Spearmint Tea- A boon for "hairy" women

The herb spearmint has been around since a long time. The only way we may have identified it, is by its presence in chewing gum, and in toothpaste. However, consuming spearmint in the form of tea, can have a variety of benefits, and unfortunately, some side effects if consumed in excess.

In essence, spearmint tea is not actually 'tea' because it lacks caffeine, which is an essential ingredient of tea. It is just the process of making the drink, that is similar to that of making tea. Spearmint tea is made by heating a few spearmint leaves in water. The word heating here has been used because the water containing the leaves should not be boiled. Another way of making the drink is to soak a few leaves in water for 5-10 minutes, and then heat the water. The strength of the flavor can be adjusted as per individual liking, by using fewer or more leaves. Additives such as honey, brown sugar, and even milk can be added if required. Whether consumed hot or cold, spearmint tea benefits and its refreshing effect will remain the same.


Spearmint Tea Health Benefits

Spearmint tea was considered by the Romans as a drink that stimulated the mind. As such, it was very popular among them. Some spearmint tea benefits have been enlisted here:

*Spearmint tea has become widely popular among women who suffer from mild symptoms of hirsutism, a disease characterized by the presence of excess male hormones or androgen in a woman's body. Women have found that by drinking 2-5 cups of spearmint tea a day, has helped reduce the presence of facial hair, and unwanted hair on the breasts and stomach. This is one of the most important spearmint tea benefits. Also, not only does it control androgen, it stimulates the production of female hormones, that includes the Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH).

*Spearmint tea is also known to control sudden outbursts of acne, and considerably reduce its recurrence. By controlling the prevalence of oily skin, spearmint tea helps combat the problem of acne.

*Drinking a cup of spearmint tea after a meal will definitely smoothens the process of digestion, thereby preventing the occurrence of indigestion, that occurs as a result of our sedentary lifestyle.

*Nausea is another health issue that is cured by the consumption of spearmint tea. Its minty flavor soothes the system, and helps control nausea, that may occur as a result of eating foods that do not agree with the digestive system.


Spearmint Tea and Pregnancy

Spearmint tea is special for women who are pregnant, as it is known to cure health problems related to pregnancy.

*Some women suffer from Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), which refers to the presence of ovarian cysts, that may cause irregular periods and lead to infertility. This occurs due to overactive male androgens in a woman's body. Drinking spearmint tea helps in regulating the menstrual cycle, and in turn, eases the process of ovulation, or the ability to get pregnant, in women who may suffer from PCOS.

*A miraculous drink for pregnant women, spearmint tea cures women of the highly detested morning sickness. Morning sickness is characterized by nausea, and we have already seen the benefit of spearmint tea for the same.

*Heartburn, that is common among women who are pregnant, can also be treated by drinking spearmint tea.

*After the birth of the baby, spearmint tea can help stop breastfeeding when necessary.


Spearmint Tea Side Effects

Though it is herbal, excessive consumption of spearmint tea can have certain undesirable side effects.

*The effect that spearmint tea has on women, regarding reduction of androgens in the body, is also applicable to men. As such, it should be consumed in moderate amounts.

*Regular consumption of spearmint tea is also known to reduce male and female libido.

*Pregnant women should exercise caution with spearmint tea, as an excess will lead to problems during pregnancy.

*Also, as it helps to stop breastfeeding, it should be consumed wisely, as it may have this effect before the baby can be put on other feeding methods.

The benefits and the side effects of spearmint tea have been mentioned here. However, it is completely an individual choice to decide whether to drink it, when to drink it, and how much to drink. The positive effects of spearmint tea are sure to help, and with its consumption in moderation, the intensity of the side effects can be minimized

Ways to cure a headache

The doctor said, "Joe, the good news is I can cure your headaches. The bad news is that it will require castration. You have a very rare condition, which causes your te*ti*les to press on your spine, and the pressure creates one hell of a headache. The only way to relieve the pressure is to remove the te*ti*les."

Joe was shocked and depressed. He wondered if he had anything to live for. He couldn't concentrate long enough to answer, but decided he had no choice but to go under the knife.

When he left the hospital he was without a headache for the first time in 20 years, but he felt like he was missing an important part of himself. As he walked down the street, he realized that he felt like a different person. He could make a new beginning and live a new life. He saw a men's clothing store & thought, "That's what I need - a new suit."

