Chester's Home Remedies

Homemade Teeth Whitening

2010-02-28T23:25:00.002-05:00

I keep coming across ads for homemade teeth whitening on the Internet. There are a lot of myths and bad advice about teeth whitening. Your teeth are very susceptible to acids that can damage the enamel, so do not be fooled into using lemon juice or any other highly acidic cleaner.

Do not use lemon juice to whiten teeth!

Many available teeth whitening kits have you applying adhesive strips to your teeth. These strips do a terrible job at whitening between the teeth. These strips can do a great job whitening the fronts of your teeth, but cannot get into the spaces between your teeth. This makes your smile look worse because of the contrast between the two areas.

Mouthwashes that also provide whitening are a better choice conceptually. They will whiten all of you teeth evenly, even between your teeth. However, the actual amount of whitening that you will get from these mouthwashes is very minimal. By combining whitening toothpaste with whitening mouthwash you can achieve better whitening. These products are more expensive than their non-whitening counterparts and the high cost of using these products may turn you away from using them daily.

The best homemade teeth whitening system that I have found is also one of the least expensive ways to whiten your teeth. To whiten your teeth, swish about 1 oz of hydrogen peroxide solution around your teeth every other night. The taste is a little strong, but so is its bleaching power! Next, brush with baking soda and water. Baking soda can also be added to your toothpaste to boost its whitening power. Between these two, your teeth will look their best in just a few weeks!

Natural Remedies for Constipation Relief and for Preventing Constipation

2010-01-26T01:03:00.004-05:00

Constipation hurts! It can knock the wind right out of you. Besides sapping your energy and making you uncomfortable, it is also very unhealthy for the human body. Having excess waste remaining in your system builds up toxins in your body which can cause a great number of health issues. If you have ever used over-the-counter remedies, you may understand why I went looking for more natural and less extreme methods. You want constipation relief, not two days of diarrhea! If you have chronic constipation, consult a doctor immediately!

First of all, do not over do it! We all know that prunes can get things going, but start with just a few, wait an hour, and have a few more. Eating an entire bag of prunes with usually end your bout of constipation, but will leave you dehydrated with diarrhea. Here’s a better plan for you:

For Constipation Relief:

If you are constipated, eat one apple and follow with a large glass of water with one lemon worth of juice, fresh-squeezed. Wait an hour and a half to two hours and repeat. If you do not have any relief, fennel seeds with another glass of water can provide help. Stick with eating a piece of fruit with water every few hours. Apples, oranges, bananas, figs, and of course prunes, are great to end constipation, but take care to only eat a few with water every few hours. If you find no relief after a day, or if the pain becomes worse at any time, consult a doctor. You may have a more serious issue.

To Avoid Constipation:

Eat a diet with a variety of fruits and vegetables mixed in. If you eat a very meat-intensive meal, follow with a papaya or a plantain. Try to eat a salad of mixed greens with dinner. Beets, carrots, radishes, and tomatoes are good vegetables to prevent constipation. Of course a prune or fig a day is also a good idea! As always, though, an apple a day may also keep constipation away!

Natural Remedy for Dandruff

2009-05-07T21:33:00.000-04:00

Dandruff is a very common problem that causes dead scalp skin cells to fall off in the form of white flakes. Dandruff is caused by an inflammation of the scalp. To help ward off dandruff a diet high in biotin can seriously help. Biotin is found in high quantities in soybeans. Other foods that can be beneficial to fighting dandruff are Brazil nuts, ginger, licorice, vinegar, red pepper flakes and apple cider. If you already have dandruff, make a mixture of ground ginger, sesame oil and a splash of lemon juice. Work the mixture into your scalp every other night and let sit for a few minutes. Rinse well with cool water afterwards.

