How to Make an Herbal Remedy

How to Make an Herbal Remedy



In this modern age, we have come to rely on synthetic pharmaceuticals and over-the-counter chemical concoctions, when the best and most effective remedies may already be sitting in our kitchens. If you are interested in exploring the use of herbal remedies and would like to begin a healthier, more natural lifestyle, it is easy to get started. Read on to learn how to make an herbal remedy.









1


Find a reputable book on herbal remedies or visit a trained specialist in your area. It is best to find a book that has been written by a naturopathic doctor or formally trained herbalist. There are many amateur "medicine men" out there, so do your research, to find a reputable source.





2


Look for remedies that uses the herbs, fruits and vegetables that grow naturally in your area. Humans adapt to their local environments, therefore locally grown ingredients will work best with your system.





3


Buy a guide book on local flora in your region that explains how to identify and utilize the vegetation that grows wild, where you live. These books can also help you to determine when various plant's growing seasons are and how to store them throughout the year.





4


Shop in natural food stores when you can't pick the plants yourself. The point of an herbal remedy is to avoid harmful chemicals and synthetics, so always buy natural, preferably organic, ingredients.





5


Follow the instructions for the herbal remedy preparation to the letter. The experts who have created these recipes have studied and investigated the best way to create the remedy, so trust them and don't alter their methods of preparation in any way.





6


Experiment. There is always more than one herbal remedy for every ailment, so if you try one remedy and it doesn't seem to be right for you, try something else.





7


Remember that herbal remedies are not limited to things you can grow in an
herb garden
, but also include fruits and vegetables, honey, flowers, tea, grains and just about anything Mother Nature has to offer.


http://www.ehow.com/how_2083061_make-herbal-remedy.html

How to Make an Herbal Cough Remedy

How to Make an Herbal Cough Remedy



There are many over-the-counter cough remedies in many forms, however cough drops don't always have a long lasting effect, syrups often make us feel drowsy and liquid cough remedies often taste horrible. If you are looking for a natural way to curb your cough, there are many herbal remedies that you can prepare easily in your own home, which are often easier and more affordable than other methods. Read on to learn how to make an herbal cough remedy.







Things You'll Need:





8 eucalyptus leaves




Garlic




Honey




6 papaya flowers




2 cups of milk




Eucalyptus oil




Linseed oil









1


Treat a moderate cough by heating two cups of water with six to eight eucalyptus leaves. Add six medium garlic cloves to the water and boil for five minutes. To sweeten the remedy and soothe the throat, stir in a spoonful of honey.





2


Calm a chronic cough by boiling six papaya flowers in 1/2 L of water. Again, honey can help soothe the throat and sweeten the herbal remedy. Drink one cup every half hour.





3


Soothe a strong, rasping cough by slowly boiling five cloves of garlic in two cups of milk. Add a spoonful of honey and drink the remedy as hot as possible. This herbal remedy is especially good for
children
.





4


Make a hot compress with water and a few drops of eucalyptus oil and place it on your throat.





5


Rub linseed oil gently on the chest and back several times a day.








Tips & Warnings










The point of an herbal remedy is to avoid synthetics and chemicals found in over-the-counter cough remedies. Buy your herbs, fruits, oils and honey in a natural food store and always prepare with clean, filtered water.








A cough is not an illness, but a symptom of an illness. None of these remedies can cure a cough, they can only soothe. See a doctor if your cough lasts for more than a week or is accompanied by a fever or other symptoms.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2086140_make-herbal-cough-remedy.html

How to Make a Natural Remedy for Stretch Marks

How to Make a Natural Remedy for Stretch Marks



Almost every woman at some point in their lives will develop stretch marks. They look like red to purplish lines across the body, and with time, they will turn white. Two conditions that tend to make the lines appear are
pregnancy
and obesity. The only way to avoid stretch marks is preventing them. Once the stretch marks develop, they will stay with you forever; but with time and some work, they will be less noticeable. Read on to learn more.