He entered the shop and told the salesman, "I'd like a new suit." The elderly tailor eyed him briefly and said, "Let's see ... size 44 long." Joe laughed, "That's right, how did you know?" "Been in the business 60 years!" Joe tried on the suit. It fit perfectly.

As Joe admired himself in the mirror, the salesman asked, "How about a new shirt?" Joe thought for a moment and then said, "Sure." The salesman eyed Joe and said, "Let's see, 34 sleeve & 16-1/2 neck." Again, Joe was surprised, "That's right, how did you know?" "Been in the business 60 years!"

Joe tried on the shirt, and it fit perfectly. As Joe adjusted the collar in the mirror, the salesman asked, "How about new shoes?" Joe was on a roll and said, "Sure." The salesman eyed Joe's feet and said, "Let's see ... 9-1/2 E." Joe was astonished, "That's right, how did you know?" "Been in the business 60 years!"

Joe tried on the shoes and they fit perfectly. Joe walked comfortably around the shop and the salesman asked, "How about some new underwear?" Joe thought for a second and said, "Sure." The salesman stepped back, eyed Joe's waist and said, "Let's see... size 36."

Joe laughed. "Ah ha! I got you! I've worn size 34 since I was 18 years old." The salesman shook his head, "You can't wear a size 34. A size 34 underwear would press your te*ti*les up against the base of your spine and give you one hell of a headache.

Want to be happy and slim? Wake up early

London, (ANI): A new study has found that people who wake up early are slimmer, happier and healthier than those who get up later in the day.

Researchers at the Roehampton University concluded that those who fight the urge to ignore the alarm clock complete morning chores faster, pack their children off to school earlier and thrive in the workplace.

However, night owls have a higher chance of feeling depressed or stressed and becoming overweight.

The researchers quizzed 1,068 adults about their health and sleeping habits and found that 'morning people' were out of bed by 6.58am on average, while 'evening people' waited until 8.54am to start their day.

At the weekend both groups enjoyed about an extra hour under the covers, with early risers waiting until 7.47am to get up and night owls lying in until 10.09am.

"There are morning people and evening people, and morning people tend to be healthier and happier as well as having lower body mass indices," the Telegraph quoted Dr Joerg Huber as telling a British Psychological Society conference.

The survey also found that people who watch a lot of television are more likely to skip breakfast. (ANI)

Tips to Cure Baldness, Dandruff

Recently, Lady Gaga joined the list of other celebrities to use anti-baldness cream as she feared she was losing more hair. It's not just who are possessive about their mane beauty. All of us fuss about hairstyle which is what makes one stand out.

Here are a few common hair-related problems we encounter and some tips to overcome them

Dandruff: Soak a few fenugreek (methi) seeds overnight in water and grind it to a fine paste in the morning. Apply the paste on the head for 30mins and wash off. This not just has cooling effect, but also keeps your hair dandruff-free.

Hair fall: Mix cocnut and gingelly (sesame) oil. Add an amla (gooseberry), a few leaves of white hibiscus and boil for 20mins. Let the mixture cool and apply this oil on your head and wash off after 20 mins. This will help prevent hair fall.

Grey hair: Soak henna in an iron vessel for at least 3 hours. Add sour curd and squeeze half a lemon to the paste and apply on the hair. Wash off after 2-3 hours. This will also keep the head cool.

Lack-luster hair: Take egg white and apply on the hair. Leave it for 30 mins and rinse with shampoo. Egg gives shine to the dull hair.

Brittle hair: If your hair is brittle due to over use of henna. Give your head an oil massage the day you wash the hair. This will not only enhance the hair color, but also makes the hair smooth.

Split ends: Get an oil massage done on your head. Dip the ends of your hair in hot coconut oil and wrap a tower dipped in hot water around the head. After sometime, wash off with cold water.

After shampooing your hair, just wash your hair with cold water. This closes any open pores on the head and ensures the hair strands are sealed.

Loneliness, A Killer That Threatens Obesity

Loneliness can affect all age groups but can be particularly harmful to the elderly, according to British campaigners.

A group of charities has warned that loneliness is a 'hidden killer' among older people that poses as great a health risk as obesity or smoking.

While people are aware of the emotional problems of loneliness, they said few recognized the physical damage.

The 'Campaign To End Loneliness' found that more than half of those over the age of 75 live alone and almost one in 10 elderly people suffers from 'intense' loneliness, reports the Daily Mail .

