Health benefits of coconut oil

• Coconut oil strengthens the immune system. It helps in dealing with viruses and bacteria causing diseases such as influenza, cytomegalovirus, hepatitis and even HIV.
• Virgin coconut oil balances out-of-range cholesterol levels in the body.
• Coconut oil helps reduce risk for heart disease and stroke.
• Coconut oil helps reduce risk of cancer.
• Coconut oil helps in controlling blood sugar.
• Coconut oil enhances weight loss. Fats contained in coconut oil are easily converted into energy quickly, thus giving it no time at all to accumulate in the body. Coconut oil also speeds up metabolism, and boosts energy and endurance.
• Applying coconut oil to the head followed with a gentle massage helps in removing anxiety and stress.
• Coconut oil helps in preventing premature aging and degenerative diseases due to its antioxidant properties.
• Coconut oil helps in improving the digestive system and thus prevents various stomach and digestion related problems. Coconut oil also helps in absorption of important nutrients.
• As coconut oil improves the ability of our body to absorb important nutrients (including minerals, such as calcium and magnesium), it helps in getting strong bones and teeth.
• Coconut oil helps in preventing liver, kidney and gall bladder diseases.

Add coconut oil to your daily diet! It can be a healthy alternative to butter or margarine. It is also ideal for frying foods, as it possesses a high smoking point. Moreover, coconut oil is very stable, and has a long shelf-life.

Coconut oil for a healthy hair
Virgin coconut can give you stronger, shinier and healthier hair.  It strengthens your hair shaft and root, reducing split ends and hair breakage. Coconut oil is the best hair treatment for dry, damaged hair and itchy scalp. Regular massage of the head with coconut oil ensures that your scalp is free of dandruff, lice, and lice eggs.

Coconut oil hair treatment recipe:

• Scoop out some coconut oil into a cup. Put the cup in a pot with warm water to melt the oil.
• Pour some of the warm oil into hands and run your fingers through your dry hair.
• Coat your hair with the oil. Use just enough so that the oil will penetrate the hair, without leaving an oily or greasy look. Use more oil at the ends, less in the middle and near the roots.
• Put on a shower cap. For very dry hair, leave the treatment overnight; for oily or normal hair, leave it for an hour.
• Wash out hair with a gentle shampoo. Skip using a conditioner.

• For dandruff treatment, combine coconut oil with two-three drops of tea tree, rosemary, geranium, or cedarwood essential oils.

Coconut oil for a healthy skin
Virgin coconut oils will moisturize and nourish your skin using only its pure natural ingredients, without any preservatives, chemicals or solvents. It improves skin lipid levels, increases hydration, reduces roughness and scaling, and fights viruses and bacteria.

Deep skin moisturizing and conditioning treatment:

• Shower and exfoliate all over your body.
• While still in the shower take some virgin coconut oil and rub between your palms to melt the oil.
• Massage the oil onto your skin.
• After covering your body in coconut oil, rinse off in warm water.
• Step out of the shower and use your towel to gently pat dry your skin. This will leave a nice thin layer of coconut oil on your skin.

Do this treatment right before going to bed, several times a week, and you would not experience any dry itchy skin symptoms – even during the cold dry winter months.

• Virgin coconut oil is safe to use as a facial moisturizer. It does not clog pores. Moreover, it can help reduce acne symptoms.
• Coconut oil is gentle enough to use as eye makeup removal, and it can lubricate the skin for shaving.
• Coconut oil make it a great topical remedy for rosacea, psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema and diaper rash.
• Coconut oil makes great massage oil. It is easily absorbed by the skin and promotes healing. It will make your skin soft, shiny, smooth, and mmm… yummy!

Immune system is a “shield” that defends our body’s cells against attacks by bacteria, microbes, viruses, fungi, free radicals, etc. The immunity has to be in perfect condition to perform its functions. These natural and simple homemade recipes will help you strengthen your immunity and protect your family from cold and flu viruses!

