What is the difference between cysts and tumors? - Healthbiztips

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What is the difference between cysts and tumors? - Healthbiztips

February 28, 2019

What is the difference between cysts and tumors?

@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan

A lump under the skin is often a cause of concern. Could it be a cyst or a tumor?

The difference between a cyst and a tumor can often be tricky. Both cysts and tumors can grow in any part of the body, from the superficial layer of the skin to deep inside internal organs and bones. Both can also vary in size from microscopic to large abnormal growth that can displace normal tissue.

What is a Cyst?

Cysts is an encapsulated sac filled with either air, fluid, pus, or cell debris. Most cysts are benign.

Take note that cysts are encased in a membranous tissue.

What is a tumor?

On the other hand, a tumor is an abnormal growth of cells that forms a mass which can either be benign (localized to a certain area of the body) or malignant (cancerous cells that can spread to other parts of the body). 

Under normal condition, worn off cell die and are replaced by new cells, however, in the case of tumor, old cells that no longer effectively function do not die, but instead they keep on multiplying, forming a mass called a tumor.

Malignant tumor have the ability to form cysts.

How to know if a cyst or a tumor is cancerous?

A common concern that arise from having a cyst or tumor is the question whether or not the particular growth is benign or malignant. The only confirmatory test to determine if a growth is malignant is through biopsy, a test in which tissue sample from the growth is taken to be analysis under a microscope.

Breast Cancer risk Increased by Light Exposure at Night

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Breast Cancer risk Increased by Light Exposure at Night

February 26, 2019

Breast Cancer risk Increased by Light Exposure at Night

Many of us can be guilty of using our mobile phone or computer at bedtime, yet this action increases our risk of getting breast cancer.

Breast Cancer risk Increased by Light Exposure at Night

@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan

This research finding raises concern considering breast cancer is the most frequent form of cancer that affects and kills women.

Normally, when it is bedtime, our brain releases a hormone called "melatonin" that has an anti-cancer effect. Normally, we produce more of this hormone while we are sleeping.

When we are expose to light at night, it messes up with the melatonin secretion causing it's level to decrease.

Phones and computers are not the only culprit of exposure to light at night, even artificial lights such as LED light and television are offenders.

A sound sleep really helps cut down breast cancer risk, however it remains a challenge.

Working the night-shift is also a contributing factor for the development of invasive breast cancer because it messes up the body's internal biological clock.

Don't underestimate the role of sleep in our well-being. As we age, a sound good night's sleep really does play a crucial role in keeping us healthy and energized.


If you or a person you know is at increase risk of developing cancer (possibly due to family history), please share this health fact.


Resources:

James P, Bertrand KA, Hart JE, Schernhammer ES, Tamimi RM, Laden F. Outdoor Light at Night and Breast Cancer Incidence in the Nurses' Health Study II. Environ Health Perspect. 2017;125(8):087010. Published 2017 Aug 17. doi:10.1289/EHP935

Hill, Steven M et al. “Melatonin: an inhibitor of breast cancer” Endocrine-related cancer vol. 22,3 (2015): R183-204.

World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/cancer/prevention/diagnosis-screening/breast-cancer/en/

How Sunlight Impacts our Psychology - Healthbiztips

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How Sunlight Impacts our Psychology - Healthbiztips

February 24, 2019

How Sunlight Impacts our Psychology

You may have known that exposure to sunlight is a beneficial to the body in that it stimulates the skin to produce Vitamin D, but did you know that sunshine has a tremendous impact on our mind.

How Sunlight Impacts our Psychology - Healthbiztips

@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan

Research has shown that immersion to direct sunlight uplifts the mood, reduces anxiety, increases feeling of satisfaction, and lessens stress.

On the other hand, lack of enough exposure to sunlight, especially due to weather condition or the season, is strongly linked to mental health problems such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (a type of depressive disorder that affects a person during the fall and winter season).

Depressed people are particularly vulnerable to sunshine's positive psychological effect. So, if a person is already suffering from depression but prefers to stay indoor with minimal exposure to sunlight, it can potentially lead to memory impairment and cognitive decline.

Sunlight improves blood flow to the brain. Furthermore, it regulates the wake-sleep cycle (circadian rhythm). Sunshine also balances crucial chemicals in our brain such as serotonin and melatonin.

