Hing Paste – The Indian Remedy

We’ve all seen the ads online, or the commercials on television that offer up a new “wonder drug” that supposedly cures everything that ails you. Things are rarely that simple; but in the case of hing paste, it may not cure everything, but it is pretty wonderful. Hing paste is made from hing powder. So you’re probably asking yourself, what is hing? In this article we will explain what hing is, how to make it into a paste, and how to use that paste for medicinal purposes.

 

What is Hing Paste?

Hing is the Indian word for a dried gum derived from an herb found mainly in Iran and Afghanistan. The plant used to extract hing is quite common in those two countries. In fact, there are several species in the same genus – ferula, and hing is exuded from the tap root of these plants. In Iran and Afghanistan, ferula is a plant, or several plant species in the celery family, that grows anywhere from 1-4 meters tall. The plants grow in large quantities all over Afghanistan and Iran.

After the dried gum is exuded from the roots of these plants, it has many excellent uses. One such use is to make a paste that is used for many purposes and is especially useful to prevent and treat respiratory disorders. Put simply, it has anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and expectorant properties. It’s an herbal paste used for various medicinal purposes.

Hing paste is a wonderful herbal remedy that can help people with many different difficulties and discomforts. While many modern day drugs come with inherent risks and side effects, hing paste is safe and free of adverse health reactions. It is a natural product, so you’ll never have to wonder what you’re putting in your body, or on your baby’s body.

Hing paste has a potent odor before it is cooked. That odor can be a little overpowering, but cooking does cause the odor to dissipate quickly, so don’t worry about adding it to food.

Over many years of use, hing has become known by many names. These include, asafoetida, devil’s dung, stinking gum, badian, ting, etc., depending on where you live.

Besides in food supplements hing is used in many different products in cosmetics, certain wildlife repellents (because of its powerful odor), and as flavoring in many food products. The health benefits of the plant give it a variety of different uses.

 

Hing powder

 

 

How to make it

Making hing paste is surprisingly easy. There are not more than a few ingredients included, and it does not require a great deal of preparation or cooking. You will need hing powder, which can be found in any middle eastern grocer, or in the Indian cuisine section at your local grocery store. There are also many online retailers that sell hing, and this is probably the easiest way to find it. Other than that, all you will need is a pot to heat a little tap water, a tablespoon, and a bowl.

  • Step 1: Measure one tablespoon of water.
  • Step 2: Put the water in the pot and heat it to a near-boil.
  • Step 3: Turn off the heat.
  • Step 4: Add a small amount of hing powder. Just a pinch should be enough.
  • Step 5: Mix thoroughly. You should notice a color and consistency change as you mix it.
  • Step 6: Filter out any remaining solid chunks.


Warning: Ensure that the paste has cooled before using on a baby or any person.

 

Does hing paste have side effects?

Before using it on yourself or another, you might want to know if there are any warnings you should be aware of. While there are no known side effects from hing paste, there is also very little data collected about the long and short term impacts of ingesting hing.

According to WebMD, ingesting hing is safe in small quantities, but large quantities could have adverse effects. You should always apply a very small amount to a part of the body that is not particularly sensitive, like the forearm or leg, in order to test for allergies. Apply the Hing paste to an area that isn’t too sensitive, then wait 24 hours before using any more. After inspecting the area where you applied it, and provided there was no reaction, feel free to use it as directed.

Do not eat asafoetida (hing) if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. While there are safe ways to use hing paste on an infant, it is not good for their developing digestive system if they ingest it. You should also avoid hing if you are taking medications that lower blood pressure, or slow blood clotting, as hing does both of these and the combination can lower blood pressure or slow clotting process. You should always consult a physician before using any product, even natural ones, and follow instructions on printed labels.

 

What can hing paste be used for?

Hing paste has a wide variety of uses. It has been used for many years for indigestion and gas, and that is probably one of the most common uses for it in India or other nearby regions. Many people that have used Hing Paste for years swear by it’s positive effects on gas and upset stomach. Proponents of this particular herbal remedy claim that hing paste also works as an anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antibiotic, and an antiviral remedy. It is used for dry cough, bronchitis, asthma, and chest congestion. It is great to use when you have a cold or seasonal allergies.

 

How to use it

Hing paste has many different uses to alleviate pain and cure different illnesses. It can be combined with your favorite recipes to enhance it with a savory flavor, as well as reducing the gas and stomach issues that certain food, like beans or onions, can cause.

  • Apply to chest and neck: Hing paste can work as an amazing decongestant if you have a cold or allergies that are making your throat and nose stuffy. Hing paste can break up mucus and help you breathe easier. This also helps with swollen throat from asthma or bronchitis.
  • Apply to baby’s tummy: This is a little known remedy for colicky babies, but many mothers swear by it. Applying some hing paste to the tummy of a colicky baby will help you soothe their discomfort, and set them at ease. It is not recommended that you feed babies or toddlers hing paste, as it is too heavy for their developing digestive system. This is, perhaps, the most important use for hing paste, as parents of colicky children know that it can be very difficult to soothe them when they are experiencing discomfort.
  • Add to food: As was mentioned above, hinge paste is a fine ingredient for many recipes. The initial strong odor dissipates when it is cooked, so don’t let that scare you off. Adding it to meals can create a savory flavor, as well as help to prevent gas and indigestion.
  • Eat small amounts: It is usually safe and helpful to eat, if you can get past the smell. It’s usually easier to mix it in your food, but you can eat small amounts if you prefer.

 

Using hing paste for babies with colic

It was mentioned already, but this is a particularly important use for hing paste. Colicky babies are famously difficult to manage, as they are experiencing a sort of phantom discomfort that is very hard to soothe. Hing paste is recommended by many mothers as a way to give your baby some much needed relief. After you make the paste, rub it onto the baby’s tummy, then let it sit for five minutes. After five minutes, wipe the baby’s tummy with a soft damp cloth.

Many mothers recommend taking some time to exercise the baby after wiping the hing paste off. Do this by taking hold of the baby’s feet, and gently tucking their legs up toward their torso. Never overwork a baby, this is meant to be light, gentle movements to help facilitate the absorption of the hing.

Before using any new medicine or herbal remedies on an infant, it is always a good idea to consult a pediatrician. While hing is used all over the world, and many people swear by the results, it is always better to be safe, rather than sorry.

 

Overview

While hing, or asafoetida, has been around for a very long time, it has mostly been used as a home-remedy. Because it is a natural product derived from a plant and used as a home-remedy, there have been very few studies to confirm or contradict the uses ascribed to it.

However, hing has been used by millions of people for many years, so they must agree that it has health benefits. As with any herbal remedy, it is important to never overuse it, and to know how to use it properly. Hing has many medicinal qualities and can be used in several forms, and it isn’t difficult to find. There may not be any such thing as a miracle drug, but overall, hing is a pretty fantastic addition to your herbal remedies.

Best Blender for Green Smoothies

Best blender for green smoothies and juicing

Chopping greens to the finest is a tough job to do. However, with the best blender for green smoothies and juicing, one can make the finest green smoothies without much fuss. A good blender is not only the one that perfectly grinds all ingredients to make a smoothie but is also the one that blends the whole food instead of making the bottom one mushy. Usually, when we have to buy a good blender, we only focus on the powerful motor. However, there are multiple features like the noise it makes, container capacity, and the way to clean it, which should be focused on before buying a blender.