Vitamin cocktail recipe

• 1 cup – water
• 1 tbsp – honey
• 1 tbsp – lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp – crushed ginger root
• 1/6 tsp – cinnamon

Blend the ingredients. This cocktail is a great energizer and immunity booster.

Vitamin desert recipe (kids love it!)

• 1 cup – walnuts
• 1 cup – raisins
• 1 cup – dried pitted apricots
• 1 cup – dried pitted prunes
• 3 tbsp – honey

Grind nuts and dried fruit in a food processor. Add honey and blend until a smooth paste. Take 2 tbsp. daily.

Vitamin salad recipe

• 2 kiwis
• 2 tangerines
• 1 orange
• 1 apple
• 1 banana
• 1 tbsp. – walnuts halves or pieces
• 2 tbsp – plain yogurt or sour cream
• 1/6 tsp – cinnamon
• 1/6 tsp – coriander (optional)

Peel and chop the fruits. Mix all the ingredients. Enjoy!

Vitamin tea recipes

Rose hip tea: 4 tbsp. of dried, crushed rose hips add to 4 cups of water. Boil for about 15 minutes. Allow steeping for 10 minutes. Serve warm.

Apple tea: 3 apples (unpeeled, chopped) add to 4 cups of boiling water. Let it simmer slowly for about 5 minutes or so. Remove from heat and allow steeping for 30 minutes. Add honey to taste. Drink it within a day.

Cranberry tea: Mash 1 tbsp. of cranberries with back of spoon until pulpy. Add it to 1 cup of your favourite tea. Add honey to taste.

* Osteoarthritis – a degenerative joint disease due to infection or simply due to aging.
* Rheumatoid Arthritis – An autoimmune disease caused by deficient immune system health , which starts attacking the body’s normal cells.
* Septic Arthritis – An infectious condition.
* Gout – Caused by deposition of uric acid crystals.
* Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis – It mostly affects children and the causes are unknown.
* Still’s Disease – Another form of Juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
* Ankylosing Spondylitis – A degenerative inflammatory condition that has genetic undertones.

There is no permanent cure for arthritis and treatment normally involves physical and occupational therapies. Use of steroids to reduce inflammation is temporary in nature and long term use has serious side effects.

A major breakthrough made researchers come across an infectious cause of rheumatic arthritis. Mycoplasma, small parasitic bacteria that lacks a cell wall and can survive without oxygen was isolated from the tissue and exudates of rheumatic patients in 1939.

The discovery presented an antibiotic alternative for treating arthritis, which was traditionally being treated with Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory (NSAID) and Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARD) in conjunction with pain killers and steroids.

Results of research have shown promising results of Tetracycline therapy for treating rheumatoid diseases. Minocycline, a Tetracycline antibiotic is the preferred antibiotic to treat mild to moderate occurrences of arthritis. Doxycycline, another tetracycline antibiotic is considered to enhance the affects of methotrexate, a DMARD and a toxic antimetabolite that limits cellular reproduction.

Some of the antibiotics recommended for treating arthritis have serious side effects that outweigh the benefits expected from them. For example Dapsone, an antibacterial drug, is known to cause hemolytic anemia.

Indiscriminate use of antibiotics not only reduces their efficacy but also causes serious harm to the body’s ability to cure disease on its own. A minute observation will help us realize that we inadvertently invite most of the diseases ourselves.

Improper diet, sedentary lifestyles, unnecessary dependence on commercial fast foods and dependence that borders on foolhardiness, on antibiotics, cause most of the diseases we suffer from.

There are natural and herbal antibiotics like colloidal silver and garlic, which when consumed regularly can help in preventing attacks from bacteria and viruses. In addition to safety from side effects there is no risk of pathogens using them for their own growth. Apart from the degenerative arthritic conditions, arthritis is mostly caused by dysfunction of immune system.

Herbs for immune system , such as Goldenseal, osha, and Tabebuia (pau d’arco) and flavonoids contained in certain fruits, vegetables, teas, wines, nuts, seeds, and roots, not only boost your immune system but also facilitate elimination of wastes and toxins.

