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Friday, February 28, 2014
Boost Your Mood
Water-Based Home Remedies
10 Water-Based Home Remedies that Even
Doctors Use
Posted on February 26, 2014 by The Alternative Daily
When you hear the term
“home remedy,” do you conjure up images of your great grandmother with her
special mystery jar of black salve, or your mother chasing you around the
kitchen trying to get you to take her famous “anti cold” concoction that
smelled strangely like pungent spring grass?
While you may not have
ever known what your great grandmother or mother put in their home remedies,
somehow, miraculously, they seemed to work!
Of course, not all “home
remedies” hold the same value; some are just craziness. However, there is an
abundant supply of things found in nature that, when used responsibly, can do
therapeutic works of wonder.
Because we live in a culture that is quick
to demerit anything that does not have a price tag, home remedies are often
prematurely discredited and brushed aside for expensive, patented products. Our
reliance on pharmaceuticals is at an all time high, and this is coming at a
cost.
Consider
antibiotic use
According to the CDC,
more than 10 million courses of antibiotics are given each year for
non-infectious conditions. In addition, if you have been given a course of
antibiotics and do not finish it, you leave room for leftover bacteria in your
system to become resistant to future antibiotic use.
Prescription
drug use on the rise
A recent study found that 7 in 10
Americans are now on prescription drugs. Fifty percent of those on prescription
drugs are taking two drugs, while 20 percent are on five or more different
drugs.
With the constant
bombardment of commercials encouraging us all to check with our doctor to take
a new medication for every ailment under the sun, that figure is not all that
surprising.
Many doctors are quick
to pull out the prescription pad even if they don’t think that the patient
really needs it. One study found that more than half of physicians will
prescribe a specific brand or type of medication when asked for it.
While some medications
may help people live longer and improve lives, many hurt far more than they
help. There has been a long list of prescription drugs that were approved by
the FDA only to find out later that they were extremely dangerous, even deadly.
But…
some doctors do use home remedies
When it comes to home
remedies, many people are afraid to use even what seems to work because they
fear that their doctors would disapprove. However, many doctors embrace home
remedies and respect them as a valuable addition to conventional treaments.
We asked our in-house
expert, Dr. Joshua Levitt, what home remedies he embraces for his family. Dr.
Levitt is a naturopathic physician specializing in integrative medicine.
Dr. Levitt has great
respect for the therapeutic value of “water therapy,” which dates back to
ancient Egypt. The world’s oldest medical records make references to the
beneficial use of water in treating various conditions. Hippocrates, known as
the “father of modern medicine,” was the first to write on healing diseases using
water.
“When
pain seizes the side, either at the commencement or at a later stage, it will
not be improper to try to dissolve the pain by hot applications… A soft large
sponge, squeezed out of hot water and applied, forms a good application… A soft
fomentation like this soothes pains, even such as shoot to the clavicle. The
bath soothes the pain in the side, chest and back; concocts the sputa, promotes
expectoration, improves the respiration, and allays lassitude; for it soothes
the joints and the outer skin, and is diuretic, removes heaviness of the head,
and moistens the nose…. Such are the benefits to be derived from the bath.”
The following 10
water-based home remedies are recommended by our expert physician, who uses
them regularly for himself and his family:
Dr. Levitt notes that
his first defense against virtually all minor ailments starts with tea. For
sore throats he recommends a tea made with ginger, raw honey, lemon and
cayenne, and often adds Osha root, licorice and/or slippery elm.
Licorice root may just
be one of the most overlooked herbs when it comes to healing. This herb’s
mucus-producing properties result in a less sticky variety of mucus in the
bronchial passages, meaning it is easier to clear. Several cough syrups and
lozenges contain a percentage of the extract in their ingredients.
Osha root, also known as
bear root, is a native North American perennial herb that is a member of the
parsley family. Used for generations for a number of ailments, this root used
in tea can help loosen phlegm and numb a sore throat.
For nausea, Dr. Levitt
goes to ginger first. Ginger is packed with so many powerful compounds that it
should be considered a staple in any healthy diet. In fact, it offers so many
medicinal properties that some feel it should be a must in the medicine
cabinet, as well.
Compounds in ginger help to sustain
digestive enzymes, which neutralize acids, supporting the entire digestive
process. As a result, stomach discomforts such as nausea, gas, bloating,
diarrhea and constipation can be relieved.
