Herbs are not only great additions to recipes and dishes, but they also hold major health benefits. In fact, some herbs are so good for you that many dietary supplements and medications consist largely of these natural ingredients. The healing power of these herbs is so great, that sites such as Mommy Authority write about them as topics of discussion. 

Let’s take a closer look at some of the top herbs and their health benefits.

Cinnamon 

This spice is made from the bark of several types of trees that belong to the Cinnamomum species. Mainly used in recipes and products as an aromatic condiment, this herb lends itself to sweet and savory. On top of being a delicious condiment for pancakes and pastries, cinnamon also has a wide variety of health benefits. 

Cinnamon contains a powerful antioxidant called polyphenol that helps the body fight free radicals. This spice also has anti-inflammatory properties, can protect and decrease the risk of heart disease, improves your sensitivity to hormone insulin and lowers blood sugar levels, which makes it a great anti-diabetic herb. 

Turmeric 

Mostly used in eastern cuisine, this bright yellow or orange powder is derived from the flowering plant Zingiberaceae and forms part of the ginger family. Normally used to give curry its distinctive color and add earthiness to a dish, this herb has long been used for its healing characteristics. 

Containing curcuminoids, a powerful medicinal element, turmeric is a great anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. This compound found in turmeric has also been associated with improved cognitive function and decreasing the risk of brain diseases. As such, many studies have explored the preventative effects of turmeric could have on Alzheimer's Disease.

Holy Basil 

Also known as Ocimum tenuiflorum, Holy Basil is an aromatic plant that is mostly cultivated in the Indian subcontinent and in the Southeast Asian tropics. Grown for its use in many religious and traditional medicinal applications and for the essential oil that can be made from its leaves, Holy Basil is also used in Ayurvedic medicine as a herbal tea. 

This herb is a great immune booster and can help the body fight against infection. It has a long list of known health benefits including its antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and pain killing capabilities. 

Cayenne

This pepper is a moderately hot chili that is used to add heat and flavor to dishes. The powder which is most commonly used across the world is made from a skinny red pepper that is dried and ground. While it is most frequently used in cuisine - cayenne is also used as a herbal and health supplement. 

The capsaicin in cayenne pepper can greatly improve digestive health and speed up a person’s metabolism. This herb also has the ability to curb hunger, reduce pain and improve blood pressure levels. 

Ginger

Ginger is the root of a flowering plant that is used in many recipes as well as herbal remedies across the globe in many cultures. This herb is jammed packed with nutrients and bioactive compounds that make it one of the healthiest herbs around. 

Ginger contains a compound called Gingerol which contributes to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. This herb has also been used to treat nausea and the various types of reasons you would become sick, like morning sickness. 

Garlic 

This herb not only keeps vampires at bay but boasts a range of health benefits. A great taste addition to most savory dishes, garlic is part of the onion genus, Allium and has been consumed by humans for many thousands of years. 

Garlic is rich in minerals that help to boost the immune system. This is why garlic has been said to help combat the common cold and flu. This herb also helps curb blood pressure and cholesterol levels, as well as plays a positive role in the development and health of the brain. 

If you are trying to improve your health, why not investigate the world of benefits that natural herbs can offer. A pill or medication may be the quickest solution, but is it the healthiest? By increasing your intake of one or more of the herbs on the list, you could reap the rewards yourself. 

Mouthwash Matters 

On television commercials and in magazine articles, people sing praise to the latest whitening fads, from kinds of toothpaste to strips to trays to tech devices. Everyone wants the look of a bright, beaming, beautiful smile. However, how often do you hear about oral health? 

Beyond brushing and flossing, rinsing with mouthwash is the healthiest thing you can do for your smile. Mouthwash has a multitude of benefits. It: 

• Cleans hard-to-reach crevices of the tongue and cheeks

• Rinses bacteria

• Fights against tooth decay

• Counters gingivitis

• Promotes healthy teeth and gums

• Freshens breath 

Some varieties of mouthwash cater to special oral needs by reporting whitening benefits and dry mouth curing properties. They can also help with other issues like fungus, which can appear as a black spot on your tongue. In this particular example, make sure you check with your doctor if the spot does not go away after using your mouthwash regularly.

