15 Surprising Uses Of Cucumbers!

 Cucumbers are a delicious and nutritious addition to any salad or sandwich, and can even make for a tasty snack on their own. We should all try and include them in our weekly diet so we benefit from the wide range of vitamins and minerals they provide. But the brilliance of cucumber does not end there, and we bet you didn't realize just how versatile they could be ... Until now. This common vegetable really is far more useful than you could ever imagine, and can be used for a wide range of tasks to help you maintain body, home, garden and even clothes. Here's everything you need to know to employ cucumbers outside of a salad:

1. They Can Give You a No-Caffeine Energy Boost

Many of us drink coffee, soda or other caffeine-rich drinks because they provide us with an energy boost when we are starting to lag. Of course, caffeine is not particularly healthy for you, but there is an alternative - the cucumber! Because they are a great source of Vitamin B and good carbohydrates, cucumbers can give you a boost when you feel fatigued.

2. They Can Reduce Cellulite and Wrinkles

If you are feeling self-conscious about your cellulite, then cucumber can be a great help. Take a couple of thickish slices and rub them along the area you want to treat for a few minutes. This works because cucumber contains a photo-chemical which tightens collagen and firms up the outer layer of your skin which in turn, reduces the appearance of visible cellulite. It can also be effective on wrinkles, so use them as part of your regular moisturizing routine.

3. They Can Make Your Stainless Steel Shine Again

We all buy artificial cleaners for our metal work, and most of them contain countless numbers of chemicals and other nasties you don't really want to be breathing in. If you are looking for a 'green' way to shine your stainless steel taps and pots, rub a thick slice of cucumber over the area you want to clean. It will remove any signs of tarnish and leave the surface shiny and new. And as an added bonus, it won't harm your hands while you are using it.

4. They Can Rejuvenate and Replenish You

If you want a quick and easy facial you can make at home, then slice up a generous amount of cucumber and boil them in a pot of water. Remove the pot from the heat when it has boiled, place a towel over your head and lean over it, allowing the steam to hit your face. The natural chemicals inside the cucumber will leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated, while your skin will look great.

5. They Can Eliminate Bad Breath

If you've just finished a lovely plate of fish, but don't want to breathe the odor on everyone in your presence, then take a slice of cucumber and use your tongue to pin it against the roof of your mouth. Hold it there for around a minute and the photo-chemicals it contains will attack the bacteria and eliminate your problem.

6. They Can Polish Your Shoes

We don't tend to carry shoe polish with us everywhere we go, but if you are caught short with scruffy shoes and need to be somewhere important, the last slice of cucumber from your salad can do the trick for you. Rub the slice over the shoes to leave them glistening, and as an added bonus the cucumber provides them with water repellent properties as well.

7. They Fight Fog in the Bathroom

If you like a nice, steamy bath once in a while but don't have time to de-fog all the windows and mirrors afterwards, then rub a cucumber across the affected areas before you start running the taps. It will not only stop them from fogging up, but will release some relaxing aromas to help you relax while you soak.

8. They Fix a Squeaky Hinge

If you have a squeaky hinge or stubborn zipper, you probably didn't realize that you can fix it with a couple of slices of cucumber. Rub them on the defective area and you have a cheap, easy stand in for WD-40.

9. They Fight Headaches

If the rigors of daily life have left your head pounding, or you drank too much red wine while dining out, cucumber can rescue you from a nasty headache. Because they are high in Vitamin B, sugar and electrolytes, they replenish nutrients that your body needs to fight off a hangover, or defeat the headache that has been throbbing all day. All you need to do is eat half a cucumber before bed, and then go to sleep as normal.

10. They Can Fight Off Urges to Snack

If you are in between meals and feeling peckish, it is oh-so easy to turn to the cookie jar or ice-cream tub to satisfy urges. Most of us feel bad immediately after, and regret spoiling our dinner, so why not learn from our ancestors and use cucumber to fight off compulsions to snack? For centuries, it has been used by trappers, explorers and traders as a quick fix to fend off hunger, and just a few sticks of cucumber should do the trick.

11. They Can Soothe Sunburn

You might see cucumber in some after sun products on the pharmacy shelves, and for good reason. They are a great cooling agent and some doctors even use them to treat patients with sore, burned skin. You just need to rub a thick slice over the affected area and you should feel quick relief.

