look for jeans with Lycra, a stretchy material that revolutionized the jean business. When you select jeans with a little stretch, you allow for a more custom fit. They can keep the butt from jiggling excessively and mold your not-so-perfect proportions into a nicer profile.




Step
2



Select jeans with interesting embellishments on the butt area. Depending on the design and your desire, your butt can look larger, smaller, flatter or rounder.




Step
3



Splurge on a pair of custom-made jeans that are specifically made to mold to your butt. Such jeans are available both online and in stores. Even though they cost a little bit more, they can be made to fit like a glove.




Step
4



Pick the right pocket. Choose a pocket size and placement that is right for your build. Smaller pockets make a smaller, flatter butt look fuller, and larger pockets, placed lower on the jeans, make a larger butt look smaller.




Step
5



Try on a lot of jeans in order to find that perfect pair that will mold and shape your butt into something you want to show off.




Step
6



Never settle for a pair of jeans that is complementary to your figure but not comfortable. You won't be able to show off how great your butt looks if you don't even want to don the jeans.







Tips & Warnings









If you find a pair of jeans that fits you perfectly, buy several pairs in different shades. There's nothing worse than finding the perfect jeans, and then getting a hole in them or losing them.








Don't be fooled into believing that a pair of jeans that molds your butt into a masterpiece must be expensive. There are jeans that complement every body type at every price level. Look in discount stores for deals.








Don't wear jeans that are too tight, as you can subject yourself to various infections and other medical maladies. They should fit snugly, but not so tightly that excess moisture forms and causes health problems.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2095193_select-jeans-that-mold-butt.html

How to Select High Heels and Avoid Foot Pain

How to Select High Heels and Avoid Foot Pain



During the holiday season and at other festive times of year, women enjoy wearing high heels. Unfortunately, significant foot pain and other foot problems can develop or be exacerbated by wearing high heels. It is important to select a pair of high heels that fit properly.









Step
1



Never shop for high heels in the morning. Feet swell during the day and most likely, you'll want to wear your heels at night anyway.




Step
2



Have the salesperson measure your feet. Stand up tall and be sure to have both feet measured. Feet are not always the same size.




Step
3



Be open to trying a shoe in a different size. Sizes vary among manufacturers. Sometimes even a different style from the same manufacturer will require you to wear a different size.




Step
4



Check the width of the shoe. If your foot is wider than the shoe when you are standing up, the shoe is too narrow for your foot.




Step
5



Try on both shoes and walk around. If the shoes are not comfortable when you try them on they will not "break in" and become more comfortable. Don't allow yourself to buy beautiful shoes that you won't enjoy wearing.







Tips & Warnings









The lower the heel, the better for your feet.








The wider the heel, the better for your feet.








Stretch your feet and legs after wearing high heels.








Feet change with age. The fatty deposits that protect the ball of the foot decrease, making it more difficult to be comfortable in high heels.








When you wear heels higher than 2 inches, your foot slides forward in the shoe and your body' s natural alignment is thrown off.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2149715_high-heels-avoid-foot-pain.html

How to Select Golf Umbrellas

How to Select Golf Umbrellas



Umbrellas are a staple in most golfers' bags to protect them against a sudden downpour on the course. Golfers don't just carry any umbrella, however. They carry golf umbrellas designed specifically to meet their needs. Golf umbrellas are larger and more sturdy than the average umbrella, making them a popular choice on and off the golf course.









Step
1



Select an umbrella with a 60-inch diameter to provide maximum coverage. When you walk the course with your golf clubs, it's important to keep the rain off both yourself and your clubs. Outside of golf, these larger umbrellas also provide coverage for multiple people.




Step
2



Buy an umbrella that has been wind tested. The best golf umbrellas are wind-proof in winds up to and beyond 55 mph. Look for double-layer canopy designs for the most wind protection, as the wind gusts slip under the top layer and pass through rather than inverting the umbrella or pulling it out of your hands.




Step
3



Look for golf umbrellas with a fiberglass shaft. Fiberglass shafts are lighter and more flexible than metal shafts and pose less of a lightning hazard.




Step
4



Select an umbrella with a plastic stake on the top point so that you can secure it into the ground when you have to make a shot. Otherwise, your umbrella could blow away when your put it down.




Step
5



Test out the comfort of the umbrella's handle before you buy it. There are many different types of umbrella handles, but you want to get one you will find easy to hold and control in windy conditions. Most golf umbrellas have straight handles rather than hooked handles. Foam-covered handles are often the most ergonomic.







Tips & Warnings









Invest in a quality umbrella to last you for a long time. Cheap golf umbrellas don't perform well in harsh conditions, and you don't want to be stranded on the seventh hole in a downpour without an umbrella you can count on.








Buy golf umbrellas with your company logo or tournament info as promotional gifts. Several retailers will make custom golf umbrellas specifically for your event.








Automatic-open umbrellas are the easiest to open in a hurry. They may cost a little more, but for most they are worth it.








No umbrella can protect you from a lightning strike if you are standing outside during a thunderstorm. However, some materials may attract lightning more than others, and in the event that you are struck by lighting having a metal rod in your hand will conduct the electricity.








Be careful not to select a golf umbrella that is too big to fit in your bag.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2119812_select-golf-umbrellas.html