Despite the advantages of traditional over-the-counter varieties, these options have their downsides. The main disadvantage is that supermarket varieties are antiseptics that destroy the microbial balance in your mouth. Imagine consuming a daily antibiotic to avoid getting sick. That would wreak havoc on your body, so why do that to your mouth? Good bacteria are usually discussed in terms of the gut but do not neglect them in your mouth. Instead, use homemade mouthwash recipes to boost your dental routine. 

Have you heard suspicions about the artificial additives in the food we eat every day? From sodas to prepackaged foods, you have surely heard the criticisms. If you have cleaned up your diet, also consider your body, face, and mouth care products. 

Traditional mouthwashes are loaded with two pesky ingredients: artificial sweeteners and alcohol. Both of these ingredients can burn and irritate sensitive mouths. If you experience dry mouth, consider that the ingredients in your oral care products may be to blame. 

Alcohol—including the ever-popular ethanol—can exasperate dry mouth, also known as xerostomia. So, t turns out that parched mouth you are experiencing may not be from nerves or dehydration. If a health condition is contributing to your dry mouth, the alcohol in oral hygiene products on the market probably irritate and inflame the issue. Natural solutions avoid that issue entirely. Plus, alcohol-free options are proven to give people glossier, brighter, whiter teeth that will be in less need of dental restoration. Why wait to try out these healthier choices for a happier mouth? 

Now that you know most mouthwashes on the market do more harm than good in your mouth, consider going the DIY route. However, can you actually trust that mild, home crafted rinses will provide the benefits you need? Yes! Natural solutions offer four key benefits that you would want in any mouthwash. They work to: 

• Prevent plaque build-up

• Loosen food particles

• Health canker sores/ulcers in the mouth

• Help keep cavities away 

The best part is that the benefits can be customized by tweaking recipe ingredients. Experiment to tailor them to your needs and wants. So, what can those pre-made mouthwashes do those natural ones cannot? Not much. Keep reading for two great recipes to start your journey into natural oral care. 

The great thing about these two simple mouthwash recipes is that whether you are a seasoned natural health lover or new to the natural lifestyle, you will probably have these ingredients in your bathroom and kitchen cabinets. That makes these unbeatable in the convenience and accessibility departments. What can you lose by giving these a try? Make it a fun project with craft groups or kids to explore hands-on health hacks together. 

Want a quick tip? Just be sure to re-make homemade mouthwashes daily. The lack of preservatives means that these healthier options have a short shelf life. 

This is a mouthwash that packs the invigoration of traditional mouthwashes without the dryness, sensitivity, and disruption to your mouth. Hydrogen peroxide is the base of this quick fix. It is a natural antiseptic that berates the bad bacteria, sending gingivitis and plaque out your trap. Peppermint essential oil will work to freshen breath and treat canker sores, oral wounds, and swollen gums. 

Ingredients

• 1 cup of filtered water

• 1 cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide

• 6 drops of peppermint essential oil 

To make, combine water, hydrogen peroxide, and peppermint essential oil in a glass jar. Then, shake it. To use, swish approximately an ounce of the mixture in your mouth for ten seconds. Spit the rinse out, and reap the advantages. 

This recipe is another quick, easy, functional option. Baking soda is known as a tooth whitening back, but it is used in this recipe for its antibacterial properties that eliminate bad breath and prevent gum diseases including gingivitis. Tea tree oil is recommended to avoid bad breath and heal sores. Peppermint and spearmint oils will combat the heavy scent of tea tree oil and finish this rinse off with a refreshing note, much more palatable to those weaning off of pre-made oral care items. However, feel free to adapt the essential oils to meet your needs. Some people enjoy a citrus oil blend or a cinnamon oil blend. 