Today, we will focus on the most important features in a blender, and then discuss some of the best blenders for making green smoothies. We will discuss the features, pros, and cons of every blender so that it will be easy for our readers to pick the one that is most suitable according to their requirements.

What is the best blender for green smoothies

In the following sections you’ll find out more about:
· Types of blenders
· Different types of blender’s capacity
· List of best blenders for making green smoothies

Types of blenders

The 4 different types of blenders:

  • Countertop blenders: It is the best type of blender that one can choose for making smoothies and shakes if there’s no kitchen counter space issue. Typically, these blenders have a huge size because of the motor and fan attachment in its base. There are some additional attachments available with the blender for multipurpose. However, the blenders are best for liquids like shakes and smoothies, so usually, you only use the “jug” part of it. Another best feature is the availability of the measurement scale on the blender’s jug so that you can easily measure the quantity.
  • Specialty blenders: As the name says, specialty blenders are much more special and efficient than the other types of blenders. They have additional power, and as a result, their performance is much better than the other blenders. The smoothies or other difficult items to prepare in the other blenders are very easy to make in specialty blenders. As a cherry on top, these blenders are noiseless and durable, so that you can use it without any doubt. Typically, these types of blenders are available only at the restaurants due to their high pricing.  
  • Battery operated hand blenders: If you are tired of the small cord with your blender or don’t have a socket in your kitchen, then the battery operated hand blenders are just perfect for you. In addition to this, they are very safe to use, especially when you have kids at your place. However, due to the blender batteries, they weigh more than the other blenders with plug-in models. In other words, whenever you have to carry the blender to another place, you have to bear the batteries’ extra weight. It is the best way to get rid of that irritating blender cord. 
  • Glass, plastic, and stainless steel jug blenders: There are three types of jugs available in the market, and you have to choose the one that is feasible according to your budget and requirements. These types include plastic, glass, and stainless steel. The plastic jugs are durable, lightweight, and very economical, and hence are very much in demand. However, some people don’t like to use plastic and are afraid of their multiple health hazards. Therefore, they choose other types like glass jug blenders or stainless steel jug blenders. 

Different types of blender’s capacity

While talking about the capacity of blenders, we came across the fact that there are five types of blender’s capacity available in the market:

Blender for smoothies
  • Mini blenders: These blenders have the smallest capacity as compared to all other blenders but are best for a single person serving. The jug of mini blender has a capacity of 20 ounces that is perfect for making smoothies and shakes for a single person. 
  • Small blenders: Small blenders have a slightly large capacity than mini blenders. They are able to hold up to 35 ounces of smoothie liquid and are perfect for two persons. One can use these blenders to mix the batter of a cake or brownies. 
  • Medium blenders: Medium blenders usually have a capacity of around 50 ounces. These are the blenders that we normally use in our homes, and are perfect for making smoothies and shakes for a small family. One can use them to prepare the cake mix batter also. 
  • Large blenders: Large blenders have a capacity of around 65 ounces, and one can use them to make a large quantity of liquid for a large family or group of friends. They are easy to use and are perfect for preparing more glasses of liquid in minimum time. 
  • Extra-large blenders: Blenders that have a capacity of more than 65 ounces are the extra-large ones. However, they are for professional use, and you can typically see them at restaurants. Due to the extra-large size, these blenders are expensive as well. 

List of best blenders for making green smoothies

Following are the list of blenders that are considered the best for making green smoothies:

Vitamix E310 blender

This blender is perfect for making green smoothies with the help of its sharp stainless steel blander. In addition to this, it has the most powerful motor that will make your task easy. The best thing about the blender is that it doesn’t make noise, so the next time you have to make the smoothie for your loved one before his awakening, do it without thinking twice about the disturbance that the blender noise could make. 

Blendtec total classic blender

The tough fibers present in the greens that make them hard to chop and grind are a piece of cake for this blender. It has programmed cycles that will make the green smoothie without any hurdle of crushing the tough fibers. In addition to this, it has self-cleaning property, so you don’t have to panic about the cleaning process after blending. Just add in the soap and water and turn it on for self-cleaning within a few seconds. However, it’s not noise-free. 

Ninja BL610 smoothie blender

If you are looking for an affordable blender that works pretty well, then this blender is the perfect choice for you. It can grind pretty well, but as far as greens are concerned, this blender will not make as smooth as the two blenders that we have discusses above. It has a big pitcher that makes preparation easy, especially for large families. However, it is not noise-free, and you have to deal with the sharp noise of the blender while using it. 

Cleanblend green smoothie blender

Cleanblend blender is the best choice for people who prefer quality-assured blenders that are economical too. It has sharp blades and a powerful motor that makes the perfect green smoothies. In addition to this, due to the large pitcher, this blender is good to go for large families. However, just like the above two blenders, it’s also not noise-free, but it has the self-cleaning property that makes it perfect at an economical price range. 

Oster core 16-speed blender

Oster core blender is made in the previous 1980s style with four blades and old design. However, it has high power, and the best one to purchase if you are only considering the budget. The negative part of the blender is that it’s noisy, hard to clean, and usually, it leaves fruit or vegetable chunks while blending, which definitely does not turn into the perfect blended smoothie. 

NutriBullet smoothie blender

As the name says, this blender is famous for extracting the nutrients from the fruits and vegetables. The blades are designed in a way that they can extract the nutrients from the fruits and vegetables, but you must have to keep an eye on the seal of the blade that usually fails and is a major cause of leakage. However, it is easy on the pocket and has good performance as compared to other blenders on the same price scale. 

Breville BBL620 blender

Breville, in our opinion, is a blender that is durable and easy to clean, but at the same time, it is much overpriced and has significantly less power than the other blenders at the same price. In addition to this, for the perfect mixture of fruits and vegetables into the smoothie, one must stop the blender in the middle of processing and mix the ingredients. However, this blender has a self-cleaning mode and is also dishwasher safe. 

Hamilton beach wave crusher blender

Hamilton blender is very economical and easy to use the blender. It is the type of blender that we typically use at our homes. Whether you are going to make margaritas or other drinks, it works perfectly fine. However, it has a loud noise and doesn’t blend the green smoothies to perfection. 

Making green smoothies or different kind of shakes will remain no longer a difficult task when you use the best blender for that purpose. 

Weight Loss Journey: How My Skinny Husband Won Our Biggest Loser Challenge

I am the proud mother of one and within a period of one year from delivery, I gained a lot of weight. I know that a lot of women go through this where you feel like you should be losing weight because you’re running after tiny people all day but you seem to just be packing on the pounds! After trying a million different diet and workout programs, my husband found one that he thought I would enjoy and he even offered to do it with me. The funny thing is that he doesn’t actually need to lose weight, he’s a pretty active guy. He really just offered to stick with this weight loss journey as moral support (yes, he’s a keeper).

What started out as a fun “getting fit together” program turned into a lesson for me in weight loss. Realizing that the exact same program can work differently from person to person was a tough pill to swallow, but it made the rest of my weight loss journey easier.

