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Natural Acne Remedies

Learn why Apple Cider Vinegar is a great toner and What natural oil is as effective as Benzoyl Peroxide.

Learn Why Non-Alcoholic Beer Is Great For Breastfeeding

Learn how a beer a day can help increase the production of breast milk.

Real Hangover Cures To Try This Weekend

Learn remedies that will fix your hangovers in as soon as 30 minutes.

Is Your Vagina Insecure? Learn About Kegel Exercises

Learn how Kegel exercises can help improve your sex life and urinary incontinence

V-Jay Jay in Disarray? Learn Natural Remedies for Common Health Conditions

Check out the effective Natural Remedies for Bacterial Vaginosis, Yeast Infections and UTIs..

Friday, December 28, 2012

The Best Liquors To Drink When Dieting

This year  you are devoted to making sure you live a healthier, more fit lifestyle, but New Years is around the corner and it’s almost an unwritten law that you have to drink as part of the celebration…or at least to help forget some of the crappier events of the past year.  Okay, maybe it’s not a law to drink but it’s a strongly encouraged tradition, and who wants to be the person that doesn’t participate in tradition? Not you! Have no fear, there is a way that you can responsibly sip the night away and not pack on the pounds or add to your beer belly…or in some cases beer booty, beer thighs and beer hips.

Rock Out with Your Cocktail Out!
Do you like rum and Coke? Perhaps a tequila sunrise is more of your thing? If you like distilled beverages, you are one lucky party animal because distilled liquors are low in calories (typically under 70)!!! That means you can party hardy…in moderation with a drink mixed with rum, tequila, vodka, whiskey or brandy. (I would advise not drinking them all at the same time kids. Don’t be that guy…or gal! No one likes to babysit drunk people.)

“Tell me more” you say.  Well a vodka and diet soda cocktail can be as low as 70 calories. If you drink two mixed beverages with one part distilled spirit and one part diet soda or reduced sugar cranberry, you have not only given yourself a nice buzz, but you have probably drunken less calories than you would have if you had knocked back a few beers. Try not to drink more than two mixed drinks. Distilled liquors tend to wreak havoc on the liver when drunken in excess.

Light Beer Does Not Mean Light Weight
Light beer seems like the obvious choice for the partier trying to watch their waste line but to be honest, if you plan on having more than one drink, then it’s not that great of a deal. The average light beer is around 100 calories a serving. If you are like me, over the course of a 3-4 hours of partying you can probably drink 2-3 light beers if not more. Light beers seem to be easier to consumer because they are less filling.

If you have to have beer, drink a darker beer instead. While the calories are higher in darker beers, they are more satisfying and it’s difficult to drink large quantities.

Winding Down with Red Wine
According to a US News report, “Some studies suggest that red wine specifically "appears to inhibit the development of fat cells and to have other anti-obesity properties.”” Unfortunately, studies showed that this only applied to women. So dirty wind, but don't spill the red wine, because there is some good stuff in there.

Hope this helps you guys!

Photo credit: Thomas Hawk / Foter / CC BY-NC

Saturday, December 15, 2012

Chamomile Tea and Cramps!


I love it when you find out that your friends is a home remedies and natural remedy enthusiast. Not only does it lead to finding out great remedies but it also leads to me having one less article to write this month. Check out Aneeta's discovery about chamomile tea. 

"Women love and hate their monthly friend. Along with it comes every woman’s share of unbearable symptoms, including cramping, bloating, nausea, and the runs. At the onset of my period, I find that I am mentally and physically drained. Being the anti-medication fanatic that I am, I will try anything before popping pills. The first thing I grab is chamomile tea. I have tried many remedies and chamomile has always worked the best.

What is the secret to this thousand-year-old remedy? Researchers in London, have found 2 key compounds, hippurate and glycine, which are byproducts of the flavanoids found in chamomile tea. Hippurate is responsible for the anti-flammatory and bacteria fighting properties of chamomile tea. Glycine acts as a nerve relaxant and relieves muscle spasms, further relieving you of your cramps.

