Health Benefits of Honey

Honey has been around since ancient time. It is widely used as natural remedy for certain skin and health issues and also as sugar substitute in meals. It has a sweet taste and is a lot healthier than sugar. 

When purchasing honey, it is better to go for raw honey because it contains more nutrients and antioxidants than processed or refined honey. Honey shouldn’t be given to children under 1 year because of risk of botulism.

• Anticancer: Honey contains antioxidants which help combat carcinogenic cells.
• Antibacterial and Antifungal: Some research studies have proved honey to be effective in treating infectious diseases because of the defensin 1 protein it contains, this also enable honey combat antibiotic resistant infections

• Regulate blood sugar level: Though honey is sweet and contain natural sugar, it is safer in regulating blood sugar level than sugar, it doesn’t cause an insulin spike but should be used sparingly.
• Relieves cough and sore throat: Honey has been proven to be effective in relieving cough and soothing sore throat, it is preferred to OTCs (Over The Counter) medications such as antihistamines which can cause drowsiness and other side effects.Make a mix of honey and lemon for natural cough remedy.
• Wound management: Honey is used in some health care facility for dressing wound, this is because it prevent and fight infection and also aid wound healing.
• Boosts energy: If you are feeling fatigued, instead of reaching for energy drinks that contain harmful ingredients, opt for honey instead, it will replenish your energy.
• Promotes sleep: Suffering from insomnia? Put an end to the sleepnessless by adding honey to your tea or water or just take a tablespoonful of honey before bedtime. Honey contains tryptophan which is later converted to serotonin, serotonin is then converted to melatonin, an hormone that promotes sleep.
• Burns management: Honey’s antibacterial properties, hygroscopic effect and hydrogen peroxide content makes it effective for burns management.
• Brain health: The antioxidants in honey enhance cognitive function, boosts memory etc.
• Improves immune system: Honey contains vitamin C and other antioxidants that can boost immune system and make you less susceptible to infections.
• Prevent heart diseases: Honey lowers triglycerides level, prevents heart attack and can improve blood circulation.

Do you take honey? Do you know other health benefits of honey? Please share your experience with honey in the comment box. Thanks so much for reading.

Sources

• www.nhs.uk/news/2008/10October/Pages/Honeyandburns.aspx
• https://authoritynutrition.com/10-benefits-of-honey/
• https://draxe.com/the-many-health-benefits-of-raw-honey/
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3609166/
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3188068/

15 negative things people said about my natural hair

Hey guys, how are you all doing? I want to share some of the worst things people have said to me about my hair. I think most of us naturalistas have also heard the good, the bad and ugly things concerning our hair from friends, colleagues, coworkers, family etc especially when we just started out.

I believe going or keeping natural hair should be your own decision and what others say or think about it shouldn’t bother you. I didn’t allow myself to be discouraged by the negative statements but it just made me dogmatic about my hair.

1. If I were your boyfriend, I would have broken up with you because of your hair.
2. I will buy a chemical relaxer for you, I think you can’t afford one.
3. You will soon get tired of your natural hair.
4. Your hair looks too untidy (because is not slicked down like relaxed hair)
5. Those hairstyles (referring to bantu knots out, twist outs etc) you see online are sew in weaves, your hair can never be like that.
6. Your hair won’t grow.
7. Don’t you have money to go the salon?
8. Is that an afro? That’s old school, people don’t do that anymore.
9. Don’t come to my house with natural hair. (It was a joke though)
10. Don’t ever wear your hair out, is not nice, always put on wigs or use extensions to braid or twist.
11. Your hair looks weird.
12. You need a lot of makeup to accentuate your look with that hair.
13. You are only limited to styles like cornrows and African threading.
14. Why are you using fruits and kitchen ingredients on your hair, is meant to be eaten.
15. You are wasting your time, money and energy on that hair, is it worth it?

What are the negative things you have heard about your hair? Have you ever felt discouraged because of what others think of your hair? Please drop your comments in the comment section. Thanks for reading

Eczema: Causes, Triggers and Natural Remedies

I had eczema the first time ever 2 months ago, I was totally shocked because I always thought I had good skin and can never get it. I have seen many people suffer endlessly from eczema and most resort to over the counter medications, topical antibiotics etc.

