1.Apple cider vinegar: It is a powerful alkalizing food, will help not only kill a cold but also squash its miserable symptoms. Mix few tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with warm water, honey, and lemon and drink the concoction several times a day to recover from cold in no time.

2.Ginger: Ginger root is a powerful healer with amazing anti-inflammatory properties. It also helps in digestion. It helps warm the body, thereby expelling toxins and other harmful invaders.

3.Honey:  Raw honey from untainted bees is a powerful soothing and healing agent which boosts immunity and treats cold symptoms. It is an excellent antioxidant and has antibacterial nutrients. It mixes well with other cold remedies like apple cider vinegar and lemon.

4.Vitamin C: Vitamin C is a powerful immune booster. Some experts recommend taking up to 2,000 milligrams (mg) or more of non-genetically-modified (non-GMO) ascorbic acid or sodium ascorbate every two hours. Fruits that are rich in Vitamin C are Guava, Oranges, Kiwi, Papaya, Clementine, Strawberries. 

5.Neti pot: If you are suffering from sinus, Neti pot to clear them out is an easy, natural way to help you get back to normal soon. Fill a sanitized Neti pot with warm water and add one teaspoon of sea salt, and gently pour it down your sinuses. It not only clears out the nasal passages, cleansing salts will also help eliminate bacteria and other harmful pathogens.

6.Coconut oil: Coconut oil has an amazing ability to treat virtually any virus, including cold viruses. It is rich in medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) disintegrates the protective coating of the virus, effectively killing it. Take a tablespoon or two daily of extra virgin coconut oil, particularly at the onset of cold symptoms

7.Oil of Oregano: Oregano is nature's antibiotic. The natural terpene chemicals that is found in oil or oregano exhibit powerful antiviral and anti-inflammatory activity.

Vitamin B is considered one of the best vitamins for weight loss. The human body requires 13 vitamins, and eight of these essential vitamins are from the B-complex group. Vitamin B and weight loss go hand in hand, only when all forms
of vitamin B are taken together. Various forms of B vitamins that aid in digestion and helps in weight loss are
Vitamin B-1 (Thiamine)
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin)

 Vitamin B Complex supplement helps with the following.
•Anxiety
•Depression
•fatigue
•Heart Disease
•Skin
problem
•Premensural syndrome

 Best sources of vitamin B - bananas, potatoes, whole grains, kidney beans, citrus fruits, lentils, and chili peppers.

 www.naturalnews.com
www.vitamins.lovetoknow.com

Sunlight provides UV (Ultra Violet rays) which is needed for the skin which develops Vitamin D. Based on the skin type, the amount of Vitamin D needed differs.
      For fair skin – 15 minutes is good enough.
      For darker skin – up to 2 hours. 
But prolonged sun exposure might cause sun burns. So we need to protect our skin using sunscreen. We need to pay close attention while using skin lotions and sunscreens.  Research studies show that skin cancer is mostly caused by toxic chemicals present in sunscreen/ skin lotions.

Sunscreen Lotion - Ingredients to avoid
•  Avobenzone (Parsol 1789)
•  Oxybenzone and benzophenone-3
•  Methoxycinnamate based eg Octyl Methoxycinnamate (Octinoxate); Cinoxate;
•  Parabens (synthetic preservatives have been linked to cancer)
•  Artificial fragrances
•  Petrochemicals (see wikipedia)
•  PABA (4-Aminobenzoic acid)
•  Octocrylene
•  Mineral oils (choose vegetable carrier oils rather)

Some of these ingredients cause intense free radical damage when exposed to UV rays.

Surprising Facts you should know about sunscreen…

1. Almost all conventional sunscreen products contain cancer-causing chemicals.

2.Sunscreen actually blocks vitamin D production. Research shows that 70% of the population has vitamin D deficiency.

There are basically 2 types of sunblock.
1.Physical Barrier – It reflects the UV light from the skin surface. Very effective
2.Chemical Barrier – It absorbs the UV light and penetrates into the skin. Less effective.

Badger brand has physical barrier. Badger provides full spectrum protection (UVA, UVB and UVC) through the use of Zinc Oxide. Zinc oxide has anti-inflammatory property and is considered as one of the effective natural sunscreen ingredient.
Badger uses at least 70% organic ingredients.

You can boost your internal sun resistance by
•Eating Antioxidant rich foods like berries, leafy green vegetables, artichokes and superfoods.
•Taking astaxanthin, Vitamin C and E supplement.

Tips:
•Choose brand that is natural, organic and safe. Use Enviromental Working Group Sunscreen Guide to get more help.
•Choose sunscreen with Zinc Oxide as it has anti-inflammatory properties.
•Try natural sun protecting oils like sesame oil, jojoba oil, hemp seed oil, raspberry seed oil, coconut oil and macadamia oil.
•Always buy unscented sunscreen
•Always read the ingredients of any sunscreen before buying it.

sources: 
http://www.naturalnews.com
http://www.renegadehealth.com

What is Umcka?
Umcka (Pelargonium sidiodes) is a South African geranium plant. It originates from the traditional African Zulu medicine for cough. It takes 3-5 years for the sidoides roots (EPs 7630) to be ready for medicinal extraction from the time of planting to harvesting. This extract has been studied by various clinical organizations to relieve symptoms associated with common cold, reduce severity of throat, sinus and bronchial irritations.

