Friday, August 27, 2010

How to Use Herbs to Treat Crohn's Disease

How to Use Herbs to Treat Crohn's Disease



Crohn's disease is the inflammation of the small intestine and can be an unpleasant chronic condition. Since people suffer from this condition for years, they may get tired of taking their conventional medication, which can produce unpleasant side effects and search for alternative remedies such as herbs. While the effects of herbal medicine are not as dramatic, many people report an improvement of their symptoms after taking herbal remedies for Crohn's disease.









1


Eliminate harmful substances from your diet, such as caffeine, alcohol, pesticides, non-organic food and tap water. These substances can interfere with the effectiveness of your herbal treatments. Drink only bottled water.





2


Stock up on Vitamin A, which can aid the growth of healthy cells, lipase or pancreatic enzymes, which will aid the pancreas, folic acid, zinc, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D or iron.





3


Take a combination of marshmallow, slippery elm and cranesbill. You can drink these herbs in tea form and boil them in hot water.





4


Drink chamomile and licorice tea as well as aloe juice. These herbs help ease inflammation.





5


Use turmeric frequently in your cooking. Turmeric has been found to contain an anti-inflammatory agent.





6


Look for herbs that contain tannin to ease symptoms, such as diarrhea. Such herbs include green tea, oak and witch hazel.








Tips & Warnings










Be patient when using herbal medicine. You will not see an immediate effect, but you may see long-term improvement








Experiment with different herbal remedies to find the best combination for you.








Do not assume herbs do not have side effects. If you feel an herb is giving you a bad feeling, stop taking it immediately.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2093447_use-herbs-treat-crohns-disease.html

How to Use Herbs to Relieve Menstrual Cramps

How to Use Herbs to Relieve Menstrual Cramps



It's very easy to believe that all you need to do to relieve your menstrual cramps is take your favorite pain killer. Trust me, I know. That's what I used to do.

But all those pills started to take a toll on my stomach. So, I started to explore my options. How can I relieve the pain of menstrual cramps using herbs? Here's the best of what I found.







Things You'll Need:





Basil (tea)




Chamomile (tea)




Peppermint (tea)




Cramp Bark (tincture)




Ginger (tea)







My Favorite Herbs to Relieve Menstrual Cramps




1


Choose one of the herbs listed above to try when you have menstrual cramps.





2


If the herb calls for a tea, use one tea bag for one cup boiling water. You can substitute 1 teaspoon of the dried herb and 1 tablespoon of the fresh herb if you don't have a tea bag.





3


Drink one cup of tea several times a day or as needed until your cramps subside.





4


Cramp bark is an herb that seems to work better as a tincture. You can find cramp bark tincture online or at your local health food store.





5


To take the tincture, add 30 to 40 drops into a small cup of warm water and drink quickly. Do this three times a day.








Tips & Warnings










It is best to try one herb at a time to see if it works.








Once you know if an herb works, you can take more than one a day.








Make sure you tell your doctor about the herbs you are taking, just in case.








Do research on your own about a new herb before you take it so you can determine if there are any side effects.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2091457_relieve-menstrual-cramps-herbs.html

How to Use Herbs for Holistic Health

How to Use Herbs for Holistic Health



Do you want to use herbs as a holistic health strategy? Herbal nutrition is something that is easy to accomplish. Drinking gentle herbal teas on a daily basis is a great way to improve the quality of your diet. Herbal teas contain little to no calories (unless you sweeten it or add cream).

What this means is that a lot of herbs are very nutrient dense. Nutrient density is determined by considering how many calories something has versus the nutrient content.

Alfalfa is an example of an herb that is rich in vitamins and minerals. In herbal medicine, Alfalfa is used to help restore health by providing the body with extra vitamins and minerals.

Other herbs that are rich in minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants are green tea, stinging nettle, oatstraw, rosehips, lemon balm, and red clover.

Choose one or two of these herbs I mentioned up above to work with at first. You may start to notice that your body starts craving them. This is a sign that you need the nutrients that are in it.







Things You'll Need:





1 tsp. or tea bag of your herb of choice (choose from the list, above)




Boiling water




A mug




A tea strainer (only if you use the loose tea)




Sweetener (optional)









1


Bring one cup of water to a boil. Place loose herb into tea strainer and place in the cup. If you are using a tea bag, place the tea bag in the cup.





2


Pour boiling water over the herb and let the tea steep for 5 to 10 minutes.





3


Sweeten the tea as desired (optional).





4


Drink 2 to 3 cups a day or as needed.





5


You may want to repeat these steps for each of the herbs listed above for an initial tasting. Prepare all of them at once. You can take a sip or two and try to judge how your body is reacting or if you like the taste. Choose the herbs that you like the best.








