Liver Cleanse Recipe and How to do a Liver Flush

One of the most common e-mails I receive goes something like this: “How do I cleanse my liver? Do you have any liver cleanse recipes? How do you do a liver flush? Is it safe?” So instead of sending out a hundred emails on the topic I decided to write it all out for everyone’s benefit and share the wonders of flushing out and regenerating your liver!

Why Do a Liver Cleanse?

Our liver is a phenomenal organ and a true hardworking hustler when it comes to keeping things in order.

Every day, our liver:

Manages our blood sugar levels
• Produces, filters, conjugates, deconjugates, and regulates our hormones
• Creates bile in order to break down fats so that the body can assimilate fat-soluble vitamins
• Metabolizes alcohol and medications
• Produces and secretes vital protein components for blood plasma which are essential for blood clotting

• Maintains our electrolyte balance
• Filters 1.4 liters of blood per minute!

That’s a lot of vital processes our body needs on a daily basis for vibrant health and well-being. Pretty impressive!

Making sure our liver is in tip-top shape is one of the best ways to maintain energy, beautiful skin, and overall health. Our liver takes care of a lot and it doesn’t get any breaks. In order to maintain optimal health, we need to lessen its burden as much as possible because toxins are more prevalent than ever before.

Who Should Do a Liver Cleanse?

Not everyone should do a liver cleanse because it can pack a wallop on those who take certain medications, are pregnant or nursing, suffer from frequent yeast infections, are diabetic, hypoglycemic, have stomach ulcers, or have a fragile constitution due to age, chemo, etc. Honestly, this cleanse can take you on Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride even if you’re strong and healthy, so I highly recommend checking with your healthcare practitioner before diving into liver flushing.

That said, how do you know if you need to do a liver cleanse?

Some of the most common reasons may be:

• You have acne
• You drink alcohol regularly
• You drank too heavily on a night out or over the weekend
• You eat processed foods often
• Your sugar intake is moderate to high

• You feel fatigued, run-down, or just tired throughout the day
• You use chemicals to clean your home
• You are exposed to environmental toxins and pollution (maybe you live in a large city or your workplace uses chemicals)
• Your blood sugar fluctuates often (due to your liver’s overburdened state)
• Your skin is always dry
• You use skincare and cosmetics that contain chemicals daily like lotions, shampoos, conditioners, foundation, etc.
• You have unexplained back pain

How Often Should You Do a Liver Cleanse?

This largely depends on how you treat your body. If you eat healthy wholesome foods, exercise a few times a week, stay hydrated, get outside, and keep your alcohol, sugar, and processed foods intake to a minimum, you really only “need” to cleanse your liver once a year. However, if you go out often and are exposed to pollutants, chemicals, and other toxins in your environment on a daily basis, cleansing your liver 2-3 times a year is generally recommended.

Never do a liver cleanse when you are ill.

How does The Liver Cleanse Work?

I’m adding this in so you know exactly why you need to follow every instruction without substitutions. The cleanse will not work otherwise and you may cause yourself some unintentional discomfort.

Apples, Apple Juice, and Malic Acid

Apples are rich in malic acid, a compound that helps break up gallstones for more comfortable elimination. You need to include these in this cleanse for this reason. Without them, you may not pass some of the larger stones.

Epsom Salts

Epsom salts are essential because it dilates the ducts that expel gallstones. If you don’t use Epsom salts, you risk one or more of the stones getting lodged and causing a lot of pain as the gallbladder expels bile.

Grapefruit and Lemon

The slightly bitter flavor of these fruits is known to stimulate the gallbladder and cause it to release bile and flush out stones. Grapefruit and lemon are also amazing for liver support and regeneration.

How to Do a Liver Cleanse and Liver Flush

This cleanse is inexpensive and simple to do. In fact, you may already have all of the ingredients that you need. Once again, keep in mind that this cleanse is not for everyone!

Here are the ingredients:

• Organic apple juice (I buy the large gallon-size as I need it)
• Organic whole apples, or a malic acid supplement
• 4 TB Epsom salt
• 3 cups of filtered water

• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 large organic grapefruit (I prefer ruby grapefruit) OR 3 organic lemons (needs to be freshly squeezed from the fruit!) to make at least 1/2 cup of juice

How to do a Liver Flush

1. For the first 5 days before you begin the actual flushing protocol, eat as many organic apples as you can. I will typically eat one apple with every meal and snack on apples between every meal. You can also drink organic apple juice instead of eating apples throughout the day, or take a malic acid supplement according to its instructions. Just choose one method – apples or malic acid.