12. They Can Drive Away Garden Pests

Cucumber can be used in your garden to drive away those pesky critters that chomp their way through your precious plants and flowers. Simply place a few slices in an aluminum container (most empty canned products should be fine to use) and place the containers around your flower beds. The cucumber and aluminum react together and make a handy repellent

13. They Can Relieve Constipation

The high fiber and water content in cucumbers make them useful if you are suffering from constipation. So next time you are blocked up, try eating half a cucumber and seeing if it causes anything to 'shift'. If you are someone who suffers from ongoing constipation, try adding more cucumber to your daily diet.

14. They Are Excellent Erasers

If you have pen marks on a surface or wall, then take an unpeeled chunk of cucumber and rub it across the affected area. It works well on crayons too, so if your children or grandchildren have left you with an unwanted piece of artwork on the wall, the cucumber should successfully remove it.

15. They Can Help You Look Great!

OK, so this one is more widely known. People have been putting cucumber over their eyes to reduce puffiness and dark circles for many years. To prepare the cucumber properly for this task, take a cold one fresh from the refrigerator and cut two thick slices. Find a room in your house where you can relax and set the cucumber slices over your closed eyes for around ten to fifteen minutes. You will look and feel great afterwards!

Posted by:  sunseekertoo@gmail.com

12 Stretches For Your Upper Body!

 I’m a bit clueless when it comes to body workouts: I don’t know what bits I am meant to be exercising, when or how. Although I do know I need to keep my muscles going if I want to keep my body healthy and in good condition. So this complete workout guide is just the thing I needed to get me right on track. Starting here with the upper body, there are 6 areas you can give daily attention to in order to get those muscles loose and flexible, keeping tightness, aches, and cramps far away from your body.

Benefits

The benefits of having well-exercised muscles are massive. Stretches lengthen your muscles, giving you full access to their tremendously useful elasticity. Stretching will also improve blood flow to the muscles, increasing your physical capacities, lowering injury risks. If you do these exercises after you wake up in the morning or have taken a quick nap, it will wake you up and open up your lungs to give you space to take great healthy breaths of invigorating air. You will also sleep better than ever before and stand taller with improved posture.

Tip: To make sure you reap these tremendous benefits, you might want to try the first exercise (stretch A) for each body area on one day, then on the next day try the second exercise (stretch B). Either you will find you prefer one stretch more than the other, or you will retain both, giving yourself a nice bit of variety to your routine.

1. Neck

We have all suffered from a stiff neck, and know how much this can ruin your day. Most of the time our necks get into bad shape due a too motionless sleep. To combat this problem, try these two exercises after you wake up.

 Stretch A: Sit up and straighten your back. Put your right hand on your right shoulder. Then put your left hand on the right hand side of your head, and use your body’s weight to tilt it towards your left hand side. Hold this position for 10 seconds, then switch sides.

Stretch B: Sit up straight and try to give yourself a double chin by dropping your chin into your chest. Hold for 3 seconds and repeat 10 times. To increase the pressure, press two fingers into your tucked chin.

2. Shoulders

Your shoulders could be in a poor position: turned forward and tilting downwards, giving you tightness and lack of full mobility. Instead of asking for low quality massages from your partner, be proactive and try these 2 workouts.

Stretch A: Stand erect, squeezing your shoulder blades together, as hard as you think you can, for 3 seconds before letting go. Repeat this exercise 12 times.

Stretch B: Stand in the middle of a doorway and bend your right elbow 90 degrees with your palm forward and your fingers pointing up, then put your forearm on the doorway. With your left foot lean forward until you feel tightness in your pectoral. Hold this position for 10 seconds then switch to the other side.

3. Triceps

Unlike their mighty neighbors, the biceps, your triceps are relatively under used throughout the day and need a bit of activity to keep from becoming tight and uncomfortable. Here are two super stretches to bring the triceps back into play.

 Stretch A: Lift your right arm above your head, bending it with the elbow. Put your left hand onto the right elbow. Then slowly pull your right elbow downwards and backwards until there is tension. Hold position for 10 seconds. Repeat on the other side.