Things You'll Need:





Pure water




Borax




Olive Oil




Vitamin E capsule




Plastic Wrap




Petroleum Jelly









1


Dissolve 1/2 tsp. of borax in 2 tsp. of boiling water.





2


Melt 4 tbsp. of petroleum jelly and 4 tbsps. of olive oil together over low heat.





3


Slowly add the borax mixture, stirring to mix thoroughly.





4


Remove the mixture from the heat.





5


Open a capsule of Vitamin E and squeeze its contents into the mixture.





6


Beat the mixture as it starts to cool to emulsify.





7


Rub the mixture onto the stretch marks using a circular massaging motion once it has cooled. Wrap the area with plastic wrap, place a hot towel or heating pad on it, and leave it on for about 20 minutes. Remove the wrap and massage into the skin, wiping off any excess.








Tips & Warnings










The mixture may be stored in an air-tight container for future use in the refrigerator.








Ways to help prevent stretch marks are: a balanced diet, drinking water (at least 8 to 10 glasses a day), taking your vitamins, exercise and not smoking.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2076919_make-natural-remedy-stretch-marks.html

How to Make a Milk Foot Soak

How to Make a Milk Foot Soak



If your feet are hot and achy, everything feels out of sorts. Your feet support you all day long and it is high time to give them a little support back. Try a homemade "feet treat" tonight. Make a milk foot soak and give those tired
dogs
a little extra for all the work they've done that day. Read on to learn more.







Things You'll Need:





Vodka




Whole milk




Lemon essential oil




Lemon juice




Whole egg




Peppermint essential oil




Water




Stove or microwave




Large pan




Olive oil




Epsom Salts




Lavender essential oil




Almond oil




Baby oil




Essential oil of choice









1


Heat 7 cups water and 2 cups milk in a large pan on the stove or in the microwave for a simple homemade foot soak. When it's just barely steaming, remove it and test it. It should be just as hot as possible to be comfortable enough to put your feet in. Pour the mixture in a large enough bowl to accommodate both it and your feet. Soak your feet at least 10 minutes to get the maximum benefit. Rinse your feet with clear water and pat them dry. Afterward apply some lotion for a short massage.





2


Mix 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 cup lemon juice and 1/4 cups milk together well in a pan large enough to hold at least 3 gallons. Add 1 gallon water to this mixture. Soak your feet for at least 10 minutes or until mixture is cool.





3


Combine 1/2 cup lemon juice with 1 whole egg and 1 tablespoon vodka for a homemade moisturizing soak. Add 1 drop lemon essential oil and 1 cup warm whole milk. Massage this into your feet as you soak them about 10 to 15 minutes. Bathe the feet in a container of warm water for another 5 minutes and dry.





4


Warm 4 cups whole milk, 5 to 6 drops
lavender
essential oil and 2 tablespoons Epsom Salt to a gallon of very warm water. Soak your feet for 15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly.





5


Blend 4 cups warmed whole milk, 2 tablespoons almond oil, 2 tablespoons Epsom Salt and 3 drops peppermint essential oil to a gallon of hot water for an invigorating homemade soak. Make certain that the container is large enough that it can hold the water and your feet. Soak your feet for 15 minutes. Rinse and dry.





6


Pour 1 cup instant dry milk, 1 tablespoon baby oil and 4 to 5 drops essential or fragrance oil of your choice into 1 1/2 gallons hot water. Make certain that it isn't so hot that it will burn your skin. Soak your feet for 15 minutes and rinse with adequate amounts of warm water.








Tips & Warnings










Make certain to test the water before submerging the feet to avoid burns.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2089003_milk-foot-soak.html

How to Make a Massage Oil with Herbs

How to Make a Massage Oil with Herbs



Getting a massage is a great way to relax. But, some of the massage oils that are on the market or not made of natural ingredients. This is not healthy for your skin.

The good news is that you can easily make your own herbal massage oil using ingredients that you have on hand or that you can easily find at the supermarket or store.

Here are the steps on how to whip up your own massage oil.