For best results, steep the tea for at least 10 minutes to draw out all of the nutrients. If the taste of chamomile is off-putting, try mixing it with peppermint tea or taking chamomile as a capsule."

Aneeta Babulal-Granny's Cures Reader

Quick Pick-Me-Up Remedies for Depression


It’s not uncommon that when we get “down in the dumps”, we head to the kitchen in an attempt to drown our sorrows out with food. Often, the food we choose is sugar-packed or fattening- also known as “comfort food”. Although those kinds of food makes us feel better while we are eating them, believe it or not, they leave us feeling worse off than before we ate them.
                                             
The Tasty and Healthy Alternative

Try this for a serotonin increase… Avocados. Eating away your sorrows does not have to be a bad thing, IF you choose the right kinds of food. The right kinds of food not only treat depression, but can also prevent it. Avocados contain the amino acid, tryptophan, which is compounded once it enters our body into serotonin. The unique feature about tryptophan according to research is that our bodies do not produce it.

Avocados also contain omega-3 fatty acids, which can be beneficial in lessening depression. It is important in preventing cell death associated with brain inflammation that ultimately can be a cause of depression. Omega-3 fatty acids, like tryptophan, do not derive naturally from the body. Therefore, they need to be derived from dietary sources, including fish. According to Alan C. Logan of the Integrative Care Centre of Toronto, clinical evidence conducted in research studies shows depressed patients appear to have low omega-3. Along with omega-3, avocados contain folate, and small amounts of protein and vitamin B-6- all of which can aid in preventing depression.

Music to Your Ears
I once read a quote that stated, ‘When you’re happy you enjoy the music but when you’re sad you understand the lyrics’. So true! It’s quite common (and normal) for most people to gravitate toward ‘the blues’ whenever they are feeling down. And although music is good for the soul, it can be harmful in this case since singing ‘the blues’ can cause one’s feelings to fall deeper into a pit of stink. Music is recommended for mild cases of depression, particularly those cases in which you may be going through a temporary set-back (a break-up, lost job, etc). Pop in your favorite album or load up your favorite songs on your mp3 device and play them until you start to dance! It’s important to “trick” the brain into thinking that it’s having a good time.

Say CHEESE!
Speaking of “tricking” the brain, it has been proving that smiling actually tricks the brain into thinking you are happy. David Lewis, a psychologist and director of research at Mindlab International in Brighton, England, says a warm smile can help us "feel more optimistic, more positive, and more motivated”. Yes, I know. You’re down and the last thing you feel like doing is putting on a fake smile. But, it may not be as hard as you think. Muster up the strength to hang out with some friends or watch your favorite comedy movie and feel your mood increase. The hardest part is actually getting up to do it. But, whatever you do, try not to willingly stay in a funk for too long before you decide to take some action, for ‘this too shall pass’.

Take that, depression!
So, the next time you feel depressed or down, think twice about grabbing that piece of cake or curling into a fetal position in a funk! Grab some avocados, and maybe whip up some guacamole. Blast your music and dance like there’s no one watching, or laugh until your stomach hurts! The key is to take control over your emotions, before they take control over you. Until next time… Live well.

-Evita Caldwell

Photo credit: Stuck in Customs / Foter / CC BY-NC-SA

DISCLAIMER
On Granny's Cures we strive to provide information from credible sources but we are no substitute for professional medical prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your physician, pharmacist, or health care provider before taking any home remedies or following any treatment suggested by anyone on this site. Only your health care provider, personal physician, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your unique needs or diagnose your particular medical history.

Friday, December 14, 2012

Ginger Tea and Nausea

Last week I got a great email from a reader and a fellow University of Minnesota Alumni. I had to share it because not only was she dead on about ginger and its ability to treat nausea but she's just plain ole adorable too.

"Dear Granny's Cures,

I stumbled across your website tonight and I love it! I have a remedy
to add.