How me and my husband start our weight loss journey

Before We Get Started with Weight Loss Journey

So, initially, we needed to change the diet and this part was easier for my husband than it was for me. He was already a pescatarian, so his diet was much healthier than mine. I was already limiting any sugar or fatty foods and we were both pretty good about avoiding processed foods, but my problem was that I am a deeply serious red meat eater. This is when I learned about calorie density. This is a measurement of calories per volume or weight of food.

The diet that we were on was one of lean protein, high veggies, fruits and carbs and a little bit of eggs, chicken and seafood. There was no red meat allowed, no processed sugars, and no dairy. The dairy was a challenge for me as well because I absolutely love cheese. My husband wasn’t lactose intolerant, but he was somewhat resistant so he didn’t eat or drink much dairy prior to the diet.

All in all, it wasn’t a huge change for him in the diet department but it was a major uphill climb for me! The workout regimen that was supposed to go with the diet was where my husband would turn out to have the challenge. As I mentioned, I had already tried a bunch of weight loss plans and they all had included heavy to moderate exercise, depending on the plan. My stamina and strength had improved but I had reached a plateau in my weight loss that I couldn’t get past.

My husband, on the other hand, was not that into heavy exercise but he did walk a lot. The plan that we were on required three days of HIIT each week and each session was supposed to be 20 minutes long. This was much less time than I had spent exercising per week in the past, but I thought that it would be fine because of the level of intensity.

Now that I have set the stage for you on what the general idea of the program was and the shape that we were in, allow me to walk you through how we handled the changes.

What Came Next

The first week was a breeze, we were working out together and my husband was loving all of the food that we were cooking and I wasn’t feeling my normal cravings for bacon and steak. I have to say, it was actually fun!

Diet plan and cooking together

By the second week, my husband was starting to feel physically wiped out. He started making excuses here and there to avoid the workout, but he had me there to give him some encouragement. The support and consistency were the best parts of doing this together, and it helped us both in different ways.

As we went into week three, the dietary fatigue started to wear on me and that was a lot harder to get past than a few attempts to skip the gym. I was dying for a piece of cheese or pork or beef, I grew up in a house that had BBQ every Sunday and I had always felt like in moderation it was fine. Of course, my husband was helpful in steering me the right way when we were together and at home but there were just too many opportunities for me to sneak a bite of what I wanted.

I started fitting all of my dietary cheating into my lunch at the office, which was supposed to be a once in a while but pretty much turned into an almost daily thing. I figured since it wasn’t in large quantities and I was still working out that I would still see a significant change in my weight.

After the fourth week of our weight loss journey, the first dreaded weigh-in day was coming. I was sure that I would have great results but I wasn’t sure that it would be as high as a result of my husband. I turned out to be right! The first weigh-in showed that I had lost 6 pounds and my husband had lost 8, which made sense given the 1-2 pound per week of weight loss rule.

The weight loss results made me feel confident in my ability to keep this trend going with the lunchtime red meat and dairy munching. The next four weeks came and went, and I was not as happy with the results of this one. I had only lost three pounds and my husband had lost another 7!

I finally decided to come clean to him about my midday snacking and he helped me with meal prep and pack lunches for the week so that I could stay prepared for those cravings. It worked really well and I was super confident about the next weigh-in a month later…unfortunately I was a little overly optimistic.
My husband was reaching a plateau so he only lost two pounds at this point, but I matched his weight loss exactly and I just couldn’t believe that! I had worked so hard and it still wasn’t doing much, so what wasn’t working?

We sat down and really thought about all of the changes that I made and we realized that my exercise levels needed to shoot way up because the regimen we were on was a step down for me. That was the only thing that I hadn’t really paid much attention to, so it seemed to be the answer to my weight loss woes.

My husband is amazing and continued the workout routine beside me for one final month, but I added two days of intense swimming for one hour each day without him. That was on top of the HIIT routines that we were doing three days a week, so my schedule for this last month was a little full.

I added a little more caution with my diet as well, I cut out bread and pasta from my diet and stuck to a stricter version of the diet that we were on. After a month of all of this work, I was sure that it was going to pan out for me!

Although my weight loss had accelerated, it still wasn’t at the rate of my husband. I was still at 6 pounds of loss after four weeks of all of this and just couldn’t seem to hit that coveted two pound per week achievement that he got to and I was really irritated at first, but the feeling passed over time.

What I’ve Learned

As I continued with my weight loss program, I continued to see the weight drop. The rate would vary and it never reached that of my husband’s but I was able to appreciate my own personal journey more as time went on. We are two different people with two different body types and lifestyles so I can’t measure my weight loss journey to his.

As my weight continued to drop, it just became clear that no two weight loss journeys are identical even if you both eat and do all of the same things. There are way too many other factors that play into how a weight loss program compliments your body and your goals. The only thing that I can do is stay laser-focused on what I need to do to get to the goal that I have for myself, and remember how lucky I am to have someone like him in my corner and going on this journey with me!

Body Fat Scan: Best Ways to Measure Body Fat

Body fat scan – your body fat percentage

Body fat should not always be considered a bad thing. Instead, it has some healthy and important purposes in our body, such as body energy and protection. Today we are going to discuss some of the best ways to measure body fat and the pros and cons of each technique so that in the end you can choose the best body fat scan according to your needs.

The weight you have covers the weight of your muscles and body fat. You may have noticed people with the same weight but completely different body structures. Some are bodybuilders, some are athletes, and others have only a high percentage of body fat. This will not change your body weight, but it has a big impact on your internal health and physical body structure.

There are several ways to determine body fat and you can always choose any of them to get an idea of whether you need to put it off or you are still healthy with it. In people with the same bodyweight but different body fat, fat can be the main reason one is healthy and the other is not. The same is true for some overweight people who are healthy due to a balanced amount of body fat. Body fat is the only way to understand your body weight. In other words, the lower the body fat, the greater the muscle mass, and the healthier a person is.

Body fat scan methods

Body composition and BFP

In reality, no number can decide your physical or mental health. The only thing that matters is how you treat yourself. An active person with more weight is way more healthy than a dumb one with little weight. However, usually, we judge and examine ourselves and others on the basis of appearance, especially body fat. Some fat is healthy that we gain due to the consumption of different fruits and vegetables. However, an extra quantity of fat leads to obesity and is not healthy for any individual. 

There are some pre-defined charts designed and assembled by many senior doctors to let people know how much fat their bodies should have to function normally. It is the best way to warn people when their body fat is increasing beyond the normal range. In addition to this, men and women have different body structures and hence have a different percentage of fat. Therefore, always focus on the chart for your gender to stay away from any confusion.  

Top ways to measure body fat

Following are the top of the list ways to measure body fat:

Skinfold caliper

It is one of the ancient ways to measure body fat. People are using this method for more than fifty years, and are pretty sure about its results. Skinfold calipers method is a way to measure the thickness of your fat present under your skin, by clipping it at specific body areas. These body areas vary in men and women. For men, the body areas for skinfold tests are chest, abdomen, thighs, triceps, and area under the scapula. On the other hand, these areas in women are chest, the area beneath the shoulder blade, and near the armpit. The best part of this method is, it’s very economical and can be used at home. While the bad part of the technique includes practice and knowledge of body anatomy. Accuracy of the method involves measurement errors if the person has not the right skills. 