During this time eat clean healthy meals that are simple like lean meats, whole vegetables, fresh fruit, and whole grains (this is for the 5 days PRIOR to starting the actual cleanse AND days 1 and 2 if you need more substance during the cleanse). Otherwise, on days 1 and 2, you should cut out all meat products and continue to eat fresh fruits and vegetables as well as whole grains if desired.

Alternatively, you can eat clean 5 days prior to starting the cleanse and fast for days 1 and 2 but only if you are experienced.

2. On days 3-5 begin drinking organic apple juice every 2-3 waking hours, you can do this in conjunction with eating apples as well if you desire but it isn’t necessary. This process tops up the malic acid in your body which is an incredible liver detoxifier and will help ensure that you flush out more stones. If you don’t want to drink apple juice or eat apples, you can take 500mg of malic acid 3x a day with lots of filtered water.

3. On day 6, eat a very light breakfast with no fat before 10 am. An example would be fresh fruit. Doing this will increase bile accumulation in the liver. The bile increases pressure which will help eliminate more stones.

4. At 2:00 pm the same day, mix 4 TB of Epsom salt into 3 cups of filtered water and store it in the fridge so it gets cold. DO NOT eat after 2:00 pm or the flush will not work.

5. At 6:00 pm the same day, drink 1 cup of the Epsom salt mixture. It’s going to taste awful but try your best! You can’t add anything to make it taste better or you will compromise the cleanse results. Using a straw makes it easier to drink.

6. At 8:00 pm the same day, drink another 1 cup of Epsom salt mixture. At this point, THE ONLY THING you should be doing is resting, laying down, or sleeping. Make sure to prepare ahead of time. Get someone to watch the kids and make sure you have taken care of everything you need to. The fewer distractions are the better.

7. At 9:45 pm the same day, juice the large grapefruit and remove all the seeds. If you dislike pulp, strain it out. Mix the grapefruit juice (or the juice of 3 lemons) with 1/2 cup of olive oil in a jar or shaker cup until very well combined. This should be 1/2 cup of olive oil and a 1/2 cup of fresh grapefruit juice.

8. At 10:00 pm the same day, drink the grapefruit mixture within 5 minutes. You can use a straw to make it easier. I recommend actually tasting the mixture because it will stimulate the release of bile much better.

Immediately after drinking the grapefruit mixture, lay down in bed on your right side with your right knee up towards your chin for 20 minutes WITHOUT MOVING. This is super important. Try to sleep on your right side for the rest of the night. Really try not to move.

10. The next morning when you wake up, drink 1/2 cup of Epsom salt mixture and relax. Try not to overexert yourself at all. Lay down in bed and rest.

11. 2 hours later drink the last 1/2 cup of Epsom salt mixture. Rest.

12. Wait 2 hours before eating ANYTHING, not even fresh fruit after this last dose. You’re almost there!

13. Once 2 hours are up, begin with a liquid diet of fruit juice or a pure fruit smoothie that is slightly runny (you can dilute this with water or apple juice). Slowly incorporate fresh fruit throughout the day, then to light meals that include veggies and light broth. You should feel pretty normal again by dinnertime but some people may feel worn out up to two days after the cleanse.

What to Expect After Flushing Your Liver

The morning you finish up the cleanse is when you can expect to experience some intestinal cleansing effects. Sometimes these symptoms can occur soon after drinking the Epsom salt mixture, other times it can take all day to feel the effects. Most people will experience some degree of diarrhea on this cleanse and this is totally normal and is due to the Epsom salts.

Another aspect a lot of people experience is the elimination of several to sometimes hundreds of gallstones. These appear as pea-shaped green “stones” that may sink or float during elimination.

There is a lot of debate as to whether or not these truly are gallstones and not everyone eliminates them, but one thing is clear, most everyone who has done a liver flush correctly has experienced incredible results.

Other symptoms, especially if you’re new to fasting and cleansing, include nausea and vomiting. If you stay rested and take it easy you should be fine. Remember, this cleanse is about REST. You shouldn’t be puttering around town or cleaning the house or chasing after a toddler. The key is lots of rest! Best of luck everyone!

Source - https://www.holistichealthherbalist.com

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How To Clean Your Shower Doors With 2 Simple Ingredients

There is one area of our bathroom that always makes me cringe when I look at it. It’s our shower doors and tracks and the limescale and mineral deposits that had built upon them. Here is the blunt truth and no judging but I have never really cleaned around the shower frame or door tracks. How to clean shower door tracks? I really wasn’t sure.

Years of Neglect

So I’m pretty sure when we moved into our house years ago that there was already some buildup on the shower door frame and tracks. That combined with not knowing how to clean it or even if it could be cleaned and honestly, a little laziness, I just tried to ignore it. However, I finally realized that I needed to try to tackle it. Below you will find my process and results.