A tea made from
peppermint, chamomile and fennel is just what the doctor ordered for
stomachaches, gas and bloating. For evening stress relief (which we all have
way too much of), a warm cup of passionflower,
chamomile, peppermint and catnip tea allows the cares of the day to melt away.
Baths
There is just something
about a warm bath that seems to make sick kids, and adults, feel better.
Probably one of the best known side effects of a warm bath is the way it
reduces overall tension in the body and mind. For an even more relaxing bath,
Dr. Levitt suggests adding a few drops of lavender essential oil. Lavender
has been proven to reduce the stress hormone cortisol.
Another great addition to
a warm bath is Epsom salt. When Epsom salt is dissolved
in warm water it is absorbed through the skin and can naturally replenish lost
magnesium. This magnesium helps the body produce serotonin, the mood elevating
chemical in the brain.
Possibly one of the best
first aid treatments for bruises, sprains and strains, ice can bring quick
relief and is a great way to reduce swelling and pain. Use ice for 15 minutes
each hour for the first 24 hours after an injury occurs.
If you have sustained an
injury to the bottom of your foot, try freezing a bottle of water and rolling
it on your foot. Dr. Levitt suggests freezing some water in a small paper cup
and peeling away the sides a bit at a time as the ice melts. A DIY gel pack can
be easily made by mixing 2 parts of water with one part of rubbing alcohol, and
freezing the mixture in a ziplock bag.
Gargles
Gargles, says Dr.
Levitt, are a valuable treatment for all kinds of mouth and throat conditions.
Gargling with salt water, diluted food-grade hydrogen peroxide, herbal
infusions or decoctions can help reduce the symptoms of sore throats,
tonsillitis, bad breath and irritation or inflammation of the tongue or gums.
A 2005 study done in Japan found that gargling
even with plain water during the cold season helped to prevent more upper
respiratory tract infections than gargling with a mild antiseptic mouthwash.
To gargle with salt
water, dissolve ½ teaspoon of sea salt in eight ounces of warm water. If you
can’t stand the taste of salty water, you can also gargle with water mixed with
a little lemon juice and honey. Gargle for twenty
seconds, spit out the gargle wash and rinse your mouth with fresh water. Repeat
as many times as needed for relief.
Steam
Nasal congestion, runny
or stuffy noses are a recipe for crankiness, and can severely interfere with
daily living. Dr. Levitt is a father and knows just how hard it is to keep his
kids happy when the sniffles hit his house. He finds that one of the best home
remedies for congested, runny or stuffy noses comes from an herb-infused steam
treatment.
Simply add thyme and/or
eucalyptus to water, cover it and bring it to a boil. Remove from the heat and
place in a shallow bowl. Place your face over the bowl and cover your head with
a towel. Breathe slowly and deeply; be careful not to get your face too close
to the water.
Eucalyptus oil is made
from the leaves and tops of the branches of the eucalyptus tree. The leaves
contain tannins, which are thought to reduce inflammation, plant-based
antioxidants, and volatile oils. Its medicinal values are many and include:
§ Analgesic –
Relieves pain
§ Antibacterial –
Kills bacteria
§ Anti-catarrhal –
Removes excess catarrhal (inflammation of the mucous membranes)
§ Anti-infectious – Fights infection
§ Anti-inflammatory – Reduces pain and inflammation
§ Antiviral –
Fights viral infections
§ Insecticidal –
Kills insects
§ Expectorant –
Relieves respiratory problems
Dr. Levitt also suggests
steam showers with the vent off and a cover over the top of the shower door.
Place a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil in a bowl in the shower, and
enjoy the therapeutic armona.
For allergy and nasal or
sinus congestion, Dr. Levitt recommends a Neti Pot, also known as a nose bidet.
This ancient nasal irrigation tool is an inexpensive and effective way to
reduce nasal stuffiness.
Make saline by adding ¼
tsp finely ground salt and a pinch of baking soda to 1 cup warm water. There
are also several other nasal irrigation devices, including the simple saline
nasal spray.
Using
the pot
§ Tilt your head over the sink and place the spout in the upper
nostril.
§ Gently pour the water into your nostril.
§ The water will wash the nasal cavity and flow out the other
nostril.
§ Repeat with the other side.
Warning: Do not use tap water or any unsterilized form of liquid in
your Neti Pot. Be sure to clean your pot thoroughly after each use and allow it
to air dry.
