Healthy Living, Natural Foods

The benefits of consuming Manuka Honey

The benefits of consuming Manuka Honey

Maybe you have heard of manuka honey. If not, Manuka honey has gained attention for its abundance of therapeutic effects from certain bacteria ailments to skin and immunity improvements. The Manuka plant of New Zealand is climate-sensitive and only flowers two to six weeks per year, making the honey a scarce resource.

Manuka honey can be great for your gut. According to a report published in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, manuka honey had been found to be potent against 7 different Helicobacter pylori (h pylori) strains, but a similar effect was not observed with other types of honey. Using a Manuka honey with a UMF 10+ or higher seems best. UMF™ 15+ sits in the middle, between everyday wellness and more therapeutic uses. For this reason, it’s our all-time best selling Manuka honey.

This honey is also great for your immune system. Lab tests have shown that manuka honey contains certain substances that can stimulate cytokine production. Cytokines are signaling proteins involved in immune reactions by the body. They kickstart the defense mechanisms of the body and gets it to fight off pathogens and diseases.

These are just a few of the many benefits of manuka honeys. Shop the New Zealand Honey Co. to begin adding these benefits to your health!

Healthy Living

Immune Support Gummies from Zicam for Day and Night

Immune Support Gummies from Zicam for Day and Night

The start of back to school season always triggers the start to stocking up on immune support products. I work at our local high school and our youngest starts at that same high school this year. School has always been the culprit of germs and viruses turning into colds. Zicam has been a brand I have used in my home and that I keep at my office for years. At the very first sign of a cold or knowing someone around me has a cold, I reach for Zicam. This season I am starting with Zicam Daily Immune Support.

For those that need sleep support + immune support, Zicam has the Blackberry Lavender flavor Zinc gummies with 3mg of melatonin. Just chew 3 gummies near bedtime and you get 100% daily value of Zinc, Vitamin C and Vitamin D for immune support.*

I keep this bottle of Zicam Immune Support available. Just 3 gummies a day when I need extra support and I get 100% Daily Value of three key nutrients: Zinc, Vitamin C and Vitamin D. They have a great citrus strawberry flavor. Visit Zicam to find the right immune support for you, whether it be for cold viruses or allergies.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Healthy Living

The Best Hair Growth Mask For Thicker, Shinier Hair

The Best Hair Growth Mask For Thicker, Shinier Hair

Coconut oil reduces protein loss from hair

Researchers have discovered that using coconut oil in hair care routines can significantly decrease protein loss. This substance is a triglyceride of lauric acid, which is highly compatible with the proteins in follicles. The low molecular weight of coconut oil helps it penetrate the follicles shaft.

If you’re aiming for thicker, shinier locks, a follicle stimulating mask with a coconut oil base is an excellent remedy. Hibiscus leaves can be ground to a fine paste and mixed with a cup of curd and two tablespoons of coconut or almond oil. This mask should be applied to the scalp and hair for around half an hour, and then rinsed out with cool water.

Those with medium follicles, which have strands the same thickness as a thread, can also benefit from using coconut oil in follicles care routines. It can prevent follicle damage and make it stronger and more manageable.

Amla and shikakai stimulate hair growth

Amla and shikakai are effective herbal remedies for follicles. These herbs are safe for everyday use. Their antibacterial properties make them an excellent choice for shampoos. If you’re looking for a great hair growth mask, this could be a contender. In addition, they promote follicle stimulation by prolonging the anagen stage, which is the first phase of follicle stimulation.

Amla and shikakai have the ability to strengthen hair follicles and prevent them from becoming dry and brittle. They are also capable of treating scalp rashes and preventing premature graying. Both Amla and shikakai contain antioxidants, which protect the hair from exposure to environmental aggressors and chemically treated cosmetics.

Jojoba oil fights free radicals

Adding jojoba oil (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jojoba_oil) to your follicles care regimen is a simple and effective way to nourish your strands. The oil can be mixed into your conditioner or used directly on your skin. For easier application, you can warm the oil in a microwave-safe bowl or a clean pan on the stove.