Starting Point

I tried to take some before, during, and after pictures. I don’t feel like they fully capture the essence of the task at hand but I will give you one picture to start to give you an idea of what I was in store for.

I did some research online looking for the best method (and easiest) to remove the build-up. I decided to start with the vinegar method. It seemed the simplest and I already had vinegar on hand so off I went.

Step 1 – Vinegar

The first step was to pour vinegar into the shower tracks. My tracks have little holes to allow the water to drain out so I plugged those with paper towels. That wasn’t the perfect solution as it still drained out once the paper towel was soaked but it did a good enough job. A rag or something thicker than a paper towel may work better.

After I let the vinegar sit for about 30 minutes, I removed the paper towels blocking the drain holes. Then I grabbed a clean paper towel and wiped out the tracks. Most of the grime and stains from within the shower door tracks were removed with that one swipe! I grabbed a toothbrush and scrubbed the hard to reach places that I couldn’t reach with the paper towel. (If you don’t have an old toothbrush, I found a multi-pack for a $1 at Walmart). There was still a little area under the door in the track that I couldn’t reach with the toothbrush. For under the doors, I used a paper towel soaked with vinegar and gently shoved it under the door in the track. Since I already had let the vinegar sit in the tracks, the grime was already loosened so it didn’t take much to clean it.

For the vertical tracks, I soaked some paper towels with vinegar and shoved them into the tracks and let them sit. As I removed the paper towels, I wiped down the tracks as I removed them and then used the toothbrush again for the tight corners.

Step 2 – Baking Soda

Now, I moved on to tackle the mineral build-up on the top and outside of the shower door tracks, as well as some vertical part of the tracks. I really didn’t know if they would be able to come clean but I was going to give it my best shot.

I mixed some baking soda with water in a little bowl to make a paste. Using a rag, I applied the paste to the build-up on the top and outside of the track and in the vertical section of the track and let it sit there. I don’t remember how long I let it sit there as I was working on other things but I would say probably 30 minutes. I wiped off the paste with a wet rag and surprisingly, quite a bit came off in the first swipe. If your doors don’t have a lot of build-ups like mine did (and I’m sure they probably don’t), you might be done with that initial cleaning.

Unfortunately, due to my lack of cleaning, this task was going to take some elbow grease. I repeated the baking soda step over again. This time instead of wiping it off with a wet rag, I used a little metal scraper and scraped the mineral deposit build-up. Some areas required more than others, especially the top of the shower door track right section next to the wall. Since that one spot had so much build-up, I actually had to chip away at it with the metal scraper. I repeated with baking soda over and over until finally the build-up was gone!

Shower Doors

Again, I started with the vinegar. I poured some into a spray bottle and sprayed the vinegar at the top of the build-up and let it run down the grime. I also used the baking soda paste to remove the grime and build-up that was still left on the metal edges of the shower doors. Just as I did with the shower door tracks, I applied the paste to the door and let it sit. Then I wiped and scraped off the build-up from the shower door corners and along the bottom of the door. Thankfully, this was not anywhere near as bad as the tracks so I only have to repeat it once.

**Disclosure** You may notice in the after picture that there is still some build-up on the door and edge. I had to stop to pick up my kids at school, so I will need to finish it on another day.

Rinse

After I finally got the limescale and mineral build-up off, I washed everything down. I gently poured water into the tracks to remove any leftover dirt and grime being careful to not overflow the tracks. I used a clean, wet rag to wash everything else.

Final Tips

One of the benefits of the vinegar and baking soda method is that they are natural cleaners. I figured since they were natural, I wouldn’t need gloves. Through my lengthy cleaning process, I learned that while they are natural, gloves would have been a good idea. At the end of the day, the skin on my fingertips was incredibly dry and peeling. While this obviously isn’t a really big deal, it is a little sore and inconvenient. If I ever have to do an in-depth cleaning again, I will be wearing gloves.

If your shower door tracks have a lot of build-up like mine, I want to be completely honest. I don’t want to make this seem like a quick wipe and you are done. However, with some elbow grease, you can get the build-up off and it is definitely worth it!

In order for me to not have to go through this again, I will be wiping my doors down and cleaning on a regular basis. Now instead of hating to look at my shower doors, I actually look at it and smile. I can’t believe the difference! I just wish I would have spent the time and done it years ago! Not only does it look so much better but it actually feels great to accomplish something!

Source- https://myreallifeathome.com

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Beware, China Is Making Rice from Plastic – Here’s How to Spot It

First of all, you should know (or you probably already know) that we all need to watch what we eat because what we eat has an impact on our health in general. Well yes, and we also know that we shouldn’t consume too much fat, cholesterol, and sugar. Sometimes, we read the ingredients label and try to make healthy food choices.