Stretch B: Stretch your right arm at shoulder height across your chest. Put your left wrist on your right elbow, pulling your right arm to your body slowly. When you experience a bit of tension in your right triceps stop and hold position for 10 seconds. Repeat on your other side.

 4. Forearms

Your forearms are extremely busy parts of your body, being the strength behind many of your hands' daily duties, so you need to make sure they are being used properly and efficiently. Give these top exercises a go.

Stretch A: Move your arms in front of your chest, bending at the elbows, and cross your right arm in front of your left. Move your right wrist behind the left with your palms (or backs of hands) touching. Hold position for 10 seconds. Switch to the other side.

Stretch B: Get yourself down on all fours like a dog, with your hands under your shoulders and your hips above your knees. Turn your hands at their wrists one after the other until your fingers are facing your knees. Hold position for 30 seconds.

5. Wrists

As anyone with arthritis knows, your wrists are at the same time very delicate and necessary. So learn how to build them up with these great stretches.

Stretch A: Take your right hand, with the palm facing out. Turn your wrist back with your fingers pointing up. Spread out your fingers and softly pull back at your thumb, using your other hand. Hold position for a few seconds, then do each successive finger. Repeat this exercise with your left hand.

Stretch B: In prayer position, with your hands clasped over your chest move your hands slowly down from your chin to your waist. When you feel some stretch in your forearms and wrists hold position between 15 to 30 seconds. Repeat this exercise a few times.

 6. Back

Both men and women can either wake up with pain or suddenly damage their back muscles at any time in life. But unfortunately this gets likelier as we get older. To try and stay on top of any possible back nightmares, or even uncomfortable twinges, try these two exercises.

 Stretch A: Stand up and place your feet a small stride apart. Put your hands on your hips and lean back gently until you experience stretching in your lower back. Hold this position for 3 seconds and repeat 12 times.

Stretch B: Lie down flat on your back with your knees bent upwards and somewhat apart. Then drop your knees to the right hand side and hold position for 10 seconds. Repeat on your left side.

Note - Please make sure before starting any excise you must check with your own doctor.

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Posted by: Sun seeker  sunseekertoo@gmail.com

Do You Suffer From Gout - Or Know Someone Who Suffer From Gout

Gout is an arthritic health condition which affects the joints. This genetic ailment is more common in men than women, and to date has no known cure. It is caused by an excess amount of uric acid in the bloodstream, and attacks can be chronic.

Symptoms

Crystals develop on the joints, followed by intense and sudden pain.

Joints can swell, feel warm and tender, and can’t bear the pressure of touch.

You won’t be able to move the affected joint much.

Primarily felt in the feet, specifically the big toe, although it can flare up in the ankles, heels, knees, wrists, fingers or elbows.

Skin surrounding the joint can turn red or purple, and appears bruised.

After gout subsides you will have lingering discomfort around the joints and the skin around the joint will peel and feel itchy.

After extended periods of gout, nodules may develop beneath the skin near the joints.

Repeated bouts can also damage your joints and the kidney.

Fluid sacs cushioning tissues around the elbow or knee may become inflamed.

Symptoms often follow surgery or an illness.

Uric acid is caused by purine metabolisms, which are proteins found in sardines and anchovies, as well as alcohol. Some medication and supplements can also cause a buildup of uric acid. Examples include salicylates, the active component of aspirin, vitamin B3, too much vitamin C, and diuretics.  Alcohol consumption, excess weight, and lead exposure can increase the chances of gout developing in those with a genetic susceptibility.Doctors can recommend medicine to alleviate inflammation and pain, and usually opt for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and Tylenol. They can also prescribe medicine that work to lower uric acid levels and thereby lessen crystal formation, such as Colcrys, corticosteroids or allopurinol. Prescription medicine is often accompanied by strong side effects, and will require lifelong consumption.

There are also several natural treatments which focus on relieving pain. The following 6 remedies’ ingredients can easily be bought at the grocery store and can be administered in the comfort of your own home.

 Apple cider vinegar

This common cooking ingredient can raise your body’s alkaline level, thereby reducing gout pain considerably. With its significant acidity, apple cider vinegar is commonly used to treat headaches and stomach acid. The best way to effectively ingest apple cider vinegar is by drinking it in a glass of water. Mix in one teaspoon to one glass of water, and drink this mixture three times a day. To sweeten this bitter drink add some honey, which can also boost your body’s anti-inflammatory response.