Dr. Levitt admits that
even though they are kind of “old school,” hot water bottles can come in really
handy. Not only can this old fashioned method of keeping you warm help bring
comfort and promote stress reduction, it is also useful for muscle soreness,
cramps and back pain. Women who suffer from menstrual cramps will appreciate a
hot water bottle treatment.
Hot water bottles also
aid in digestion and can be your best friend if you come down with the flu.
Warm, moist heat is a natural therapy for arthritis, and is especially great
for stiff and sore hands. Young children who just don’t feel well will relax
and sleep well with a hot water bottle beside them. Now that hot water bottles
are experiencing a comeback of sorts, you can find them in all sorts of
whimsical colors and shapes.
Wet
socks
Although Dr. Levitt is
the first to admit it sounds crazy, wet socks are a great home remedy for both
colds and low grade fevers. The “wet sock treatment,” as it is commonly called,
is often prescribed by physicians at Bastyr Center for Natural Health, and
involves putting on ice-cold socks and actually sleeping in them. While it may
take you a little while to get over the chilliness of this suggestion, this low
cost, no side-effects home remedy actually seems to hold some real therapeutic
value.
Dr. Levitt tells us that
the wet sock treatment, also known as a “heating compress,” makes the body work
to heat up the cold, wet socks. When called to do this, the body immediately
increases blood circulation and decreases congestion in the upper respiratory
passages, head and throat.
The increase in
circulation also boosts the immune system, priming it for battle against
whatever is going on. Even though it seems like wearing wet socks to bed would
make you really uncomfortable, it actually tends to promote relaxation. This
treatment even seems to bring pain relief and facilitate healing during acute
infections.
Start the wet sock
treatment at the first sign of an illness, and repeat for three nights in a row
as a part of an overall healing regimen that includes hydration, great
nutrition and whole food supplements to boost the immune system.
How
to do it:
§ Soak a pair of thin socks in ice water and wring them out so
that they are not dripping.
§ Take a hot ten-minute bath, then place the cold socks on your
feet.
§ Cover the thin socks with thick, dry socks, preferably made
of wool.
§ Pull on some sweatpants or pajama bottoms and keep an extra
pair closeby.
§ In the night, you may wake in a cold sweat; if so, change
into some dry bottoms.
§ The socks will be dry in the morning.
Hot
compress
The use of hot
compresses for relief from a number of conditions including infections, boils,
styes and abscesses is nothing new – their use is noted throughout history. Hot
compresses relax muscles and tissues and are a useful application for joint and
nerve pain, as well as for muscle aches or injuries.
When applied to the
affected area, the heat causes an increase in blood circulation which
(depending on the injury) can reduce inflammation, relieve congestion and help
reduce pain.
Dr. Levitt suggests that
a compress using herbal teas may also prove beneficial, depending on the
condition being treated.
Make a tea with
essential oils or herbs and dip a clean, cotton cloth in the infusion. The
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Therapy suggests a mixture of
lavender, valerian and chamomile because of their relaxing, balancing and
soothing properties.
§ Fill a small bowl with very warm tap water.
§ Add 12 drops of organic essential oil.
§ Dip a clean and absorbent cloth in the infusion and wring it
out.
§ Place the cloth on the affected area for 10 minutes and
repeat as necessary for relief.
Contrast
hydrotherapy
To reduce pain and speed
healing, Dr. Levitt recommends alternating hot and cold therapy. Depending on
the nature and location of the pain, there are several ways to administer
contrast hydrotherapy.
You can immerse the
affected body part in bowls or buckets of water, apply hold and cold compresses
or take a hot/cold shower. For each method, do three minutes of hot therapy
followed by two minutes of cold therapy and repeat three times, ending on cold.
-The Alternative Daily
Eggplant
Learn About Eggplant
Whether you choose to grill it, roast it, steam it, saut— it, or bake it, fiber-rich eggplant is one of the more versatile vegetables you can prepare. Available year-round, eggplant has a mild, slightly sweet flavor and “meaty”texture that makes it the perfect addition to meat and poultry-based stews and casseroles, as well as vegetarian main dishes. Here are a few tips for buying, storing, and cooking this popular vegetable.
Buying and Storing Eggplant
The most common eggplants, which are dark purple, are known as American, or globe, eggplants. But there are also Japanese, Chinese, Thai, Italian, and Spanish varieties, which come in many shapes (squat, tear-shaped, round, oblong), sizes (large to tiny baby), and colors (purple, canary yellow, bright orange, and white) and flavors (smaller eggplants tend to be less bitter). One variety, called “Tiger,” is named for its vertical stripes.