The campaigners warned that lonely older people are often at increased risk of depression, lack of exercise and poor eating habits.

They claimed that greater recognition was needed among health professionals of the links between poor health and loneliness.

The initiative was organised by Age UK Oxfordshire, Counsel and Care, Independent Age and WRVS and funded by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation.

In a report, the campaigners called for better awareness of the 'horror' of loneliness and its 'pernicious impact' on older people.

According to a poll of 2,200, fewer than one in five has ever seen or heard information about loneliness as a health risk.

The World Health Organization has rated loneliness as a higher risk to health than smoking and as great a risk as obesity.

Researchers also said lack of social interaction increases the chances of suffering degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's.

Tiny Particles in Shampoos Affect Lungs

A new study by the University of Edinburgh has shown that tiny particles used in a range of everyday products from computers to shampoo can adversely affect the lungs in very different ways.

Researchers suggest that industrial manufacturers using nano particles should be aware of the risks that different types of nano particles pose to workers who handle them.

Nano particles – which can be 10,000 times smaller than the width of a human hair – are potentially hazardous to workers handling the chemicals used to make products as they may be at risk of inhaling them.

The particles are not, however, thought to pose any substantial risk once they are incorporated in consumer goods used by the public.

The study showed that four different types of nano particles produced distinct patterns of lung injury in rats, some involving the immune system and found that some nano particles were more likely to trigger an asthmatic-style reaction while others led to a worsening severe lung injury.

The study highlights the need for animal models until there are improved cell-based tests to predict the effects of nano particles, since the use of cell cultures alone would not be able to pick up the extent of different diseases the nano particles are likely to cause.

"Nano particles are becoming more important in industry and are being used in ever-increasing amounts. This study shows that different types of nano particles may produce different diseases in those exposed to them in industry," said Ken Donaldson, Professor of Respiratory Toxicology at the University of Edinburgh.

"Therefore each kind of nano particle needs to be assessed and appropriate care taken to minimize exposure consistent with the risk they pose. This will ensure better health and safety for those working with these new materials," he added.

The study is published in Environmental Health Perspectives .

How Tomatoes Cut Prostate Cancer Risk

The University of Illinois scientists, who suggested that eating tomatoes reduces risk of prostate cancer, have developed a tool that may help trace the metabolism of tomato carotenoids in the human body.

"Scientists believe that carotenoids-the pigments that give the red, yellow, and orange colours to some fruits and vegetables-provide the cancer-preventive benefits in tomatoes, but we don't know exactly how it happens," said John W. Erdman, of the University of Illinois.

The researchers will use isotopic labeling of three tomato carotenoids with heavier carbon atoms than are commonly seen in nature, which will allow tracking of the tomato components' absorption and metabolism in the body, he said.

"We have two questions we'd like to answer. First, are the carotenoids themselves bio-active, or are their metabolic or oxidative products responsible for their benefits? Second, is lycopene alone responsible for the tomato's benefits, or are other carotenoids also important?" he said.

"Lycopene, which gives the fruit its red color, has received a lot of attention-it's even advertised as an ingredient in multivitamin supplements, but two little-known colorless carotenoids, phytoene and phytofluene, probably also have benefits," said Nancy Engelmann, of the Erdman's laboratory.

The scientists grew tomato cells with non-radioactive carbon-13 sugars, yielding carbon molecules that are heavier than the 12-carbon molecules that exist elsewhere, Erdman said.

"These heavy carbon molecules are then incorporated into the carotenoids in the tomato cell cultures. The result is that researchers will be able to track the activity of lycopene, phytoene, and phytofluene and their metabolites," he said.

Exposure to Smokers Causes Asthma in Kids

A survey has found that exposure to smokers is still a major cause of asthma attacks in children in the United States.

During Aug. and Sept. 2010, the C.S. Mott Children's Hospital poll asked 1,621 parents across the United States, whose children have asthma about factors that cause asthma attacks, and if their children spend time with tobacco smokers.

Among parents whose children have asthma, 73 per cent state that tobacco smoke causes asthma attacks in their children.

And nearly half of parents say their asthmatic child spends time with people who smoke.

Mostly the smoker is the asthmatic child's parent and less often it is another adult, sibling, or the asthmatic child's friend.

Common Garden Weed Can Cure Skin Cancer

A new study conducted by scientists in Australia has revealed that a common weed can cure skin cancers.

