Top Five Home Remedies for Colds, Coughs and Flu


From the pantry to the bedside, home remedies you can make in a snap help prevent seasonal colds or cure a stubborn case of the flu. Here are Top five home remedies for it:

1. Garlic tea immune enhancer

A well-known immune system strengthener, garlic shines as an antibacterial and antiviral herb for fighting colds, coughs and the flu. One of the best ways to take advantage of garlic's healing properties is by drinking fresh garlic tea. Sweetened with a little raw honey, it's delicious and helps to heal what ails you. Peel 2 to 3 cloves of fresh garlic and lightly crush them with the side of a wide knife blade. Add them to 2 cups of water and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer for another 15 minutes. Strain the garlic and allow the tea to cool to mouth temperature. Add raw honey, a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice. Drink as much as desired.

2. Red onion and raw honey cough syrup

A wonderful home remedy for adults or kids suffering from a cough uses brown cane sugar, raw honey or stevia and red onions to make a soothing and tasty cough syrup. Wash, peel and slice the entire onion horizontally. Starting with the base of the onion, layer the slices in a bowl alternating with layers of raw honey or brown sugar. Stevia powder works well for this home remedy too; however, it is extremely sweet. Continue adding layers of onion and sweetener until the entire onion is reconstructed in the bowl. Cover and allow the sweetened onion to remain in the bowl on your counter for about 12-15 hours or overnight. The next day, there will be about a cup or more of sweet syrup in the bowl. The cough syrup contains a range of nutrients, vitamins and minerals from the onion and the honey to help fight infection and soothe sore throats and quiet a cough. Take a spoonful as needed. Has no onion-y taste.

3. Raw honey and lemon for sore throats
raw honey sore throats

A mixture of fresh lemon juice and raw honey provides soothing relief for sore throats and helps stop the tickle that stimulates coughing. Raw honey -- with all its components including royal jelly, propolis and bee pollen -- is high in nutrients and enzymes which kill bacteria and viruses. The vitamin C and antioxidants found in fresh lemons boost the immune system, speeding healing. Together these two home remedies are a powerhouse for getting over a cold and sore throat. Mix the juice of 1/2 the lemon with 2 to 3 tablespoons of honey and sip throughout the day as needed. You can get this natural raw honey directly from Amazon.com

4. Chicken soup antiviral

Chicken soup really does act to knock out a cold or the flu and hasten healing. As long ago as the 12th century, the Jewish physician Maimonides recommended consuming chicken soup to fight colds and flu. Take advantage of the high antioxidant properties and nutrients found in organic vegetables and chicken. Although non-organic chicken soup may relieve some cold symptoms, it also supplies the body with pesticides, growth hormones, herbicides and antibiotics that are not recommended for well being. Go organic all the way and get well quickly.

5. Mullein tea for coughs and congestion

Mullein tea is well-known for relieving chest congestion from coughs, colds and the flu. It acts as an expectorant, loosening trapped mucous and soothing sore throats. Make mullein tea by filling a tea ball or strainer with dried mullein herb and steeping in a cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Sweeten with raw honey and drink as needed to relieve symptoms. I suggest to get caffein free mullein tea for safer purpose.

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Powerfull Healing of Cayenne Pepper (capsicum)


When the famous master herbalist Dr. John Christopher was bothered by stomach ulcer problems as a student, one of his herbal instructors recommended young John drink a solution of cayenne pepper powder in water daily.
Cayenne Pepper
At first, Dr. Christopher thought this was a contradiction. How could something so hot help his ulcers? But he bravely took the advice and to his surprise, it did cure his ulcers. Following that experience, Dr. Christopher become a zealous advocate of cayenne for both heart issues and for boosting the efficacy of some of his other herbal formulas.

Christopher has even documented cases where he helped patients come out of heart attacks using only a teaspoon of cayenne powder in a cup of warm water. He isn't alone; there are several anecdotes of people recovering from serious heart attacks by downing cayenne teas or tinctures. (Sources below)

One of Dr. Christophers interns, Dr. Richard Schulze, ND, MH, took up the cause proclaiming, "If you only master one herb in your life, master cayenne pepper. It's more powerful than any other." Both Schulze and Christopher recommend taking a half to full teaspoon of cayenne powder in water two to three times daily as an overall health tonic.

Using cayenne as an herbal medicine or tonic

If you use cayenne, ensure it's organic. Even organic cayenne is inexpensive and the potential benefits are invaluable. The powder comes from various dried and ground chili peppers, all containing capsaicin (cap-say-sin). The amount of capsaicin is indicated by the cayenne powder's heat levels, measured in Scoville heat units (SHU) or heat units (HU).