Things You'll Need:





1 tbsp. Your herb of choice--try cinnamon, ginger, peppermint, or vanilla pods




1 cup Light oil of choice--almond oil works well, but you can also use a light kitchen oil such as olive oil




Small saucepan or microwave safe dish




Amber glass jar




1 drop essential oil of choice--use an oil that compliments the herb you choose (optional)









1


Add oil and herb to the small saucepan and heat on the stove at the lowest setting. Heat until the oil is slight warm, about five minutes.





2


You can also use the microwave. Add oil and the herb you chose to a microwave safe dish. Microwave on high 30 seconds.





3


When oil is heated, remove from the heat source (microwave or stove, depending) and let it sit until cool--at least 30 minutes.





4


Strain herb into an amber glass jar. Add 1 to 2 drops of essential oil, if desired.





5


Cover and store in a cool, dark place. This will keep for about a month.








Tips & Warnings










To lengthen the shelf life, place the oil in the refrigerator. Let it warm up before applying to the skin.








Do a patch test on the underside of your wrist first to make sure you aren't allergic. Apply a small amount to the wrist and wait 24 hours to see if you break out.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2080483_herbal-massage-oil.html

How to Organize Hats Stylishly

How to Organize Hats Stylishly



Do you love hats but you don't want them lying around? Display your hats so they look attractive and they won't look like clutter. Organize hats stylishly using these tips and you'll soon have a collection you're proud of displaying.







Things You'll Need:





Hooks



Shelves



Hat boxes









Step
1



Hang white or gold hooks on your wall in two different rows in a diagonal pattern so one hook is not directly under another. Leave enough room for each hat to hang freely. Organize the hats by color, by size or by style.




Step
2



Use matching hat boxes in different sizes to organize your hats around a room. You can get large ones for brimmed hats and small ones for ball hats. Hat boxes are round, square or oval shaped and they can be set up individually or stacked.




Step
3



Buy two different styles of hat boxes and put one pattern in one area of the room and put the other style in another area to create two attractive hat box areas. You can create a Victorian look in a room by decorating with hat boxes that match the room.




Step
4



Shop for a hat rack to hang your smaller hats or baseball hats instead of placing them in a pile. You can buy a hat rack that stands on a shelf or one that hangs from the back of your door. Organize the hats by color or style to make it look tidy or hang them by alternating colors for a more patterned look.




Step
5



Use a drawer or a wooden open style shoe organizer to display your hats. They look tidy and attractive when displayed neatly; you can also find the one you want with ease. Build wooden shelving with different sizes of cubby boxes to display all your hats stylishly.


http://www.ehow.com/how_2270580_organize-hats-stylishly.html

How to organize earrings

How to organize earrings



It doesn't take long for an earring collection to get out of control. If your

earrings


aren't organized, you won't be able to find the pair you're looking for when you need it. Use some or all of these ideas to organize you're earrings.







Things You'll Need:





Earrings



Ice cube trays



Mesh desktop organizer



Ribbons



Hanger



Lace



Window screening



Picture frame



Tea cup or goblet









Step
1



Keep in mind that mesh desktop organizers that you can find at office supply stores or, even better, thrift shops, are perfect for organizing post earrings. You can arrange dozens of earrings in one mesh organizer.




Step
2



Know tackle box inserts, especially the clear ones, are also great for organizing small earrings. Each pair of earrings gets its own compartment, and you can scan them all at once.




Step
3



Understand french hook earrings can dangle over the side of a cute tea cup or goblet. This way you can see all your French hook earrings an even use the center of the cup for another jewelry item such a necklace or bangle bracelets.




Step
4



Remember ice cube trays make a practical container for holding earrings. You probably don't want an ice cube tray sitting out on your dresser, but it may fit nicely in a drawer. You can even stack multiple ice cube trays full of earrings in a drawer.




Step
5



Be aware clip-on earrings can easily snap onto a thick piece of ribbon. Let ribbons dangle from a hanger, and you can organize dozens and dozens of clip-on earrings.




Step
6



Staple a piece of window screening into a picture frame. The earrings fit through the tiny spaces in the screen, and you can see them all at once. Choose a frame that complements the theme in your bedroom or bathroom and your

earring


organizer will fit right in.