The sap from a plant known as petty spurge or milkweed - found by roadsides and in woodland - can ''kill'' certain types of cancer cells when applied to the skin, reports the Daily Mail.

It works on non-melanoma skin cancers, which are triggered by sun damage. And, although not usually fatal, can be disfiguring without treatment.

The plant has been used for centuries as a traditional folk medicine to treat conditions such as warts, asthma and several types of cancer.

This is the first time the scientists team has carried out a clinical study of sap from Euphorbia peplus.

The study of 36 patients with a total of 48 non-melanoma lesions included basal cell carcinomas (BCC), squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) and intra-epidermal carcinomas (IEC), a growth of cancerous cells confined to the outer layer of the skin.

Patients had failed to respond to conventional treatment including surgery, or they refused or were unsuitable for surgery because of their age.

The patients were treated once a day for three consecutive days by an oncologist using a cotton bud to apply enough of the E.peplus sap to cover the surface of each lesion.

After only one month 41 of the 48 cancers had completely gone.

Patients who had some of the lesions remaining were offered a second course of treatment.

After an average of 15 months following treatment, two thirds of the 48 skin cancer lesions were still showing a complete response.

Of the three types of skin cancer tested, the final outcome was a 75 per cent complete response for IEC lesions, 57 per cent for BCC and 50 per cent for SCC lesions.

Side-effects were low, with 43 per cent of patients in no pain as a result of the treatment and only 14 per cent reporting moderate pain, and only one patient encountered severe short-term pain.

The findings will be released this week in the British Journal of Dermatology.

At 35, Women Suffer Fertility Problems

Doctors have warned couples not to leave it too late to try for a baby as it can lead to fertility problems in women.

With more and more women pursuing careers, they and their partners are leaving parenthood to at least their late thirties.

But women aged 35 are six times more likely to have problems conceiving compared to those ten years younger, according to a major study from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

The report said older parents are making it harder for themselves to have children – and increasing the likelihood of serious medical complications for both mother and baby.

By the age of 40, a woman is more likely to have a miscarriage than give birth.

Men's fertility also declines rapidly from the age of 25 and the doctors estimate that the average 40-year-old takes two years to get his partner pregnant – even if she is in her twenties.

Up to 30 per cent of 35-year-old take longer than a year to get pregnant, compared to only 5 per cent of 25-year-old, according to the figures in the report by the Royal College.

Expectant mothers in their late thirties and forties are far more likely to suffer complications such as pre-eclampsia, ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage or stillbirth and they are also more likely to need a Caesarean.

Babies born to them are more likely to be premature, smaller or have Down's Syndrome and other genetic disorders.

"Clear facts on fertility need to be made available to women of all ages to remind them that the most secure age for childbearing remains 20-35," the Daily Mail quoted David Utting, specialty registrar in obstetrics and gynecology at Kingston Hospital NHS Trust and co-author of the review, as saying.

The study has been published in the medical journal Obstetrician and Gynecologist.

Skin Care

Has your skin lost the shine? Here are the do's and don'ts to curb your complexion crimes.

1. Taking hot showers
We all love languishing in a steamy shower but hot water can damage delicate facial skin.

"If you're prone to redness the heat can weaken capillaries making redness worse so aim for a tepid temperature," the Daily Express quoted Shula Starkey, founder of Ark Skincare, as saying.

2. Stressing out
It's well known that stress has a negative effect on health but it adversely affects your skin too. Try yoga and deep breathing techniques and treat your skin to a distressing product.

"The stress hormone cortisol is your skin's worst aging enemy and as we age levels rise.

"Avoid coffee and alcohol to relieve stress as it will only ramp up cortisol levels," said Starkey.

3. Rushing your cleansing routine
The new trend of cleansing in a hurry using packet wipes has many skin experts cringing.

"Inadequate cleansing can lead to bacteria build-up and skin break-outs," she said.

4. Dieting
Sticking to a strict low-fat diet can age and dull skin. Good fats are crucial for skin health, repair, moisture and flexibility.

"Essential fatty acids from oily fish, eggs, flax seeds, walnuts and dark green vegetables are particularly important," said dietitian Tanya Haffner, spokesperson for the British Dietetic Association.