The lowest therapeutic level of SHU or heat units is 35,000. You will often find cayenne powder listed at 40,000, 60,000, 90,000 or 100,000 SHU or heat units. Unless you have a fondness for really hot spicy foods, you may want to start at the 40,000 level. Ultimately, moving up the heat line is recommended for optimum efficacy.

Dr. Christopher liked to use warm purified or distilled water to mix in the fine cayenne powder. One-half to a full cup of water can be used for to mix a half or full teaspoon of cayenne that can be quickly gulped. Allowing the heat to permeate is part of cayenne's therapeutic value, which a reason why Dr. Schulze disdains cayenne capsules.

Dr. Schulze endorses using a homemade tincture in addition to the cayenne tea. A tincture is easy to carry around and may provide an on-the-spot remedy for heart attack to avoid an ER trip when away from home.

Cayenne's health benefits
Cayenne Benefit
Cayenne powder serves as both a general tonic and a medicine. In addition to potentially helping cease the fatal throes of a heart attack, ingesting cayenne daily also clears clogged arteries while strengthening the whole cardiovascular system and the heart.

It is also a valuable aid for digestion and elimination which can ultimately help heal hemorrhoids and ulcers. Both Dr. Christopher and Dr. Schulze assert that ingesting cayenne powder will boost the potency of the other herbs and supplements you're taking.

In cayenne studies, scientists have demonstrated an 80% reduction with prostate cancers in mice and in human prostate cancer cells in cultures. The capsaicin in cayenne actually creates accelerated cancer cell apoptosis, or cellular self destruction.

Cayenne pepper contains many beneficial phytochemicals, extremely bio-available vitamins C & E, and minerals, including the vital heart-health mineral magnesium. It cleans the blood, allowing hormonal signals to make their way unimpeded through your system and enhancing the immune system.

You can choose to avoid Big Pharma's expensive toxic "solutions" for heart and other health issues using all natural solutions like this. Inexpensive, non-toxic cayenne goes well beyond culinary applications.

Don’t own any cayenne pepper?? 


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How To Make An Organic Super Cleansing Tonic

The super cleansing tonic is an antibiotic, destroying both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. It is also a potent anti-viral and anti-fungal/yeast formula, and will increase blood and lymph circulation to every part of the body. It is so effective that it is said to be the cure for colds and the flu, and is the herbal preparation of choice against Candida. This basic formula dates back to medieval Europe and the plagues. And, this is how you can make organic super cleansing tonic:

Ingredients:
1 30 oz. bottle Organic Apple Cider Vinegar (I recommend Braggs ACV)
1/4 cup chopped Garlic
1/4 cup Onions
1/4 cup Habanero peppers (or hottest peppers you can find)
1/4 cup grated Ginger
1/4 cup grated Horseradish
2 T Turmeric

Blend  ingredients together for a couple of minutes
Strain
Pour liquid back in bottle
Compost everything else!

**It is a good idea to wear gloves especially when handling the peppers as it is difficult to get the heat off of your hands!

You can store the tonic in a cupboard for long periods of time. No need to keep in the refrigerator. You can also use it mixed with olive oil for a salad dressing.  Or a shot full on you stir fry.

Benefit of each Ingredient: (All Organic Of Course!!)
Garlic is a broad spectrum antibiotic. Unlike chemical antibiotics that kill off millions of friendly bacteria that your body needs, Garlic only targets the invading bacteria and even promotes and increases your healthy bacteria. Garlic is also a powerful anti-fungal and literally destroys any antigen, pathogen and any harmful or disease causing micro-organism.

Onion is Garlic's next of kin and has similar but milder action. Together they are a tremendous fighting duo. 

Horseradish is a potent herb for the sinus and lungs. It opens up the sinus passages and increases the circulation there, where most doctors agree, the common cold and influenza often starts. 

Ginger contains powerful anti-inflammatory properties and is a tremendous circulatory stimulant.

Cayenne (Peppers) is the most powerful circulatory propellant known. It simply sends the antibiotic and disease fighting properties of the other herbs where they're needed most.

Turmeric clears infection and reduces inflammation inside of the body. It blocks cancer from developing. Especially helpful for those with joint pain.

Apple Cider Vinegar (I use Braggs Organic ACV, marked as #1 Best Seller in Amazon.com)  There surely must be something really healthy in using apple cider vinegar, since The Father of Medicine, Hippocrates, used this vinegar around 400 B.C. for its health giving qualities. It is said that he had only two remedies: honey and apple cider vinegar.

All About Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is made from fresh ripe apples that are fermented and undergo a stringent process to create the final product. The vinegar contains a host of vitamins, beta-carotene, pectin and vital minerals such as potassium, sodium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorous, chlorine, sulphur, iron, and fluorine. 