Much Ado About Swine Flu

2009-05-03T20:52:00.006-04:00

There is a lot of talk right now about the swine flu. Swine flu, the H1N1 flu, is caused by the type A influenza virus. As with all viruses, it is mainly spread through coughing or sneezing or by touching something with the virus on it and then touching your nose or mouth. Because of this, the best defense against catching any flu is to wash your hands with soap and water often and by avoiding direct contact with anyone infected. Always make sure that you cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or couch. It is also extremely important to not try and tough it out by going to work if you may be infected. Do yourself and everyone else a favor by getting better first! To help your immune system, Vitamin C and Echinacea can help keep your white blood cell count up! Keep in mind, the swine flu outbreak in the 1970's caused mass hysteria. Only one person died from swine flu then, but 25 people died from the inoculation. A clear mind is often the best defense.

Common symptoms of swine flu are fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, diarrhea and vomiting.

NOTE: The swine flu cannot be caught by eating pork.

New Year's Hangover Helper!

2009-01-02T22:49:00.001-05:00

If you've maybe drank one or two too many at the New Years party last night and are feeling the worse for it, try this little tip. The next time you are planning on having more than just a few drinks, eat a few ginkgo seeds. The seeds have been shown to aid in the metabolism of alcohol. This should help you recover faster and may help you from wearing the lampshade this year! Ginkgo seeds are available at most health foods stores.

Herbal Treatments for Morning Sickness

2008-11-21T20:44:00.003-05:00

Since you are pregnant if you are experiencing morning sickness, you probably don't want to take any strong medications to relieve the symptoms. A historical treatment has always been cabbage. Cooked or raw, cabbage can provide relief for stomach aches. Sauerkraut is also a great way to sooth the tummy and aid in digestion. Other foods that can help if your not a sauerkraut fan are citrus fruits and juices, ginger, and peppermint. Teas made from peach and raspberry leaves are also helpful. For extra relief, drink a few cups of raspberry leaf tea each day with a little ginger!

Herbal Treatments for Laryngitis

2008-11-13T18:01:00.003-05:00

Laryngitis is the inflammation of the vocal cords. Sufferers of laryngitis usually have a sore, dry throat and a general loss of voice. I have recently started noticing that there are a lot of herbal throat lozenges near the checkout counters at the grocery store. This is a sure sign that winter is on its way. When selecting a throat lozenge, look for ones containing ginger, rosemary, lavender, peppermint, and cardamom. These herbs work as expectorants and can provide real relief. Echinacea is also recommended, as it boosts your immune system. However, if your laryngitis persists, see a doctor as it might be a more dangerous illness.

Bad Diet Leading To Stomache Pressure?

2008-06-19T21:15:00.002-04:00

I have been extremely busy lately and, like many people, when I get busy I forget to eat healthy. When we are stressed and moving too fast, we eat quick fast-food meals and junk that gives us a comfortable feeling. However, prolonged digestion of fast-food and junk has left me feeling bloated and constipated. I also noticed that I was only going to the bathroom right after eating. This is a sign that your body is not on a regular feeding schedule. Time to set this right! First off, water! Drink lots of water, you have a lot of garbage to wash out. Second, fruit! Double or triple your normal fruit consumption. Do not take any laxatives, these can leave you dehydrated and more miserable than before. Stick to natural foods. Stay away from processed foods and add a serving of Activa (the yogurt with the active cultures) every day. It took me three days of this to get back to normal, it may take longer if your body is in worse shape.

Herbal Remedies For Acne!

2008-06-17T21:25:00.000-04:00

Acne, though it mostly plagues teenagers, can affect people at just about any age. There are numerous home remedies that can be very effective. First, let’s talk about prevention. Acne, as with most health problems, can be reduced by a diet full of raw fruits and vegetables. Cucumbers, carrots and berries are especially helpful. One of the lesser known, but significant, causes of acne is constipation. The longer that digested food stuff remains in your system, the more toxins that cause acne wind up in your bloodstream. Staying regular isn’t just good for you; it’s good for your skin. As far as cleansing goes, white vinegar is great. Dab some on a cotton ball and cleanse your face with it every morning. If you have sensitive skin, this may burn a little, so test it on a small area of skin first. Blended cucumber makes a great face mask. You can blend in avocado with it, but cucumber alone is still good. Put the puree onto you face and leave it on for 15-30 minutes. Rinse it off with lukewarm water. Aloe is a fantastic moisturizer and acne fighter, especially if you’re experiencing dry skin and acne.