Eczema is an inflammatory condition of the skin characterized by dry scaly skin, itchiness, weeping and oozy rashes and blisters. It occurs mostly on the face, hands, elbows, back of knees, feet and back. It occurs mostly in children and affect adults too.

Causes/Triggers

• Genetics: Eczema runs in the family, it is common among people with family history of eczema and asthma.
• Dry skin: Having a dry skin predispose you to getting eczema
• Stress: Stress can trigger a lot of conditions, eczema included.
• Extremes of hot and cold temperature: Feeling too hot can make you sweat a lot and get heat rashes which can become eczematous. Also, feeling too cold can also dry your skin out.

• Certain skin products: Some skin care products such as bathing soap and body creams contains ingredients too irritating to the skin such as parabens, sodium lauryl sulfate, mineral oil etc
• Foods containing gluten: Eating food containing gluten such as bread can worsen symptoms of eczema
• Dairy foods: Dairy products such as milk especially cow milk can trigger eczema and should be avoided
• Wool fibers: Wearing clothes made of wool can also irritate and scratch your skin 
• Detergents: Washing your clothes with detergents containing irritants can cause eczema
• Environment allergens: Some people are allergic to pollen, grass etc and some to animals such as dogs. Coming in contact with allergens can also trigger eczema
• Water: If you think you are doing everything right but can’t figure out what is causing eczema, your bathing water might be contaminated. That was the case for me when I had it.
• Immunosuppression: Suppressed or abnormal functioning immune system can also predispose you to eczema.
• Hormones

Natural Remedies

• Ginger:Grate some ginger and add some honey to make a paste, apply on the affected part and rinse off with warm water after 30 minutes.
• Chamomile tea: Brew chamomile tea and apply on your skin to reduce inflammation.
• Aloe vera gel: Aloe vera soothes the skin, relieves itching and also moisturizes making it an effective remedy for eczema relief. 
• Apple cider vinegar: Dab some ACV on the affected part 3 times a day to relieve dryness, itching and rashes.
• Baking soda: Make a paste of baking soda and water and apply on the eczema area, wash off after 30 minutes. This will ease symptoms of eczema.
• Shea butter: Shea butter is very moisturizing and can also reduce scars caused by eczema.
• Coconut oil: Coconut oil has antibacterial properties, it also relieves itching and moisture the skin
• Olive oil: Olive oil contains omega 3 oil which helps reduce inflammation. Massage some on the affected area
• Probiotics: Probiotics such as yoghurt and raw cheese can help the immune system fight eczema.
• Vitamin E: You can either take vitamin E pills orally or apply the oil topically on your skin to reduce the discomfort caused by eczema.
• Cucumber slices: Cucumber can soothes the skin, reduce swelling and redness. Place some cucumber slices on the affected area for relief.
• Oats: Grind some oats into powder and sprinkle on your bathing water to ease the discomfort caused by eczema.
• Honey

Other helpful tips

1. Avoid dairy and gluten food products.
2. Limit bathing to once daily with warm water, using soap repeatedly will further irritate your skin and hot bath will dry your skin out.
3. Eat omega 3 filled foods such as fish.
4. Avoid tight fitting and rough fiber clothes. Go for clothes with smooth surface instead.
5. Avoid scratching the affected part, doing so will lead to more rashes.
6. Ensure you wear appropriate clothes for each season.

Do you get eczema? What trigger it? What natural remedies do you use in managing eczema. Thanks for reading.

Sources

www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/14417.php

https://medlineplus.gov/eczema.html

http://everydayroots.com/eczema-remedies

http://www.naturallivingideas.com/get-rid-of-eczema/

https://wellnessmama.com/12065/natural-eczema-remedies/

Home Health Nursing In Nigeria

I was inspired by C.E Robinson a retired nurse practitioner and fellow blogger to write this post. Most people don’t know that home health care exists in Nigeria. Home health nursing just like in any other country is the care of patients in the comfort of their homes.

Home care nursing is also known as Domiciliary care. Domiciliary care involves care of elderly and dementia patients, hospice care, post operative care, care of recuperating patients and those with disabilities etc in their homes.

Although home care nursing is well established in developed countries like United States, United Kingdom and Canada etc, it is still a new and developing phenomenon in Nigeria.