When shopping for eggplants, be sure to look for those that are firm, heavy, and smooth. Eggplants with wrinkled or flabby-looking skin will most likely taste bitter. To check for freshness, press the vegetable with your thumb; the indentation should fill up rapidly if the eggplant is fresh.
Eggplants should be kept in a cool, dry place, preferably not the refrigerator (the low temperature can ruin their texture and flavor). They’ll keep for a couple of days if not refrigerated; if you must refrigerate, keep them whole in a paper bag in the refrigerator vegetable drawer and use as soon as possible.
Cooking Eggplant
Eggplant can be cooked and eaten with or without its skin. If you want to eat it without the skin, peel it before cooking or simply scoop out the flesh after cooking. The flesh of eggplant begins to turn brown when exposed to air, so avoid cutting the vegetable until you’re ready to cook it. Eggplant can be added to soups, stews, and casseroles, or eaten on its own.
Here are four more ways to enjoy eggplant:
Whether you choose to grill it, roast it, steam it, saut— it, or bake it, fiber-rich eggplant is one of the more versatile vegetables you can prepare. Available year-round, eggplant has a mild, slightly sweet flavor and “meaty”texture that makes it the perfect addition to meat and poultry-based stews and casseroles, as well as vegetarian main dishes. Here are a few tips for buying, storing, and cooking this popular vegetable.Buying and Storing Eggplant
The most common eggplants, which are dark purple, are known as American, or globe, eggplants. But there are also Japanese, Chinese, Thai, Italian, and Spanish varieties, which come in many shapes (squat, tear-shaped, round, oblong), sizes (large to tiny baby), and colors (purple, canary yellow, bright orange, and white) and flavors (smaller eggplants tend to be less bitter). One variety, called “Tiger,” is named for its vertical stripes.
When shopping for eggplants, be sure to look for those that are firm, heavy, and smooth. Eggplants with wrinkled or flabby-looking skin will most likely taste bitter. To check for freshness, press the vegetable with your thumb; the indentation should fill up rapidly if the eggplant is fresh.
Eggplants should be kept in a cool, dry place, preferably not the refrigerator (the low temperature can ruin their texture and flavor). They’ll keep for a couple of days if not refrigerated; if you must refrigerate, keep them whole in a paper bag in the refrigerator vegetable drawer and use as soon as possible.
Cooking Eggplant
Eggplant can be cooked and eaten with or without its skin. If you want to eat it without the skin, peel it before cooking or simply scoop out the flesh after cooking. The flesh of eggplant begins to turn brown when exposed to air, so avoid cutting the vegetable until you’re ready to cook it. Eggplant can be added to soups, stews, and casseroles, or eaten on its own.
Here are four more ways to enjoy eggplant:
- Grill eggplants whole (with a couple of holes poked in them to let the steam escape) or grill them halved or sliced and lightly coated with extra-virgin olive oil and sprinkled with herbs.
- Roast eggplant slices for sandwiches or add cooked cubed eggplant to a tomato sauce and serve with whole-wheat or quinoa pasta.
- Make baba ganoush by roasting the eggplant, removing the meat and combining in a food processor with fresh lemon juice, a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, and paprika. Add chopped parsley before serving.
- Steam halved baby eggplants, score, then drizzle with a little sesame oil, some reduced-sodium soy sauce, and a little cider vinegar for a delicious appetizer.
Did You Miss These 10 Credits and Deductions?
Tax Hacks 2014: Did You Miss These 10 Credits and Deductions?
February 26, 2014 - 8:00 AM
Americans love tax breaks.
Everybody knows they can deduct mortgage interest, medical expenses over a certain amount, gifts to charity — even the cost of preparing your tax return.
But those are just a few of the better-known tax breaks. Here are some commonly missed deductions:
1. Charity
You can deduct the value of any cash or property donations to a legitimate charity, although you’ll need receipts.
That’s common knowledge, but here’s something that isn’t: Volunteers can deduct 14 cents per mile traveled to and from charity work, plus out-of-pocket expenses from that work, including supplies and required uniforms. (Your time isn’t deductible.)
For more details, check out Publication 526, the IRS Guide to Charitable Contributions.
2. Child care
The Child and Dependent Care Credit helps cover the cost of day care (20 to 35 percent, depending on income), but many people aren’t aware it also extends to the cost of summer day camps (but not overnight-stay camps), adult dependent care and even housekeeping. Restrictions apply, but it’s worth checking out. For this one, you’ll want to look to IRS Publication 503.