The one that I have to add is for nausea. I have a whole bunch of stomach
issues and I get nauseated pretty frequently. It's annoying because it
keeps me awake and gives me a general feeling of agony. The best natural
cure that I have ever found is ginger tea. I ALWAYS keep ginger tea bags in
my cabinet just in case but when I can, making my own with this method is
definitely the best.

I peel and cut up a very small piece of ginger into about four quarter-inch
thick slices. Then I boil a pot of water and steep the ginger slices for
10-15 minutes. After letting the water cool enough to drink, I add honey or
plain white sugar. I always avoid artificial sweeteners because they tend
to upset my stomach more. Then, I put on a good TV show or movie and sip
away very slowly. By the time I get to the bottom of the mug, my nausea is
usually cured! I also sometimes add lemon slices if I have them on hand.
This same recipe makes a delicious iced tea for the summer, too!

I have tried the ginger tea remedy for a few different nausea-related
situations and it works better for some than for others.

For medicine-related nausea (like when I got my wisdom teeth out and my
painkillers were pretty rough), this was the absolute BEST remedy! It even
worked more quickly than the anti-nausea pills I had prescribed. I think
the addition of honey/sugar helped to coat my stomach a bit to give the
medicine something to stick to."

Sincerely, 

Brittany Schatz

Photo credit: Paul Watson / Foter / CC BY-NC-SA

DISCLAIMER
On Granny's Cures we strive to provide information from credible sources but we are no substitute for professional medical prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your physician, pharmacist, or health care provider before taking any home remedies or following any treatment suggested by anyone on this site. Only your health care provider, personal physician, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your unique needs or diagnose your particular medical history.

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Healing Toenails with Listerine and Vinegar


I will never stop being amazed with just how truly multifaceted some home products are. It really rocks my socks (pun intended) that something as simple as Listerine and vinegar can work together to help give you some pretty toenails, as well as reassure you that you no longer have to worry about being the beautiful girl in Boomerang with the jacked up feet. (If you haven't seen this movie, you should. Its an Eddie Murphy classic! Shame on you!) Anyway, you definitely need to try this remedy if you moderately suffer from any of the following:
  • Discolored toenails
  • Thick, hard toenails
  • Black toenails
  • Brittle toes
There may be a solution for you and it doesn't involve socks or really good toenail polish. The truth is you may have an infection in your toenail brought on by a fungus or bacteria. While this may be gross to think about, there are ways to fix your toenail issues, and they may not require an expensive trip to the podiatrist. Below are a few remedies to help you get your toenails clear and manageable with some products you may already have at home.


Refresh Your Toenails With Listerine

Soak your toes in Listerine mouthwash. Listerine is filled with strong compounds and antiseptics such as salicylate thymol, a type of alcohol and euchalyptol which when combined, form a strong toenail fungus treatment. This is great for clearing toe nails because often the leading cause of discolored, thick or brittle toenails is fungus. If you really want to take it up a notch, add vineger to your foot bath. Vinegar, whether its white vinegar or apple cider vineger (ACV) helps prevent the spreading of toenail fungus. Here is what you do.

What To Do:

1. Take any basin that can fit your feet, or a foot bath and fill it up with 1 part Listerine, and 1 part vinegar until you have enough to cover up your toenails. (If you don't have a foot bath, you can buy an affordable one at Target.com or at Bed Bath and Beyond)


2. Use a nail filer or a pumus stone to lightly scratch the tops of your toenails to allow for the easy absorption of the the solution in your foot bath

3. Massage your toes and if need be use and clean toothbrush gently scrape any dead skin or cells
accumulating around the cuticles (Your toes with thank you for it)

4. Soak feet in the solution for 15 to 25 minutes

5. Dry feet thoroughly after foot soaking, as to not encourage fungal growth (Fungus likes moisture!)

6. Repeat 3 times a week until new nail replaces old nail

I hope this remedy helps you out! Tell me what you think!
Photo credit: kygp / Foter / CC BY-NC-ND

 DISCLAIMER
On Granny's Cures we strive to provide information from credible sources but we are no substitute for professional medical prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your physician, pharmacist, or health care provider before taking any home remedies or following any treatment suggested by anyone on this site. Only your health care provider, personal physician, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your unique needs or diagnose your particular medical history.

