Fast Weight Loss (eassy way to weight lose for pregnancy)

When will I lose the pregnancy weight? Will my body ever feel like my own again? When will theme I remember come back? For overwhelmed new moms, fast weight loss is often the first step to regaining balance and self-esteem. But finding the time and energy to work out is a struggle when you've got an infant depending on you 24/7. These three tips, including a hot-mama workout and SHAPE reader strategies on how to squeeze exercise into to your all-baby-all-the-time schedule, will help you drop the pregnancy weight and feel like yourself again fast.


1. Find the Right Workout
For fast weight loss, you want a powerful cardio workout that targets not only the muscles that were stressed during pregnancy (yes; that would be your abs) but also the ones you'll use most to pick up and play with your baby, including your arms and back. Bonus: Building these also happens to help flatten your belly and take your arms from flab to fab. Postpartum fitness specialist Teddi Bryant, founder of Hot Mamas Exercise in Denver, created this circuit-style program to get you started. Be ready to get sweaty: It's not your mama's workout!

2. Fit Exercise Into Your Schedule
Take a few tips posted by busy moms on SHAPE's, they've dreamed up lots of smart and sneaky ways to squeeze a workout in between feedings and diaper changings. Remember, even just 20 minutes of cardio can go a long way toward getting your pre-baby body back:
Get up!
Let's face it, you're not getting any sleep anyway, so you might as well seize an early-morning hour to get in a workout. "I get up at 4:30 a.m. so I can do my workout before I need to go to work and get the kids to school," Mary Lewandowski Flynn told us. "Of course I am usually crashed out by 9 p.m.!"
Make it social:
Like workout time, girlfriend time is at a premium for new moms, so combine them! Take an evening for yourself each week for Zumba, or celebrate your new curves with a belly dancing class.
Make the most of nap time.
It's tempting to sleep when your baby does—and sometimes that's the way to go—but often you'll be more relaxed if you spend that blissfully uninterrupted hour working up a sweat.
Get your kids in on the act.
Look for a mommy-and-me yoga class, join a gym that offers child care, or invest in a quality baby jogger—or all three! When you show your kids that fitness is a priority for you, you'll help them build healthier habits as they grow up. Tonia Horvath Riggs told us her kids have been agitating to join her and her husband on evening runs. "Having my kids ask to exercise makes me feel like I am doing something not only for me," she says, "but for them too."
3. Focus on Flat-Belly Foods
One look at your post-natal middle and you may feel you'll never have a waistline again—but when you combine an abs-friendly diet with an active lifestyle (see above!), you'll be amazed at how quickly you can get your belly fat under control. You know the basics: Pack your plate with lots of fruits and veggies, whole grains and lean proteins. But there are a few flat-belly super foods—like melon, walnuts, and even wine!—that may surprise you. Which means you don't have to skip all the treats you love to get your belly back down where you want it.


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make herbal soap. ( how to make herbal soap )


First up from the herb garden – my very own soap! I thought this would be a lovely homemade Mother’s Day or Teacher Appreciation gift. I picked up some plain, unscented glycerin soap and added herbs from the new garden and some citrus. I love the smell and bright green color of mint.
I diced up some rosemary to add with lemon zest.
I found some great napkins at Goodwill (where else) for 25 cents and some 50% off ribbon at Hobby Lobby for some easy gift wrapping.

I also thought about putting them on pretty antique plates found at Goodwill for $2. But does it look like I’m giving someone a slice of lemon cake? LOL
Herb and Citrus Soap
Recipe adapted from Martha
You’ll need:
Glycerin soap (sold at craft stores)
Assorted herbs & citrus – I used basil, mint, rosemary, orange and lemon
Food processor
Glass bowl or measuring cup
Plastic spoon or scraper
Soaps molds – any plastic or cardboard container will do
Cooking spray
1. Melt soap
Put the soap blocks in glass bowl & melt in the microwave for 30 second intervals until melted. Stir every so often to break up big chunks.
2. Prepare additives
While melting, puree the herbs and squeeze out excess water in a paper towel. For citrus, zest the peel. You’ll need about 1 tablespoon of additives for each cup.
FYI – Orange + basil = an unattractive muddy green brown color.
3. Get mould containers ready
You can buy cute moulds at the craft store, but any plastic container will work, even your Ziploc containers. Though you might want to use something you can just pitch in the recycle bin when finished rather than trying to clean. Use old milk cartons or even yogurt cups. Spray with cooking spray and wipe out excess.
4. Add purees
Once glycerin is melted, let it stand & cool for a few minutes. Before it sets too much, add the additives. Keep stirring to ensure they don’t all float to the bottom. When you have the color you want (more time stirring = darker color) pour into container.
5. Setting the mould
Let the soap sit on the counter for about an hour to completely set. Then put in the freezer for another hour or so. Then it should pop right out. Slice with knife, give to someone you love and use within 3 months.