Exposure to sunlight triggers our brain to release more serotonin, but less melatonin. The increase in the neurotransmitter serotonin uplifts the mood and reduces depressive symptoms. Meanwhile, the decrease in the sleep hormone melatonin causes the person to become energetic and attentive.


It goes without saying that sunshine plays a crucial role in keeping us healthy both mentally and physically. Waking up to a nice warm sunshine is refreshing and invigorating.


Resources:

Kent, Shia T et al. “Effect of sunlight exposure on cognitive function among depressed and non-depressed participants: a REGARDS cross-sectional study” Environmental health : a global access science source vol. 8 34. 28 Jul. 2009, doi:10.1186/1476-069X-8-34

An, Mihyang et al. “Why We Need More Nature at Work: Effects of Natural Elements and Sunlight on Employee Mental Health and Work Attitudes” PloS one vol. 11,5 e0155614. 23 May. 2016, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0155614

Patwardhan, Vivek G et al. “Duration of Casual Sunlight Exposure Necessary for Adequate Vitamin D Status in Indian Men” Indian journal of endocrinology and metabolism vol 22,2 (2018): 249-255.

Doctors can "Prescribe Nature" in Scotland - Healthbiztips

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Doctors can "Prescribe Nature" in Scotland - Healthbiztips

February 24, 2019

Doctors can "Prescribe Nature" in Scotland

A prescription to take a retreat to nature is something you wouldn't expect from your doctor. It just never happens, right? What do most people get from a medical consultation.? A bunch of medicines? A prescription for a laboratory or diagnostic test?

Doctors can "Prescribe Nature" in Scotland - Healthbiztips

@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan

But, in Shetland, Scotland, doctors have the ability to actually prescribe you this natural holistic remedy. Imagine that...taking a stroll in a peaceful lush forest or a beautiful beach is a real life doctor's prescription.

In Scotland, doctors can medically prescribe you a trip to bond with nature. This is an extraordinary achievement that combines medicine with natural approach to restore health.

 Scottish physicians can "prescribe nature" to address a wide range of physical and mental problems such as depression, anxiety, mental illness, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.

Nature restores both the body and mind. Spending time with nature has many well established positive impact to health which includes boosting the immune system, minimizing stress, reducing anxiety, promoting physical mobility, and decreasing risk of heart problems.

Scottish patients who receive "nature prescription" are given a wide selection of activities and destinations.

However, this does not mean that nature is the sole cure. A patient may be prescribed to spend time with nature as a conjunction to medical treatment.


This is an extraordinary feat that expands the scope of the medical profession to include natural proven approach to actually treat a medical condition. Would you wish you have "nature prescription" in your country?

Sleep Deprivation accelerates Atherosclerosis - Healthbiztips

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Sleep Deprivation accelerates Atherosclerosis - Healthbiztips

February 20, 2019

Lack of Enough Sleep puts you at risk of Heart Disease

Don't underestimate the risks you're taking when you're not getting enough sleep. Here's why...

Disrupted sleep raises inflammation in your body.

A study published in "Nature" reveals that lack of enough sleep raises inflammatory white blood cells such as neutrophils and monocytes which subsequently accelerates atherosclerosis.

Sleep Deprivation accelerates Atherosclerosis - Healthbiztips

healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan

Atherosclerosis (also known as arteriosclerosis) is the build up of plaque in the inner walls of arteries, which eventually hardens and narrows the blood vessel. In the long run, atherosclerosis can lead to fatal cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke.

The Role of Hypocretin

Research in mice unravel a pathway by which a brain-secreted hormone called "hypocretin" subdues the formation of inflammatory white blood cells.

Mice that are subjected to sleep deprivation were observed to have significantly lower levels of hypocretin. This in turn, causes an increase production of inflammatory white blood cells "monocyte", which subsequently causes the subject to develop larger arterial plaque.

In contrast, experimental mice that had enough and uninterrupted sleep had higher level of hypocretin causing lesser inflammatory cell production and reduced risk of arterial plaque build-up.

Amazingly, sleep deprived mice that received hypocretin supplement had lower levels of inflammatory cells and smaller formation of arterial plaque.

What is hypocretin? It is a hormone produced by the hypothalamus of the brain that has been found out to play an essential role in the regulation inflammatory white blood cell production. It mediates an anti-inflammatory pathway.

A sound sleep protects your heart.