Body fat caliper

Measurement of body’s circumference

You might be surprised to know that our body’s shape can provide sufficient information about body fat. Therefore, the simplest way to measure body fat is to measure the circumference of specific body parts. Just by adding information like age, height, and circumference of the specific body part, many fat calculators can calculate the fat in our bodies without trying the complex procedures. For men, these body areas include the neck and waist. While in women, these areas are the neck, waist, and hips. The good part of the procedure is that it is easy to perform and is affordable, while the dark side of the procedure is the wrong measurement of the body due to little or no knowledge. 

Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry technique

As the name of the procedure says, it involves two different energies X rays to get an idea about the percentage of fat in our bodies. The procedure takes about ten minutes and the person must lie on their back during the procedure while being x-rayed. This X-ray procedure results in complete details of the bone density, fat, and lean mass in different areas of our body. The positive thing about this procedure is, it provides detailed information about different body parts with accurate results. However, the dark side is, this X-ray body fat scan procedure is expensive. 

Hydrostatic weighing technique

The hydrostatic weighing technique or underwater weighing technique is used to perform in water and on the dry land. The air in your lungs after exhaling on land and the air exhaled in the water is estimated to determine or calculate the density of your body. Body density is one of the finest ways to determine body fat without complex procedures. The good thing about this procedure is, it takes less time to calculate, and the results are accurate. On the other hand, the negative side includes the difficulty that a person goes through during the exhaling process.

Air displacement plethysmography technique

Just as the underwater method, the air displacement method also calculates the fat of your body with the help of the body’s density. However, this technique doesn’t demand the person to go into the water and exhale. Instead, in this process, the person has to focus on the air by sitting inside an egg-shaped area where the air pressure is altered. It is better to wear skin-tight clothes, like swimming suits to get accurate measurements. The positive part of the process is that it is quick and accurate. However, the drawback is that it is an expensive procedure, which is not affordable for every person. 

Bioimpedance spectroscopy technique

Small electric currents are used to measure the body’s response. By using the high and low frequencies of electric current, this procedure will get all the information about the body fluid, which in return, will get an idea about the body fat. However, there are some specific equations for this procedure, and the accuracy of results always depend on the body type that is closest to the one on which the equations are made. The positive part of this procedure is that it is quick and easy to perform. The negative side is, the device used to perform this body fat scan procedure is not easily accessible. 

Bioelectric impedance analysis technique

The bioelectric method is very similar to the above bioimpedance method. The device in the procedure is used to detect the way your body responds to small electric currents. The entire procedure is done using electrodes. As electric current can easily move through the muscles; therefore, the returning waves will give an idea about the body fat and muscles. The positive side of the procedure is, it is quick and easy to perform. On the other hand, the negative side is, it doesn’t give accurate results. 

Electrical impedance myography technique

Other than the above two electric current methods, electrical impedance myography is the third procedure that focuses on the body’s response to the electric currents. However, the only difference is that the above two methods send the small electric currents through the whole body, while this method will only send through smaller areas. It is a great way to get an idea about the body fat specified in some areas of the body. The good part about the process is, it is quick and easy to perform. On the other hand, the negative part of the process is that there is no detailed information available on the accuracy of the procedure. 

Multi-compartment models technique

As the name says, the multi-compartment procedure will divide the body into multiple parts and then perform multiple methods to get the percentage of fat in that region of your body. The most common ones are three compartments and four compartments procedures. This process involves multiple methods like hydrostatic weighing, bioelectric, etc. The good part of the process is, it has highly accurate results. On the other hand, the dark side of the process is that it is more complex than other body fat scan procedures due to the involvement of multiple procedures and is often not available to the general public. 

3-D scanners technique

3D scanners are another widely used technique to get an idea about body fat. This procedure involves infrared sensors to generate a 3D model of our entire body to get an idea about the body fat percentage. The good thing about this process is, it is quick and easy to perform. On the other hand, the dark side of the process is, it is not very commonly available. 

Body fat has a specific percentage in our bodies, and it is only harmful when the percentage crosses the limit. Be critical and evaluate where you are, then choose where you would like to be. Try one or more procedures of body fat scan we have mentioned in this article to get an idea of your body fat percentage. 

Remember that most methods only estimate the percentage of fat and do not measure it directly. This means that there is a lot of room for error. To reduce these errors, be consistent in your measurements and always perform them under the same conditions, for example, every Saturday morning on an empty stomach at 7 p.m. This way you will avoid any potential changes in your body that could affect the measurements and you will be able to monitor your progress with relatively high accuracy.

ProVen Review: Best Detox Formula for Extreme Weight Loss

ProVen – The best detox product that will restore your health, vitality and extreme weight loss

It is recommended to thoroughly detoxify the body four times a year, that is, before the arrival of each new season. Of course, this also depends on the intensity and length of the detox we choose. Introducing the latest detox for extreme weight loss based on all-natural ingredients.

Proven formula for extreme weight loss review
ProVen formula review

✅ Start your path to a healthy lifestyle

  • CLEANSE THE BODY – ProVen formula that contains 20 of the most powerful and highest quality natural ingredients REMOVES TOXINS from the body.

  • REDUCES POUNDS fast and safe – All-natural ProVen formula will work for you, no matter what your age is.

  • REFUEL YOUR ENERGY – With ProVen, you’ll feel much better, you’ll look better, your skin and face will look brighter, healthier and younger as your body starts to detoxify. Finally, you’ll get rid of that excess body fat and keep it off.
ProVen

Extreme weight loss formula: If you have a lot of weight to lose, ProVen can help you reach your weight loss goals as well as give you a toned body.

Why ProVen is the right choice for everyone who wants to detoxify the organism and lose weight

  1. This is one of the few supplements that resolve the underlying causes of obesity by detoxifying your body of toxins that have been disrupting our hormone balance since the 1960s;
  2. Extreme weight loss: studies show that average weight loss over 3 months was 35 pounds;
  3. ProVen is backed by science;
  4. ProVen is all-natural formula that contains only ingredients that are completely safe. All ingredients that this product contains are of the highest possible standard and are rigorously tested to ensure the highest purity and potency;
  5. MAKE A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE CHOICE:
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Why detox is a good choice

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Steaming Food Benefits

 

Steaming – a simple and healthy way of preparing food

Steaming preserves well all nutritious ingredients in the food and ensures its full flavor. That’s why it’s considered one of the healthiest ways to prepare food. Steaming food benefits were already known to our distant ancestors before the fire was discovered, who warmed and softened the food, on stones heated from the sun.

 

steaming food benefits

 

 

Steaming food benefits for health

Steaming is extremely simple, insensitive and healthy.

  • Steaming food benefits include preserving its natural smell, taste, color, and shape.
  • And not only this, but it also keeps most of the vitamins and microelements in its raw state.
  • Because such prepared foods have very low-fat content, you will be able to lose weight with it.
  • In addition, it works well on the cardiovascular system, reduces cholesterol and prevents the formation of stomach ulcer.
  • Because in some cases it contains more nutrients than food prepared in other ways, its use also improves the appearance of skin, nails, and hair, and strengthens the immune system.
  • Such foods are also easier to digest and are recommended for anyone who suffers digestive problems when consuming high-fiber foods.

 

 

What foods can you steam?

The answer is simple – almost everything. Ideal foods for steaming are vegetables, fruits, white meat, white fish and crabs.