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Chinese Herbs for Gray Hair ( how to get dark hair )

Interested in Chinese herbs for gray hair? Find out how the problem of gray hair is treated using herbal medical knowledge from China.


he Chinese have made use of herbal remedies for pretty much everything and gray hair is no exception. During their days of experimentation the Chinese discovered a herb that they found to be useful for the treatment of gray hair. This particular herb is known as Ho Shou Wu in China and goes by the name of Polygonim multiflorum in the English speaking world.
The nutritional properties of Ho Shou Wu
The Chinese herb for gray hair known as Ho Shou Wu was discovered to be an excellent dietary supplement under traditional Chinese medicine. This all natural ingredient helped to provide nourishment to the kidney and liver as well as the blood. Although there were a number of different herbs identified to be helpful for gray hair Ho Shou Wu became the most popular herbal remedy for gray hair. The name “Ho Shou Wu” actually means “a head full of black hair.”
How Chinese herbs help with gray hair
According to Chinese medical theory the condition of your hair is actually a reflection of the internal system of the body. The practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine identified weaknesses in kidney and liver resulted in symptoms such as gray hair as well as hair loss. Hence they sought to cure the problem of gray hair by enriching the body with nutrients that would help it recover from the weaknesses in the kidney and liver.
Dosage and administration
The most common way in which Ho Shou Wu is taken is orally in the form of a dietary supplement. Most Chinese herbalists recommend that the patient should continue the use of this herb on a long term basis. Today you will be able to find specially formulated lotions made from Ho Shou Wu extract. Such lotions are used primarily for hair loss but can also help against graying hair.
Chinese herbs for gray hair have been made available to the public in these different forms by various brands. Amongst the popular brands is Shou Wu Pian. This particular brand is perhaps the most popular product made using the Ho Shou Wu extract for the purpose of getting a head full of black hair.
When it comes to these dietary supplements they need to be taken five tablets at a time, three times in a day. This dosage seems to be a lot but one should keep in mind that this is not a chemical medicine that is going to have side effects on your body. Rather it is an extremely mild herb which has absolutely no side effects. The one thing about Chinese herbs for gray hair is that their use needs to be continued over a long period of time.
Getting a head full of black hair is not the only thing that such Chinese herbs will help you with. Rather they will enrich your body from the inside including your kidney, liver, sperm and marrow while working to strengthening the bones as well.
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Eastern Indian Herbal Weight Loss




Herbs and plants have been used to treat a variety of diseases over the years. These herbs are curative and effective for weight loss. Moreover, herbal remedies can be safe and do not have harmful chemical effects. Allergic reactions cannot be ruled out, so consult a doctor before using any herbal weight loss remedies. East Indian herbal treatment is a class of alternate medicine known as Ayurveda. Try these Ayurvedic home remedies, as well as herbal products that maybe used for weight loss.


Ayurvedic Weight Loss Principles

  • 1. Ayurveda recommends portioning of meals instead of fasting. Helping the metabolism and waste management system work effectively and making sure the digestive system gets enough break between meals will help with obesity.
    2. Work with the digestive system that is most active at noon. Ayurveda recommends that lunch be the heartiest meal of the day.
    3. Internal cleansing is essential. Keeping your digestive and waste management system clean is vital. Triphala is a herb that will help with this cleansing.
    4. Exercise is very important and should not be overlooked by any means.
    5. A good night's sleep helps avert many problems. Studies have shown that obesity has been caused by bad sleeping habits.

Herbs for Weight Loss

  • There are many herbal remedies available in the market. When shopping, look at the ingredients to compare with the following herbs and their uses.
    • Triphala (the Myrobalans): This herb is very useful in burning fat. It cleanses the system and helps correct the metabolism to speedup weight loss.
    • Guggul (Commiphora mukul) : This herb affects the metabolism and reduces cholesterol levels.
    • Guar gum (Cyamopsis tetragonolobus): A dietary fiber
    • Vrikshamal (Garcinia cambogia): Inhibits lipogenesis, lowers production of cholesterol and fatty acids and increases glycogen production in the liver.
    • Mustak (Cyperus rotundus): Improves digestion
    • Katuki (Picrorhiza kurrao): It corrects fatty liver and fat metabolism in the liver
    • Garcina Cambogia (Garcina cambogia): This popular weight loss herb has been traditionally used in South East Asia to make meals more filling. Hydroxycitric acid (HCA) an active ingredient, reduces appetite and prevents forming of adipose (fatty) tissues.