Keep Those Annoying Bugs Away, Herbally!

2008-05-08T21:31:00.003-04:00

It's that time of the year again. The mosquitos are out in full force around my place and mowing season has just begun. Instead of covering yourself with chemical deterants, try a few herbal ones instead. Basil leaves can be crushed and rubbed on your skin to scare away the pests. Also citronella and citrus essential oils also scare the pests away, however you must first dilute the essential oils with vegetable oil to not irritate your skin. Also, never ingest any essential oil, they can be poisonous!

Foods That Strengthen Your Bones!

2008-05-07T15:43:00.004-04:00

Most of the time that you think about bone-healthy eating, you think about milk and dairy products. These contain calcium, which we all know helps our bones stay strong. There are some other foods that provide excellent benefits to your bones, and they may surprise you. Broccoli contains high levels of calcium, as do dandelions and kale. Foods rich in Vitamin D, such as Avocado, helps the body turn calcium into bone. Boron-rich foods, like cabbage and parsley, also help the body maintain bone health. Black pepper is also well-known as a bone-health advocate as it contains many anti-osteoporosis compounds. Hopefully you can find ways to include these foods into your diet and, along with your milk, you will be helping your bones stay strong and healthy!

A Great Home Remedy for Swimmer's Ear

2008-05-02T21:23:00.002-04:00

Swimmer's ear is actually a fungal infection in the ear. Swimmer's ear causes pain and discomfort and can cause real damage if left untreated. A simple home remedy can be found using white vinegar. White vinegar is a well-known anti-fungal and has long been a favorite cleaning product of mine. White vinegar mixed with an equal part of lukewarm water can provide quick relief. Place a few drops in each ear one at a time and allow it to work its way in. Swallowing can help work the liquid into the ear. Drain the extra liquid and allow the ear to fully dry. A few applications and your swimmer's ear should be much better. If it does not heal quickly, see your doctor as infections some times like to spread and can become very dangerous.

Foods For Prostate Health

2008-04-23T23:26:00.003-04:00

When you look at the statistics about prostate issues with men, the numbers are extremely scary. The number one prostate issue with men is cancer. Over 50% of men between the ages of 40 and 60 have enlarged prostates. One in four men 50 years old have cancerous cells in their prostate. These numbers are extremely scary. Luckily there are many foods that help the prostate. If you are a man with concerns about prostate health, you need to increase your consumption of tomatoes, pink grapefruits, guavas, and watermelon which all contain high levels of lycopene. Lycopene not only reduces tumor size, but also helps reduce the chance of cancer. Also, adding Brazil nuts and pumpkins seeds to your diet can dramatically help. A diet rich in fruits also can provide dietary benefits to the prostate.

One Herbal Remedy For Bronchitis, Ear Aches, and Hemorrhoids...Seriously!

2008-04-18T22:15:00.002-04:00

The plant mullein has been a traditional remedy for bronchitis and bad coughs. However, the oil that can be derived from its leaves and flower also have the ability to break up mucous and phlegm. Mullein oil can also be used to help relieve ear aches and can be used on open sores, such as hemorrhoids, to sooth and help aid in healing. Simply place a few drops of the oil on a cotton ball and apply to either area. Make sure that you use a different cotton ball if treating both! The seeds of the plant are toxic, but how often do you come across one plant that can help with bronchitis, ear aches, and hemorrhoids! The leaves can also be used in teas to help with asthma and other lung problems.

Legumes Fight Cancer and Heart Attacks

2008-04-17T21:18:00.003-04:00

I hate legumes. I dislike the texture and flavor of almost all of them. I eat my chili bean-less. I even pick them out of dishes that I know that there is almost no chance that I would actually taste them in. I even dislike dips and spreads that are made out of them. I find this very unfortunate, because it turns out that legumes are extremely good for you. They contain genistein which is believed to prevent cancer and they actually help to keep blood flowing by reducing the clotting effects. This causes them to be great heart attack and stroke reducers. If you are at risk for a heart attack or stroke, or have already had a heart attack, definitely add legumes to your diet. If you know of a recipe that legume-haters (such as myself) enjoy, please let me know!

