Remedies For Soothing Hot Pepper Stings.

Peppers are good for consumption and health but they are nasty on the hands that cut or handle them,

skins that touch them and eyes that come in contact with them. This is due to the burning and stinging effects of capsaicin, the component that gives peppers their hotness and medicinal properties.

Handling peppers is not avoidable if you cook with them and they leave a burning sensation on your hands long after you have handled them, but there are remedies available in your kitchen or home which you can use to soothe or reduce the pain.The best remedy is to prevent the sting in the first place by wearing gloves before handling them. Below are

ten of some the remedies that will work for finding relief.

1. Palm oil and other vegetable oils. Rub some oil on your hands before cutting or handling pepper. You can also apply palm oil, coconut oil, shea butter, olive oil and other oils after washing off with dish soap. A mixture of palm oil and ashes is commonly used in South West Nigeria.
2. Salt. Apply salt to your hands and leave for some time before washing off. You can also mix some salt in water and soak your hands in it for some time for relief.
3. Baking soda. Make a paste by mixing some baking soda and water. Apply to your hands and allow it to dry before washing it off.
4. Bleach and water. Wash your hands with a weak solution of bleach and water and then rinse off with water.
5. Aloe vera. Apply aloe vera gel on the hands after washing with soap.
6. Banana flesh or peel. Rub some banana skin or flesh on the stinging area.
7. Apple cider vinegar. Make some apple cider solution and soak your hands in it for about 0 to 15 minutes.
8. Lime or lemon juice. Rub some lime or lemon juice on your hands and leave on for about minutes. You can also soak your hands in some lime and water mixture.
9. Alcohol. Rub alcohol on your hands or mix some alcoholic drink with some water and soak your hands in it for some time.
10. Milk or yoghurt. Rub milk or yoghurt on the hands and leave for 15 minutes before washing off.

Most of these remedies are for the hands, mouth or skin. Use only water or slightly salty solution to rinse your eyes if they come in contact with pepper.

Share effective local remedies for pepper stings that you know below or by email to yvonnebosede06@gmail.com. Follow on Twitter @heal2bwell.

Do We Really Need Trans Fats?

Trans fats are artificially created by adding hydrogen atoms to unsaturated fats at high pressure. This process changes the unsaturated fat from liquid to solid at room temperature. They are also called hydrogenated fats.

Trans fats are for produced in commercial quantities and used only for aesthetic reasons and their
more desirable physical properties. Although they are edible, they offer virtually no positive benefit to health. This is because the body finds it difficult to metabolize them. They are used because;

• They have a longer shelf life.
• They stabilize the flavours of food products they are used in.
• They do not leave an oily feel.
• They are cheap.
• They are solid at room temperature.

Trans fats were developed to replace butter and some examples of food that contain them are snacks, baked food products like cakes, doughnuts, cookies and pies. Margarine and most oils that are used in frying also belong to this category of oil.

Some of the disadvantages of trans fats consumption are;

1. They cause damage to the arteries by increasing systemic inflammation which increase the risk of heart disease and stroke and a lot of chronic conditions.
2. They increase low density lipoprotein (LDL) levels in the blood and reduce high density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. LDLs are harmful and contribute
3. They increase the risk of diabetes by increasing insulin resistance.
4. They increase triglycerides levels in the body.

The process of hydrogenation turns good unsaturated oils to solids which harm the body and they provide no energy for the body.

Some trans fats are found in trace amounts naturally in meat and dairy products such as beef, butter, milk and pork. These natural trans fats are chemically different from the artificial ones and can be metabolized by the body.

So, why should you consume or use artificial trans fats with their negative impacts on the body when you can use natural vegetable oils and butter? Natural fats are beneficial to health and are needed by the body for a lot of functions including fighting inflammation and increasing HDLs. 

Good food is good medicine. Share your opinions about trans fats below. Follow on Twitter @heal2bwell for updates.

Waterleaf For Weight Loss, Diabetes and Heart Health.

Waterleaf is a vegetable with light green leaves and pink flowers. The botanical name is Talinum triangulare while it is called locally in parts of Nigeria as gbure, alenruwa, inene and nte oka. The leaves and the succulent stems are consumed as vegetables while the whole plant is used medicinally. It is classified as a weed in some parts of the world where it is not eaten because it grows abundantly in the rainy season.

Nutritional content and some properties of waterleaf.

Waterleaf is a good source of soluble fiber, vitamins A and C, some minerals like iron and calcium and proteins. Like most leafy vegetables, it is low in calories. It contains flavonoids which are antioxidants which help the body prevent oxidative stress or the ravages of free radicals. Waterleaf contains some alkaloids, saponins and tannins. The leaves and stem also have mucilaginous properties.