Saturday, December 8, 2012

How To Know If You Need Kegel Exercises


Are you concerned that you might not be as "tight" as you could be? Or are you just trying to get more out of your sex life? Do you accidentally pee a bit when you sneeze sometimes? If yes to any of these, it may be time for you to start doing Kegel exercises. Lets get real. No man will ever complain when there is a naked woman in a room but as women we are always striving to be the best and our sex life is no exception. Its okay to admit that we can get a tad insecure about how much satisfying we are doing in the bedroom, especially after popping a kid out. Its also possible that you are not hitting that peak the way you feel you should be. Or maybe you accidentally let a few drops of pee go whenever you laugh or sneeze... or walk and it aint cute. Maybe its time for you to learn about Kegel exercises and how they can help you!


About Kegel Exercises and Sex
First lets get one thing straight. Kegel exercises DO NOT TIGHTEN YOUR VAGINA! Kegel exercises are the clenching and unclenching of the muscles that hold your pelvic organs in place and control urine flow. They are also the muscles responsible for the contractions you feel during orgasms. While Kegel exercises don't actually tighten your vagina, they do strengthen your vaginal muscles by toning them. They also help you achieve a tighter grip during intercourse and more intense contractions during orgasm because more blood gets sent to your lady parts. 

About Kegel Exercises and Urinary Incontinence
Incontinence is when you have difficulty controlling your bladder. Many women have learned how Kegel exercises can help with sex, but many women who suffer from urinary incontinence can also benefit from performing these discreet exercises that strengthen the "pelvic floor" and hold up the bladder. However, if Kegel exercises are not your cup of tea then deep squats can also be very helpful.

How To Get Started?
To pinpoint the muscles that need strengthening go to the bathroom and pee and try to stop the urine from flowing midstream. The muscles that you use to stop your urine flow are the ones that you use during Kegel exercises. 
DO NOT MAKE STOPPING YOUR URINE MID-FLOW YOUR DAILY KEGEL EXERCISE! This can lead to problems down the road like weakened muscles. You must do Kegel exercises while you are not peeing. 

Now that you know what muscles to use, practice the following steps: 
1. Tighten your pelvic floor muscles and make sure you are not flexing your abs, thighs or butt. Focus is key!
2. Now that you have found your muscles clench and unclench those muscles 10 times in a row
3. Relax for 8-10 seconds after 10 contractions
4. Complete 3 sets of 10 reps, 3 times a day

Kegel Exercises During Sex
1. For extra arousal try doing Kegel exercises during sex or masturbation. It gives personal training a whole new meaning.

I hope this helped ladies!



Photo credit: Helga Weber / Foter / CC BY-ND


DISCLAIMER
On Granny's Cures we strive to provide information from credible sources but we are no substitute for professional medical prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your physician, pharmacist, or health care provider before taking any home remedies or following any treatment suggested by anyone on this site. Only your health care provider, personal physician, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your unique needs or diagnose your particular medical history.


How Candy Can Help With Your Coughs


Coughing is so annoying, not only to you, but to everyone around you too. What you may not know is that there are two types of coughs "wet" and "dry"  and they need to treated differently if you really want to get rid of them. Fortunately for you, candy make be all it takes.


Wet Coughs
"Wet" coughs are coughs that produce mucus in the respiratory tract. Believe it or not these coughs are helpful and should not be suppressed, because it's the body's way of clearing out mucus. So below are some home remedies that you can use to encourage you to cough.

1. Drink A Lot Of Fluids
The more water you drink the thinner the mucus gets so drink up!

2. Suck on Some Horehound Candy
Never heard of this??? Well its everywhere, like at grocery stores and some drug stores too. Horehound is a candy acts as an expectorant or in layman's terms it triggers the coughing reflex and helps get the phlegm out

Dry Coughs
Dry coughs are not as productive as wet coughs so the goal is to coat your throat and tame the tickle.