But, ladies and gentlemen, have you heard the latest news? Yes, there is a scary trend coming out of China – they are apparently making rice out of plastic! First of all, plastic is not part of any diet! According to the officials, the fake rice substitute is being made from sweet potatoes, potatoes and a synthetic resin (aka plastic). When the ingredients mix, they form grains that resemble rice. It is then sprayed with a chemical fragrance to make it smell like an expensive brand of rice called Wuchang rice.

And, you should be very careful, because it is really hard to tell the difference between the actual rice and plastic rice. The fake rice isn’t being sold in the U.S., but it is in other countries. Here are some tips on how you can be sure your rice is the real deal:

• Just soak your rice in water – real rice will sink in a glass of water, and fake rice will float.
• Or, you can put cooked rice on the counter for several days, if it molds it is real – if no mold forms, it is not really rice.
• When you cook your rice, if you notice a thick layer on top of the water, it is probably the fake rice.
• A flame held by fake rice will emit a plastic aroma, and it will burn like plastic would.

Source- https://organicnutritionbook.com

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Garlic And Ginger DIY Treatment At Home To Get Rapid Hair Growth

Garlic is known to remove toxins from your scalp and reduce damage to your hair roots, its sulfur content helps you in rebuilding hair shaft and replenish lost hair to a large extent. Whereas, ginger is known to prevent hair loss, control dandruff, nourishing hair with fatty acids and tackle dryness. Thus, together they form the perfect concoction and remedy for hair growth. Here are a few ways in which you can use these ingredients for rapid hair growth :

Garlic and Ginger Mask for hair

Ingredients :

• One small piece of ginger
• 3-4 garlic pods
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil

Method :

1. Make a paste of the ginger.
2. Grate the garlic pods and extract the juice.
3. Mix the paste and extract juice together and blend well.
4. Add the coconut oil to this mixture and mix well.
5. Apply this Mask to hair for 20 minutes.
6. Wash with cold water and a mild shampoo. Condition hair.

This hair mask can be used 1-2 times a week for best results.

Garlic and Ginger DIY treatment at home to get rapid Hair Growth

 Ginger and Garlic Juice Concentrate for Hair Growth

Ingredients :

• 4-5 garlic pods
• 1 tablespoon grated garlic
• Plain water

Methods :

1. Grate the garlic and ginger and add to a pan of boiling water.
2. Let it simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Take it off the heat, strain this mixture, and separate the juice.
4. Apply the juice to the scalp directly.
5. Leave it on for 10 minutes, then wash with plain water and a mild shampoo.

The juice concentrate is to be applied about once in a week for best and quick results.

Ginger, Garlic and Lemon Juice

Ingredients :

• 2-3 tablespoons of grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon of grated garlic
• 3 tablespoon sesame oil
• ½ – 1 tablespoon of lemon juice

Method :

1. Blend all of these ingredients together well till you get a fine paste.
2. Apply this paste to your scalp and keep for about 25 minutes.
3. Wash it off properly with a very mild shampoo (preferably sulfate-free) and cold water. Condition hair after washing.

The hair mask should be applied twice a week for best results. Lemon has collagen-boosting properties and when it is combined with the antimicrobial property of ginger, they restore the pH of the scalp and promote hair growth.

Ginger, Garlic, and Moringa Leaf Hair Rinse

Ingredients :

• 1-2 tablespoons garlic grated
• 1-2 tablespoons grated ginger
• 1 cup of Moringa leaves (Drumstick leaves)
• 2 cups of water

Method :

1. Boil the Moringa leaves and grated garlic & ginger for about 10 minutes in the water.
2. Let the concoction cool down.
3. Strain this concoction and set aside.
4. After you, shampoo and condition your hair (cold water for shampoo and conditioning suggested), pour this concoction and rinse your hair well.

Use this rinse once a week. Moringa leaves are known to contain calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, potassium and other important elements for hair growth. It is also known to be rich in vitamins A, C, D, E, and K. It contains antioxidants which help in keeping hair free of damage and health.

Source- https://glowpink.com

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7 Effective Home Remedies To Treat Your Baby's Cold

Cold can make babies fussy. A runny nose and temperature leave them vexed. It is also quite difficult to provide them some relief from cold as the babies can’t be given just about any medication. Which is why care and nourishment become extra vital during this infection. MomJunction acquaints you with everything about cold, its symptoms, and the various home remedies to tackle the condition.

What Causes Common Cold In Babies?

The common cold is a viral infection that affects the upper respiratory system. It is also known by other names such as a head cold. There are over 100 viruses that can cause cold, below we list the most common viruses that cause cold in infants:

• Rhinovirus is the leading cause of common cold infection among babies. An average baby may develop about eight to ten rhinovirus-induced colds in the first couple of years of their life. The frequency of colds due to the virus increases if the baby spends substantial time at daycare centers.
• Adenovirus predominantly spreads in crowded environments. Therefore, it mostly strikes babies that spend time in packed daycare centers or among older infants that visit summer camps.