And remember, a credit is worth a lot more than a deduction, because a credit reduces your taxes dollar for dollar, whereas a deduction only reduces the income you’re taxed on. For example, if you’re in the 25 percent tax bracket, a dollar of deduction reduces your tax by 25 cents. But a dollar of credit reduces your taxes by a full dollar.
3. Retirement
Retirement contributions often qualify for a deduction (which reduces your taxable income) but they can also net you a credit if you make under $27,750 a year for single taxpayers and $55,500 for joint filers.
It’s called the Retirement Savings Contribution Credit or Savers Credit, and if you made contributions to an IRA, 401(k) or other qualified retirement plan, you may be eligible for a credit of up to $1,000 single or $2,000 joint. The less income you make, the bigger the credit.
4. Job hunting
If you’ve moved at least 50 miles for a job, you may be able to deduct moving expenses. But if you’re actively seeking work, many other costs are deductible, too – employment agency fees, resume preparation, business cards, travel (at 56.5 cents per mile) and other expenses.
But there are catches. It has to be for work in the same field, and it’s only for those who itemize. To see what you can qualify for, you can check Publication 521. But a quick way to determine if your moving expenses will be deductible is to use this IRS worksheet.
5. School
Knowledge is power and lower taxes.
The American Opportunity Credit is the best way to lower taxes because it’s partially refundable, meaning you can theoretically get more money back than you paid in. You’ll get the credit for the full amount of the first $2,000 spent on qualifying college expenses and 25 percent of the next $2,000, so the max is $2,500.
Income limits apply. It starts phasing out for single taxpayers with a modified adjusted gross income of more than $80,000, $160,000 for joint filers.
The American Opportunity Credit is only available for the first four years of college. If you go beyond that, look to the Lifetime Learning Credit. It’s up to $2,000 — 20 percent of the first $10,000 in qualifying expenses – and is available for as many years as you qualify. It also includes graduate classes and job training courses.
Income limits apply to this one as well. For 2013, the credit starts phasing out for single taxpayers with more than $53,000 of modified adjusted gross income, and joint filers with $107,000 of MAGI.
Make too much to qualify for either credit? You can still deduct qualified expenses under the Tuition and Fees Deduction. It can reduce your taxes by up to $4,000.
Read about all the education credits and deductions here. But remember, you can’t take them all, just the one that will give you the biggest write-off.
6. Military service
If you’re in the Reserves and traveled more than 100 miles last year for training or other duties, you can deduct hotel stays, half your meal costs, and travel expenses (parking, tolls, mileage at 56.5 cents per mile). No need to itemize.
The IRS has other tax tips for service members – for instance, pay from any month you spent in a combat zone is not taxable.
7. Medical expenses
Because of income limitations, medical expenses are tough to deduct. But do the math if you had big bills last year. Expenses totaling more than 10 percent of your adjusted gross income (7.5 percent if you were born before 1949) will reduce your taxable income.
There are a lot of qualifying medical expenses to include, like insurance premiums (including what you pay into an employer plan) and travel to and from treatments.
The self-employed can deduct their whole insurance premium as long as they made a net profit for the year and aren’t covered by another employer (including through your spouse).
8. Energy efficiency
For several years now, there have been some juicy credits for installing qualifying energy savers, like new windows and insulation. But it looks like tax year 2013 will be the last year.
You get a credit of 10 percent of the cost of certain energy-saving improvements for 2013, but it has a lifetime limit of $500, and only $200 of that can be for windows. Read more at this page of the IRS site.
There’s still one great credit left, however. If you installed something that uses alternative energy, like a solar water heater, geothermal heat pump or wind turbines, you can get a credit of up to 30 percent of the cost. That’s good until 2016.
9. Baggage fees
If you’re self-employed and travel for business, you know that your travel expenses are deductible. But if you got nailed for a baggage fee at the ticket counter last year, that’s deductible too.
10. State sales taxes
You may have heard that the deduction for state sales taxes was slated to expire. It was, but was reinstated.
You’re allowed to deduct either state sales taxes or state income taxes, whichever helps most. If you’re lucky enough to live in a state without state income taxes, easy decision: Deduct your sales taxes. But even if you do pay state income tax, you should still compare, especially if you bought a big-ticket item last year, like a car.
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