Liquid Vitamins and Minerals - More Reasons To Listen To Your Body

2008-04-11T22:25:00.006-04:00

I recently had the opportunity to spend some time with Dr. Goodman, our guest writer. He told me about how the human body will give insight into which elements that it requires and which ones it does not. By placing a single drop of any liquid vitamins and minerals (such as potassium, chromium, and magnesium) under your tongue, you will immediately know whether or not your body needs it. If you do in fact require more of the nutrient, it will have no flavor and seem like a drop of water. But when you do not need the nutrient, you will experience a strong, bad flavor. I tried this with a number of different nutrients. The experience was quite amazing. The nutrients that I did not need instantly gave me a dry feeling in my mouth and I found the taste to range from a strong metallic taste to a strange burned food taste. When I tasted nothing, he put a few drops in a glass and when we were done, added some water and I gave my body exactly the nutrients that it needed right then. It was truly amazing and a great insight into that body's ability to tell us what it needs. Try it, and let me know if you found it as amazing as I did!

Coconut Oil to Promote Weight Loss

2008-04-07T23:13:00.003-04:00

It is true, coconut oil can help you lose weight. Many people who suffer from obesity due so because of low metabolism and thyroid problems. Coconut oil actually helps increase metabolism and can help raise body temperature. It also contains medium chain fatty acids that have been shown to help reduce body weight. Coconut oil also contains antimicrobial lipids that may help with compromised immunities. It also has been suggested as a method for helping with heart problems.

Herbal Cures For Menstrual Cramps

2008-04-06T23:14:00.002-04:00

My wife suffers from servere menstrual cramps about every fourth period. She still has them for the rest, but never as severe. Besides the Evening Primrose Oil, we have had great success with making teas from the leaves of both the raspberry plants and the strawberry plant. The fruits of these plants contain many extremely healthy ingrediants and may also help with the cramps, but the leaves are rich in vitamins, minerals, and ellagic acid, which is a known cancer preventive. Raspberry tea also can help with other premenstrual symptoms.

Herbal Remedies For Intestinal Parasites

2008-04-04T21:35:00.003-04:00

If you travel, and sample to local food and water, you may have experienced intestinal parasites. Once they get in you, expect stomach pains, diarrhea, and horrible flatulence. Luckily there are a few safe herbal cures for these little pests. Papaya is both an antiparasitic and an antiseptic and its seeds contain carpaine. Cinchona bark is also a great treatment because it contains quinine, the antimalarial drug that is also effective as an antiparasitic. Finally, the relative of black pepper, Cubeb, is also shown to be an effective antiparasitic.

Dr. Goodman on Cleansing Your Liver

2008-03-26T17:01:00.002-04:00

We have a special treat for our readers, Dr. Phillip Goodman, DDS, MS, PhD, has agreed to be a guest writer for Chester's Home Remedies! Dr. Goodman is not only a holistic Doctor, a nutrition expert, he is also the creator of The Chef & Doctor's Soup For Colds.

Most people change the oil and filter in their cars at least twice per year. However, they do not cleanse their body’s filter (the liver) even one time in their lifetime.

The liver is designed to cleanse itself. It can be overwhelmed by a lifetime of bad habits. It will then not be able to perform properly. This means that the blood stream will be full of toxins that eventually wear the body down. A toxic congested liver leads to all kinds of health problems including cancer. It is a fact that just about every kind of cancer has its origins in the liver and /or the kidneys.

These toxins also create allergic individuals because the filter is clogged. Molecules that should not be in the blood stream wind up there. The body then releases histamine as a defense against these foreign invaders. This reaction is identical to an allergic reaction. Slowly, but surely, your body will react to just about everything. Just as the engine in your car will ultimately fail if the oil filter becomes totally clogged. You will become arthritic, asthmatic, and possibly face adrenal failure as well if your liver is neglected.

Your liver can indeed regenerate if it is given the chance. Some of the foods that will help to cleanse the liver are: onions, garlic, kale, broccoli, brussel sprout, beets, cabbage…you get the idea. Most folks are not willing to do this type of eating 3 months out of every year. But, it will help if you added one or two of the aforementioned to your diet on a regular basis. Using these as concentrates in supplement form will also help detoxify the liver.