It is best to steam whole foods, as most nutrients in it are preserved.

If you want more nutrients left in fruits or vegetables, then steam them with a peel and remove it after.

Cooking time depends on the quantity and size of food pieces. Most foods are done in 10 to 20 minutes of steaming, but some more time will be needed for a larger quantity or larger pieces of food.

 

 

How to steam food?

You can steam foods in a number of ways. You can steam foods in a colander over boiling water and with a covered lid, in a wok or in a steamer.

You can also wrap the food in baking paper, cover it with a lid and let it to steam. When cooking, you don’t have to worry, as food will not stick and get burned. The only thing that can happen is that it gets overcooked.

Otherwise, steamed food is gentle and soft, as it is not exposed to dry and intense heat. Make sure that foods are always appropriately raised above the boiling water, as it might otherwise be boiled.

For this kind of cooking practically no prior knowledge or cooking mastery is required.

 

 

How to add flavor?

spices for steaming food

 

Various spices, herbs or ingredients can be added to boiling water, which will keep the flavor (for example, a cube of vegetable soup, wine), or you can even marinade food before cooking.

For salty dishes, you can use ginger, caraway, chili or coriander, and for sweet dishes add cloves, cinnamon or mint.

Before cooking, you can season the food with fresh and dried spices, citrus fruits, oils, wine, and similar fragrances.

 

 

Vegetables that are healthier heated than raw

We all know that it’s best to enjoy fresh vegetables since vitamins and minerals can be destroyed by cooking. But this does not apply to all vegetables. Some types of vegetables are even healthier if consumed after being steamed.

Although it is considered that vegetables are better to enjoy as fresh as possible, this rule does not always apply. There can be many steaming food benefits.

We have always been told that it is best to eat raw vegetables in order to keep as many vitamins and minerals as possible. As with any rule, there are exceptions here as well.

 

 

Nutritionists have warned that some types of vegetables are healthier to eat when cooked or steamed

Tomatoes, spinach, carrots, asparagus, and kale are the kind of vegetables that you can steam without a bad conscience.

»Numerous nutrients in vegetables are less effectively absorbed in the intestines than nutrients of animal origin. The fibers found in the plants are often bound with minerals, which makes them less accessible for use. By gentle heating vegetables, we can break the fibers to extract more minerals, and they are later absorbed more easily into the body«, explained nutritionist Mel Wakeman, Birmingham City University for British Mail Online.

Tomato sauce or tomato paste can be served on your menu every day, as steamed tomatoes contain more lycopene than raw fruit.

Also, the professor of the Food Science Department at Cornell University Rui Hai Liu agrees with this statement: »The general belief is that cooking reduces the nutritional value of food, but this is not always true. Many nutrients in fruits and vegetables are bounded in cell walls, and cooking helps them to separate from them, thus making them more accessible to the body for absorption«.

 

 

TOMATOES

steamed tomatoes health benefits

By steaming tomatoes, we increase the level of healing lycopene in the fruit. It is a substance that has been shown to reduce the risk of prostate cancer, which makes it especially important for men.

Nevertheless, the nutritionist advises to also eat raw tomatoes, because heating destroys some other vitamins.  »Tomatoes are rich in many nutrients, but especially those that are important for men’s health – lycopene is a substance that has been shown to be effective in reducing the risk of developing prostate cancer.«

Although this has not yet been scientifically proven, research shows that lycopene can also improve the health of our heart. By heating tomatoes, we increase the level of lycopene in it.

But it is advisable not only to consume steamed tomatoes, because heating destroys some important vitamins, such as vitamin C on the other hand. So the best practice is to simply enjoy a mixture of steamed and row tomatoes.

 

 

SPINACH

steamed spinach health benefits

By steaming spinach, you can increase the amount of oxalates in it. Spinach is rich in oxalates that bind to important minerals in spinach, such as iron and calcium.

The fibers and oxalates in combination can cause heavy iron absorption, so we could only get about 5 % of the iron content from the dark green leaves that are otherwise rich in it. »Spinach heating can help to improve mineral absorption, but at the same time it reduces the level of oxalates in spinach, even up to 15 percent«, explained nutritionist Mel Wakeman.

That’s why it’s not a good idea to overcook it. »Steaming is certainly better than boiling, as most nutrients can be destroyed with cooking.«

 

 

CARROT

steamed carrots health benefits

Carrots are rich in carotenoids, which give this tuberous plant a vibrant orange color. Root heating can increase the content of carotenoids in it.

That’s why steamed carrots can be even healthier than raw carrots for us.

Carotenoids are powerful antioxidants that protect against cancer and other diseases, while at the same time they keep us young. »Also make sure you do not overcook it. Steaming will help preserve the nutritional value of vegetables. In addition, enjoy a mixture of raw and steamed carrots.«

 

 

ASPARAGUS

steamed asparagus health benefits

By heating this vegetable we can increase the content of polyphenols in it.

»Polyphenols can also be found in tea, red wine, and chocolate. They have strong antioxidant properties and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and the development of cancer«, say the nutritionists.

 

 

KALE

steamed kale health benefits

Steamed kale is easier to digest and is also more nutritious.

In particular, heating increases the level of vitamins A, K, and fiber. However, a cup of raw kale contains 33 calories and 9% of the daily calcium value, 206% of vitamin A, 134% of vitamin C and 684% of vitamin K.

It is also a good source of copper, potassium, iron, manganese, and phosphorus.

 

 

Does Acupressure for Weight Loss Work?

 

Acupressure for weight loss

 

If you want to accelerate the metabolism, to deal with hunger attacks and to quench the desire for sweetness, then many therapists recommend the acupressure for weight loss technique. With its help, you can further help ease certain weight loss problems.

With acupressure alone, a greater and fast loss of excess weight is not possible, but it is welcome as complementary help when performing other weight loss techniques and programs.

To perform acupressure you only need some practice and ten minutes of peace per day to perform a massage of six acupressure points. Simple and free!

 

acupressure points

 

 

How many times have you decided to lose weight and keep it off?

 

When we want to lose weight, sometimes we do with our body really impossible things to gain a beautiful body shape – we are starving and depriving it of what it needs for normal functioning and then we expect it to pay us with a dream shape.

Maybe sometimes we truly manage to get to the desired goal for a short time, but the human will is weak, and soon we continue with the old bad habits. Stuffing yourself with chocolate or chips in front of the TV due to severe hunger strikes in the evenings and living a couch potato lifestyle brings you nowhere, and certainly not contribute to the weight reduction.

In the end, you will only feel guilty that you have done nothing for yourself and the belief that you are a complete loser.

For all of you who have identified yourself in the above sentences, dieting with the help of acupressure for weight loss may be a good option.

It can help you eliminate some psychological blockages that prevent us from getting started and persisting with weight loss.

 

 

Lose weight fast with natural herbs

 

  • A complete and effective weight loss program, which includes psychological motivation, Red Tea Detox can certainly help you.
  • If you are serious about losing weight and detoxifying your body, this is the best NATURAL and FAST weight loss solution and its effects on fat cells elimination are scientifically proven.

 

red tea detox

 

 

 

What is the difference between acupuncture and acupressure?