• Respiratory syncytial virus, also called RSV, causes the most severe symptoms. It is the leading cause of the common cold during winter and spring.
• The influenza virus, also called flu, is highly contagious and can transmit even when an infected person sneezes or coughs about six feet away (7). The virus also spreads through contaminated surfaces. Cold is among the several symptoms of influenza.
• Coronavirus is a relatively less common cause for cold, but when it strikes, it can lead to a fatal illness called Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, also known as SARS.

There are several viruses that cause cold, but what parents must know is how the baby would suffer due to these infections.

How Does Cold Affect Babies?

The symptoms of cold in babies are similar irrespective of the virus that is causing it. An infant will have these symptoms:

• Runny nose – drip of clear mucus that later thickens and becomes green or yellow
• Frequent sneezing
• Coughing and congestion in the lungs
• Fever of 101-102°F (38.3-38.9°C) especially in the evening
• Red watery eyes
• Decreased appetite

• Irritability and fussiness
• Difficulty in falling asleep
• Chills and shivering
• Vomiting (in a case of flu)
• Diarrhea (in a case of flu and SARS)

Take your baby to the doctor since cold can interfere with daily activities such as sleeping and feeding. A blood test helps determine the underlying pathogen that led to the cold.

How Is Cold Treated In Babies?

There is no treatment for the common cold, and like any other viral infection, one has to wait for the immune system to fight the pathogen on its own. Medications usually aim at relieving the intensity of the symptoms rather than curing the condition. Here is how cold in babies is treated:

• Antiviral medicines are typically prescribed only when the cold is due to serious viruses such as coronavirus and influenza. These medications slow down the rate of multiplication of the virus, thus buying time for the immune system. Antiviral medicines often have side effects and may not be prescribed unless the infant is in a poor state of health due to the cold.

• Fever-reducing medications only help ease the fever and do not cure a cold. Reducing fever, in turn, helps the baby feel at ease. Fever-reducing medications, such as acetaminophen/paracetamol (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil), are available over-the-counter (OTC), but should be administered as per the pediatrician’s prescription. Never give aspirin since it causes Reye syndrome, a fatal condition in babies.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends against giving any OTC cold or fever-reducing medicines to babies without a pediatrician’s consultation. Nevertheless, parents can always rely on safe, natural, home remedies to help the baby deal with the virus.

Are There Any Home Remedies For Infant’s Cold?

Yes, home remedies are an excellent way of managing the baby’s cold. They help in cutting down the intensity of the symptoms significantly, making the condition more tolerable for an infant:

1. Increase the frequency of breastfeeding:

Breastmilk is rich in antibodies and nutrients that boost the baby’s immune system. In case of cold in newborns, like those who are a few weeks old, breastmilk is perhaps the best natural remedy for the infant’s cold.

2. Give frequent sips of water:

If the baby is older than six months, then you can give frequent sips of water. If the baby has a sore throat, fluids help moisturize the throat and make the baby feel better. Thickened mucus is also softened with regular intake of water.

3. Use nasal suction bulb or nasal spray:

Breathing can become difficult because of the accumulated mucus in the baby’s nose. You can pour a drop of nasal saline drops in each nostril. Use a rubber nasal suction bulb, clean it well, and insert the suction tip into the baby’s nose. Gently press the bulb to draw the mucus out. Express the collected mucus into a sink and wash the bulb with a disinfectant. Repeat whenever the mucus accumulates and the baby seems to have trouble breathing. In the case of older infants, saline drops can make the thickened mucus dribble out of the nostril.

4. Use a humidifier:

Install a cool-mist humidifier in the baby’s room to maintain optimum humidity levels. This will help the baby breathe easily. Place the device close to the baby’s crib, but well beyond physical reach. Do not use steam or hot water vaporizers as steam increases the risk of nasal burns.

5. Give warm food:

You could give older infants warm food such as freshly-prepared baby cereal porridge. Warm foods soothe a sore throat, reduce coughing, and alleviate irritation caused by a constant, runny nose.

6. Fruit and vegetable purees help build resistance:

These foods are rich in antioxidants that play a vital role in putting up a resistance against pathogens. Vitamins A and C are especially useful in boosting the immune system’s prowess. If your baby is older than 12 months, then you can give him citrus fruits that are rich in vitamin C and fruits such as mango that contain vitamin A.

7. Give honey (only 12 months and above):

Cough is among the symptoms of a cold. Experts recommend honey as a safe home remedy for cough but only for babies older than 12 months . Give no more than half a teaspoon of honey whenever the baby breaks into continuous coughing. Always ensure that you brush your infant’s teeth after giving honey around bedtime.