There are different home health agencies in Nigeria, though still few in number, are mostly located in Lagos, Nigeria.

My perspectives

• Professionalism: In Nigeria,some people view home care nurses as unprofessional because 75% or more of nurses in Nigeria work in an hospital and Nigerians have the mindset that nurses only work in hospital. Also, the fact that you work in a patient house sounds unacceptable to some.
• Agency: Home care nursing also varies from agency to agency. In Nigeria, your shift might be 3 days on and 3 days off duty or 1 week on and 1 week off depending on the agency you are working with.
• Emotional attachment: Working as a home care nurse you grow an emotional attachment to your patients because you get to see and spend time with them often unlike hospitals where patient get discharged early.

• Patience: As a home care nurse in Nigeria, you have to be very patient because some patients and relatives can be so unappreciative no matter how hard you work. Some use abusive words and can even attempt to be physically aggressive. There also those who are uncooperative owing to the fact that you are caring for them in their house. There are appreciative and respectful ones though who appreciate every little deed you do.
• Experience: Most time, the experience you get working as a home health in Nigeria isn’t as much as what you get working in an hospital.
• Cost: Those that go for domiciliary care in Nigeria are usually well to do people who can afford the cost.
• Companionship: Elderly patients often feel lonely, home health nurses provide companionship to such patients by interacting with them. They also give psychological, spiritual and emotional support more than other nurses.
• Sense of humour: If you have a good sense of humour, it will help you in coping as a home health nurse. For me, instead of getting angry at what a patient said, I will just change it into a polite joke. 

If you have an elderly person whose needs are beyond your capacity, I will suggest you get a home care nurse that will be responsible for him/her. It will also be nice if home health agencies are in all states in Nigeria.

 What is your opinion on Home Health Nursing? Please drop your comment in the comment section and share. Thanks for reading.

9 Easy Natural Ways To Exfoliate Your Skin

I recently wrote a post on  8 amazing benefits of exfoliating and I promised to write another post on how to exfoliate your skin.
When choosing an exfoliant, it is better to go for exfoliants with all natural ingredients or use DIY recipes.Not only are the diy exfoliants cheaper but are also safer for the skin and you can easily get them in your kitchen.

DIY Natural Scrubs

• Sugar: Sugar contains glycolic acid which helps remove dead skin cells and improve cell regeneration. Mix 1/2 cup of sugar with olive or coconut oil.This might be too harsh for your face.

• Baking soda: This works as gentle exfoliant, it works best when mixed with honey and is also safe for the face.
• Salt scrub: Salt is also a good exfoliant, combine 1/2 cup of salt with coconut or olive oil and massage it on your skin.
• Coffee scrub: Caffeine in coffee can boost collagen production. Mix some ground coffee with olive oil and honey.

• Lemon scrub: Lemon contains alpha hydroxyl acid which is a great exfoliator. Squeeze a lemon in a mix of sugar and honey and use it to scrub your skin.
• Oatmeal: Oats is also a gentle exfoliant and very good for those with sensitive skin. It is my favourite especially whem mixed with honey. Grind some oatmeal and mix with honey to exfoliate your skin. You can also use the oat without grinding by mixing with warm water but it will make your bathroom messy.

• Papaya: Papaya contains an enzyme called papain which helps get rid of dead skin cells. Mash some papaya and apply it over your body with a loofah.

• Milk: Lactic acid in milk makes it a good exfoliant. Mix equal parts of milk and honey together and scrub your skin gently with it.
• Honey: Honey has antibacterial properties, it can brighten skin, fades stretch mark etc. You can use it alone to exfoliate but is better to use with other exfoliator for effective results. 

Things you will need

1. Loofah, soft brittle brush or exfoliating gloves.
2. Exfoliating agent preferably natural scrubs such as oatmeal, sugar, honey, coffee etc
3. Moisturizer
4. Warm water
5. Cold water

Steps of exfoliating

1. Take a warm shower, this will open your skin pores so that the exfoliating products can work effectively.
2. Apply the exfoliating agent on your loofah or exfoliating gloves
3. Spread or slather the scrub all over your body working from your chest to your legs gently in a circular motion if you are using a shower and from your legs to your chest if using a bath tub.
4. Don’t forget your back, you can use a brush with handle to scrub if you can’t have full access to it.
5. Apply a gentler exfoliant on your face and neck, avoiding your eye area and lips because of their thin skin layer or scrub gently. Also, use your palms to exfoliate your face, using loofah or brush can be too harsh for your face.
6. Rinse your face and body with cold water to close your pores back.
7. Follow up with a moisturizer immediately after towel drying your body.