Undeniably, especially to the working class, one of the best feelings in life is waking up from a good night's sleep. Now, besides your insurance, a good night sleep is arguably one of the best free investment you can take to save yourself from the demise of a fatal cardiovascular disease. Think about it.


Note:

The study was not on mice. Further research is still needed to fully appreciate and explore it's impact to human health.


Resources:

McAlpine CS., et al. (2019). Sleep modulates haematopoiesis and protects against atherosclerosis. Nature. doi: 10.1038/s41586-019-0948-2

Japanese Healthcare Review - Healthbiztips

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Japanese Healthcare Review - Healthbiztips

February 19, 2019

Japanese Healthcare Review

In 2018, the World Health Organization listed Japan as having the longest life expectancy among all other countries, with an average lifespan of 84.2 years.

So, what can we expect from the health care system of a nation whose people live amongst the longest lifespan on Earth? Aren't you curious?

Let's talk about Japanese health care system.

Japanese Healthcare Review - Healthbiztips

@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan

Japanese health care is universal because it gives everyone in Japan the opportunity to quality health care under the National Health Insurance system.

Japanese National Health Insurance system covers as much as 70% to 90% of medical bills.

Japan has a universal health care system -- It covers everyone in Japan

 Japan has a National Health Insurance System that ensures health care is provided to Japanese Citizens. Even, foreigners staying in Japan for more than a year can apply for a health insurance.

People still have to pay their health insurance but factors like income, type of work, age, and residence strongly determines how much people pay. Which is good since people won't have to pay more than what they can afford.

Also, for employees, half of their health care insurance fee is shouldered by their respective companies.

Japan's National Health Insurance system provides free annual physical examination to it's people.

Japan's successful healthcare system is a feat they have to credit their government for. The Japanese government takes active part in regulating their health care system through rules and policies such as a mandating a fix health care fee across the country, and requiring hospital to run as non-profit institutions.


Japan's Health Care System is Advance

Japan is a technologically advance nation so it wouldn't come as a surprise that their hospital equipments and tools live up a high standard.

You'll be assured of the best quality of health care standard in Japan.


Cheaper

One of the biggest advantage of living in Japan is it's incredibly cheap medical cost. Healthcare here is run as a non-profit which really do serve it's people well.


Emergency care

Most Japanese hospital's emergency room are not open 24/7. Emergency rooms are usually open on weekdays during usual business hours, so if it ever happens that you have an emergency during the most unlucky time of the day or week, then it can be tricky and painful to locate the nearest emergency room. In this case, it will save you more time if you call an ambulance, but depending on your location, vicinity of the nearest available emergency care can vary.


Free Ambulance service

When you have a medical emergency condition, then, in Japan, you can get a free ambulance service. Now, that's something that comes at a high price in some countries.


No self-prescription please

Okay, I know a lot of people who'd rather take an over-the-counter medicine for a mild ailment, but if you're in Japan, it's not something that you can do. You need to show a doctor's prescription to purchase a medicine.


Language Barrier

There is however one drawback for foreigners. You see, Japanese folk speaks their own language, so if you're staying there but still find it difficult to speak nihongo, it will really be helpful to bring a friend who can interpret for you. But if you're out of friend, don't loose hope, there are clinics and hospitals whose staffs have good command of the english language.


If you get sick and have to go to the hospital or clinic for a consultation with a doctor, you'll know that without an insurance, health care cost can be pricey. In other parts of the world, it is a tragic reality that modern health care has not yet reached them, consequently people die without even seeing a doctor.

Meanwhile in Japan, healthcare is accessible to everyone, from the poor to the riches, from the young to the old, from the employed to the  unemployed.

7 Facts about Keto Diet - Healthbiztips

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7 Facts about Keto Diet - Healthbiztips

February 18, 2019

7 Facts about Keto Diet

Keto or ketosis diet has gained popularity over the last few years. Here are some facts you should know about this diet.

7 Facts about Keto Diet - Healthbiztips

@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan
1. When you follow a standard ketogenic diet, you have to cut down your carbohydrate intake to less than 5%.

2. School taught us that we have 3 main energy source -- carbohydrate, protein, and fat. If you remember, it is emphasized that our main energy source should be carbohydrates. We'll, ketogenic diet is a diet that directly opposes that teaching. Instead of getting much of our energy needs from carbohydrates, ketogenic diet focuses on a diet high in fat while keeping carbohydrate intake minimal.