 

Acupressure is akin to acupuncture, as both eliminate blockages of energy at specific points along fourteen meridians or channels of our body. With this method, we stimulate the points through which life energy flows. This is achieved by gently massaging or pressing fingertips gently directly at the points or area of the points. These are a few thousand and they are spread out all over the body, for our mindset without the proper logic.

Acupressure therapy was known in India 5000 years ago. Knowledge of it is recorded in Sushrut Samhita. However, since it was not properly preserved and transmitted, to Ceylon “arrived” as acupuncture. From there, Buddhist monks spread it to China and Japan.

Acus means a needle and the pressure means exactly what it is. And this is all the art: treating illness by applying pressure to certain points with thumb or top objects.

Acupressure and acupuncture differ in the basic working “tool” and in the fact that acupuncture is left exclusively to professionals, due to a direct piercing of energy points, they are more intense and reactions are stronger. In acupuncture, during treatment, we should be completely still, usually in a lying position, while in acupressure this is not important.

acupuncture hands scheme
Vectors by www.vecteezy.com

 

 

Acupressure can be performed by everyone

 

For starters, you only need expert guidance or a good book, and you can start with healing by yourself. Greater science is to diagnose your problem and build up the right set of therapeutic spots, to fully stimulate the body.

Our body carries 14 energy lines or meridians (seven on each side of the body). Each meridian supplies a certain system of organs with energy.

These lines begin at the tips of each finger of the right hand, go over the whole body and end on the right leg; same on the left side. Acupressure teaches us how to activate the stale energy that blocks the meridians, by pressing about 900 acupressure points.

The pressure is applied to the point with the thumb, forefinger or an auxiliary soluble object, with the clockwise rotation, 1 to 2 minutes. It should not be too soft, but just at the limit of pain.

 

acupressure for weight loss technique

 

There is almost no disease or pain for which there would be no acupressure therapy, at least to relieve the disease problem, if not for treatment. Caution is needed in pregnant women and infectious inflammations that are in the domain of Western medicine.

Also, the frequency of therapies and additional subsidiary techniques such as chromotherapy (use of light in the form of colors to balance energy levels), urotherapy or biochemical therapy (use of 12 salts and minerals) depend on the solution of the issue.

Acupressure can also help in inflammation of the sciatic nerve, asthma, headache, toothache; in psychological distress such as hysteria, depression, dependence on opiates; in case of difficult problems such as deafness, cancer, tuberculosis, angina pectoris or diabetes and countless others.

 

 

Does acupressure help in weight loss?

 

The body of each individual has a point through which it is possible to manipulate the functioning of the whole organism. Chinese healers have identified such a point which helps to normalize the person’s weight. Acupressure for weight loss is best performed in the evening. You must be relaxed and the movement must be energetic with an average force. The more you massage the point, the more positive effects on the body are activated.

  • Weight loss with acupressure is the same as any other weight loss technique – IT DOES NOT WORK.
  • It is necessary to change the principles of nutrition and to put the body into motion.
  • If you want the results of the dieting to be long-term, you should first cleanse your organism from toxins and then continue to live a healthy lifestyle.

 

obesity and unhealthy food

 

Acupressure weight loss therapy stimulates the thyroid gland, sex gland and three points in the ears that slightly reduce hunger and the need for food.

To eliminate cellulite, which usually goes hand in hand with obesity, with acupressure for weight loss additional points are stimulated, including on legs under the knee, which help to get the excess water out from the body and accelerate the degradation of fat, of course with proper nutrition intake.

Regular acupressure treatment also helps to maintain the weight down or better said – lightness, which is not so easy to do after the end of the dieting (still spoils when the snacks consuming increase).

Dieting with acupressure is a very lengthy process. In the month of using acupressure, you can lose from 1, 5 to 2 kg. That’s not much.

  • Therefore, acupressure for weight loss should be used in combination with exercise and a balanced diet or an effective weight loss program aka Red Tea Detox  a program that ensures fast and safe weight loss in a completely natural way.

 

 

How can I perform acupressure for weight loss?

 

acupressure for weight loss

 

  1. It is important to find a quiet place, where for about ten minutes no one will disturb you. With the tip of the middle finger and forefinger, gently press massage points.
  2. When you finish, say the sentence you have chosen three times in a row – mantra for weight loss motivation that will help you overcome negative feelings and see your weight loss goal. For example: “I love and accept myself as I am, although I would like to eat a whole chocolate bar at once.”
  3. Massage all points so that you slowly count up to ten. The touch should not be too strong or too soft – just like knocking on the door. Initially, perform a massage in the morning and evening, then once a day.

 

Together with some other methods, mental blocks can be overcome, the desire for sweets can gradually pass by and with perseverance, in time you can achieve tangible results.

 

 

Colon Cleanse Procedure Explained

Colon cleansing and body detox

Colon cleanse procedure is an inadequate practice that became popular at the beginning of the 20th century. It consists of discarding everything inside the colon under the premise that its contents could intoxicate the rest of the body. In 1919, the American Medical Association discarded the theory of “autointoxication” and condemned the practice of detoxification.

In the 21st century, the practice returned to become the latest fashion fad, with the help of models and actresses whose body is perfect to market any product that speaks of well-being.

The colon, which is as well known as the “large intestine,” is the last segment of the digestive tract. After the digestion of food in the stomach and small intestine, the role of the colon is to absorb the water and the last remaining nutrients remaining in the food residues.

It then eliminates food waste in the form of stool. Unfortunately, these are not completely eliminated outside the body: more or less thick layers are deposited on the wall of the colon over time. These layers are rich in unhealthy toxins and reduce the absorption of water and nutrients through the colon.

digestive

How is a colon cleanse procedure done?

In general terms, there are two ways of a colon cleanse procedure, according to how we are presented by those who sell these cleanings.

The first one you can carry out yourself, through the consumption and use of laxatives, enzymes, herbs, liquids, powders and antiparasitic capsules, as well as the use of enemas.

The second way you can cleanse your colon is to use a “specialist” in colon therapy. The procedure is called colonic irrigation or colon hydrotherapy, and involves using a machine that will pump water into your colon through the rectum through a “hose.” Through another “hose,” the person will remove the water that is in your intestinal tract, in this way, what we call pure colon cleansing. This is basically another way to get an enema.

Is colon cleansing advisable?

The body is wise, and as a result, this type of colon cleanse procedure is not necessary since the body has the ability to cleanse itself. You can get the colon to stay clean by eating a healthy diet rich in fiber (fruits, vegetables, and whole grains), drinking plenty of water and herbal teas and exercising regularly.

This is one of the best and most natural practice. If this is not enough, your doctor can make other recommendations and/or rule out a medical problem that may be causing or contributing to your constipation problem, if you have one.

On some occasions, a certain type of colon cleanse procedure could be recommended to perform a diagnostic procedure such as colonoscopy. But this is a different situation. It is not a practice that is usually done regularly or as detoxification but to be able to visualize the inside of the intestine to see if there are polyps (which are precancerous lesions) or other problems.

Red Tea Detox colon cleanse procedure

The best way to clean the bowel for the purpose of detoxification of the entire body is natural cleansing with organic teas in which the source of herbs is undisputed.

I recommend Red Detox Tea since it has a beneficial effect on digestion, effectively cleanses the body, and after such cleaning, we do not have any negative side effects. It is full of powerful antioxidants, which strengthen the immune system and improve general health.