Make the baby rest for as much time as possible.

Experts state that home remedies alone, without any medical intervention, have the potential to cure a cold in babies. But, sometimes, a cold could grow into something worse.

Source - https://www.momjunction.com

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The Orchid That Owned Me

The orchid was a housewarming present from my grandmother. It came from a quaint flower shop down the street that is owned by a neighborhood family. This gave my orchid an advantage over those on sale in the impulse-buy section of the grocery store, whose roots are already dead while their disingenuous blossoms give the impression of life. Those poor orchids, in consumer-friendly shades of purple and pink, lose their flowers in days.

It was not only my orchid’s superior provenance but also its satiny white blossoms webbed with a network of delicate fuchsia veins–a characteristic of some Moth Orchids (Phalaenopsis), as I quickly identified mine to be–that made it feel precious, an irreplaceable work of art. To imagine my orchid “swapped out,” the way that my parents used to conceal the deaths of my goldfish, stung like an insult. I settled the Phalaenopsis on my dresser in a warm patch of sunlight and accepted the mission with which I had been entrusted: to keep it alive.

Orchids are known to inspire obsessive behavior in their owners. In The Orchid Thief by Susan Orlean, orchid hunters track rare varieties of the flower all over the globe with frank disregard for law and human life. Meryl Streep in the film version infiltrated a ring of orchid smugglers stalking the mythic Ghost Orchid, an endangered variety prized for its intoxicating pollen. And so it was that I drank the orchid Kool-Aid.

In consultation with several orchid-specific blogs and conversation forums, I’ve been using an organic brand of orchid food. This I mix with water, taking care of the proportions, and mist weekly over Her Highness.

Of those not already doomed in the checkout line, most orchids (I wince as I write this) drown to death. Though the orchid is native to the tropics, its roots need to be well drained so no water pools at the bottom of the orchid pot. For this reason, some orchid devotees un-pot the plants to water them in the shower. Un-potting seemed too risky to me. I err on the conservative side and water with ice cubes once a week.

Ice cubes melt slowly so the water has time to be fully absorbed by the roots. One cold day, I worried the ice wasn’t melting at all, so I wrapped it in a fuzzy plant-sweater. It was then that I realized our relationship wasn’t all about looks–it went deeper.

Months passed. The marbled pink-and-white petals had grown fuller than ever so that each flower was nearly the size of my hand. Their weight made them lean over voluptuously on their stakes. The leaves, which I sometimes polish, were thick and glossy enough to reflect the sunlight.

With these auspicious signs telling me I was on the right track, I started to get complacent until one day, I woke up to a dead blossom, and then another, and then another, until all the blossoms on one of my two stalks had perished. The flowers on the other stalk were still smugly perfect. It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. I had two options: cut off the empty stalk completely, or cut halfway and hope it grows back. I chose the latter.

The orchid was mocking my efforts, I felt. But the worst part about owning a sullen orchid was seeing the robust orchids growing in my dentist’s office, the lobby of a friend’s apartment building, and at a restaurant where I ate lunch. It seemed they were following me all over New York to remind me of my depressed orchid at home. They must just replace their orchids week to week, I thought to myself with unusual vitriol. The alternative was too terrible. Does everyone else know something I don’t, like an orchid conspiracy?

Luckily, it turns out that the plants go through life cycles, and blossoms naturally drop to make room for new buds. I didn’t have a mutiny on my hands, only a stalemate.

The past few weeks have brought a détente. There has been encouraging new leaf growth and signs of coming buds. Several luscious flowers are thriving in one of the stalks (except where there’s a small bite…what on earth did that?). At present, it seems my orchid care experiment will succeed, but if there’s anything Her Highness has taught me, it’s not to get too comfortable.

Source- https://www.gardenista.com

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How to shape perfect brows – permanent brows – microblading & powder ombre

Just like recently I had a blond crush, and am still thinking of going blonde. I have now decided to have my brows micro-blended or actually have a permanent powder ombre brows done. In this post, I wanted to share with you my favorite inspirations. If I like my brows I will share the results and where I am doing the procedure.

How to pick the right person to do your eyebrows

As I was looking at the amazingly shaped brows on the internet I started thinking about what does it take to get the perfect brows and how to pick the right person for the job.

At first, you need to have someone who understands different shapes and doesn’t force you to have the shape they personally like. The last time I went to have the wax and tint done and it didn’t end well. The lady decided that wide brows are the most beautiful so she decided to pigment my forehead. It looked awful, good it was only henna, so I had it gone in 3 days or so, but the scary thing was, she was doing permanent brows as well. It’s like with a hairdresser when you just want to trim the ends and come back with 5 inches shorter hair.