3. Did you know that glucose metabolism promotes inflammation? Whereas, when your body turns to ketones for energy, it helps prevents this damaging inflammatory response.

4. Ketogenic diet is a popular diet to loose weight, prevent and manage inflammatory diseases like Alzheimer's disease, cancer, and cardiovascular disease.

5. Since keto diet limits carbohydrate intake, the body is forced to turn into ketones as an energy source which induces the body into a state of ketosis (high ketones in the blood).

6. Ketogenic diet is claimed to benefit people suffering from diabetes as it brings blood sugar level down, however caution should still be taken to avoid diabetic ketoacidosis. Diabetic ketoacidosis is a medical emergency in which ketone level in the blood reaches a dangerously high level, which turns blood acidic and interferes with the normal functioning of vital internal organs.

7. Ketogenic diet reduces cravings while it increases the amount of time you feel full.

Another good reason to cut on carbohydrate intake is it's positive effect of lowering triglyceride level in the blood. On the other hand, did you know that shifting to a low-fat diet can drastically increase triglyceride level?


Related blog posts:

What is Keto Diet? - Healthbiztips

7 Facts about Keto Diet - Healthbiztips

Is Ketogenic Diet Effective? - Healthbiztips

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Is Ketogenic Diet Effective? - Healthbiztips

February 18, 2019

Is Ketogenic Diet Effective?

If you're trying to cut down your fat intake so you can loose weight faster, your might cringe at ketogenic diet's theme of increasing fat intake while limiting carbohydrate consumption. Is it effective?

Is Ketogenic Diet Effective? - Healthbiztips

@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan
There are several reasons why ketogenic diet appeals to a large number of person. For a start, it's a reputedly faster way to loose weight. By severely depleting the body's glucose source, we consequently enhance fat metabolism.

Numerous studies strongly support ketogenic diet's effectivity in loosing weight.

Let's look into several advantages of adapting a ketogenic diet:

• Reduces appetite
• Reduces cravings
• Enables the body to burn more fat
• Reduces the formation of new fat cells
• Lowers inflammation
• Lowers glucose (blood sugar)
• Lowers risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

As convincing as keto diet's potential, it is not a diet that suits everybody. A good example of this is among diabetics who are taking anti-diabetic medication in which the potential for an occurrence of a life-threatening ketoacidosis is higher.

Ketogenic diet is not tailored made for everyone. Knowing about your own health condition is crucial to avoid unnecessary risks this diet can pose to you.

It is not advisable to adapt a ketogenic diet if you are currently pregnant or lactating, or if you have problems involving your kidney, liver, or pancreas.


Related blog posts:

What is Keto Diet? - Healthbiztips

7 Facts about Keto Diet - Healthbiztips

What is Keto Diet? - Healthbiztips

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What is Keto Diet? - Healthbiztips

February 18, 2019

What is Keto Diet?

Keto diet (short for ketogenic diet) is a diet that focuses on fat as the body's main energy source. So, in keto diet, you basically eat more fat but less carbohydrate.

What is Keto Diet? - Healthbiztips

@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan

Ketogenic diet lies in the principle that when an individual consume less carbohydrate, glucose availability as an energy source is markedly reduced, so the liver then turns fatty acids into ketones as as an alternative fuel.

Glucose is the main fuel that drives our day to day function, however, in it's shortage, our body turns into ketones.

We'll you see, glucose metabolism does have it's downsides like  the fact that it promotes inflammation. But, don't get me wrong, inflammation is crucial to our survival as it helps clear off harmful foreign substances and facilitate healing, however, when inflammation is uncalled, it can do more harm than good. In fact, inflammation is a culprit of many chronic inflammatory diseases like asthma, Alzheimer's disease, and inflammatory bowel disease.

Keto diet markedly increase the body's ability to burn fat and decreases cravings, which is desirable for people who want to loose weight faster.


Related blog posts:

Is Ketogenic Diet Effective? - Healthbiztips

7 Facts about Keto Diet - Healthbiztips

Ophiocordyceps sinensis -- Caterillar fungus - Healthbiztips

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Ophiocordyceps sinensis -- Caterillar fungus - Healthbiztips

February 15, 2019

Ophiocordyceps sinensis -- Caterillar fungus - Healthbiztips

Ophiocordyceps sinensis -- Caterillar fungus - Healthbiztips

By: Arlene Gentallan

Have you heart about this "caterpillar fungus" that's making buzz from it's motherland, the Tibetan Plateau, and hitting the global market in such a high price. By, the way, it comes in many names like Ophiocordyceps sinensis, dong chóng xià cao (in Chinese), and yartsa gunbu (in Tibetan) so don't be confused.