Activated charcoal

One wouldn’t naturally think of charcoal as a solution for any medical condition, but it seems activated charcoal is perfectly safe and it's known to absorb uric acid. The best way to use it to prevent gout flare-ups is by soaking in a bath of charcoal two to three times a week. You can add half a cup of charcoal powder to your bath water. When a paste is formed, add more water and soak your affected joint for at least half an hour.

If you don’t enjoy bathing, applying a charcoal paste directly to the skin of the affected joint. You can leave this on for half an hour and then remove with lukewarm water. The alternative solution is to consume activated charcoal tablets. This option does require consultation with your physician.

Baking soda

Baking soda is another household item that can be effective in treating gout pain. Baking soda reduces uric acid in the body. In an 8 oz. glass of water mix in half a teaspoon of baking soda and drink it. You can repeat this several times a day. No more than 4 teaspoons should be consumed in one day, and if you are over 60 years old, only 3 teaspoons per day should be consumed in total.

Note: This method is not recommended for anyone suffering from hypertension, as baking soda is known to elevate blood pressure.

Cherries

Cherries are another one of nature’s treats that can help with gout. They are not only packed with antioxidants but also anthocyanins, which are known to reduce joint inflammation and can substantially reduce gout from flaring up in subsequent attacks. A daily serving of 15 to 20 cherries is recommended. If you want to avoid the high concentration of sugar in the fresh fruit, try drinking a glass of black cherry juice or a cherry juice concentrate daily.

Apples

The commonly heard phrase “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” can be especially true when it comes to gout. An apple after each meal, as endorsed by medical experts, can be very effective. The strong component of malic acid in apples can neutralize uric acid, thereby offering relief to both pain and inflammation. Some people don’t enjoy the texture of apples – for those people I recommend trying apple juice or dicing the apples up and adding them to a bowl of cherries.

Lemon juice

Another way to neutralize excess uric acid in the blood stream, which can provide relief from pain caused by bouts of gout, is with lemon juice. The freshly squeezed juice of a lemon can alkalize the body. Another useful way to consume it is adding a lemon half to a glass of water, as this will be less strong than pure lemon juice. You can also mix the juice of a lemon with half a teaspoon of baking soda. When the mixture stops fizzing, add it to a glass of water and drink it immediately.

Posted by: Jaffer Kassam Jafferkassam@gmail.com

If You Think Old Wives's Tales Are Not True---- Check This Out

Old Wives's Tales That Actually Work

Most people dismiss old wives' tales as stories born from myths that carry little truth. These ideas, passed on by parents, grandparents and friends, sound quaint and silly, making it difficult to believe that any of them will actually work. However, some of the wisdom handed down through the generations is actually grounded in genuine fact. These 9 household tips prove that old wives' tales can be much more than just tall tales:

 Purify air with house plants

Like trees, plants can provide a home with added oxygen. Specific species are able to remove toxins from the air. Try adding plants like bamboo palm, peace lilies, gerbera daisies, philodendrons, rubber trees, ficus or corn plants to your home to purify the air.

Remove furniture scratches with walnuts

Walnut oil can repair wood blemishes. You need to shell the nut and rub it over any marks on the wood. The oils penetrate the wooden surface and go to work fixing any stains, blotches or scratches.

Keep sponges clean by microwaving them

Make sure your sponges don't become a breeding ground for germs with this tip. Take your dirty sponge and squirt a little lemon juice into it. Warm it up in the microwave for several minutes on high. The heat will kill the bacteria and you can use the sponge again.

Ice cubes can remove carpet dents

Heavy furniture can leave dents in your carpet. Quickly resolve this by placing ice cubes over the divot. Let them melt and, soon after, the carpet will go back to being even. You can fluff the area with a toothbrush or fork to help expand the fibers if necessary. Finish by patting the carpet with a cloth.

Use Alka Seltzer to unclog drains

your sink appears to be acting up, try this trick to unblock it. Drop four of these fizzy tablets down the drain, followed by a tablespoon of vinegar. Then flush the sink with boiling water. The drain should become unclogged and ready for use.