So here is what I found as the tutorial for picking the perfect brow artist.

Brows can change everything – If someone does not understand that, you should be as far from their chair as possible.

There are a lot of shapes and thickness levels, and the one below hardly covers a percentage of it.

Source- https://www.allthestufficareabout.com

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Give Me 10 Minutes, I’ll Give You The Truth About Himalayan Salt

Salt plays an important role in our lives. However, many people are not aware that there are significant differences between the standard, cooking, and refined salt. These differences can have a great impact on our health.

 

One particular type of salt is the Himalayan crystal salt. This is a far superior variety of the traditional iodized salt, and it is free of toxins and pollutants.

 

Origins of the Himalayan Salt

The Himalayan mountain range stretches through Nepal, China, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Myanmar, Bhutan, and India. Sometimes Himalayans are associated with Mount Everest, the highest mountain peak in the world.

 

Millions of years ago, the crystallized sea salt beds which were deep in the Himalayans were covered by lava. The lava has protected the salt from various toxins and pollution. So, it is believed that the Himalayan pink salt is the purest type of salt that is found on the earth. Nowadays, it is hand-mined from the mountains and then brought to the local stores.

 

Why Is It Pink Salt?

The hues of white, red, and pink indicate that the salt is rich in energy-rich iron and mineral content.

 

Himalayan Salt Benefits

As fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamins and minerals, this salt is packed with important minerals that have naturally occurred within the sodium work in synergy.

 

Synergy is a process where multiple elements produce an effect that is different and even greater from the sum of their individual effects.

Iodine

Naturally occurring salts are high in iodine, a mineral that does not need to be artificially added in.

Less Sodium Consumption Per Serving

Himalayan pink salt contains the same components as the table salt, but it contains a larger crystal structure than the refined salt. By volume, the salt contains less sodium per ¼ teaspoon.

 

When served, the refined table salt takes up more room on a teaspoon rather than the sea salt crystals.

Rich in 80+ Minerals and Elements

Himalayan salt is loaded with mineral-packed crystals that are naturally formed within the earth. It contains 85.62% sodium chloride and 14.38% other trace minerals such as magnesium, sulfate, potassium, calcium, bromide, bicarbonate, fluoride, strontium, and borate. For these reasons, the Himalayan pink salt can:

 

• Increase hydration
• Create an electrolyte balance
• Regulate water content in and out the cells
• Prevent muscle cramping
• Balance pH and reduce acid reflux
• Stimulate a proper functioning of the metabolism
• Strengthen bones
• Help the intestines absorb nutrients
• Lower blood pressure
• Improve circulation
• Eliminate and dissolve sediment to remove toxins

It is also believed that Himalayan pink salt reduces the signs of aging, supports libido, and detoxifies the body from heavy metals.

 

Pink Salt vs. Sea Salt

Although pink salt comes from the mountains, it is technically sea salt as well. It fact, it comes from a salt-water lake or ocean. However, this type is the purest form of sea salt. The commercial refined salt is deprived of all its minerals except chloride and sodium, but also it is chemically bleached, cleaned, and heated at high temperatures.

 

Along with these processes, it is treated with anti-caking agents that prevent salt from mixing with water in the salt container. So, these agents prevent the salt from dissolving within our body and causing a buildup of salt in the tissues and organs which later on cause serious health problems.

 

Also, the added iodine is usually synthetic which is hard for your body to process in the proper manner. Unfortunately, up to 2% of table salt can be additives.

Different Uses of Pink Salt

Before you read all the uses and benefits of the Himalayan pink salt, it’s good to know that So Well’s Himalayan Salt is a great choice in order to reap the maximum of its benefits.

Cooking and Curing

Use it as pre-ground or grinder in the usual way.

Salt Slabs

These slabs are used as serving plates, and they provide an additional salt taste and mineral content. Chilled slabs: decorate with sushi, cheese, fruits, or vegetables. Frozen slabs: for cold desserts and even sorbets. Heated slabs: to sear vegetables, fish fillets, shrimp, tiny sliced beef, or even fry an egg. The salt blocks conduct and distribute the heat in the proper manner. Also, Himalayan salt is anti-microbial, so you just have to scrub it or rinse.

 

Decoration

Use the Himalayan salt in containers as decorative crystals or to sprinkle the food.

Bathing

Add some salt in the tub, and you will enjoy a detoxifying Himalayan salt bath. The important minerals and nutrients will stimulate circulation and soothe your sore muscles. This naturally rich salt in 80+ skin-replenishing and nourishing minerals will provide a therapeutic and healing experience for your body.

 

Essential Oil Diffusers and Potpourri Holders

You can find many interesting decorating pink salt elements in the form of crystal rocks.