Can you believe it, in Beijing China, caterpillar fungus costs more than gold! Well, caterpillar fungus may be something that crawl out of a child's nightmare--it's literally a fungus that grows in a caterpillar's body (specifically, ghost moths) and sprouts a large stalk out of the poor creature's head. So yeah, infected ghost moths die before they have the opportunity to become months. It's terrifying. But, when you consider the prices involved in it's trade, we could just overlook the fact that it's horrendous and see it as a "gold mine".

Caterpillar fungus trade fuels a local economy which ironically is driving it's main fuel--the caterpillar fungus itself, into near extinction. Now, this is a big problem to the local people who strongly depend in harvesting this fungus as their main source of income. Some things just don't come flowing forever.

Besides, you can't just go digging out caterpillar fungus from your backyard, unless your backyard just so happens to be the Himalayan mountainside (the worst place to be a ghost moth). Finding fungal stalk in the plateau is hard work and it's as much as brutal that harvesting the caterpillar fungus should be done with utmost care, because if an uncareful collector accidentally decapitates the fungal stalk from the caterpillar's body then that also cuts it's cost!

How come caterpillar fungus be more precious than gold?

Good question. Is caterpillar fungus so much desirable that it beats gold's worth?

Caterpillar fungus is a traditional Chinese medicine use to treat many diseases like AIDS, cancer, and SARS. If you have any of those disease and you've heard about the rumors, you certain will want to get your hands on these fungal miracle. Just saying.

Caterpillar fungus is also an acclaimed immune system booster, aphrodisiac, performance enhancer, anti-aging miracle, and many other good stuffs.

But, the question is, do these benefits live up to the standard of this fungus' price? Well, that's a topic we can debate about but it seems the dwindling number of caterpillar fungus is bringing it's prices up even further.

You know what people do with expensive things? That's right, they use it as a status symbol! A way to tell everybody that they're supposed to be rich. I know, to someone whose naive, caterpillar fungus may not look like the type of something that can be brag as a status symbol, but believe me when I say that it is a huge status symbol, especially in China. Chinese emperor were served this stuff back in the days when only the elite class can afford it.

We'll, if you're having caterpillar fungus tea, I'll give you the benefit of doubt that you're a rich and respected person. Although, with today's purchasing power, some middle class can now afford this parasite.

The cycle of caterpillar fungus

The fungus specifically infects ghost months when they are still larvae or caterpillars. During this stage, the caterpillar burrows underground, feasting on plant roots. Fungal spores usually infects caterpillars during summer, then by fall and winter, the fungus slowly eats away the caterpillar's internal organs. By spring, the caterpillar crawls near the surface where it dies and the the fungus grows a stalk out of the caterpillar's head to send out it's spores. Imagine that, this stuff we're talking about here is something most people in the world can't afford and much worse, something that can be wiped out if we don't do something about us!

Is it Safe to Eat Uncooked Oatmeal? - Heatlhbiztips

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Is it Safe to Eat Uncooked Oatmeal? - Heatlhbiztips

February 07, 2019

Is it Safe to Eat Uncooked Oatmeal? - Heatlhbiztips

Do you know someone who likes to eat their oatmeal uncooked? I know it may sound barbaric, however, eating plain raw oatmeal is actually a part of a health trend owing to the fact that uncooked oatmeal retain more nutrients. But, the question remains "Is eating uncooked oatmeal safe or dangerous?"

Is it Safe to Eat Uncooked Oatmeal? - Heatlhbiztips

@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan

You're not supposed to eat oatmeal in it's plain dry form. You have to first soak it in water or milk, because oatmeal contains phytic acid which can hinder the absorption of essential nutrients and vitamins. I highly recommend to soak the oatmeal overnight to reduce it's phytic acid content.

Aside from poor nutrient absorption, eating raw dry oatmeal can have bad effects like bloating. Besides, would you like to munch on coarse and dry oats?

 Eating uncooked oatmeal is generally safe provided you dilute it in water or milk.

If you forgot to soak your oatmeal overnight, you should at least consume it together with water or milk.