Pectin in the vinegar is a fiber which helps reduce bad cholesterol and helps in regulating blood pressure. The need for calcium supplements once you start growing older is very well known. This vinegar helps extract calcium from the fruits, vegetables and meat it is mixed with, helping in the process of maintaining strong bones. Potassium deficiency causes a variety of ailments including hair loss, weak finger nails, brittle teeth, sinusitis, and a permanently running nose. Apple cider vinegar is loaded with potassium. Studies have shown that potassium deficiency results in stunted growth. All these ailments can be avoided with the intake of apple cider vinegar. The potassium in this vinegar also helps in eliminating toxic waste from the body. The beta-carotene helps in countering damage caused by free radicals, helping one maintain firmer skin and a youthful appearance. Apple cider vinegar is good for those wanting to lose weight. It helps in breaking down fat which helps in natural weight reduction. 

Apple cider vinegar contains malic acid which is very helpful in fighting fungal and bacterial infections. This acid dissolves uric acid deposits that form around joints, helping relieve joint pains. This dissolved uric acid is gradually eliminated from the body. 

It is claimed that apple cider vinegar is helpful in ailments such as constipation, headaches, arthritis, weak bones, indigestion, high cholesterol, diarrhea, eczema, sore eyes, chronic fatigue, mild food poisoning, hair loss, high blood pressure, obesity, along with a host of many other ailments. No wonder then many know apple cider vinegar as the "Wonder Drug". 
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Natural Herbs Bestseller List

I-Love-To-Live-Naturally blog is completely 100% free for all readers to come and enjoy an archive of fantastic blog posts that dates back to early 2010. In order to keep the blog running, some income needs to be generated to cover expenses such as content writing and other miscellaneous costs.

One of the ways the blog generates income is by recommending products on Amazon.com. If you visit this blog, click on a link to Amazon and end up purchasing an item then the writers behind the blog earn a small commission – between 4-8% – the proceeds of which can be funneled back into more great content, giveaways and prizes.

Below, I share the most popular items purchased by I-Love-To-Live-Naturally blog readers over the past few months.

Bestselling Natural & Essential Oils

Oils and essential oils have been discussed a lot recently on the blog and, as such, th
ey are the most purchased items. Oils are fantastic for hair care, skin care, weight loss, pain relief, relaxation and stress relief.
1. Nutiva Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, 15-Ounce Tubs (Pack of 2)
2. Good N Natural – 100% Pure Tea Tree Oil – 2 oz Liquid
3. Slice of Nature© Virgin Argan Oil. 100% Pure and Raw. 100ml
4. Desert Essence Organic Jojoba Oil, 4-Ounce Bottle
5. NOW Foods Lavender Oil, 2 ounce
6. NOW Foods Almond Oil, Edible, 16 ounce
7. Jamaican Black Castor Oil 8 Oz


Bestselling Natural Skin Care Products & Ingredients

1. Raw Unrefined Shea Butter Grade A From Ghana 5 Lbs.
2. Now Solutions Cocoa Butter, Multi-Purpose Moisturizer, 7 Ounce
3. Jason Natural Cosmetics – Vitamin E Creme 25000 Iu, 25000 IU, 4 oz cream
4. Adovia Natural Dead Sea Mud Soap – Great for Eczema, Psoriasis or Acne!
5. Dudu-osun African Black Soap (100% Pure) Pack of 4
6. Loving Naturals SPF 30 Sunscreen Zinc Oxide 5 Oz. UVA/UVB Vegan
7. Aubrey Organics – 100% Pure Aloe Vera Gel, 4 fl oz gel


Bestselling Natural Hair Care Products

1. JASON Natural Cosmetics Everyday Hair Care- Natural Biotin Shampoo, Ginseng & Chamomile, 16 Ounces
2. Avalon Naturals / Biotin B Complex Shampoo
3. Tate’s The Natural Miracle – Tate’s Natural Miracle Conditioner – 18 fl oz
4. Macadamia Oil Deep Repair Mask, 8.5 ounces Jar
5. Wild Growth Hair Oil


Bestselling Natural Health Books


1. Clean: The Revolutionary Program to Restore the Body’s Natural Ability to Heal Itself
2. Fast Beauty: 1,000 Quick Fixes
3. Forever Young: The Science of Nutrigenomics for Glowing, Wrinkle-Free Skin and Radiant Health at Every Age
4. Hungry Girl 300 Under 300: 300 Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Dishes Under 300 Calories
5. SuperFoods Rx: Fourteen Foods That Will Change Your Life
6. The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy: Over 600 Natural, Non-Toxic and Fragrant Recipes to Create Health – Beauty – a Safe Home Environment
7. The Paleo Solution: The Original Human Diet

But if you prefer to choose yourself any products you want, just click directly to Amazon.com and shop anythings you love. It's up to you.