Step
7



Find a wide piece of lace and hang it on the wall just from the top. Your earrings can fit in all the holes.







Tips & Warnings









Be creative. Once you start thinking of other ways to use things, you may find many items in your home that could be used for organizing jewelry.








If you haven't worn a pair of earrings in the last year, give it away. It's just clutter.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2276819_organize-earrings.html

How to organize a successful clothing swap

How to organize a successful clothing swap



Hosting a successful clothing swap can be fun and adventurous. If you have several friends that are the same size as you then test it out first amongst yourself. If you want to have more people then you can post flyer's locally or get it out by word of mouth through friends and family







Things You'll Need:





Clothing in good condition you wish to trade



Friends and family members to come









Step
1



Here are tips that should ensure a fun evening of clothing swapping ~

1. Gather all you clothing that is in good shape together and have all your friends and family do the same.




Step
2



2. Invite everyone that you know that you think has great fashion sense and is close to your size and have them invite their friends and family as well. The more people that show up, the more clothing to swap.




Step
3



3. Make sure that you have a couple of full length mirrors available for people to see themselves. If you do not have any them borrow some from a neighbor or someone that you know. Set them up in areas that are available and comfortable for others to check themselves out.




Step
4



4. If two people are fighting over the same item then have them do something fun to settle who gets it first. Like a coin toss or have them each try it on and have a vote in who should get it, or make up some other fun game, whatever you think is fun at the moment.




Step
5



5. Allow all types of clothing so there is a wide variety and not just what is on season or style at the moment. Allow everyone to choose what style they wish to bring as long as it is in good condition.




Step
6



Have fun with it and watch the ladies have fun as well. When there is clothing involved most women do not need anything else to have a good time. It is a fun way of shopping and keeping your money at home. Watching someone else share the appreciation for clothing that you once admired yourself is fun.

Clothes swapping allows you and your friends to be well dressed at a great price.







Tips & Warnings









Be careful about allowing strangers into your home








Try thins with your children's clothing as well








When possible fights arise, find a peaceful solution



http://www.ehow.com/how_2199261_organize-successful-clothing-swap.html

How to Organize a Clothes Swap

How to Organize a Clothes Swap



A clothes swap is a great way to de-clutter your closet and enjoy guilt-free shopping at the same time. Swap participants bring unwanted or unused clothing to a meeting place, where everyone "shops" for a new (and free) wardrobe. Organizing your own clothes swap is a great way to get people together and have some fun.







Things You'll Need:





Unwanted clothing



A swap venue



Several tables



Refreshments (optional)









Step
1



Select a venue. If you are planning a small swap amongst
girlfriends
you can host the clothes swap at someone's home. If you are planning a larger swap, you'll need to find a venue such as a hotel banquet room or coffee shop. If there is a reservation fee involved, consider charging a nominal entry fee for the swap, to recover your costs.




Step
2



Spread the word. Set a
date
for your clothes swap and start spreading the word. Talk to your girlfriends and encourage them to invite their own friends.




Step
3



Set the ground rules. Everyone who attends the swap will want the opportunity to find treasures, not trash. Make a list of swapping rules (like no holes, no stains, etc.) and share them with the participants beforehand.




Step
4



Set up the swap. Label several tables beforehand with clothing types (such as jeans, dresses, shorts, etc.) When the guests arrive, ask them to sort their clothing onto the tables.




Step
5



"Shop" until you drop. Enjoy the free "shopping" spree with your girlfriends.




Step
6



Donate the leftovers. Chances are, you'll have leftover items when the swap has ended. Pick a local thrift store or charity (such as a homeless or domestic violence shelter) and deliver the remaining items to them.







Tips & Warnings









If two people are eying the same item, make it fun by having them draw straws or flip a coin to determine the winner.