Ingredients

• 1 cup of water

• 1 teaspoon of baking soda

• Essential oils 

To make, in a mason jar, add warm water. To that, add in the baking soda. Once that has dissolved, add in desired essential oils. Try out 5 drops of tea tree oil and 7 drops of peppermint or spearmint oil. Shake or whisk together ingredients. To use, swish a big mouthful of the concoction in the mouth before spitting. 

Bonus: something completely different

If you can’t be bothered to mix your own mouthwash, there is an old Ayurvedic practice you might want to try: Oil Pulling. This basically means swishing a tablespoon of coconut, sesame or sunflower oil around your mouth for 20 minutes. Then you spit it out and rinse your mouth with salted water. After which you brush and floss. The oil is said to pull toxins from your mouth, as well as loosen up any debris and plaque. People have also reported getting whiter teeth. 

With such uncomplicated ways to experiment with better-for-you oral hygiene, mouthwash is an easy swap to make if you want to dip your toes into natural health and beauty options. 

Paired with a solid routine of brushing and flossing twice daily, this mouthwash can perfect your smile in terms of health and beauty. Try out these recipes and share your results.

When I was very young, I began to be conscious of my body image at age 10. I heard my friends talking about menstruation, baby bra, pubic hair (Yes, they were talking about it.), spray net, body mists, and deodorants. I was so hesitant to ask my mom about that stuff. All I remember was she taught me to use Avon's Feeling Fresh Deodorant after taking a bath or shower because I was complaining that "Tawas", the antiperspirant/deodorant recommended by my grandmother, made my armpits sweaty and sticky. "Feeling Fesh" became my best partner in keeping myself free from body and armpit odor aside from using an antibacterial soap, Safeguard, to wash my body, and Palmolive Shampoo to wash my hair. These three products worked for my body chemistry and helped me to become free from body odor especially armpit odor at a very young age. That's why when I became a mom, I did the same thing with my boys. Like my mom did, starting them young worked.

Kuya and Bunso would easily get sweaty and their armpits would smell stinky or "maasim" when they reached the age of three. Paps and I encouraged them to use Arm and Hammer Deodorant after taking a bath using Safeguard Pink because after trying and testing, we discovered that these two brands suited their body chemistry. They would always stay fresh for the whole day. During that time when Arm & Hammer Advance Original would easily go out of stock, I would let them use Milcu Underarm & Foot Deodorant Powder, which they would usually apply on their feet before putting their shoes on.

Preventing Armpit Odor

Our family uses Arm & Hammer Advance Original and Milcu Underarm & Foot Deodorant Powder as deodorants for years. Why? They are safe to use, easy to find (Arm & Hammer doesn't go out of stock anymore.), versatile, don't stain clothing, keep the armpits dry and fresh-smelling, and protects the armpits from bacteria build-up and odor for 24 hours.

Instilling good grooming and hygiene in all forms should be done during our kids' formative years. Reminding them constantly and teaching by example are two of the best means to educate kids on practicing good grooming and hygiene. In doing so, they can never forget the importance of keeping themselves clean, neat, and well-groomed. Forming a habit can lead to better body image projection and not feeling inferior.

*****
The contents of this article were lifted from my messages to two teenage boys who asked me about my recommended deodorant brands a few years ago. To know some details about it, you may visit #AskAAPM for details.

Do you have balance problems, or suffer from dizziness? Do you feel extreme nausea or an aversion to bright lights? These could be symptoms of labyrinthitis, an inner ear infection that can be severely debilitating and can even lead to hearing loss. If you think that you may have labyrinthitis, it's important that you seek expert medical help at the earliest opportunity. This can alleviate the symptoms, and lead to a quicker recovery. Here are four facts about labyrinthitis:

What is Labyrinthitis?

Labyrinthitis is so called because it is a condition that causes inflammation of the inner ear canal, an area of the body known as the labyrinth. Because the labyrinth is inflamed, it can't function as it usually would. As one of the labyrinth's duties is to regulate balance, it typically produces a lack of balance or coordination, along with severe and prolonged spells of dizziness.