This page will be regularly updated as I notice new buying trends in the market. Pop back regularly to check in and see what’s new. Plus, it will be great to pop in and discover some Christmas gift ideas for natural health enthusiasts.

What natural health and beauty products have YOU purchased recently? Leave a comment below sharing your best – and worst – buys.

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How To Make Dishwasher Cubes

This is how you can make dishwasher detergent cubes, homemade. It's no secret that I love making things from scratch if I can. That goes for food, cleaners, toothpaste, laundry soap.. just about anything. We were recently having a lot of trouble finding a good dishwasher detergent that got our dishes clean because nothing else was working. We actually had to wash things by hand - but then, what's the point in having a dishwasher right??

I set out to find my own way to make some and I had a few duds before coming across this one. I tweaked it a tiny bit to fit what I was looking for and this makes a great little cube for washing!



Ingredients:
1 Cup Borax
1 Cup Washing Soda
1/4 Cup Epsom Salt
and, Lemon Juice


First I started by mixing all the powders together. I made sure they get mixed up good because I wanted it evenly spread through all the cubes I'm going to be making. If you're not sure about the Borax, just eliminate that from the recipe, it won't harm it at all.


When everything was mixed I put a cup of the powder into a separate bowl and then poured in a little bit of lemon juice. For one cup of powder I used 4 tablespoons of lemon juice. You don't want it to be dry but you don't want it soaking wet either. 4 tablespoons made it a little wet and sticky which is exactly what I wanted.

The lemon juice will foam when it hits the powder. I mixed it all in and got it a little sticky. When I was finished with that, I started to add it to the ice cube trays. I put in a little and patted it down, then when I ran out I did another cup to mix with the lemon juice.


Now when I was all done, I set the cubes up on the window sill in the kitchen so that it would get a lot of sun and therefore dry quicker. Letting it sit overnight made it nice and hard and when I woke up in the morning I was able to flip the trays over and knock the cubs out.


Ta-Da!! Works wonders in the dishwasher! (by. Loise's Country Closet.)

Here are the links, if you want to buy those all ingredients:
washing soda, epsom salt, borax, lemon juice
Or you can choose yourself any other brand here, directly on amazon.com

Make sure you like I-Love-To-Live-Naturally on Facebook to be updated every time we find a fantastic tutorial for exciting and innovative ways you can do with nature's wonderful herbs and something else.
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20+ Bizarre Uses for Banana Peels

Make sure you like I Love To Live Naturally on Facebook to be updated every time we find a fantastic tutorial for exciting and innovative ways you can do with nature's wonderful herbs and something else.

bizzare uses of banana
Bizzare uses of banana

It all started with a rumor that banana peels could be used to polish silver and a bet among friends that it couldn’t. In trying to discover if there is any legitimacy to the silver-polishing properties of banana peels, I found dozens of other unusual applications for them, including splinter removal and wart treatments.

Since banana peels aren’t particularly hot commodities, being able to put them to good use adds value to any household (and saves money on alternative treatments). Without further ado, here are 21 applications for banana peels, plus seven bonus uses for banana flesh.

Please note that any instruction to apply banana peel to anything (such as in many of the health & beauty applications) involves using the inside of the banana peel after ridding it of the stringy bits.

Health and Beauty

Banana peels are chock-a-block with antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins, so they're a natural cure for many an ailment and an aid for cell regeneration. Here are just a few uses:

Bug Bites

Rub a banana peel on bug bites to soothe the skin and reduce itching.

Bruises

With restorative properties, banana peel can speed up the healing of bruises.

Teeth Whitening

It's said that if you rub banana peel on your teeth for a couple of minutes every day, your teeth could be noticeably whiter in a few weeks. (I'm not sure if you're supposed to brush your teeth before or after this treatment, since common sense would predicate brushing after eating...my guess is that you need to deal with banana-breath for a while for it to take effect.)

Want to read more? click here 
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Sprouting



Even on a wintry Wednesday, I see signs of spring sprouting in my world.  Cilantro and dill self-seeded in my garden and are just the perfect size for snipping and adding to soups,salads, and salsa.

Bronze fennel is beginning to put forth ferny branches.
Lemongrass which was cut back hard at the beginning of winter is showing some greening here and there.

Earlier this week it was warm outdoors, so I cut back the sage which had grown leggy and wild, trimmed the roses, and tried to free the Mediterranean garden from the grass that invaded over the winter.  Still lots more pulling and digging to do there, but I did uncover a hidden lemon thyme, a surprisingly healthy and fragrant marjoram, and a dianthus already in bloom as I yanked out pesky grass and weeds.  Sweet discoveries like that make weeding worthwhile!

Today it is back to winter weather, so I'm planning to enjoy a cup of tea and doing some plotting and planning for my new garden area complete with a small greenhouse and potting area.

What is happening in your world today?





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