Set up a private dressing area or encourage the swappers to wear bathing suits underneath their clothing, so that they can try things on.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2067494_organize-clothes-swap.html

How to Neutralize Chlorine in Bathing Suits

How to Neutralize Chlorine in Bathing Suits



Chlorine smells. It is rumored to turn dyed hair green. It is known to wreak havoc on a favorite swimsuit. While this strong chemical is essential in the pool for the sake of hygiene, it poses a far from friendly environment for bathing suits. To keep a suit in good condition and extends its life, it is necessary to neutralize the effects of residual chlorine.







Things You'll Need:





2 tbsp. vinegar



Chlor-Out



Chlorine-resistant swimsuit









Step
1



Rinse your bathing suit with cool water immediately after

swimming


in a chlorinated pool to help neutralize the effects of the pool chemicals. Don't just hop in the shower while wearing your swimsuit. Remove your suit and run it under cool tap water for a few minutes to get out as much chlorine as you can before washing it.




Step
2



Soak your bathing suit in a sink of very cool water with 2 tablespoons of vinegar. Vinegar is a good general neutralizer. Don't worry about the smell. You can remove the vinegar scent when you wash your suit.




Step
3



Purchase a bottle of Chlor-Out if you are a frequent pool swimmer. This product added to a sink full of cool water will neutralize the chlorine that remains in your suit following swimming. This is a product used in aquariums, but many swimmers swear by its effectiveness in getting chlorine out of bathing suits and claim it is gentle to the fabric.




Step
4



Shower between your swimming sessions. Don't get out of the pool and sit on a lounge chair before you take the time to rinse off the chlorine. You should ideally remove your suit in the locker room, rinse it well for several minutes in cool water and then put on your swimsuit again.




Step
5



Invest in a swimsuit that is made to be chlorine resistant. Always check the label, where information will be given as to whether the suit is made of chlorine-resistant material.







Tips & Warnings









Switch out bathing suits if you are going to be spending your summer at a pool. By limiting the use of each one and taking proper care of them, they will last longer in the chlorine environment.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2228127_neutralize-chlorine-bathing-suits.html

How to Modify a Dress Pattern

How to Modify a Dress Pattern



What to do when you're not a standard size, but want a beautifully fitted dress anyway.







Things You'll Need:





Model



Measuring Tape



Pins



Paper Scissors



Embroidery Snips



Cloth Scissors



Waste Muslin



Adjustable Dress Form



Sewing Machine



Fabric



Thread



Notions



Patience









Step
1



Pick out the dress pattern that you want to modify. Choose pattern sizing by the hip and bust size of the person whom it is for, hereafter called the model.




Step
2



Using tape measure, carefully measure the model's hip, bust, waist, length of back from neck to waist, neck to hip, and neck to heel. Write all measurements down.




Step
3



Adjust dressform to match written measurements precisely.




Step
4



Using paper scissors and embroidery snips for tight corners and pattern notches, carefully cut dress pattern out in the closest approximate size, gotten from the measurements and the size chart featured on dress pattern packages.




Step
5



Lay dress pattern out on waste muslin as if it were the dress material. When satisfied with layout, pin down.




Step
6



Cut dress pattern out of waste muslin with cloth scissors, using embroidery snips for tight corners and pattern notches.




Step
7



Sew all seams together, allowing the seam measurements called for in the dress pattern, usually 5/8th of an inch. Do not hem or add trim, buttons, or fastenings, this is just a model shell.




Step
8



Pin muslin shell onto the dressform at the shoulders for stability. See where the shell does not fit, and use the pins to take up excess fabric until it does fit. Pin excess fabric away from the dressform carefully.




Step
9



Snip away excess fabric and sew seams where the cuts are to make the shell fit properly.




Step
10



Take muslin shell carefully apart with a seam ripper to get the dress pattern you will be using on your good fabric.




Step
11



Lay out muslin dress pattern pieces on your good fabric, aligning all pieces to take advantage of fabric pattern or nap, if there is any. Once happy with the alignment, pin pattern pieces in place, and cut out carefully with cloth scissors.




Step
12



Again with suggested seam allowance, sew all pattern pieces together as per dress pattern instructions. Fit to dress form or model one more time to ensure fit, and pin up hem to desired length. Trim and hem according to dress pattern directions.