The Causes of Labyrinthitis

The most common cause of labyrinthitis is an infection – usually viral. It can also occur as the result of a head trauma, an allergy or reaction to medicine, or as a side effect of extreme stress. It is often the case that labyrinthitis follows an upper respiratory tract infection or flu. As the early symptoms of labyrinthitis can be flu-like, some patient may think that they are still suffering from that initial condition.

Sufferers of labyrinthitis may feel very ill and have difficulty in carrying out their everyday functions. Appearance-wise, however, they may not look any different, except when their balance problems become apparent. It is effectively an invisible illness, and this can bring added difficulties to the sufferer. Some people have difficulty in perceiving that an invisible illness can be severe, so sufferers may be made to feel that they are making the illness up or exaggerating the effects of their condition. This can result in sufferers feeling isolated or even more stressed. A doctor who specializes in the treatment of labyrinthitis can provide support and information that will help you cope with this. 

Labyrinthitis may resolve spontaneously after a few weeks, but it may also linger or re-occur for long periods afterward. This is one reason that it's essential to get expert medical help. There is also the possibility that the condition can cause long-term or permanent damage to the balance and auditory system.

One form of treatment is designed to restore balance control, this is known as vestibular rehabilitation therapy. The sufferer will follow a series of carefully implemented exercise, designed to retrain the brain's balance function. These can include concentrating on a fixed point while moving the head from side to side, or movements that are designed to create dizziness and eventually reduce the negative vestibular reactions that they would usually cause.

Antibiotics can also be prescribed to fight any infection or virus that is causing the labyrinthitis, whilst other drugs can prove useful if administered early enough. If you have any symptoms of labyrinthitis, you should contact your ear, nose and throat doctor today.

Vertigo, dizziness, or a spinning sensation can be very frightening. If you have been suffering from disorders of the hearing and balance system, the professionals at the Becker Ear, Nose & Throat Center can provide specialized care that is tailored for you. Get the help you need, visit their website now at https://www.beckerent.com.

This is a guest post.

My friends always ask me how I manage to stay sane after twelve years of being a stay-at-home mom. I tell them that within those years of ups and downs, I learn to choose and prioritize what truly matters. Over my personal concerns and aspirations, I always put my family first. To keep the household running smoothly and my loved ones keep going while attending to my freelancing responsibilities, I never stop learning, experimenting, and keeping in mind the things and practices that work for my family. 

However, no matter how mindful I am when it comes to my duties as a mom, it is inevitable that sickness sometimes inflict me or my family members. This is the situation that I really, really don't want. Sickness is part of life, as they say, but it disrupts the smooth flow of the household and family mechanics. It is more difficult especially when the family has no helper or relative to depend on to look after the kids or do important errands while parents attend to their sick child. It is most difficult when parents themselves are the ones who are sick. When kids get sick, they miss school attendance. Furthermore, catching up after recovery causes stress not just on the kids but the entire family as well. These scenarios, like in other families, have happened to us a few times already that's why having a sick family member or getting sick seems to be traumatic for me.

Speaking of keeping in mind the things and practices that work to keep the smooth flow of our family life which includes staying healthy and well, we rely on eating a balanced meal, practicing a regular exercise regimen, staying hydrated, avoiding food and activities that aggravate our health weaknesses, having the right sleep, and of course, taking the safe and effective supplements to enhance our sound well-being. An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure, isn't it? That's why in our home, taking Vitamin C is a staple part of our health practices. For Loley, Paps, and I, our most trusted Vitamin C brand is Fern-C while Bunso takes its version for young kids, Fern-C kidz.

I am a meticulous mom and I only want what's best for my family especially for my kids. "Silipin ang C" matters to me that's why I choose Fern-C kidz. Through the years, its reliability, quality, and safety remain the same. 

Fern-C kidz is Bunso's dependable daily immunity buddy, a quality Vitamin C with Zinc that helps improve immunity, has non-acidic Vitamin C that doesn't disturb his tummy's integrity, and has Quali-C seal that ensures superb quality. 