8 Home Remedies for Acne - Healthbiztips

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8 Home Remedies for Acne - Healthbiztips

February 06, 2019

8 Home Remedies for Acne - Healthbiztips

8 Home Remedies for Acne - Healthbiztips

@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan

Have you ever had a special day ruined by the sudden appearance of a pimple. It just pops out at the most important day of the month like some sort of devilish plot!

Acne plague most people, especially during their teenage years. Outbreaks are so annoying that even the tiniest pimple can have a huge impact to confidence and self-esteem. Why wouldn't acne be such a big issue when it threatens the essence of a beautiful and flawless skin.

Wouldn't it be awesome to find home remedies that you can easily find at a reasonable price. Some of these alternative treatments for acne could be just sitting in your kitchen counter all these years yet you have no idea that they have another purpose other than what they're intended for.

You may be tempted to pop that red angry acne that has suddenly erupted on your face, but you know it'll just make the matter worst. You see, popping a pimple makes it vulnerable to infection causing bacteria. It can lead to scarring.

Instead, why not try these alternative home remedies to get rid of your acne.


1. Toothpaste

Yep. That thing you pile on your toothbrush to scrub your teeth white. It might sound absurd, but apparently using toothpaste as a kitchen remedy for pimple works owing to the fact that it has antibacterial and drying effect.

Simply put toothpaste over your pimple and leave it for 30 minutes, then rinse with water.

If you think about it, the manufacturer clearly indicates toothpaste to be a "toothpaste". You know what I'm saying. But, how come this thing works for zit. It's because toothpaste contains antibacterial ingredients like triclosan. Thus, reducing the scandalous bacterial inhabitants on your skin.


2. Apple cider vinegar

Here's another potent anti-bacteria that's a popular home remedy for a wide array of health ailments -- apple cider vinegar.

How to use apple cider vinegar as a home remedy for acne?

Combine equal parts apple cider and water. If you have sensitive skin, you can further dilute the solution with more water. Next, cleans your face then dry. Apply the apple cider vinegar mixture on your face then let it sit for 1 to 5 minutes before cleansing with water and drying your face. Expect a stinging sensation on your face.

Using apple cider vinegar is beneficial to those with oily skin as applying it will lessen the production of sebum. That means, reducing clogging of skin pores that can potentially cause acne.


3. Honey

Honey is another common stuff found in a kitchen that can be used as a home remedy for acne. It's another antibacterial stuff that's effective against pimples.

After cleansing your face, simply dab raw honey on your face (like a home made face mask) then let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes before rinsing it off with water.

You can choose to use plain honey or you can add other antioxidants like cinnamon and lemon to craft a more potent formula.


4. Cinnamon

Cinnamon is an antioxidant spice that's an effective home remedy for acne. It contains "cinnamaldehyde", a potent antimicrobial and fungicidal compound.

How to make cinnamon face mask?

Combine equal parts cinnamon powder and water to form a paste. Then, apply the paste over your clean face and let it stay for 15 minutes, afterwards you can rinse it off with water.


5. Green tea

Don't throw that tea bag! We're gonna be using it as a cheap but effective home remedy for those nasty acne on your face. Just make sure to save your tea bag before adding in milk and sugar so you don't contaminate it.

Green tea also has antimicrobial property which can help clear off acne from the surface of your face. To harness it's skincare benefits, let the wet tea bag cool off then gently massage it over your face. Let it stay for 5 to 15 minutes before your rinse it off with water.


6. Garlic

Home remedies are all about using stuffs we can easily find in a typical home. It's ingenious! Let's spice up this topic by adding garlic to this list of home remedies for acne.

I know garlic smells pungent but like those I've previously mentioned above, garlic contains potent antibacterial compounds that's effective in illuminating acne.

How to use garlic for acne:

Chop or crush a clove of garlic, then smudge it's juice over your pimples. Let it sit there for 2 to 5 minutes before rinsing it off with water.


7. Egg white

Egg white face mask dominates skincare because it's super cheap but highly effective. Aside from it's desirable property against acne, it has many skincare benefits like reducing the appearance of wrinkles and shrinking skin pores.

To make an egg white face mask, all you need is egg white. Massage it over your cleansed face, then let it dry for 15 to 30 minutes before rinsing it off with water.

It's that simple! Do expect to feel a tightening sensation on your face as the egg white dries.