Home Remedies

  • • Honey is an excellent cure for obesity. Honey targets the extra fat deposited in the body and converts it into energy for the bodily functions. Ten grams of honey along with warm water taken on an empty stomach early in the morning helps with weight loss. As the body gets accustomed to it, the dosage maybe increased. A teaspoon of fresh lime juice may also be added to this.
    • Ginger and Pepper are other home remedies recommended for obesity. Both ginger and pepper help speed up the metabolism and burn fat.
    • Carrot juice is also found to be very effective with obesity.
    • Cabbage either raw or cooked restricts the conversion of sugar and other carbohydrates into fat thereby aiding weight reduction
    • Tomato, curry leaves or strained water from soaking leaves of Indian Plum (Jujubes) over night are all said to avert obesity. Each of the three remedies should be taken on an empty stomach in the morning

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easy way to lose weight ( Home Remedies With Food and Herbs )


  • Indians say the easiest way to fight obesity is to consume 10 grams of honey and a glass of warm water each morning on an empty stomach. The dose can even be increased over time.
    Another way to control your weight is by drinking, first thing in the morning, a glass of lukewarm water containing half a lime and one teaspoon of honey. This mixture should be taken every few hours.
    Another method involves eating 10 to 12 fully grown curry leaves every morning. You should do this for three months to see results.
    Eat one or two tomatoes, on an empty stomach, every morning. This should be in place of breakfast and should continue for a few months.
    Add ginger and lemon to a glass of boiling water. Drain the water and have these warm. This works as an appetite suppressant.
    Add three teaspoons of lime juice, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and a teaspoon of honey to a cup of water. Drinking this once a day for three months will help with weight loss.
    Take a handful of jujube or Indian plum leaves. Soak these in water overnight. Drain the water and eat these on an empty stomach. You need to do this for a month to see results.
    Eat a lot of cabbage. This is good for weight loss because it contains tartaric acid, which prevents sugar and carbohydrates from being converted to fat.
    Carrot juice with water is another Indian remedy used to lose weight.
    Eat plenty of french beans, jackfruits, grapes, figs, peaches, phalsa and guava.
    Green tea is great for weight loss. It also works with including dandelion root.

Other Home Remedies

  • Indian home remedies suggest you don't eat any meals when you are tense or stressed out. But you should not skip meals, and eating every two to three hours is suggested. Also, drink a glass of boiled water after every meal.
    Acupressure may help. Target points are the middle of the upper lip, right below the nose, and an inch above and below the belly button. It is suggested that these points be pressed three to four times a day for five minutes to help control hunger.
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How to get clear skin (Home Remedies For Clear Skin)

SavvyHomemade has plenty of information for maintaining healthy skin. But the following home remedies for clear skin ought to be the first steps in your daily routine.


Your three steps to perfect skin are to Cleanse, Tone and then Moisturize. And below we have methods and recipes for each step....

Use A Homemade Facial Cleanser
Homemade Cleanser

Homemade facial cleansers can easily remove any dirt, old makeup and sweat that may have accumulated on the skin throughout the course of an average day.
The best face cleanser should be gentle yet thorough, so making up a cleanser with a light and easy to smooth consistency is vital.
For a stimulating and therapeutic effect, always make sure you choose a cleanser to suit your skin type.
The most effective way to use a cleanser is to place a small amount in the palm of your hand and allow it to warm before gently massaging it into your skin.
Remove with a cotton wool or cosmetic tissue, being careful not to drag the skin.
If the herb you need to use for your facial cleanser recipe is unavailable you can often find an equally good one, this also gives you the opportunity to transform your home remedies for clear skin to suit your particular skin type

Recommended herbs for your facial cleanser recipe

  • All skin types; Chamomile, comfrey, elderflower, linden flower, nettle
  • Normal or dry; Calendula, Lady's mantle, marshmallow
  • Normal to oily; Fennel, lemon balm, rosemary
  • Oily skin; Sage, mint, yarrow
These herbs can all be found at Mountain Rose Organic Herbs and Spices

Tip

The herbs above are also excellent when used for steaming.
For a deep clean pour boiling water into a bowl over the chopped herbs. Cover your head and bowl with a towel (keeping your head at least 1 foot above the water) for 10 to 15 minutes.
To keep your skin looking its best, don't steam your face more than once a week.




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Homemade Medicine

Herbal medicine has long been considered “the people’s medicine” for its accessibility, safety and the ease with which remedies can be made. Commonly throughout history, if someone wanted a particular medicine, they needed only grow it in their garden or find a place where it grew naturally and could be gathered. Thoughtfulness was required about when to harvest the plant, and often the medicine used was a tincture, the recipe for which had been passed down for generations. These practices were environmentally and financially sustainable and remain a cornerstone of herbal medicine.