Fern-C kidz is a Sodium Ascorbate syrup for kids with the same Vitamin C used in Fern-C, the number one Sodium Ascorbate Vitamin C in the market today.

I noticed a big change in our family's health and wellness when we chose Fern-C kidz kaya hindi ito mawawala kailanman sa aming tahanan. Like our family, always "Silipin ang C". Have your kids take Fern-C kidz and you'll never go wrong. 

For more information, follow Fern-C kidz on Facebook.

Courtesy: https://unsplash.com/photos/IqHuJ_Ceq60

It is never too late to instill healthy nutritional values to your children. In the United States, we have just finished Easter celebrations. As with most celebrations and holidays, the event was a reason to overload our kids with sugary sweets. As we deal with tummy aches, children on sugar-rushes followed by the dreaded sugar-crashes, we think there must be a better way,

Consider the following:

A child has limited space in their stomach. Excessive treats loaded with sugar leave no room for foods with nutritional values. 

Sugar-filled treats stick to a child's teeth. It is difficult to brush a toddler's teeth effectively. If they fall asleep after eating sugar, the sugar eats away at their teeth for an extended period of time. This leads to long-term dental health issues.

Sugar causes your child's insulin levels to rise too quickly to process sugar in their blood. The rise can cause hyperactivity and discomfort. This is followed by a fast and hard drop in the insulin levels once the sugar has been distributed. A high blood-sugar count followed by a sugar-crash makes even seasoned adults feel ill. 

When you eat sugar, your body craves more sugar. A child who is allowed to consume sugar at will can quickly become obese. Sugar affects the brain, and the body craves the “feel-good hormone” it initiates. 

Why would any parent want to allow these medical problems in their young child? Sure, the child is temporarily happy to have their sugar fix, but a smart parent weighs it out and soon decides that omitting sugar is much easier on their child than do damage control.

Courtesy: https://unsplash.com/photos/eo11MS0FSnk

Changing your lifestyle

We all agree that we should do better. But, some of us have the feeling that we are somehow depriving our kids if we cut out all the sweet treats that the other kids get. While this is a misplaced concern, we feel it, so it is valid. Perhaps we should use the rule of quality over quantity. For example, a child that receives an Easter basket that is filled with books, small toys, and activities is just as exciting as a basket that is filled with candy. If you include a small Ghiradelli candy treat, the child is perfectly happy. They got a reasonable and quality treat and will have the thrill of their toys long after the sugar filled baskets are empty. 

You are not putting your children on a diet. You are teaching them the proper way to eat. You must have open conversations with them about your food rules. You will have to share these instructions with other adults in their lives. Your child will not have one bad side-effect of living without sugar. They can have reasonable treats, but they do not have to contain sugar. Keep treats for their special days and parties. Your child will be just as excited to have a sugar-free candy as they would be if it contained sugar. Keep a stash at your parents or caregivers homes. If they are tempted to treat the child, they have an acceptable option. 

Talk to your children. Have them help you make a list of their favorite foods that are healthy They will soon see there are many foods that they like that they can have. 

Let your children help make treats for holidays as part of the fun. There are tins of DIY treats available online that are made from fruits, veggies, and berries. Get creative and conquer the sugar beast in your home. 

As your child grows, they will branch out and try different things. However, by then, they will have developed a taste for good and healthy food. They will have been taught to recognize the health effects they experience when they eat sugar and they will opt on their own to stay with what they know. It will not be difficult for them. You will have effectively taught them that they eat to live. They do not live to eat. What a wonderful gift to them that is. 

Here are some other tips:

Keep a sugar-free home.

Set a good example. This is a family lifestyle.

Have foods that they like and that they can eat, on hand.

Have sugar-free candy on hand for treats you want to give them.

Use natural products like honey to sweeten baked goods.

Select your battles. Do not make a big deal out of a small issue. If you have to address an issue, address it with the adults in the situation, not the child. 

Written by:

Wendy Dessler