Tips & Warnings










You can purchase the herbs from a natural food store, herbal shop, supplement store or online.








Make sure the herb is of a high quality. If the herb seems discolored or smells moldy, you shouldn't use it.








Always consult with your doctor before you try anything new, just in case.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2080472_boost-nutrition-herbs.html

How to Use Herbs for Healthy Liver Function

How to Use Herbs for Healthy Liver Function



Your liver is the organ in your body that gets a lot of use. If you take medication, you need your liver to process it. If you drink alcohol you need a healthy liver to help it leave the body. You also need it to help you lose weight and process excess fat. Basically, you not only need your liver for a healthy digestion, but a healthy body.

In our daily lives, the liver can really take a beating. Can you imagine if you were on strong medication, you drank alcohol, and you had some excess weight that you needed your body to get rid of? Your liver would be working overtime.

The good news is that there are some herbs that can gently and effectively tone your liver and keep it healthy. What follows is a list of helpful herbs for your liver. You can take them either as a capsule or a tea.









1


Follow the instructions on the bottle of the herb. To prepare a tea, pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 teaspoon dried herb. Steep for 10 minutes.





2


Milk thistle is one of the best herbs out there for the liver. If you know you are going to have a few drinks, take a few milk thistle capsules before you go out. You can also take this over a longer period of time to help enhance your liver health in general.





3


Yellow dock is another herb that is good herb for the liver. This herb works best prepared as a decoction. A decoction is almost the same as a tea. But, you add the herb to the boiling water in the pan and let it simmer.





4


Burdock root and dandelion root are two more root herbs that help the liver and also need to prepared as a decoction. Follow the instructions listed above.





5


Chamomile is a very gentle digestive system herb and has a gentle effect on the liver.





6


Dandelion leaves are also good for the liver. You can pick the leaves from your lawn (only organic lawns!) and eat them in salad or you can prepare a weak tea (steep for 5 minutes instead of 10).








Tips & Warnings










Only find the highest quality herbs.








Research the herbs before you take them.








Check with a doctor before you try anything. You may have a serious condition or the herb may interact with your current medication.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2094510_use-herbs-liver-health.html

How to Use Herbs for Diabetes

How to Use Herbs for Diabetes



Diabetes is a growing problem. As the obesity rates in the United States and other countries climb, the incidence of Type II diabetes increases. There are also a lot of people who have Type I diabetes which is a condition that arises during childhood. Both may require insulin shots.

If you need to supplement your diet with insulin shots or pills, DO NOT stop. These herbal remedies are designed to help your body. It is up to your doctor to decide what dose you need to take when it comes to insulin. You may find, especially in the case of Type II diabetes, that the herbal remedies decrease your dependence on insulin. But remember NOT to change your dosage unless under the advice of your physician.

With that said, there are some herbs that have been shown to help diabetes. Choose the herbs that you want to learn about and do your own research. You should also consult with your doctor before trying anything new.







Things You'll Need:





Herbal books, magazines, and websites to do your research




Your herb of choice to take under your doctor's supervision









1


Cinnamon is an herb that has been shown to reduce your blood sugar. Just sprinkle it in your food throughout the day--up to a quarter of a teaspoon. Try it on oatmeal, in tea, smoothies or cereal.





2


Bitter melon is an herb that helps increase your body's tolerance to insulin. A popular way to take this is in capsules. But if you decide to take it, make sure that you research it yourself.





3


Milk thistle is a common herb to take for the liver, but it can also be used for diabetes to help with blood sugar levels. A popular way to take this is in capsule form.





4


Gingko biloba is an herb that doesn't necessarily treat the diabetes. However, it helps with some of the problems associated with diabetes such as poor circulation. The best way to take this is in capsules since the herb can be bitter.








Tips & Warnings










If you are serious about treating your diabetes with herbs, consider consulting with a naturopath and/or herbalist.








Don't do anything unless you are under a doctor's supervision. DO NOT alter your insulin levels yourself. This could be very dangerous.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2080492_use-herbs-diabetes.html

Sunday, August 22, 2010

How to Sell Antique Precious Jewelry

How to Sell Antique Precious Jewelry



If you own antique precious

jewelry


, you may be unsure about selling these pieces. You may not know the value of the jewelry or feel uncertain about what type of establishment to use to sell the jewels. There are certain steps that you must take in order to ensure that you get the best price for your antique precious jewelry.









Step
1



Look for a jewelry appraiser in your area. Checking the local phone book is usually the easiest method to find appraisers.