Clean windows with newspaper

Newspapers will do a more thorough job cleaning windows and mirrors because they have denser fibers than paper towels. Dense fibers allow the paper to absorb liquids used for cleaning. The density also makes them stronger, so they are less likely to fall apart in your hands.

Aluminum foil can help with ironing

Cover your ironing board with aluminum foil and then put the ironing board cover over the top of it. The foil will reflect the heat so you will be ironing both sides at the same time, without the need to flip the piece of clothing over.

Remove chewing gum with peanut butter

Chewing gum has a tendency to get stuck to your shoe and other places where it doesn't belong. Remove this annoying litter with a couple of tablespoons of peanut butter spread. Afterwards, you can use a wire brush to help scrub off any remaining bits of the gum.

soap to fill a hole in the wall

Nail holes and nicks can leave a wall blemished. Instead of filling a white wall with silicone, use a soap bar. Simply rub the bar over the hole in a circular motion until the surface is even.

Posted by: Vue DeDiue <vueddieu@gmail.com>

Who Says Coke Is Not Good For You

Surprising Uses for Cola

 Coca-Cola is the most popular drink in the world and has been around for over 100 years. Enjoyed by millions around the world, but some enjoy it not by drinking it, but rather for a variety of uses. Here are 19 things you never thought you could do with Coke.

Stain Remover

Don’t know how to get rid of a greasy stain? Soak it in Coke, scrub a little and immediately put it in the washing machine. The stain will be gone as if it was never there.

Remove Rust

Want to repaint metallic surfaces but don’t have a rust removing spray? Dip a rag in Coke and scrub the rust away.

Eliminate Oil Spills

If oil has leaked from your car messing your garage floor or driveway, you can pour Coke over the spill, scrub with a broom and let it sit for 15 minutes, and then wash the stain away.

Loosen a Rusty Screw

Since Coke is effective at removing rust, if you’re stuck with a rusty screw that won’t budge, just pour some Coke over it and try unscrewing it. Within seconds, the screw will become loose.

Exterminate Snails and Slugs

We all know that they hate salt, but instead of chasing the slimy pests, you can use Coke. Pour some Coke into a bowl and leave it in your garden – the sugar will draw them in, and the acidity will kill them.

Relieve an Asthma Attack

Studies have found that caffeine can prevent asthma attacks as much as four hours after being ingested. If you can’t get to your inhaler in time, a cup of Coke will do the trick. This is not, however, a recommended replacement for proper asthma medication!

Cleaning Burnt Pots

No one wants to use a burnt pot. If you happen to burn something in a pot, you can pour Coke inside and let it soak overnight. In the morning, the burnt stains will be gone.

Relieve Jellyfish Stings

Vinegar is effective in relieving jellyfish stings, but most of us don’t take a bottle of it to the beach. Surprisingly, Coke is just as effective as vinegar.

Nausea / Diarrhea Relief

If you’re suffering from nausea or diarrhea, you can use Coke to relieve the symptoms. Pour some into a cup and let it sit until it is no longer carbonated. Now, take a spoonful every hour.

Get Rid of the Hiccups

Got a persistent hiccup that just won’t go away, no matter what? Gargle some Coke several time until the hiccups are gone. The fizz may feel weird in your throat, but it’s a small price to pay for hiccup relief.

Decongestion

If you’ve got a cold and your nose is congested, you can take a cup of Coke, warm it up (do not boil it!) and drink it. The congestion will be gone in a jiffy.

Posted by: Vue DeDiue - vueddieu@gmail.com

Have You Got Hair Loss Problem Then Check This Out

Home Remedies For Hair Loss

Hair loss is normal, but when it happens in excess it’s frightening and upsetting. It’s common to lose 50-100 strands a day. When you wash your hair you can lose 250 strands. Most of the hair on your head is growing.

About 10% of your hair is dormant, and will fall out after 2-3 months. Sometime you don't realize that everyday habits can contribute to hair loss.

Here are some natural ways to get your hair growing and prevent hair loss, and some tips on what not to do, to ensure your hair stays on your head.

 Coconut milk

Coconut milk is a rich source of nutrients including vitamin E, potassium, and iron. Applying this liquid directly to the roots can help prevent hair breakage and accelerate hair growth. The antibacterial properties in this milk can also protect the scalp as it is a natural conditioner for both hair and skin. It’s recommended that you leave this treatment in overnight.