Health Benefits of waterleaf.

1. Waterleaf can promote weight loss because of its low calories and high fiber content.
2. Waterleaf can help with treating diabetes by regulating blood sugar levels.
3. Waterleaf consumption can reduce blood cholesterol levels because of its soluble fiber content.
4. It can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases including lowering blood pressure.
5. Waterleaf is a mild laxative and can be used to treat constipation or irregular stools.
6. Waterleaf has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which makes it useful in treating chronic inflammatory diseases.

Waterleaf definitely has positive health effects on the body when consumed regularly. It is used in Nigeria to cook mainly vegetable soups alone or in combination with some other vegetables. Waterleaf with alligator pepper seeds is used to treat high blood pressure in Nigeria. Yes, humble waterleaf is a good healer.

Share the local name and uses of waterleaf in your locality below or by email to yvonnebosede06@gmail.com. Follow on Twitter @heal2bwell for updates. 

Home Remedies For Getting Rid Of Cold Sores Fast.

Cold sores are uncomfortable and painful blisters on or around the lips which are caused by the herpes simplex virus. They are also called fever blisters or sores, mouth sore or lip sores.  The first symptom of a cold sore is itching and tingling in the affected area, followed by the appearance of blisters which exude fluids and then the blisters dry and form scabs. Most cold sores clear up on their own within 7 to 14 days of discomfort and pain.

Once the herpes simplex virus has been contracted, it can lie dormant for long periods of time to reoccur when the body immunity is low, when the individual is going through stress or illness etc.

For these embarrassing blisters, some herbal remedies can be used to reduce the pain, discomfort  and healing time. Viruses thrive in acidic environments (low pH), so using herbs that increase the alkalinity of your body or applying on the sores, will kill the viruses quickly.

Herbs with antiviral properties can be used as teas and infusions to drink. Their extracts, infused oils

or juices can be applied on the sores. These herbs will also fight a lot of infections including flu and cold.

1. Garlic.
2. Ginger.      
3. Turmeric.
4. Cinnamon.
5. Lemon balm leaves.
6. Witch hazel leaves.
7. Yarrow flowers.
8. Licorice root.
9. Echinacea.
10. Oregano.
11. St John’s wort.
12. Olive leaves.

Some other remedies that help to treat cold sores are.

1. Baking soda. Baking soda will increase alkalinity of the body. Also make a paste of baking soda.
2. Cornstarch paste. Make a paste to apply on the sores. This will increase alkalinity.
3. Aloe vera . Aloe vera has good healing properties that can speed healing.
4. Hydrogen peroxide. Dab some on the sores several times a day.
5. Ice. As soon as you feel the symptoms, start to put ice on the area to prevent the occurrence.
6. Vitamin C promotes healing inside out. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables that have vitamin C.

It is advisable to avoid touching so that you don’t spread the highly contagious virus to other parts of

the body and further infect the sores with other microbes like bacteria. Preventing the occurrence of cold sores is important. Avoid factors that contribute to stress and low immunity help to reduce or prevent their occurrence.

Leave your comment, feedback or question below or send by email to yvonnebosede06@gmail.com. Follow on Twitter @heal2bwell for updates.

Boost Your Wellness With Regular Massage.

Massage is described as the art or act of rubbing and kneading of the body muscles and joints using the hands or instruments to stimulate circulation. Getting a massage is something most of us do not do as often as we should and this makes us lose out on the fantastic benefits of massage. Getting a massage is important for boosting your wellness.

Some of the benefits of regular massage.

1. It can relieve chronic pain and aches.
2. It relaxes the muscles and reduces muscle soreness.
3. Massage relieves stress.
4. It is a sleep aid.
5. Massage improves circulation of body fluids.
6. It reduces anxiety. 
7. It improves flexibility and reduces stiffness.
8. Massage supports the immune system.
9. Massage will boost your mood.
10. It helps with relaxation.

Massage gives you a wonderful feeling that cannot be described but is better experienced. Most of us miss out on this because we are afraid of the cost or do not have the time due to busy schedules. You may not necessarily use the services of a professional or visit a massage parlour, get your spouse, kids or family members to give you a rub down. You can return the favour because you get as much pleasure as you give when performing it on somebody else.

For those individuals suffering from pain and sleeplessness, massage is definitely one therapy you need. Or you may just get a massage to boost your wellbeing.

Share your views, experiences and opinions below or by email to yvonnebosede06@gmail.com. Follow on Twitter @heal2bwell for updates.

Do We Really Need Footwear At All Times?

We were born to walk barefoot don’t you agree? So how did most of us forget about  going barefoot? Wearing of shoes is necessary in cold climates, for safety outdoors, for social reasons and fashion. So we do need shoes, slippers, sandals and socks for convenience, but must it be at all times?