5. Eating sugary snacks
Too much sugar in the bloodstream widens your waistline and can result in wrinkles.

"Glycation is a process where sugar in the bloodstream reacts with collagen in the skin and changes its structure from springy and stretchy to hard and brittle and can lead to premature skin aging," said nutritionist Melanie Flower (natural-health care).

The process is accelerated in people with poor insulin control but Melanie advises cutting back on sugar.

"Snacks containing protein are the best option when cravings strike, especially nuts and seeds because they contain skin-friendly oils."

6. Not wearing sun protection
If you slather on SPF protection only when the sun is shining you're not doing enough, dermatologist Dr Stefanie Williams (eudeloboutique) said.

She suggests using a broad-spectrum sun protection moisturizer with SPF 30-50 under make-up all year round.

7. Neglecting your neck
"You should care for your neck exactly as you do your face so apply all your facial skincare products from the hairline right down to the neck and decolletage," said Williams.

"Use an antioxidant serum under your sun protection moisturizer every day."

8. Not protecting against pollution
"Exposure to environmental pollution plus passive exposure to tobacco smoke can cause oxidative stress and damage to skin," said Williams.

"Pollutants can also make the skin more sensitive to the harmful effects of UV exposure."

9. Drinking too much
Alcohol dilates the capillaries and over time can lead to broken veins and flushing of the face, deplete the body of vitamin A, an important antioxidant for skin elasticity, and dehydrate leaving your skin more prone to wrinkling.

So drink water alongside alcohol and make sure you are getting enough daily fluid, advised Tanya Haffner.

"Six to eight glasses will give your skin the necessary moisture for a dewy look and help flush out toxins," she said.

If you are sipping cocktails on your night out fore-go the straw as the sucking effect encourages wrinkles to form round the mouth.

10. Not sleeping enough
Skin regenerates at night so make sure you get eight hours.

"Studies have shown lack of sleep can increase cortisol levels, which is associated with acceleration of the aging process, reduced collagen production and increased collagen degradation," said Williams.

When you are asleep your skin is better able to absorb products so slather on a rich, soothing night cream with a calming aroma.

Bad Breath Remedies And Prevention

Bad breath is something that most of us are afraid of. In many cases, majority of the population do not know they suffer from bad breath. To get rid of bad breath, we have to take initial steps in preventing bad breath to occur every time you open your mouth.

These home remedies to get rid of bad breath will be helpful for you.

1.The best bad breath remedies is that you have to make it a habit to brush your teeth or rinse your mouth after every meal. Make it a routine to brush your teeth or rinse every night before you go to sleep.

2.Mouth wash is readily available in any medical store. But keep in mind not to purchase a mouth wash that contains dyes and alcohol.

3.Sunflower seeds can be helpful to get rid of bad breath. All you have to so is chew on some sunflower seeds and drink a glass of water ,mainly after you eat a non vegetarian meal.

4.An apple a day keeps the doctor away. It is very much true. Eating an apple daily will help to remove bacteria in the mouth, the main cause of bad breath.

5.Lemon does wonders. The lemon juice mixed with warm water can be used to gargle your mouth to help get rid of bad breath. It a one of the best home remedies for bad breath.

6.To get an aromatic breath, cardamon is the best. Although is it pungent, it will give you good results for bad breath. It is also a mouth refresher.

These home remedies for bad breath will be of good use . But, in order to prevent this, we can take certain precautions to prevent bad breath.

1.It is good if you drink plenty of water. Drinking plenty of water will help to get rid of the bacteria in the mouth.

2.Bad breath remedies is good as it helps to kill the unwanted germs in the mouth. Although, you may brush regularly and maintain a good oral routine, it is important that when you brush your teeth, make sure to use a tongue scrapper to clean the tongue. The bacteria usually stays on the tongue causing bad breath.

3.If these home remedies for bad breath do not work, it is advisable to see a dentist. You may be having an oral disease that needs doctor's consultancy.

4.When you use mouthwashes, make sure that you go in for those that have ingredients of aloe Vera and parsley. It is good to help get rid of bad breath.

5.It is said, tea is one of the best bad breath remedies. Those who are addicts to coffee, it is advisable to switch to tea as coffee frames a thin coat on the tongue which blocks the oxygen supply on the tongue.

6.Now and again, chew on sugarless gum. This will help you clean your mouth as chewing increases the saliva flow.

Bad breath is one problem that many of us face. Follow these home remedies for bad breath and help to prevent them by taking appropriate steps.