But most importantly, its effects and safety are scientifically proven!

Demerits of colon cleanse procedure

You can call it detoxification, cleansing or purification but as regards your colon, the damage is the same regardless of the name.

Those who offer this type of treatment (with laxatives or synthetic cleansers) say that afterward, you will have more energy, be less stressed and cleaner. The videos that recommend it show filth related to what “before you had in there.” It is normal for one to begin to wonder: why not renew my gut from time to time?

Because it is false!

The benefits have never been scientifically proven. While you intend to “renew” your bowel, you may suffer from abdominal pain that could send you to the hospital, nausea, headaches, vomiting and even dehydration.

A colon cleansing can be even worse if foreign elements are inserted into the intestine. In water cleansing, plenty of water is introduced into the intestine to clean it completely. With the devices and the water, bacteria can be implanted that would not have to be there.

This is how you, trying to look and feel better, could run out of intestinal flora to assimilate the food that enters your mouth or even cause a disease that you did not have before when nature has given you what you need to get rid of the intestinal waste.

Furthermore, colon cleansing has been verified to have many side effects, some of which are very dangerous. Some of these include:

  • Severe vomiting
  • Dehydration or symptoms associated with dehydration
  • Leg cramps due to potassium depletion
  • Problems with some medications
  • Injuries in the intestine
  • Infections (including hepatitis B or C, or HIV if the equipment used is not disposable or has not been properly sterilized).
  • Cardiovascular and kidney complications
  • Perforation of the gut due to unscrupulous practitioners
man with an enema pump for colon cleanse procedure

Also, if you think that because it is a procedure that uses ‘’natural’’ products like herbs, that there are no problems to do it, it’s best to know that this is not true and you should be very careful with its use.

Many people tend to think that “natural” products or procedures are good for the body simply because they are natural. Remember that even some plants which have not undergone any chemical processing and testing can have harmful effects on your health. For example, tobacco and cyanide are natural, but they can kill as well.

Your body is detoxifying itself all the time

In conclusion, since ancient times, it has been believed that foods that have not been properly digested, including meat, can contribute to the formation of toxins in the walls of the colon and throughout the gastrointestinal tract.

As a result, the body has a system to detoxify itself through urine and feces. And for healthy people, that’s the only thing that’s needed. In other words, nature is very wise as it has given us a body with an integrated detoxification system. It does not need us to clean the colon artificially.  But today, colon cleanse procedures have become the major alternative to detoxify the body for many.

Through many studies and researches, it has been observed that often the colon cleanse procedure comes with many negative effects as seen above.

The healthiest is a short natural fasting diet

It’s much healthier to cleanse your body and intestines with fasting. If we do not eat any hard food, the intestines are cleansed in three days.

However, if someone really wants to have an effective colon and body cleansing, then the Red Tea Detox colon cleanse procedure is recommended. Drinking this tea which contains five natural herbs is very healthy and has a beneficial effect on the entire digestive system.

In this way, the whole body gets effectively cleaned from toxins and you soon feel very light and relaxed. The efficacy and safety of this detoxification are scientifically proven, as well as many positive effects on general health.

Essential Oils for Insomnia and Anxiety

Surely, each of us has some sleepless nights from time to time. And more than we care about how to sleep well at night, harder is to cope with this really annoying problem. Before deciding to take any prescribed medicine, try with natural remedies such as teas or essential oils for insomnia.

Pills can only be a temporary solution, especially during a traumatic period, so herbal teas, essential oils for insomnia and other natural tactics with following some simple rules are the best solution.

Get rid of sleep deprivation with natural remedies such as teas and essential oils for insomnia

Poor sleep and insomnia usually appear due to depression, stress, and anxiety. The brain does not want to calm down, shut off and let us sleep in peace for at least a good six hours to rest. But we can help them a little bit with natural but effective treatments.

insomnia

Insomnia can occur at any age

Insomnia can occur at any time in life, but it is much more common in older people.

If it lasts for a long time, it can cause memory loss, has a negative effect on the heart and blood vessels and can lead to depression.

What is the main cause of insomnia?

In order to understand what insomnia is and which factors affect sleep, we need to refresh the knowledge of the onset of sleep. In humans and animals, this is conditioned by sunlight.

When the daylight comes, steroid hormones and an adrenaline system begin to emerge, and melatonin is released in the dark. And this exact hormone advances the start of sleep.

Well, millions of years ago, at the time when the human body was formed, sleep was directly associated with natural light, and at the present time a lot of factors affecting our body and sleep process. Due to the use of artificial light in the evening (television, computer, mobile devices), our alertness is prolonged.

  • In addition to environmental stimuli, with the rhythm of sleep also interfere unhealthy, processed foods with plenty of refined sugars and simple carbohydrates, which above all activate stress hormones.

After an abundant meal, due to the action of insulin and gastrointestinal activity, we become somewhat sleepy, but after a few hours, the energy generated from excessive foods wakes us up and again disturbs our sleep.

  • Due to poor sleep and waking up at night, we often try to make up for a lack of sleep with afternoon snooze. Again, we interfere with the rhythm of sleep and alertness and fall into a vicious circle.

So before deciding to take synthetic prescribed medicines that relieve lack of sleep problems, rather try with physical activity and natural remedies first. Herbal teas and essential oils for insomnia have the potential to relieve a majority of problems associated with sleep deprivation.

Outdoor activity to prevent insomnia

How can I stop my insomnia?

  • Therefore it is recommended not to eat in the evening after 6 pm.
  • Instead, we can drink a glass of lukewarm milk, which contains slightly more amino acids of tryptophan before going to bed. This amino acid serves in the body as the precursor to the synthesis of melatonin, which is essential for a good, uninterrupted sleep.
  • It’s also important to go to sleep at the same time every night and try to get up at the same time.
  • Avoid sleeping in the afternoon, a short nap (up to 20 minutes) is recommended, which is beneficial to the cardiovascular system, but does not interfere with the rhythm of night sleep.
  • And last but not least: go out and move as much as possible in the fresh air, at least four times a week take a long and intense walk or a slow run.

Other activities in nature, such as skiing, swimming, mountaineering, cycling, etc., have a very beneficial effect on sleep. But we need to be careful and avoid sports activities just before sleep because the body needs an hour or two to calm down completely.

Essential oils for insomnia

Essential oils for insomnia, as well as essential oils in general, can be very health beneficial and useful – and there are many. Each oil is unique and helps with different health problems.

Don’t worry, I did find effective essential oils for insomnia treatment 🙂

Essential oils are mixtures of compounds found in various parts of some plants. They are concentrated volatile liquids of strong odor, and production requires a lot of experience.

¡There are also synthetic essential oils in the market, which are artificially derived petroleum products and have no special value – they can even be harmful, so make sure you use only 100% natural and pure essential oil!

Aromatherapy, the use of essential oils in healing, is much more than that. It is primarily effective prevention that addresses all aspects of human life that can affect health and is based on the strengthening of the immune system.

Essential oils can be of great help in preventing infections and relieving their symptoms, often even outweighing antibiotics.

Lavender

lavender essential oils for insomnia

Lavender is a Mediterranean scented shrub with purple inflorescence. It has a calming effect, it is used against nervousness and anxiety, and it also alleviates muscle pain and repels moths.