Our feet, just like our hands are sensory organs that our bodies use for feeling and balance. Reflexology is a science that is based on the principle that there are reflex areas on the feet and hands which correspond to all organs, glands and parts of the body.  It is now gaining popularity for preventing and curing numerous health disorders. A convenient way of stimulating our feet sole is to walk around barefoot and thereby stimulate most of the reflex areas. Reflexology can also reduce stress.

The health benefits of walking barefoot are numerous but some of the most basic ones are;

• It gives better balance.
• It improves mobility and flexibility of the feet.
• It reduces incidences of foot issues caused by shoes such as bunions, corn, calluses, and flat feet.
• It makes the feet stronger and better.
• It gives your feet more air, thereby preventing infections caused by dampness such as fungus growth.

Some people don’t allow shoes into their homes for religious, cultural and social reasons, but you

may consider doing this for health and hygiene reasons. Removing your shoes at your door and walking around your house barefoot will reduce germs and dirt from outside. Our shoes carry all kinds of things that we don’t need in our homes, especially those with children who play on the floor. Leaving our shoes at designated areas will definitely make our homes sand free and dirt free. Floors also benefit.

You definitely need to wear shoes to the bathroom, toilet and most of the time, outdoors, but we should give our feet a break sometimes. Feel grounded and absorb negative electrons from the earth through your feet soles. Our forefathers definitely walked barefoot.

However, some individuals with certain health issues like diabetes may not be able to go barefoot to avoid injuries to their feet. If you wear slippers indoors, wear comfortable flip-flops. Avoid slippers with hard plastic soles which you find more in Nigerian markets. Reserve these for outdoors because they prevent slipping. For me, the best footwear at home still remains my bare feet.

Leave your comment, feedback or question below or send by email to yvonnebosede06@gmail.com. Follow on Twitter @heal2bwell for updates.

Home Remedies For Your Dog Skin Issues.

A lot of people keep pets and sometimes have no idea about what to use when their pets have skin and

coat issues. Dogs are prone to having fleas, dandruff, itching, odours, eczema and other skin conditions. Vets usually give treatments which work, but for those who have limited access to a vet or who do not have the financial means of taking their pets to a vet, there are natural home remedies that you can use to treat your pet at home.

Most natural materials and herbs that promote the health of our skin and hair benefit our pets too. Below are some home remedies for treating dog skin issues.

1. Apple cider vinegar or ordinary vinegar will repel fleas and restore the balance of the skin. Mix 6 tablespoon of vinegar to 10 cups of water. Use to rinse off the dog after shampooing. You can also put some in a spray bottle and apply on the coat often.
2. The juice and rind of citrus fruits like oranges, limes and lemons work well to repel fleas and insects. They also contain antioxidants which promote skin health. Mix citrus fruit juice with water to rinse your pet and spray often. Powdered peel powder can also be rubbed on the dog skin and coat to repel fleas, treat skin disorders and deodorize.
3. Baking soda will remove odours and help to alleviate skin irritations and other issues. Baking soda is anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial. Mix some baking soda with water to rinse your dog. Also use as dry shampoo.
4. Aloe vera gel is wonderful for skin. Aloe vera reduces inflammation and soothes itching.  Apply some of this gel to areas with dandruff, eczema, itches etc.
5. Neem juice is a good herbal preparation for skin and hair. It treats dryness, flaking, itching and most skin disorders. It will also reduce swelling. Use to wash your dog or spray on the dog. Neem also has antimicrobial properties.
6. Epsom salt. Mix some Epsom salt with some warm water and use to wash your dog.
7. Oatmeal can reduce inflammation and redness. Make a paste with the powder and apply to affected areas of your dog skin.
8. Clove has antimicrobial properties and reduces inflammation. Make an infusion or tincture to mix with water for rinsing or spraying on the skin.
9. Herbal teas. Infusions of herbs such as chamomile, calendula, peppermint, lavender, thyme, basil and some other mints can be used to rinse your dog or sprayed on the skin often. Most of these herbs are used to treat our skins issues already.
10. Natural oils promote skin health because of their natural healing properties. Your dogs and pets are living organisms too. They need good products on their skins even though they cannot say it!  Tea tree oil, coconut oil, olive oil, shea butter, neem oil and others have great benefits to offer your pet.

If you have got a pet, you are under obligation to give it good care.  A dog is man's best friend, they

say.Try  some home remedies for its skin care and see good results.

Have you tried a home remedy that has worked for your pet that you can share? Share below or by email to yvonnebose@gmail.com. Follow on Twitter @heal2bwell for updates.