How do you exfoliate? What diy recipes do you use? Thanks for reading.

8 Amazing Benefits of Exfoliating.

Most of us skip this important and expedient part of our skincare routine.Exfoliating shouldn’t be circumscript to the face but should be done all over the body.

Exfoliation is the process of removing dead or dry skin cells from the skin. It has loads of benefit for our skin appearance and also helps with some skin conditions. 

Dead skin cells should be exfoliated once or twice a week preferably with natural or home remedies for a beautiful smooth skin. With regular exfoliation, you seldomly need to wear makeup everyday and you feel more comfortable without worrying about dark spots, acne etc.

Benefits of exfoliating.

• Even skin tone: Hyperpigmentation makes a part of the skin appear darker than other parts. Exfoliating regularly, can remove all dark spots giving you an overall even skin tone.
• Glowing skin: Exfoliation increase blood circulation to the skin making it look healthy and glowing..

• Reduce clogged pores: Pores are the small opening in the skin, they can get clogged with oil, dirt and dead skin cells. You can reduce the clogged pores through exfoliation.
• Removes blemishes and acne: Regular exfoliation can get rid of blemishes and acne on your face giving you a flawless skin.
• Reduce wrinkles: Wrinkles which can also be as a result of dead skin cells can also be reduced with exfoliation.
• Helps with dry skin: People with dry skin often get flakes on their skin, this can be easily removed by exfoliating.

• Better shaving and prevent razor bumps: Exfoliating before shaving gives you a better shave and reduce risk of razor bumps.
• Absorption: Skincare products get easily absorbed on the skin and works better with regular exfoliation.

After exfoliating, use a natural moisturized such as shea butter, coconut oil, olive oil etc. Also do not expose your skin for long to sun rays after exfoliating for 24 hours. 

I will soon write a post on how to exfoliate and best natural products for exfoliating. Thanks for reading and please share.

Do you exfoliate? Do you know any other benefits of exfoliating? Pleae drop your comments in the comment box. Thanks.

Beauty Benefits of Aloe Vera for Hair and Skin.

Aloe vera plant is a very common plant and is largely cultivated in countries with drier climates. It is found in most skin and hair products. It is also use in some homes for beautification.

Benefits to skin and hair

• Moisturizing: Aloe vera gel can keep your skin moisturized all day long. Just apply some aloe vera gel all over your body.
• Clears acne: Applying aloe vera gel on acne can help clear up the skin and also fades acne scars.
• Relieves dandruff: White flaky scales and itchy scalp which are characteristics of dandruff can be greatly reduced with aloe vera gel. Rub some aloe vera gel on your scalp.

•  Fades stretch marks: Stretch marks can be annoying and tough to deal with, you can reduce the marks with aloe vera gel.
• Hair growth: Hair loss whether thinning edges, hair breakage can be minimized by using aloe vera gel. Aloe vera is very effective for hair growth.
• Aging: Aloe vera contains vitamins that can slow down aging process, reduce wrinkles and freckles. Make a facial mask of aloe vera gel, honey and oatmeal and rinse off after 30 minutes.
• Minimize Sunburn: If you are experiencing sunburn as a result of overexposure to sun rays, using aloe vera gel on the affected part can greatly reduce the sun burns.
• Fades dark spots and lighten blemishes: You can also use aloe vera gel as a toner, it helps fade dark spots and lighten blemishes.
• Soothe burns: The cooling effect of aloe vera can help soothe burns.

• Gives soft and shiny hair: : Aloe vera can also be use to condition hair, add to your deep conditioner to get maximum conditioning and shine.
• Aids wound healing.
• Psoriasis

Do you use aloe vera on your skin and hair? Do you know any other beauty benefits of aloe vera? Please drop your comments and share. Thanks so much for reading.