Tips & Warnings









Wash all washable fabric before use, as fabric generally comes with sizing. The fabric can shrink upon first washing, so you want to be sure that's before sewing, not after.








If not already familiar with your sewing machine, dig out the manual and make friends with it








If you are going to make a mistake, it is far better to make it on the muslin shell than the good fabric.








It is generally a good idea to try the muslin shell on the model before taking it apart to make sure it really fits.








Measure the hem while it is hanging on either the dressform or the model to ensure it falls evenly all the way around.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2110611_modify-dress-pattern.html

How to Model Swimsuits for a Beauty Pageant

How to Model Swimsuits for a Beauty Pageant



The swimsuit competition can be the most intimidating portion of a
beauty
pageant competition. Plenty of poise and a quick pace can make it easier for the contestant to model her swimsuit in a beauty pageant.









Step
1



Prepare your body prior to the pageant. This competition is sometimes called "physical fitness in swimsuit," so the judges are looking to see how physically fit you are. Stay trim and toned with a
healthy
diet


and frequent exercise. Spend extra time toning your legs and buttocks, as these tend to be problem areas for many women. Your thighs should be super tight when walking the runway to avoid unattractive jiggling. Knowing that your body is in its best possible shape boosts your confidence in the pageant.




Step
2



Secure your swimsuit properly. Use tape or spray adhesive on the bottom of your suit to prevent it from riding up when you walk. If you are a newcomer to the pageant scene, enlist a veteran contestant to assist you with this beauty pageant rite of passage.




Step
3



Choose a high-heeled shoe. This lengthens the leg and gives a leaner silhouette on the stage. Choose a clear pump or nude shoe to avoid distracting footwear.




Step
4



Move with energy, and at a brisk pace. The modeling of a swimsuit should be one of the peppiest most upbeat moments of a pageant. Take advantage of this tempo to strut your stuff and show your personality on stage.




Step
5



Make eye contact with the judges and the audience. This helps show your confidence and helps you connect with the judges. Scan the audience with your eyes while smiling brightly. The swimsuit competition is not only about your body; your face and personality are on display as well.




Step
6



Strike poses that are flattering. A bent knee and an angled pose when you stop and pause is flattering to the figure and shows a certain level of confidence.







Tips & Warnings









Avoid standing with your back to the audience and judges during the swimsuit competition. Make broad sweeping turns and don't pause with your rear end toward the judges. This prevents them from scrutinizing your backside too closely.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2267399_model-swimsuits-beauty-pageant.html

How to Model for American Apparel

How to Model for American Apparel



American Apparel is one of the fastest growing companies in the U.S. More than this, however, the company has transformed itself from a mere fashion concern into a fashion idea, a trend unto itself. Modeling for the company has a very definite meaning, as American Apparel models have a distinctly American Apparel look. Follow a few steps to model for the up-and-coming company.









Step
1



Learn the American Apparel look. It might be difficult to explain in words, but American Apparel has a look. It's mindful of haute couture as it sneers at high fashion; and it evokes the values of fur while putting more store in animal rights than high design. Look at American Apparel catalogs, clothing and videos to try to internalize the image.




Step
2



Act the part. American Apparel look is as much about a swagger and a disinterested look in the eye as it is about clothes. You should innovate your own style on the basis of American Apparel designs, but also take care to carry yourself correctly. It's not a nose in the air, one foot in front of the other demeanor the company is looking for, so be relaxed and casual to act American Apparel cool.




Step
3



Be in the right place at the right time. The company has been known to spot models on the street as well as in its stores. While hanging around the stores is not a bad way to get noticed, working in one of them is even better. Try getting a job as a salesperson as American Apparel to catch someone's eye.




Step
4



Get an agent or talent representation. At the end of the day, a talent agent is most likely to place you in a American Apparel ads. Find a good talent agent in your area who can get you in front of American Apparel marketing execs to give you your chance at becoming a model for the company.


http://www.ehow.com/how_2068155_model-american-apparel.html