Arthritis is a painful condition that may last lifelong. At best you can reconcile with the disorder and manage the ensuing pain. A natural and active lifestyle can actually help in avoiding many diseases including arthritis.

This attitude of opting for the quick and easy route and falling back on the antibiotic alternative every time one needs to treat colds and flu has been instrumental in making antibiotics ineffective in many cases. The use of antibiotics without paying heed to their long term affects leads to a situation where bacteria use the drug for their own metabolism. The antibiotic, instead of killing, starts helping in the growth of the bacterium because it has developed resistance to it.

Fighting disease is the job of the immune system, a complex system of reciprocal action, which activates the moment it recognizes a foreign substance in the body. The state of your immune system’s health determines how frequently you fall ill with chronic infections, cold and flu and cold sores or genital herpes. An extremely weak immune system can be counterproductive and can start attacking the body’s own cells and cause serious conditions known as autoimmune diseases.

From a minor scratch to attacks by viruses and bacteria, the immune system is the key to fighting disease. True health is achieved only when your immune system is strong enough to combat disease on its own and herbal antibiotics and herbs for immune system play an important role in attaining it.

If you see signs of a weak immune system characterized by frequent bouts of common cold and flu, mix ½ tablespoon each of tinctures of roots of Echinacea, pau d’arco bark, Ginseng (Siberian), licorice, astragalus and bupleurum. Take three tablespoons every day for five days and double the dose in the event of an infection. Astragalus and Echinacea fight cancer cells, improve lymphatic functions and contribute to the progress of immune system health.

Garlic and ginger roots have proven qualities of treating ailments like common cold and sore throat. Make tea by adding a little bit of ginger juice to soothe your throat. Garlic contains a rare mineral, germanite that boosts immune system.

Vitamin C is essential for production of adrenal hormones and lymphocytes and directly combats bacteria and viruses. A dash of lemon juice in water mixed with a tablespoon of pure farm produced honey taken daily can effectively keep common colds at bay.

Taken in conjunction with flavonoids Vitamin C is easily absorbed in the body. Flavonoids are plant secondary metabolites known for their high antioxidant properties. Choose to eat whole fruits, grains and vegetables and see the difference they make to your health.

Stress, poor diet, lack of sleep, food preservatives and environmental toxins are major factors that wear down the immune system. Rather than ingesting foods that can potentially weaken your immune system, the long term aim of your diet and daily routine ought to aim for a healthy immune system.

If you really want to live longer, make the right lifestyle choices:

Be optimistic
Optimists decrease their risk of early death by 50 % compared with pessimists. Don’t worry, be happy, and live longer!

Socialize
Scientist found that death rates are twice as high for the most socially isolated people compared with those with strong social ties.

Be curious
According to studies, curious people live about 30% longer than people who are not.

Get spiritual
People who attend religious ceremonies regularly are likely to live significantly longer than their non-religious friends.

Feel younger
People who behave as if they are younger live longer. Teen clothing might be not the best idea, juts revive a few of the things you liked doing when young.

Feast on fruits and veggies
If you don’t consume fruit daily, your risk of stomach cancer doubles or even triples. As well, fruits and veggies are rich in antioxidants that can help your body counteract the damaging signs of aging.

Get enough potassium
A diet deprived in potassium can raise blood pressure. One banana provides the the extra 400 mg of potassium that decreases probability of a fatal stroke by 40%.

Say “Ohm”
Yoga and meditation reduce stress, which is one of the major causes of the aging process.

Get married
Being married encourages healthy behavior: married people are more likely to be active, eat breakfast, wear seat belts and not smoke. Tie the knot to stay alive!

Reference: Floyd, E. (2005). 1001 little health miracles.

Oolong tea is rich in antioxidants (polyphenols, catechins, and theaflavin) that help destroy free radicals in the body that can cause aging of the skin, dark spots, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis and other diseases.

Oolong tea strengthens your immune system and promotes longevity.

Oolong tea has a reputation for weight loss, as it raises your metabolism, burns fat and blocks dietary fat absorption.