Step
2



Make certain the appraiser you use is GIA certified. It may also be wise to find one that does not sell jewelry to ensure that they are giving you an accurate assessment of the jewelry's worth.




Step
3



Create a detailed description to use to sell the antique piece to buyers. It should include the approximate age, number of stones, any markings on the piece and metal types.




Step
4



Try to sell the jewelry on your own. Selling antique jewelry without the use of a third party can ensure that you make the most money. Place an ad in the newspaper or list the piece for sale on an auction site.




Step
5



Use an estate jeweler to sell the pieces for you on consignment. If the jeweler has an interested party, they will sell the jewelry on your behalf and take a portion of the sale as their commission.







Tips & Warnings









Make sure you present a copy of the appraisal when you are attempting to sell the antique precious jewelry.








It is best to avoid using jewelry stores or pawn shops for appraisals. They may not provide you with an accurate statement of the value of the pieces.








Only use a pawn shop if you are unable to sell the piece anywhere else.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2044997_sell-antique-precious-jewelry.html

How to Sell Accessories to a Consignment Shop

How to Sell Accessories to a Consignment Shop



Consignment stores are always looking for first-rate accessories. If you have scarves, handbags or costume jewelry that you no longer wear, consider consigning them to earn some extra cash.







Things You'll Need:





Vintage Clothes



Vintage Shoes



Phone Directories









Step
1



Collect all of the scarves that you no longer wear. Silk print scarves and pashminas are in demand year-round.




Step
2



Take a look at your costume and casual jewelry. Earrings and necklaces are better sellers than bracelets and rings.




Step
3



Look through your collection of day and evening handbags. Designer bags, as well as those with unique materials and trims, will attract the most attention.




Step
4



Check the yellow pages under "resale," "secondhand," "clothes" or "consignment." Call each consignment shop and ask if it consigns accessories, making appointments with those that do.




Step
5



Show items that are in good condition. Scarves should be free of stains and tears; costume jewelry free of nicks and chips; and purse handles and closures in working order.




Step
6



Have a sales associate explain the store's policy. Typically, items are kept for a period of 30 to 60 days. Non-selling items will be returned to you, while those that sell will earn you a portion of the selling price.




Step
7



Keep a record of what you consign. If you don't hear from the store, make a note to call a few days before your selling period ends. Depending on the store, you may receive cash, credit or a check.







Tips & Warnings









Some consignment stores consign hair accessories and hats. Ask about each store's specialties.








Keep your consignment receipt in a safe place. This is your only link to the items you've left behind.



http://www.ehow.com/how_17967_sell-accessories-consignment.html

How to Select the Right Perfume

How to Select the Right Perfume



Choosing a great perfume takes some experimentation and research.







Things You'll Need:





Perfume









Step
1



Research your personal taste in fragrance. Do you like to smell lemons, vanilla, roses, musk?




Step
2



Ask the woman wearing the intriguing scent of freesia what her perfume is called.




Step
3



Think of fragrances the same way you think of music: top, middle and base notes. Note that a top note is what you smell first; citrus and light spices are the first smells to evaporate.




Step
4



Focus on your favorite smells and take that knowledge to the fragrance counter, where a skillful salesperson will lead you in the right direction. Clean linens, tea, grapefruit, citronella candles, vanilla beans, or even rainwater will be hints.




Step
5



Apply a scent and wait 10 minutes. Remember to spray on pulse points, where skin is warmest, for best diffusion of scent.




Step
6



Sniff the test spot again. Still like it? Chances are you'll like it tomorrow, but keep in mind that as the top and middle notes evaporate, you're left with the heaviest oils.




Step
7



Ask for a wrapped package when you make your decision.







Tips & Warnings









Clear your nose with coffee beans while testing a lot of different perfumes; ask for one at the counter.








Some women like a cleaner, citrusy smell for casual wear, and a muskier fragrance for special occasions.








Remember that the less you expose the perfume or cologne to the air, the longer it will last.








Navigate through your choices. In order of highest to lowest concentration of oils, and therefore most to least expensive: perfume, eau de parfum, eau de toilette, eau de cologne and body splash.








Shop at a reputable store for the freshest, most genuine perfumes.








Ask a store about return policies, which can vary.



http://www.ehow.com/how_5132_select-perfume.html

How to Select the Right Length Skirt

How to Select the Right Length Skirt



It's been said that a skirt should be long enough to cover the basics, but short enough to be interesting. Depending on the person,

weather


or occasion, the right length skirt can be the most important aspect of an attractive outfit. Learn to choose the right length to enhance your look in any season.









Step
1



Consider your age. Regardless of the physical shape you're in, it is likely that a miniskirt may not look appropriate for you if you are 50, as opposed to when you were 20.