To use it as a follicle stimulating mask, apply five to 10 drops to each one hundred ml of conditioner. Jojoba oil contains a high concentration of antioxidants and omega-6 fatty acids. These nutrients are important for maintaining the skin’s barrier, including follicle stimulating.

Aloe Vera gel locks in color

The aloe Vera plant is slow-growing, but the benefits of aloe gel for the scalp and follicles are significant. To harvest the gel, you must wait until the plant is mature. Select a plant with thick, smooth leaves with rosy tips.

The leaves should be deep green and large, and you should harvest the top foliage only. Avoid cutting too many leaves from the same spot, as the upper leaves have more gel than those with blemished surfaces.

You can either use a liquid aloe gel, or a solid coconut oil. Coconut oil should be room temperature. You can also microwave solid coconut oil to melt it. For the best results, you should apply the mask on wet follicles. It should stay on your follicles for 30 to 60 minutes before washing it out. For best results, use this mask once or twice a week.

Onion stimulates hair growth

There are several ways to use the juice of an onion to stimulate follicle stimulation. It can be applied directly to the scalp or to the length of the follicles. It does not appear to have any adverse side effects, except for a mild sting at the application site. Those with sensitive eyes should wear goggles to avoid the sting.

People with a history of allergy to onions should avoid using this method. This juice can also cause irritation to the skin. According to the Mayo Clinic, you can use the juice of an onion directly on your scalp, rub a few drops on your follicles and massage them in. Leave on for about half an hour. 

Rinse the follicles afterward with lukewarm water. You can also mix the juice with a teaspoon of honey and drink the mixture. It is best to drink at least three ounces of onion juice per day to see significant results. The onion is rich in vitamin C and selenium, which can prevent thin follicles and enhance follicle stimulation.

Tips and Tricks

What Happens During the DUI Evaluation Process?

A lot of feelings run through you when you get caught driving while under the influence (DUI). If you are found guilty at your court date, you will need to undergo the DUI evaluation process

During the evaluation process, you will go through several steps. Completing this program may also be part of a DUI diversion program.

Screening

The very first thing that will happen is you will be screened. This screening is specifically for determining whether you have a drug or alcohol problem or not. Sometimes you might be asked to take the CAGE questionnaire. This questionnaire will help you determine the overall level of your problem.

After the initial screening process, if it is determined you do not have a drug or alcohol problem, you won’t have to go through extensive treatments.

Interview

Next, you will meet with a counselor for an entrance interview. To access most DUI services in Lexington, you will at least have to go through the interview process.

During the interview, you will be asked about:

  • Your health
  • Your medication history
  • Your medical history
  • The reasons you used the substance
  • Your drug and alcohol use.

This process is sometimes referred to as the interview and assessment if the two parts of the process are combined to make things easier for you and the people doing the evaluation. 

Assessment

It is not uncommon for a psychologist to do an evaluation during the assessment portion as well. This is all to find the right treatment program for you.

They will ask you about your career, employment and relationships. This is so that they can find out what triggers your drinking or drug use and what might help to prevent a relapse.

Outcome

The outcome portion is where everything is compiled, and a treatment program is designed. Some possibilities are:

  • Residential treatment
  • Outpatient treatment
  • Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous
  • Drug testing
  • Treatment with medications

You might be asked to do one or all of these. In rare cases, you might not have to do anything but a single class, course or psychological counseling.

If you fail to complete this evaluation, there is a good possibility that you will find yourself in court again. In most areas, it is a requirement for you to get your license back.

Paperwork

You will need to keep a few things and bring them with you to the evaluation, your parole officer and your counselor. You will need your arrest record, enrollment paperwork, judgment and the evaluation outcome. If you do not have these,  you might end up back in court for a harsher sentence.

Remember, this whole procedure is designed to ensure you do not wind up back in court with another DUI. It can also help you with a drug or alcohol problem.

Overall a DUI evaluation is not something to be scared about. It is a relatively simple procedure and is much like filling out forms and having an interview to go to a doctor or a psychologist. You must attend the evaluation and any treatments assigned.