Oolong tea helps to reduce high blood pressure and to prevent heart diseases.

Oolong tea helps to reduce cholesterol levels.

Drinking oolong tea is helpful to diabetes patients.

Oolong tea is helpful in improving symptoms that are associated with weak kidney and spleen energy.

Oolong tea heals skin ailments and promotes healthy hair.

Oolong tea promotes strong bones and prevents tooth decay.

Time for some tea?

Laughter is a tranquilizer with no side effects. – Arnold Glasow

Even if there is nothing to laugh about, laugh on credit. – Author unknown

Laughter is an instant vacation. - Milton Berle

Laughter is the corrective force which prevents us from becoming cranks. – Henri Bergson

Laughter is the shock absorber that eases the blows of life. – Author unknown

A man isn’t poor if he can still laugh. - Raymond Hitchcock

Laughter is the shortest distance between two people. – Victor Borge

With the fearful strain that is on me night and day, if I did not laugh I should die. – Abraham Lincoln

Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face. – Victor Hugo

He who laughs, lasts! - Mary Pettibone Poole

Laughter provides physiological, psychological and spiritual benefits you probably never realized! Laughter:

• Increases antibodies in saliva that combat upper respiratory infections
• Decreases serum cortisol, thus providing an antidote for the harmful effects of stress
• Effectively busts depression
• Secretes an enzyme that protects the stomach from forming ulcers
• Conditions the abdominal muscles
• Relaxes muscles throughout the body
• Aids in reducing symptoms of neuralgia and rheumatism
• Improves ventilation, thus helping reduce chronic respiratory conditions
• Reduces blood sugar levels
• Reduces blood pressure and heart rate
• Boosts the immune system
• Helps the body fight infections
• Releases endorphins which provide natural pain relief
• Helps more nutrients and oxygen to blood tissues
• Has positive benefits in mental functions
• Changes perspective
• Makes you feel good!
• Brings people together

Bring more humor and laughter into your life! Be healthy and happy!

Reference: Jasheway, L.A.. “Don’t get mad, get funny”. Whole Person Associates.

However, attaining a positive attitude is not easy. It requires you to be in a state of general happiness, which can be attained only if you are at peace with yourself.

Man has tried to ‘find happiness’ for years. But it is ironical that he searches for this happiness in places far and wide while it can be found only within oneself. The real search for happiness starts by looking ‘inside’ and understanding the real purpose of ones life. It is important to realize the happiness is relative in nature and that while some find it in work, achievement and success, others find it in love, relationships and family ties, affectionate friendships and in faith.

It is also important to understand that is one tries to seek happiness in external material gains or even in external manifestations of love from others, there is only disappointment to be found. The main idea is to accept your strengths, weaknesses, capabilities, situation and life as it is. Complete acceptance of the situation leads to a feeling of contentment and happiness at what you have.

A positive perspective towards all events in life can lead to happiness and emotional wellness. As the saying goes, “I was pining about the fact that I did not have shoes, when I saw a man without feet”.

However, all of the above does not mean that you should lead yourself to total contentment and complacency. It is necessary that you dissociate your happiness from the daily efforts that you need to make to make your life better. By all means, set material objectives for yourself and do everything in your scope to make them possible. But do not allow the success of these efforts to rule your overall attitude and well being.

Over time, you will realize that it is this positive attitude and the ability to motivate yourself under any circumstances that aids you in the process of achieving your goals. Optimism can break the dismal ropes of negativity and rationalism and can help you accomplish tasks that otherwise seem impossible. A positive attitude can help you take failure in your stride.

When you are ‘happy’ and have a positive attitude, you do not need to rely on external motivation to achieve and accomplish goals. On the other hand, in the absence of self motivation, initial spurts in motivation caused by external sources, tend to wear off after the initial euphoria.

A spiritual understanding of life, a positive attitude, proper perspective of the events of life can help you achieve a continuous state of motivation. Such a high level of self motivation can stand the test of mood swings, transient depression or failures.