Where to find?
Umcka is available in syrup, liquid extract, and capsule form. It can be found in most health food stores and pharmacies that carry herbal products.
Side effects:
Umcka might trigger allergic reactions of gastrointestinal upset in some cases.

http://www.umcka.com/
http://altmedicine.about.com/od/completeazindex/a/umcka.htm

Aloe Vera juice health benefits:

•Cures Constipation
•Lowers blood sugar level
•Lowers cholesterol and triglycerides
•Heals ulcers
•contains acemannan, a natural immune booster 
•Prevent kidney stones.
•Regulates weight and energy levels
•Slows down the aging process

What is Aloe?
Aloe, or Aloe Vera, is a succulent ornamental plant widely grown in warm regions of Africa. The gel in the leaves of the Aloe plant contains many healing substances which makes it an effective anti-biotic, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agent. It is a great home remedy for burns, cuts and scrapes. It contains Vitamins- A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, E, Folic Acid and Niacin. Minerals-Calcium, Sodium, Iron, Potassium, Copper, Zinc, Manganese, Magnesium and Chromium. 

Aloe Vera juice is becoming popular just like coconut water. It has a strong pungent taste. Those who are trying the Aloe Vera juice new can start with adding it with smoothie or drink. Recommended usage: One teaspoon after meals. Do not exceed 2 to 4 oz per day as it might cause nausea and allergic reactions.

Healthy Fruit Smoothie Recipe:

•Chia seeds—1 Tbs (Soak it in water for 15 minutes)
•Water—2 Tbs
•Aloe Vera juice- 1 Tbs
•Fruit of your choice—1 cup
•Almond or other nut milk—1 cup
•Light coconut milk, optional (for a tropical flavor) - 1 Tbs

Blend them all and enjoy the smoothie!!!
src : http://jeanetteshealthyliving.com/2011/02/a-healthy-healing-fruit-smoothie-recipe.html

Benefits:
•Rich in Iron which helps to fight against Anemia
•High concentration of anti-oxidants such as polyphenols, catechins and epicatechins.
•Contains Magnesium which helps to prevent constipation
•Contains Zinc which helps in developing immunity.
•Raw cacao contains Vitamin C and essential omega 6 fatty acids.
•Lowers blood pressure and increases circulation.

What is Cacao?
 It is RAW Chocolate! In general, dark chocolate is better as they contain little sugar content. Researchers suggests that cacao is really good for us.

Raw Chocolate powder eating tips:
•Add it to Coffee/Tea /Soy milk/Coconut water/Protein drink.
•Blend into fruit smoothies/juice.
•Add to breakfast cereal (oatmeal).

               Benefits:
                • Slows down the aging process.
                • Strengthens the immune system.
                • Reduce cholesterol level
                •  Improves digestion.
                10 times more antioxidants than red grapes

What is Açaí? It is a South American fruit. Acai started gaining immense popularity because of its amazing health benefits.It contains significant amounts of essential fatty acids such as Omega 3 and Omega 6 as well as monounsaturated oleic acid. They also have a high concentration of blue pigmented antioxidants and has one of the highest ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity) values amongst fruits. It helps to burn body fat and become trimmer. We can add Açaí powder to smoothies and juices.
Acai Athlete Smoothie Recipe...

         Ingredients:
         • Bananas - 2
         • Acai Powder - 2 Tbsp
         • Chia seeds - 2 Tbsp
         • Hemp seeds - 3 Tbsp 
         • Coconut Water - 2 Cups 

          Directions:    Blend all ingredients together. Enjoy the smoothie!
          Serving:   3 Cups

Uses:
 • Munched as a snack directly.
 • As a topping in breakfast cereal.
 • Blended into smoothies or juices.
 • Goji berry powder can be added to tea or soups to make it healthier.

     Tulsi Green Tea Benefits:
        • Reduces Stress
        • Boost Stamina
        • Rich in antioxidants
        • Reduces weight
        • Lowers Cholesterol

Have you ever wondered why Green Tea is a big hit in the market? It is not only good for your heart, but also reduces the cholesterol level.According to researchers, higher levels of green tea consumption significantly lower levels of total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol).There is no change was seen in the levels of HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol).

I have been using Organic India Green Tea for the past 2  months.  I personally like this brand as it smells so good and has a very pleasant taste. Tulsi is a form of purity and spiritual. I feel more refreshed...  Just try it out! You will like it.

       
  Benefits:
  • Detoxification of heavy metals from the body 
  • Rich in nutrients (vitamins, minerals, nucleic acids, enzymes, dietary fiber, protein, and phytonutrients like CGF -- Chlorella Growth Factor) 
  • Reduce bad breath and body odor.
  • boosts energy.
  • Eliminates infections
  • Lowers blood pressure and cholesterol levels
  • Cleanses the blood and the digestive system    

What is Chlorella?
Chlorella is a strain of green algae that grows in fresh water.The name Chlorella is derived from two Latin words meaning 'leaf' (green) and 'small', referring to the unusually high content of chlorophyll (the highest of any known plant) which gives Chlorella its characteristic deep emerald-green color.