1. Save Your Candy Canes
Peppermint candy dissolved in hot water, with a lemon slice and a touch of honey is not only a soothing remedy for dry coughs but its a tasty one too.

2.Suck on Hard Candy
Believe it or not sucking on any hard candy is great when you have a cough, because it increases saliva and forces you to swallow more 

Photo credit: Ani-Bee / Foter / CC BY-NC-ND


DISCLAIMER
On Granny's Cures we strive to provide information from credible sources but we are no substitute for professional medical prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your physician, pharmacist, or health care provider before taking any home remedies or following any treatment suggested by anyone on this site. Only your health care provider, personal physician, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your unique needs or diagnose your particular medical history.

Remedies For PMS Video

Here is a follow up video to our very popular Beating Menstrual Cramps and Bloating post from last month. Learn how to make ginger juice which is a great remedy for cramps and learn what you can do to further prevent your cramps. Let us know what you think!


DISCLAIMER
On Granny's Cures we strive to provide information from credible sources but we are no substitute for professional medical prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your physician, pharmacist, or health care provider before taking any home remedies or following any treatment suggested by anyone on this site. Only your health care provider, personal physician, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your unique needs or diagnose your particular medical history.

Friday, November 30, 2012

5 Natural Cold Sore Treatments

Cold Sores are a real pain in the rump and can last for weeks. However, there is good news. Despite what you may have heard, there are some natural remedies that you can use to combat your always untimely cold sore and I'm not talking about bangs that cover up your lips. Check out these 5 easy home remedies to help you combat your cold sore which include candy and milk. Lucky you.
1. Don’t Touch it or Anyone Else

Repeat after me “I will not be the Outbreak Monkey!”Cold sores are highly contagious, so don’t touch them or anyone else because you risk spreading it on to others. Avoid kissing, sharing cups, or touching anyone after you have touched your cold sores. This is common sense but as we all know common sense is seldom common. Also, don’t touch your cold sore unless your hands are recently washed otherwise you are risking a bacterial infection…on your face. Excuse my French but “That ain’t cute.”
2. Cover It Up (And we are not talking makeup)

The best thing to do is cover your cold sore with petroleum jelly like Vaseline. Petroleum jelly will keep all that crap that is inside of your cold sore inside and will help prevent a secondary infection from occurring. Thus speeding up the healing process. Also, do not put make up on a cold sore. I cannot reiterate this enough. Make up may hide a cold sore but more often than not, the chemicals in your make up irritates it. Additionally, your little cold sore is filled with a virus and all types of bacteria. The last thing you want to do is rub a brush over it and then rub that same brush close to your eye. Sharing making up in this case is not caring.
3. Get Rid Of Your Toothbrush

The herpes virus that causes cold sores can live on your toothbrush for up to 7 days, so throw your toothbrush away as soon as you see a cold sore, as to not re-infect yourself or anyone who may keep their toothbrush near yours. After your cold sore has cleared up throw away your toothbrush again and get a fresh one. Don’t be cheap.
4. Eat Some Licorice

Who gets to eat candy when they are infected? You do!!! Some studies have shown that the glycyrrhizic acid (GZA) ingredient in licorice kills the cold sore virus. So go to Whole Foods and buy some licorice, just make sure that the ingredient “licorice mass” is in the list of ingredients, so you know that there is real licorice in your sweets.
5. Get A Milk Mustache

Soak a clean facial cloth, or a cotton ball in some milk and dab it on your cold sore. Or if you are like me, give yourself a milk mustache. It will start to expedite the healing process.

DISCLAIMER
On Granny's Cures we strive to provide information from credible sources but we are no substitute for professional medical prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your physician, pharmacist, or health care provider before taking any home remedies or following any treatment suggested by anyone on this site. Only your health care provider, personal physician, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your unique needs or diagnose your particular medical history.

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Cheer Up with One of Nature’s Natural Anti-Depressants

It’s not uncommon that when we get “down in the dumps”, we head to the kitchen in an attempt to drown our sorrows out with food. Often, the food we choose is sugar-packed or fattening- also known as “comfort food”. Although those kinds of food makes us feel better while we are eating them, believe it or not, they leave us feeling worse off than before we ate them.