When cleansing the liver, it should be noted that a healing crises may occur. This means that you may experience small doses of illnesses that you have had in your lifetime. They can be more intense for some than for others. If the aches, constipation, pains, diarrhea, headaches, etc., get bad, you may have to slow down your treatment. While you are slowing things down, you must also do some light exercise, drinks lots of water and take fiber, like flax meal, to help the body continue to throw off toxins. Also, limit all alcohol consumption while cleansing your liver and limit the amount of prescription and non-prescription drugs that you take.

What supplements should you take? Standard Process is a highly respected company that carries the following supplements.
· Livaplex – two, three times per day
· Spanish Black Radish – two, three times per day
· Cholacol II – three, three times per day
· Cruciferous Complex – two, two times per day

All supplements should be taken with meals and a full glass of water. The regiment for using these supplements is three weeks on and one week off. If the symptoms from the liver cleansing become too strong, reduce the amount of each supplement and add another three week session at the lower doses. Always listen to your body, it will tell you what needs to be adjusted.

If you already have abnormal liver function, add Zimex Caps (four, three times per day) and Betacol (one, three times per day.)

Once this is complete, you may follow with a liver, gall bladder flush that I will describe in my next post.

What To Do When Your Hair Starts To Thin

2008-03-19T21:22:00.002-04:00

If you think that you are starting to lose your hair, there are a few herbal remedies that may help you avoid topical treatments or implants. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is formed out of male testosterone and is known to be a major cause of hair lose because DHT damages hair follicles. Saw palmetto and licorice both contain ingredients that reduce the amount of DHT that is created in your body. Both are available at most health food stores and will probably save you a lot of money verses the topical cremes or implants. Licorice can also be added to your shampoo to help topically. Also, massaging your scalp is also thought to help keep follicles healthy.

Herbal Remedies for Bad Breath

2008-03-18T20:44:00.003-04:00

There are a number of natural methods for treating bad breath or halitosis. Most of these treatments involve brewing simple teas out of common ingredients. Peppermint is both a great aromatic and a great antiseptic. Rinse your mouth with peppermint tea, but don't swallow it, peppermint can be toxic. Another great bad breath tea can be made by combining dried cloves, sage, and dill. Brew a pot and seal in a canning jar to use as a daily bad breath treatment!

Using Stinging Nettle to Cure Hives

2008-03-03T22:57:00.003-05:00

Even though stinging nettle will give you hives, it can also take them away. Hives occure when histamines are injected into your skin and the skin becomes red and itchy. Hives can also form from allergic reactions that come from food or drugs. Once you get hives, you want to get rid of them. A great cure for hives is stinging nettle, which can be purchased in capsule form at most health food stores. You can also make a tea out of the dried root of the stinging nettle plant, but the pills are much easier to take and don't have the risk of causing more hives. Take one pill about every two hours until the itch and redness of the hives subside.

Ways To Prevent Urinary Tract Infections

2008-02-28T22:05:00.002-05:00

Urinary tract infections cause great pain and may cause fever. There are a few dietary ways to prevent them, or to lessen the chance of ever having one. Both Cranberry and blueberry juice help prevent these infections and also help you not retain water. However, you must drink a few glasses every day. Another natural prevention for urinary tract infections is to consume yogurt with active cultures. These yogurt are now readily available and provide other great digestive benefits as well.

Tips For Dealing With Psoriasis

2008-02-27T23:35:00.002-05:00

For any of you that are dealing with psoriasis, you know the pain and discomfort that comes from the itchy patches. Here are two great remedies for you. Number one, bishop's weed. This plant inhibits cell division, a major cause of psoriasis, and has long been a traditional remedy. Try rubbing the plant on your outbreaks, these psoralen rich plants also benefit from sun exposure, so rub it on and get some sun! Second, try rubbing avocado skins with a little pulp left on it onto your worst patches. The plant provides a soothing, cooling sensation and can provide serious benefits to you. Humidifiers will also help greatly, psoriasis loves dry weather!