8. Lemon

Now, this is one fruit that's highly used in skincare -- lemon! While lemon juice has undesirable effects like stinging sensation on the skin, it's benefits can not be downplayed. It helps clear off excess oil, shrink pores, removes black heads, and reduces the appearance of acne and acne marks.

After washing and drying your face, lather with freshly squeezed lemon juice. Be careful not to put it on your eyes. Then, wash with water after 30 minutes.


There you have it -- 8 home remedies for acne. Remember that one home remedy can work for one person while it can bring havoc to another. Finding the right home remedy that'll work best to remove your acne can take experimentation, patience, and a reasonable amount of time.

12 Home Remedies for Toothache - Healthbiztips

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12 Home Remedies for Toothache - Healthbiztips

February 05, 2019

12 Home Remedies for Toothache - Healthbiztips

12 Home Remedies for Toothache - Healthbiztips

@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan

Toothache. Yep, often when you're not taking good care of your teeth, they get back on you in a very painful way. While there are toothache that suddenly comes and goes like when consuming something too cold or too hot, most toothaches are there unless you get it fix by a dentist.

Let me make it clear that the home remedies for toothache on this blog post works as a symptomatic treatment, which means these are options designed to get a temporary relief from tooth pain.

Toothache can be a symptom of a more serious underlying dental problem like tooth decay, abscess, or infection. It's not a simple matter that goes away. In fact, if left untreated tooth decay can worsen, so you still will have to consult a dentist.


1. Water and salt

Gargle with good ol' plain salt and water is a traditional home remedy for toothache and sore throat. It's safe and effective in killing bacteria that's causing tooth decay and pain.

To make a salt water gargle, mix a quarter teaspoon salt with 1/2 cup water. Then, gargle for 30 minutes. Do not swallow the solution.

For a soothing effect, you can choose to use warm water to make the salt water solution.


2. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a potent antiseptic that's easy to use--you simply gargle it for 15 to 30 seconds then spit it. It does taste sour, but it's generally safe and effective to gain instant relief from toothache.

After you gargle with apple cider vinegar, make sure to gargle with water to counteract it's acidity.


3. Tumeric

Tumeric is an all around home remedy that's both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. You can use fresh raw tumeric or tumeric powder as a home remedy for toothache.

To relieve your tooth pain, try any of the options below:

1. Put tumeric powder on your painful teeth.
2. Apply tumeric paste on your tooth. To make a paste, simply mix equal parts tumeric powder and water.
3. Chew raw tumeric roots.
4. Gargle with with tumeric tea.

4. Garlic

A lot of people don't like the pungent smell of garlic but it's highly effective in relieving toothache because it has germicidal property.

Crush a clove of garlic and put it on your painful tooth to get an instant pain relief.


5. Onion

A fresh onion is a potent antiseptic that's an effective home remedy to alleviate toothache. Chop and crush raw onion, then apply it over your painful teeth to reduce the pain on the area.


6. Ginger

Ginger has antimicrobial property which helps keep those harmful bacteria in your mouth at bay, thereby, lessens the pain in your tooth. You can choose to do it the old fashion way by chewing raw ginger roots or you can gargle with warm ginger tea to relieve your toothache.


7. Peppermint

Peppermint contains compounds that eradicates harmful bacteria in your mouth. It's a versatile home remedy for toothache because there are various options you can choose from to harness it's benefits:

• Apply peppermint oil on the painful tooth.
• Gargle with peppermint tea.
• Put a cold peppermint tea bag over your painful tooth or inflamed cheeks.

8. Thyme

Thyme is another herb that contains potent antimicrobial compound to reduce the bacterial count that's causing tooth decay and pain. To obtain pain relief from toothache, you have several options:

• Apply thyme oil on the painful tooth.
• Chew fresh thyme leaves.
• Gargle with warm thyme tea.

9. Clove oil

Clove contains "eugenol" which is desirable for it's antimicrobial and anesthetic effect. Apply clove oil on the painful tooth to numb the area.


10. Cayenne pepper

Cayenne pepper has anti-inflammatory property so it can help reduce the swelling and pain. Apply cayenne pepper on your painful teeth to obtain pain relief.


12. Ice pack

Toothache may be accompanied by signs of inflammation such as swelling and tenderness on the area. You can help decrease these symptoms by applying cold compress on the affected area.

You can use an ice pack or wrap ice cubes in cloth to numb the painful and swollen area over your cheeks.