The Tasty and Healthy Alternative
Try this for a serotonin increase… Avocados. Eating away your sorrows does not have to be a bad thing, IF you choose the right kinds of food. The right kinds of food not only treat depression, but can also prevent it. Avocados contain the amino acid, tryptophan, which is compounded once it enters our body into serotonin. The unique feature about tryptophan according to research is that our bodies do not produce it.

Avocados also contain omega-3 fatty acids, which can be beneficial in lessening depression. It is important in preventing cell death associated with brain inflammation that ultimately can be a cause of depression. Omega-3 fatty acids, like tryptophan, do not derive naturally from the body. Therefore, they need to be derived from dietary sources, including fish. According to Alan C. Logan of the Integrative Care Centre of Toronto, clinical evidence conducted in research studies shows depressed patients appear to have low omega-3. Along with omega-3, avocados contain folate, and small amounts of protein and vitamin B-6- all of which can aid in preventing depression.

Take that, depression!
So, the next time you feel depressed or down, think twice about grabbing that piece of cake! Grab some avocados, and maybe whip up some guacamole. Of course, we here at Granny’s Cures encourage homemade over store bought and supplements, to ensure that you are getting all that you need without the extra additives. But if you are not the best cook, raw avocado added to a salad makes a tasty and easy alternative as well!

-Evita Caldwell

References





DISCLAIMER
On Granny's Cures we strive to provide information from credible sources but we are no substitute for professional medical prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your physician, pharmacist, or health care provider before taking any home remedies or following any treatment suggested by anyone on this site. Only your health care provider, personal physician, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your unique needs or diagnose your particular medical history.

Monday, November 26, 2012

Protect Hair From Heat Damage with Grape Seed Oil


I tend to straighten my hair a lot more in the winter since I have to worry less about humidity messing up my hairdo, but I still like having the option of wearing my hair in its natural state and I don't want heat damage to cause me to have inconsistent curls. I could buy a heat protecting serum but as you know I love all things natural, and affordable, which brought my attention to this great, easy to find oil that is also a great heat protectant.

Grape Seed Oil Heat Protectant

When looking for a heat protectant for your hair, you should look for a product that lubricates your hair, adds shine while offsetting the drying effects of heat and most importantly has a high smoking point. Grape seed oil has a smoking point of around 485 degrees. This means it should be able to protect your hair against heat when using hair styling tools with temperatures of up to 485 degrees, though I would still suggest not allowing hair styling tools to  exceed 400 degrees. It also adds a nice shine to your hair without having the unpleasant smell of olive oil, (which can also be used as a heat protectant) and my favorite part is it can handle moisture in the air pretty well. I once straightened my hair and naively took a shower only to remember that I had just straightened my hair. I quickly hopped out only to wipe the steamy mirror and find my straight hair still intact. The next day when I co-washed my hair (or washed it with conditioner and no shampoo), it bounced like it knew nothing of heat. Try this out next time you straighten your hair and let me know how it works out for you.

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Remedies For Indigestion and Acid Reflux


My late grandmother used to say, “Everything that tastes good ain’t always good for you”. That is the quote I was reminded of when I was suffering with a case of indigestion about a week ago, and needed help relieving my upset stomach. I tried a chicken entree at a new restaurant and ended up eating it too quickly, leaving me with a belly full of air and food. I had an upset stomach and really just needed to belch! We  have all been here. You visit one of your favorite restaurants, or go home for the holidays and eat a dish that is so delectable that before you know it, you have eaten a little too quickly, causing indigestion that leaves you bloated or with an upset stomach, heart burn and have a desperate need to burp just to make room in your belly.  Well, I found a few remedies for when you let that inner little piggie take over and get caught with a case of indigestion.