Air Purification

You can also find rock lamps that purify the air. For all meat lovers, bringing will make the meat juicy and tasty. So, do not wait, brine the meat as soon as you can.

Here is an incredible recipe.

 

Low Sodium Brine for Poultry and Pork

Note: This brine works for up to 8 lbs. of protein

Ingredients

• 1 gallon of water
• 3 ounces of sea salt
• 3 ounces of sugar (this ingredient is optional)
• 1 tbsp. of citrus zest (orange, lime or lemon – optional)

Directions

• In a pot, add the sugar, salt, and other aromatics. Bring the water to simmer until the sugar and salt have dissolved.
• Before you use the brine, remove the pot from the heat to chill.
• Let the meat brine for six hours.
• Drain the meat and let it air dry and rest in the fridge for two hours.
• Broil, grill, or roast as you prefer.

Source- https://naturalcuresdose.com

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After You See What Happens, You’ll Freeze Lemons For The Rest Of Your Life

Lemons are packed with one of a kind compounds known as limonoids. These compounds are able to inhibit the growth of tumors and this is especially true for tumors found in breast cancer patients. Recent scientific research has shown that lemons provide some amazing benefits to the human body.  

   It turns out that lemon peel is loaded with two times more vitamins compared to the juice. In addition to the strong anti-carcinogenic effects, lemons can also cleanse the body from toxins, parasites, worms, bacteria, and fungi.

 

In case you are wondering about the best way to consume lemon peel, you should know that there is a very simple way to do this. Take one lemon and wash it thoroughly before placing it in a freezer. Wait until the lemon is completely frozen.  

 

In addition, you can take the lemon and cut it into pieces and freeze these pieces after that. When the lemon is finally frozen, just grate or grind the content and use the pieces of frozen lemon peel in your creams, beverages, pasta, soups, desserts, and salads.  

    That’s it! This simple procedure can do wonders for your health.  

  Source- https://naturalcurescrew.com

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This Food Has 1,000% More Nutrients than Broccoli, Yet No One Ever Thinks to Eat It

Researchers from many universities, including Ohio State and John Hopkins University claim that broccoli sprouts have 1,000% more nutrients in their content than that of mature broccoli.     Broccoli contains the important phytochemical called Sulforaphane, which fights cancer in several ways: prevents the production of cancer Broccoli has incredible anti-cancer properties, but broccoli sprouts posses 50 times the amount of these anti-cancer properties.     These small plants contain powerful digestive enzymes which make them easily absorbed. You can add them to many meals since their flavor allows combining with other different foods. They are easy to grow, and if you keep them in the fridge they will last up to 2 weeks.

7 Easy Steps to Grow Broccoli Sprouts

 

1. Rinse 3 tablespoons of organic, high germination sprouting broccoli seeds in a plastic strainer or a tightly woven stainless steel, and make sure you remove any debris to keep only the seeds. 2. Put the seeds in a pre-sterilized, quart-sized, glass jar (you can use a mason canning jar, by first washing it with boiling water and letting it cool). Take ¾ cup of purified or spring water and pour it in the jar. You can pour more water if you want as the seeds will absorb only the quantity required for sprouting. Add the rinsed seeds and if there are some which float push them down with your finger. Allow them to stay in the jar for 8 hours.  

 

3. Skim off any bits that are floating, and drain the water from the jar using a strainer, or by putting a piece of cheesecloth or plastic screen at the lid of the jar. Rinse the seeds, but make sure they aren’t soaking in water from now on because they will rot.

Invert the jar on a holder like a dish rack, at about 45 degrees for about 10 minutes, so that the sprouts drain the excess water. Then, store them in a well-ventilated place, and don’t forget to rinse and drain the sprouts every eight hours.  

To make this job easier, you don’t have to remove the lid and just add water through the screen. After this, shake the jar and leave it until the next time you need to rinse. Continue doing this for 3 days, or until you see 2 emerging leaves.

 

4. Put them in partial or indirect sunlight to get them greener. Rinse and drain for one or two more days, and then store them in the fridge.  

 

5. Put the sprouts in a large container, or a bowl, filled with clean water. Pull the sprout mass carefully, allowing the hulls to float, and then skim the off. Rinse the sprouts once more and put them in the jar with the screen on. Allow the water from the jar to drain completely, by placing the jar in an inverted position for about 8 hours.

 

6. Put the broccoli sprouts in a covered jar and store them in the fridge for later use in sandwiches, salads, or to eat it as a snack.  

 

7. The last step is to enjoy the broccoli sprouts, preferably raw (uncooked) to obtain the maximum benefits from this nutrient-dense food.  

    Source- https://naturalcurescrew.com

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