Those who want an alternative to conventional medicine often buy herbal products from their alternative health-care providers or the health-food store. The irony of this is that what was once medicine for the people now costs about $10 an ounce. Considering that someone who takes their tinctures religiously might go through 8 ounces in a month, that’s a hefty tab to pay for something that can be harvested in one’s back yard.

Making your own tinctures is a cost-effective, creative and empowering way to take control of your health care. It is perfect for the gardener who wants to use what they grow for healing, the nature lover who yearns to identify and sustainably wildcraft indigenous herbs, the crafter with the desire to turn the dried herbs from the farmer’s market into medicine, or the chronically ill patient who needs a regular supply of remedies.

Richo Cech, owner of Horizon Herbs in Williams, Oregon, and author of Making Plant Medicine (Horizon Herbs, 2000), notes there’s an added healing benefit to self-made remedies. “If you make your own tincture, you have a better connection with the medicine because it’s from your own bioregion, similar to the benefits of using local honey,” Cech says. “And you know exactly what’s in the tincture, which leads to more trust, which leads to faith, which makes it more effective.”


Don’t Let Math Stop You


Often, people are intimidated by the mathematics involved in making herbal medicines, which include careful measuring of both the herb and the menstruum (or solvent) to make sure they are in the proper ratio. Bert Norgorden, founder of The Plant Works in Albuquerque, New Mexico, who has been making tinctures since 1988, says it’s best to make tinctures according to ratios and weight, but if math is the difference between someone making their own tincture and giving up, there is an easier way.

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Homemade Cough Medicine

Homemade Cough Medicine. Photo by Trixyinaz  This is a home remedy for that horrible cough that you just can't get rid of, and best of all: you probably already have all of the ing


Ingredients:


  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • tablespoon honey
  • tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • tablespoons water


  • Directions:



    1. 1. Mix ingredients.

    2. 2. Take by the teaspoon as often as needed for cough.

    3. 3. Do not give to infants under 12 months due to the honey (though I doubt you could get them to take it anyway!).
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    How to stop cough with in a day (Homemade Cough Drops)


    Found this at the Instructables website and want to try it with an herbal tea. Love the idea for the mold being made of powdered sugar. Putting here for safe keeping. Haven't tried yet. These would make a nice gift for a sick friend. Unsure cook times. The instructions indicated that the following might be good additions for a lozenger, although I'm not sure what amounts: * Horehound - (be careful - this stuff is strong!) pain reliever, stimulates digestion * Echinacea - best before full onset of cold, anti-bacterial + blood cleanser * Peppermint - expectorant, decongestant and mild pain reliever * Eucalyptus - relieves congestion * Camphor - relieves congestion * Ginger - pain relieving, antiseptic and antioxidant * Goldenseal - antiseptic and immune stimulant * Licorice - anti-viral, chest and throat soother * Sage - good for sore throats * Fennugreek - expectorant * Juniper - relieves congestion * Yarrow - reduces fevers and inflammation


    Ingredients:                                                 
    TOTAL TIME FOR MADE HERBAL TEAD - 20 MIN 



  • tea bags
  • cups water
  • sugar
  • powdered sugar (optional)

  • Directions:



  • 1. Brew a strong tea - use either prepackaged tea, or your own blend of herbs, you'll want to make a strong brew. Two cups of water to four tea bags works well. You can, of course, divide that in half. Steep the herbs/tea in boiling water for 15 minutes.

    2. Prepare Candy Mold - If you have a candy mold, use that. Give them a quick spray of cooking oil.

  • If you don't, powdered sugar or cornstarch will make a substitute. Pour powdered sugar into a pie pan about 1/2" thick, maybe a bit more, flattening it out with your hand, then using the bottom of a food coloring bottle, make indentations. These indentations are your mold.

  • 4. Make Candy - The ratio for the candy is 1 part liquid to 1 part sugar. Use other sweeteners besides sugar if you want, but they may require different cooking times. Add the appropriate amount of sugar to your brewed/steeped tea and heat over medium-high. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Bring to a boil and do NOT stir again. Carefully wipe away any crystals forming on the sides of the pan with a damp brush or cloth. When candy is at 300 degrees on a candy thermometer, remove from the heat. Add in any food coloring or flavorings if you want. Stir.

  • 5. Mold Candy - Pour your mixture into your prepared molds. Allow to set until firm. If it's humid or rainy outside, this may take longer. Putting them in the fridge will help. To remove them from the mold, stir them around in the powdered sugar and sift away excess. Keep in a sealed container or wrap in cellophane or waxed paper.

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