Amla, Indian gooseberry

This fruit is well known for its high levels of vitamin C and is packed with antioxidants, which can prevent premature graying. The essential fatty acids in this fruit can also keep hair follicles strong. It is also purported to reverse graying hair. Applying a paste of dried amla with lime juice to the scalp will nourish your locks and make your hair extra lustrous. To make the paste mix 2 teaspoons of lime juice with 2 teaspoons of dried amla powder.

Scalp massage

Regularly treating your head to a massage is effective in keeping your hair healthy. A massage stimulates blood flow to the scalp and promotes hair growth. Combining a head massage with lukewarm oil can prevent hair loss and dandruff too.

There are a number of oils to try: coconut, jojoba, mustard, almond, lavender, olive, or sesame oil are all full of added nutrients. Jojoba oil is especially recommended because it replaces sebum to the scalp.

Neem, Indian lilac

Neem oil is extracted from the fruit of the Indian lilac tree. This treatment is effective because the tree is rich in antioxidants which counter free radicals. Neem is regenerative and contains fatty acids like linoleic, oleic, and stearic acids, which also condition the scalp and hair beautifully.

Neem is an astringent and can also treat itching, dandruff and head lice without chemicals. Neem oil has a bitter smell so it’s recommended that you mix it with an aromatic essential oil like lavender, tea tree or orange. You can massage this mixture into your scalp and apply it to your locks too.

Aloe vera

Aloe Vera is another good remedy for hair loss. Applying pure aloe gel directly to the scalp helps balance the pH level. The plant extract is rich in vitamins, amino acids, minerals, and enzymes. The aloe strengthens hairs elasticity and can soften and moisturize your hair, acting as a natural conditioner. Dissolving a small amount of salt into the gel can also help. The salt penetrates the deeper skin layers and can prevent hair from falling out unnecessarily.

Egg white & curd

The combination of egg white and curd creates a super hair treatment that promotes hair growth. Eggs are rich in sulphur, selenium, iodine, phosphorus, iron and zinc. Curd has many nutrients and is anti-fungal. This mixture makes an excellent conditioner, making your hair shiny and at the same time effectively fights dandruff and hair loss. Combine the ingredients and apply the mask to your scalp and hair.

Henna

While most people know henna as a natural hair dye, it is also an excellent way to strengthen and condition hair. More importantly henna controls excessive hair loss. When applied to hair and scalp it creates a protective coat over the hair shafts and its nutrients repair the hair cuticles, making the strands thick and strong.

To prevent hair loss, combine dried henna leaves or powdered henna with mustard oil and a teaspoon of lemon juice. Massage this oil mix into your scalp. Leave this to rest for 30 minutes and rinse your hair after.

 Hibiscus

This vibrant flower has many rejuvenating properties for hair. It is an old Indian method of maintaining a thick mane of hair. Because of its rich vitamin C and amino acid content, this flower works to prevent premature graying, nourish the hair and treat dandruff. When you combine the crushed leaves of the flowers with coconut or sesame oil and apply this paste to your scalp regularly, it can also help with hair loss. It’s best to leave the paste in your hair for several hours and then rinse.

Habits to avoid:

Don’t comb or rub your hair wet

When you wet your hair its more fragile because the protective layer has been stripped. Towel drying or combing your hair when wet can cause the hair to snap and break. Detangle your hair before you wet it and blot your hair with a towel.

Don’t overheat your hair

Excess use of your hair dryer or straightening iron can dry out your hair shafts, leading to dull, and brittle hair. The heat can damage the proteins and the dryness also strips your hair of natural moisture, resulting in dry cuticles, which will snap off. It's recommended you limit this activity to 2 to 3 times a week.

Don’t wash your hair with hot water

Boiling hot water can weaken your hair follicles and cause hair to fall out. Having a steaming hot shower frequently can strip away the protective oils and this can cause your scalp pores to overproduce oil, which can damage the hair at the root, resulting in excessive shedding. Opt for washing your hair with lukewarm to warm water, and rinsing with cooler temperatures, to lock in moisture.

Posted by: Vue DeDiue <vueddieu@gmail.com>