Ginger Ale Soda for Indigestion
Next time you have indigestion issues, drink a ginger ale. I took to all natural ginger ale soda to combat my indigestion, as suggested by a friend and fellow naturalist. You should experience relief within minutes of drinking the first few gulps. But the benefits of ginger are great. As a matter of fact, the ginger can be an aid in the overall digestive process. It’s best to purchase all natural ginger ale soda, which is commonly available at health food stores because most commercial brands may only contain ginger flavoring and other “natural” flavors.  

Baking Soda and Water for Acid Reflux
Is there anything that baking soda doesn't do? If you have acid reflux mix a couple teaspoons of baking soda into a 4 oz. glass of water. Baking soda contains the ingredient sodium bicarbonate, which is the same active ingredient in popular over-the-counter antacid medicines such as Alka-Seltzer. And, the best part about pure baking soda is that it does not contain a bunch of other “inactive ingredients” you will find in over the counter (OTC) medicines. 

-Evita Caldwell

DISCLAIMER
On Granny's Cures we strive to provide information from credible sources but we are no substitute for professional medical prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your physician, pharmacist, or health care provider before taking any home remedies or following any treatment suggested by anyone on this site. Only your health care provider, personal physician, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your unique needs or diagnose your particular medical history.

Saturday, November 10, 2012

Removing Deodorant and Sweat Stains From Clothes


Deodorant and sweat stained clothes are the worst, especially when they affect some of the staple pieces of your wardrobe like the white work shirt with the ruffles that you are afraid to wear because of the yellow pit stains or the black dress that you wear with your armpits locked down because they have deodorant stains. It's okay to be annoyed. You washed your clothes! They are clean! Why must they remind you that you had a good time the last time you were in them? Well ladies (and possibly gents) there is a way to save your wardrobe, so step away from the bleach and sit with me while I save your clothes. See instructions below.

How To Remove White Deodorant Stains (Non-Yellow)
1. Soak the deodorant stained part of your shirt with one part vinegar and one part water.
2. Let it dry
3. Soak shirt in water and detergent or wash it to get the vinegar smell out.
4. Smile, because you can wear your shirt AGAIN!!! Good for you!!!

How To Remove Yellow Armpit Stains From Shirt
1. Mix Baking Soda and Water until it forms a paste
2. Place the paste the yellow pit stain and let them sit until it dries
3. Wash your shirt, as you normally would
When I found out about these remedies I immediately pulled shirts from the back of my closet and immediate found success especially with the vinegar and water remedy. I hope you enjoy your pretty clothes longer.

DISCLAIMER
On Granny's Cures we strive to provide information from credible sources but we are no substitute for professional medical prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your physician, pharmacist, or health care provider before taking any home remedies or following any treatment suggested by anyone on this site. Only your health care provider, personal physician, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your unique needs or diagnose your particular medical history.





Sunday, November 4, 2012

The Olive Oil Method to Healing Ear Infections


If I had a penny for every time, I heard a mother tell me she had a child with an ear infection, I'd use it to get my tubes tied. But seriously, there seems to be an epidemic of little ones getting back to back ear infections, which costs many moms money and precious bits of their sanity. Fortunately, I know just the remedy which will hopefully restore piece in your home. Check out the video below which will show you the Olive Oil Method to healing Ear Infections

See link: http://youtu.be/ShnW62Lk71M



DISCLAIMER
On Granny's Cures we strive to provide information from credible sources but we are no substitute for professional medical prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your physician, pharmacist, or health care provider before taking any home remedies or following any treatment suggested by anyone on this site. Only your health care provider, personal physician, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your unique needs or diagnose your particular medical history.

Saturday, November 3, 2012

Wrecking Warts-The Duct Tape Method and Citrus Approach

You may have kissed a few toads in your day but no one wants warts. Despite being relatively small they always seem to have a large affect our self-consciousness and thus our swag. There are many over the counter options for warts, such as liquids and plasters that contain skin-peeling ingredients like salicylic acid. While these may be effective, they can also be harsh. Below are some home remedies that may be just as effective and may be less harsh.


The Duct Tape Method
Believe it or not some studies, have shown that The Duct Tape Method has been more effective in removing warts than cryotherapy, the method of freezing warts off with a liquid. Here's what you do.