Step
2



Pay attention to the season or time of year. Shorter skirts look better in the spring and summer months than they do when it's colder.




Step
3



Examine the event at which you will wear the skirt. The more business-like the event, the more conservative you need to be. Conservative skirts should hit below the knee or lower when you are standing up.




Step
4



Think about your level of modesty. Select the skirt with the length that feels most comfortable to you. Even if you have great legs, you won't look good in a short skirt if you lack the confidence to wear one.




Step
5



Watch the current fashion trends. This season's popular styles often indicate where the hem will fall.




Step
6



Consider the shoes you want to wear. Shorter skirts or miniskirts look great with flats, while

sandals


with heels or pumps accentuate longer skirts.




Step
7



Know the style of the skirt you are wearing. Many styles and cuts should only be worn at certain lengths. Learn about the ideal lengths of various skirts at Buxom (see Resources below).







Tips & Warnings









If you want to wear a shorter skirt in the fall or winter, put on a pair of thick stockings or tights.








Many skirts can look more "wintery" if you wearing a pair of boots with them.








Unless you feel comfortable wearing a miniskirt with boots in the winter, it is better to select a long skirt that covers the tops of your boots.








Most fashion experts advise that you never select a skirt that falls at mid-calf. This look rarely works on any body type.








The length of a skirt can be undermined by the rest of a woman's outfit. For example, if her blouse is too low-cut or is showing cleavage, she may still look overexposed, regardless of how long her skirt is.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2228265_select-right-length-skirt.html

How to Select the Right Heel to Wear With a Long Skirt

How to Select the Right Heel to Wear With a Long Skirt



High-heeled shoes can enhance the look of a long skirt, but you'll need to take the time to select the right heel. Between pumps, platforms,

sandals


and wedges, ladies have a myriad of heel options to choose from and it's just as important to match your heel to your legs as it is to match it to your skirt.









Step
1



Consider the type of heels that look good with the shape of your legs, independent of the dress you're going to wear them with. Choosing heels with pointed toes can make your feet look disproportionately small if you have thicker legs. Select a wider high-heeled shoe to give the appearance of a slimmer leg.




Step
2



Select classic shoes with little to no decorative flair to wear with a long dress, particularly if the dress itself is patterned or dotted with design accessories. Wearing elaborate shoes with a patterned dress may create a conflict in the design elements. You want to draw attention to your dress, not your shoes.




Step
3



Do not combine black shoes with a long pastel skirt, unless you've also gone to the trouble of coordinating any purses or

belts


you plan to wear with the outfit. This is one example of an instance in which the old adage that "black doesn't clash with anything" can be untrue, particularly if your skirt is a vibrant pastel color.




Step
4



Leave high-heeled sandals and boots for wear with shorter skirts. Boots are not the right choice to make with a long skirt because they'll cover the portion of the leg that would otherwise show between the shoe and the bottom of the skirt. Having a little leg visible when wearing a skirt carries classic fashion appeal you can't go wrong with.




Step
5



Choose lower-cut "kitten heels" or strappy heels and remember that wearing blocky shoes will not create the right look. Long skirts tend to make the wearer appear shorter and wider, which the right set of heels will counter by adding length and slenderness to your profile.







Tips & Warnings









Your heels don't necessarily have to be all that high. In fact, opting for shorter heels can create a very attractive, classy and businesslike look for women in the professional world.








If you choose to wear high-heeled shoes that are secured with a strap, you must make sure the strap is firmly attached. Loose straps can cause you to slip and turn your heel, which may result in a painful and debilitating ankle injury.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2228099_select-right-heel-wear-long.html

How to Select the Perfect Purse

How to Select the Perfect Purse



Finding a purse in general can be rather easy but finding the perfect purse requires some thinking. Figuring out just what you want before you go find it can save you time and money! This article will give you a few tips on how to select the perfect purse for all your needs.







How to Select the Perfect Purse




Step
1



When will you use the purse most? Will it be an everyday purse? Knowing when and how often you will use it will help you pick the perfect one.




Step
2



What size do you want? Do you prefer smaller or larger purses? It usually depends on just how much you carry around with you. If you only keep a few things on you it is best to pick a smaller purse.




Step
3



What color do you want? Choosing a color can be the hardest part because if you use it for an everyday purse, you want to know that it will match your attire no matter what. If this is the case it is best to go with a neutral color or one that goes with anything.




Step
4



How much can you spend? Set a budget for yourself so when sifting through all the available purses you can sort out the ones in your budget and choose from there.







Tips & Warnings









This article is not guaranteed to work for everyone, use at your own risk!



http://www.ehow.com/how_2193341_select-perfect-purse.html