To treat insomnia, a drop or two of essential oil of lavender on the pillow will calm you down and help you to catch some zzz’s.

Lavender is a great winner when it comes to oils that help overcome stress and insomnia

Studies and experience have shown that the use of lavender essential oil allows us to fall asleep quickly, while sleeping is quality and calm.

  • Put a few drops of oil in the evaporator to calm you down.
  • For this purpose, we choose lavender with the Latin name Lavendula Officinalis (Angustifolia) and not Lavandula Latifolio. The latter is used to concentrate and relieve pain.
  • It is also a good way to apply a few drops of lavender to the edges of the pillow and thus make it easier for us to fall asleep.
We also recommend jewelry aromatherapy

Lavender is also one of the few oils that can be applied directly to the skin (make the allergy test first). We recommend applying it on wrists, sphenoid area or neck.

Sandalwood

Sandalwood essential oils for insomnia

Sandalwood is a tree with large leathery leaves and a characteristic woody scent. It is used in stressful situations, in depression and even as an aphrodisiac, and it provides the skin with softness and restores it.

  • When you cannot sleep, mix a few millimeters of base oil (coconut, sesame, almond…), along with 3-5 drops of essential oils for insomnia of sandalwood and apply it on your feet.

You will notice warm feeling moving up your legs, all the way to the upper part of the body, where it will knock you down and you’ll fall asleep in a second. In addition, you will not have to get up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom, as you will be sleeping like an angel till the alarm clock wakes you up.

Caution is the mother of wisdom

Medicines from a home-made pharmacy that contain a variety of essential oils for insomnia (or any kind of essential oils) should be used wisely and on the advice of a qualified aromatherapist.

Although the beneficial effects are significant, the reactions to the aromatic treatment can be very different.

Take into account the following 7 warnings

¡CAUTION!

  1. The use of essential oils is not advisable in infants up to 6 months old

If necessary, during this period, some hydrolysates (diluted) and teas may be used as a substitute for essential oils for insomnia, as ==> Organic Red Tea for Babies. After six months, some oils are already safe to use, but in low concentrations.

  1. Restrictions apply also to elderly, weaken, and pregnant women, as some oils may act abortively and affect the hormonal balance.
  1. Certain essential oils, such as fennel, peppermint, and balm, are not suitable for epileptics.
  1. With glaucoma (increasing pressure in the eyes), oils containing citrate, such as lemon balm (Melissa), Eucalyptus Citriodora, lemongrass … should not be used.
  1. People with high blood pressure (hypertension) should avoid prolonged use of oils prepared from plants that slightly raise the pressure, such as rosemary, laurel, Thymus Vulgaris, salvia, hyssop, and summer savory.
  1. Also, we should be careful when using homeopathic preparations, as peppermint essential oils and Roman chamomile has an impact on their functioning, while most citrus fruits and some other plants, such as angelic, should not be put on the skin that will be exposed to sunlight.
  1. Some essential oils also affect the absorption of conventional medicines.

Therefore the unimpeded use of essential oils is not relevant, especially not in the cold days, when each one of us would like to avoid colds using unconfirmed recipes.

Other natural sleep remedies

Milkshake with bananas

Let’s make a drink from milk, whey protein powders and bananas. We can also add some avocado. A similar effect would be achieved with chocolate, but the side effect of chocolate consumption is excessive kilograms.

  • It should be noted that in practice, it is not good to enjoy evening meals rich in proteins only (meat), because the blood vessels narrow down due to increased digestion and metabolism. This raises blood pressure. For a good night’s sleep, it has to be slightly lowered.
banana milkshake

Magnesium

Magnesium plays a major role in insomnia, especially in women in the menopause.

  • Take a sufficient dose of magnesium every day!
  • You can also help with rennet (Ashwagandha), amino acid 5-htp or melatonin (tablets, cream)

To create your own melatonin, make sure that you are in the sunlight in the daytime and sleep in the dark at night.

If you go to the toilet, do anything except turning the lights on! As soon as you turn on the light, you can say goodbye to a production of melatonin – an antioxidant, which is the elixir of life – melatonin!

magnesium

Warm tea

The best known and accessible way to provide a good sleep is drinking different kinds of tea. Although not all teas are scientifically proven to help, we all know that they can alleviate insomnia problems.

It does not matter whether a real tea helps us to sleep better in or just tea drinking ritual before going to sleep, it is important that we feel good and relaxed. If you use these methods, I recommend sticking with the same kind of tea for at least 3 weeks to see if it really works.

ROOIBOS

We suggest trying with rooibos tea due to its scientifically proven sleep health benefits. Rooibos tea is a safe and effective natural solution for insomnia. It is caffeine-free and contains a very high value of minerals, including magnesium, calcium, manganese, zinc, and iron which stimulates tranquility and relaxation.

Studies have shown that the lack of magnesium can lead to chronic insomnia, among other things. Magnesium, also known as a natural tranquilizer, has a soothing effect on the nervous system, which contributes to better sleep.

With a cup of tea before going to sleep, you will provide your body with the necessary calcium and magnesium for a more peaceful night rest.

rooibos red tea

CHAMOMILE

Chamomile flower is used in herbal tea to help with sleep, digestive problems, or inflammation of the oral mucosa. Camille essential oil is the second-best choice in overcoming insomnia. It has a soothing and relaxing effect and the power to eliminate anxiety and relaxes us to fall asleep easily.

We can get the best results if combining it with lavender essential oil.

chamomile essential oils for insomnia

LEMON BALM

Lemon Balm is a medicinal plant used in gastric problems, inflammation of the respiratory system and stress. It is a natural anti-allergic, anti-depressant, anti-spasmodic, and sedative. It works soothing in smaller quantities and invigorates in a larger quantity. It calms on emotions, panic attacks, and hysteria. It calms muscle tension and reduces the feeling of fatigue.

The most helpful to the insomnia is tea, which is mixed with valerian and hops.

lemon balm

VALERIAN

Valerian contains alkaloids, essential oils, valepotriates, and sesquiterpenes. It has a relaxing effect and it is an excellent tool for insomnia treatment. Its sleeping effect was confirmed by clinical studies performed on 12,000 patients. Tea or tinctures are mildly soothing in nervousness, excitement, neuromuscular pain in the stomach and intestines, heart nerves, fear and general tension, and in troubles in the menopause.

Valerian is one of the most important therapists. It helps us to tolerate stress, anger, agitation, and sadness. With its help, we calm down such feelings and prevent diseases that arise from emotional conditions.

valerian essential oils for insomnia

Final thoughts: Essential oils for insomnia and anxiety

Despite a somewhat more difficult approach, it makes sense to start with non-medical treatment. The fact is that in addition to natural herbs, a healthy lifestyle and regular physical activity also contribute to better sleep.

  1. idea light bulb
    Accelerated movement every day
    or at least four times a week;
  2. A light meal in the afternoon;
  3. Drinking herbal tea or inhaling essential oils for insomnia;
  4. Performing breathing exercise at night before bed
  5. Accuracy when going to bed will be rewarded.

All of the above are just methods that can help you fall asleep, but the most important thing is to discover the cause of your insomnia and to eliminate it.

sheep sleeping