  1. Wrap duct tape around the wart for six days (I know this is a long time but you can change the tape as it wears)
  2. After 6 days remove the duct tape, and soak the wart in water for 3-5 minutes
  3. Then use a nail filer or pumice stone to file down the dead skin and loose skin
  4. Let the skin breath for 24 hours, then repeat
Apparently, researchers believe that this remedy works well, because the constant irritation prompts the immune system to fight the virus.

The Citrus Approach
Warts are caused by viruses and one of the best virus fighters is vitamin C. The next remedy is fairly simple. Here's what you need to do.

  1. Crush some vitamin C tablets and mix the powder with water until it forms a paste
  2. Cover the wart with the paste
  3. Place a bandage over the paste-covered wart

This can help wear the wart away.

Add A Side of Vinegar
Use the vinegar method to compliment any of the previous tactics. Soak a cotton ball in vinegar and tape it over the wart with an elastic band for 1 to 2 hours a day.

PS. Please keep in mind none of these wart remedies are for genital warts.


DISCLAIMER
On Granny's Cures we strive to provide information from credible sources but we are no substitute for professional medical prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your physician, pharmacist, or health care provider before taking any home remedies or following any treatment suggested by anyone on this site. Only your health care provider, personal physician, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your unique needs or diagnose your particular medical history.

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Beating Menstrual Cramps and Bloating


It's that time of the month again. You keep finding yourself checking the back of your jeans in the mirror in paranoia. You scornfully look at your pants in frustration as you roll around in your jeans trying to zip them up while sucking in your bloated belly. You wake up in the fetal position from pain staking cramps and you find yourself searching for meds like hobbits searched for Rings. (I never watched Lord of The Rings so excuse me if that's inaccurate.) Anyway, the moral of the story is that while we are usually grateful when we get our period, we are never quite prepared for the game of Russian Roulette that is PMS side effects. Well it is my one woman mission to find you ladies remedies and being that mine have been milder than usual thanks to some of these remedies, I thought it was time to share.
 
B Vitamins
B Vitamins have been known to relieve menstrual cramps and bloating especially B6, which can reduce bloating by acting as an enzyme catalyst and improving cellular function. In the book "The Clinician's Handbook of Natural Medicine," it states that patients given a multivitamin with high doses of B6 and magnesium have 70 percent reductions in premenstrual and post-menstrual symptoms; this includes menstrual cramping. B3 is also a beneficial vitamin  and may relieve menstrual cramping by increasing blood flow and oxygen to the uterus. I take a daily hair, skin and nail vitamin that is rich in B Vitamins, but B Complex is also a great source of B Vitamins. Go to your local Health and Nutrition Store to speak with a nutritional expert or talk to your doctor about a good B Vitamin regimen for you.
  
Diced Pineapples
Fresh pineapples have an enzyme that is thought to relax muscles thus relieving menstrual cramps.

Ginger
Did you know that ginger is said to be a tried and true cramp remedy. So drink a few glasses of ginger tea or if you love the spice of the ginger, you can go to many ethnic markets and buy ginger juice.  However, if you are a smoothie-aholic like myself go to the grocery store or your closest juicer and have them add a healthy dose of ginger to your next drink.
 
PMS Prevention
 1. Eat Less High Sodium Foods
Eat less high sodium food the week leading up to your period, like canned soups and salty snacks, because salty foods causes the body to retain water.

 2. Don't Drink Caffeinated Beverages The Week Before Your Period
Caffeine can cause muscles to  constrict and worsen menstrual cramps.

3. Soak In Some Suds
Take a warm bath with bath salts before bed instead of the shower during the week of your period to relax the muscles.




DISCLAIMER
On Granny's Cures we strive to provide information from credible sources but we are no substitute for professional medical prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your physician, pharmacist, or health care provider before taking any home remedies or following any treatment suggested by anyone on this site. Only your health care provider, personal physician, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your unique needs or diagnose your particular medical history.