13 Surprising Uses for Honey

By Katie Waldeck

It’s often said that the famed ancient beauty Cleopatra would soak in honey and milk baths. Well, whether or not that’s true, it’s certainly not surprising that the story has persisted for so long — honey has a tremendous effect on the skin. And that’s not all — honey is a powerful antiseptic and a fantastic natural sugar substitute. Keep reading for these and more alternative uses for honey. Health 1. Relieve Hangovers. Had a little too much fun last night? A few tablespoons of honey, which is packed with fructose, will help speed up your body’s metabolism of alcohol. 2. Heal Wounds, Cuts, Scrapes & Burns. Don’t reach for the Neosporin the next time you cut or burn yourself — simply apply honey to the affected area. Honey works as a natural antiseptic. 3. Soothe Sore Throats and Coughs. Combine honey with the juice of one lemon and drink. It works like a wonder! 4. Remove Parasites. Hopefully you’ll never have to use this trick, but if you do, combine equal parts honey, vinegar and water and drink. The combination of these three ingredients is the perfect parasite killer. Beauty 5. Moisturize Dry Skin. Honey is a fantastic moisturizer, especially on dry patches, like your elbows or hands — even your lips! Rub onto your dry, patchy skin and let it sit for about 30 minutes before washing off. Honey also makes a great lip balm! 6. Condition Damaged Hair. Honey is a great natural conditioner. You can simply add a teaspoon of the stuff to your regular shampoo to smooth your damaged locks. You can also combine it with olive oil for a deeper conditioning. Let it soak for 20 minutes with your hair wrapped in a towel before shampooing as usual. 7. Have an Amazing Bath. Relax your body and soak your skin in a soothing bath. Add 2 tablespoons of honey to 1 cup of hot water and let it dissolve for about 10 minutes. Add 2 or 3 drops of lavender essential oil and add it to your bath. 8. Remove Acne. Stubborn acne can really benefit from a small daily dab of honey. Place a band-aid over the pimple, and take it off 30 minutes later.

9. Give Yourself a Facial. Combine 2 teaspoons of milk with 2 tablespoons of honey. Cover your face with the mixture and let it sit for 10 minutes before washing off. Food 10. Boost Your Energy. Quit turning to coffee for your daily energy boost! Replace your cup of Joe with a cup of tea. Mix in a tablespoon or so of honey. 11. Substitute Honey for Sugar in Baking. For every cup of sugar a recipe calls for, replace it with 3/4 cup of honey. For best results, add 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda and reduce another liquid in your recipe by 1/4 cup. Also, reduce the oven temperature by 25 degrees. 12. Make Almond Milk from Scratch. You’ll find a great recipe here. 13. Make Infused Honeys. Why have plain old regular honey when you can have ginger lime honey or hot pepper honey?! For these and more infused honey recipes, click here.

15 Surprising Uses for Bananas

By Katie Waldeck

Sure, most of us love to enjoy bananas for breakfast or, perhaps, a snack. But bananas have so much more going for them than just a delicious and nutritious treat. In fact, so many of the reasons bananas are great for other things beside eating has to do with their nutrients! Click through for clever ways to use bananas to tackle everything from insect bites to aphids. Health & Beauty 1. Treat Damaged Hair. Our own Diana Herrington detailed Dr. Oz’s quest for the best damaged hair treatment out there. The results? Bananas! Click here to read Diana’s step-by-step guide treating your hair with bananas. 2. Whiten Teeth. Dying for some pearly whites? Rub banana peel on your teeth for about two minutes every time you brush and you’ll be well on your way to that perfect smile. 3. Prevent Wrinkles. Check out this recipe for a 3-time-a-week banana anti-aging mask! 4. Treat Insect Bites. Rub some banana peels on the bites to alleviate the itch. 5. Treat Warts. Bananas are rich in potassium, which is said to help treat warts. 6. Treat Bruises, Cuts, and Scrapes. Potassium also helps with the healing process for cuts, scrapes, and bruises. 7. Get Rid of Splinters. Can’t get that pesky splinter out of your skin? I feel your pain. Luckily, if you press banana peels onto the splinter, the fruit’s natural enzymes will work to get that sucker out. 8. Exfoliate Your Skin. Check out a great banana body sugar rub recipe here. Home & Garden 9. Attract Birds & Butterflies. Like humans, birds and butterflies just love the taste of bananas. If you’d like to watch birds, leave a banana out. 10. Fertilize Your Plants. Dried ground banana peels make a fantastic mulch for seedlings and new plants. 11. Polish Leather & Silver. No need to invest in pricey, and often toxic, leather and silver cleaners. Instead, rub banana peels on the surface and buff with a cloth. 12. Combat Aphids. Nobody likes a damaged plant. Bury some cut up banana peels 2-3 inches deep around the base of the plant. More Fun Ideas & Facts 13. Dog Treat. Bananas are a perfectly safe, and perfectly healthy, treat for your beloved pooch! 14. Purify Water. OK, this is perhaps best left to the professionals, but research has suggested that banana peels can actually absorb toxins in polluted rivers. But, if you ever find yourself lost in the woods with only a banana peel, you’ll be prepared! 15. Make “Ice Cream.” Craving the sweet stuff but don’t have the time, calories, or budget to spare? Simply blend a frozen solid banana in a food processor or blender. You’ll be surprised how much it tastes like soft-serve ice cream! For more info on frozen banana ice cream, click here.

15 Surprising Uses for Butter

By Katie Waldeck

Yep, we know, butter is fattening. It’s something that should be consumed sparingly. But, it’s such a staple in the pantry that it’s hard not to have around. So, instead of using it in food, how about using it around the house instead?! Check out some of the fantastic ways to use butter. Household Stop Doors From Squeaking Generously grease the hinges with butter and voila — squeak no more! Cut Down on Snow Shoveling Ah, one of the least fun winter activities. Cut your shoveling time down by greasing the shovel with butter, it’ll help prevent snow from sticking. Get Rid of Ink Stains on Plastic Rub butter on the stain and let it sit out in the sun. After a few days of soaking up the rays, wipe clean with soap and water. Get Rid of Pesky Watermarks on Wood Have a family member who’s allergic to coasters? Rub butter into the affected area and let it sit overnight. Wipe it with a towel in the morning. Cooking Make Cheese Last Longer Coat the cut edge of a hard cheese with butter. It will prevent the molding process that comes all too quickly otherwise. Make Onions Last Longer Only using half of an onion and don’t want to waste it? Nix the plastic baggy — spread some butter on it and wrap it in aluminum foil. Stop Water From Boiling Over Drop a tablespoon of butter into a pot that’s boiling over. Cut Sticky Foods Pies and brownies stick to the knife all too often. Remedy this by coating the knife in butter before you dish out dessert. Health & Body Swallow Pills Can’t handle the horse pills? Lightly coat the pill in butter and wash it down with a big gulp of water. It takes the edge off that terrible feeling of the pill going down your throat. Get Sticky Stuff Off Your Skin Can’t stand the feeling of sap or glue on your hands? Rub butter on the sticky part before you wash your hands. Rub hands with a towel, and then use water. Remove Gum From Hair Rub butter into the affected area and let it absorb. Gently wipe away with a cloth. Prevent Bruising If you’ve ever thought, “that’s gonna leave a mark,” this one’s for you. The phosphates in butter help prevent bruising, much like a raw steak does. Beauty & Fashion Detangle Jewelry Lessen the frustration of detangling necklaces and bracelets by rubbing butter on the entwined areas. Use a small pointy object to detangle. Strengthen Your Nails Do you have weak, brittle & dry nails? Before bedtime, Rub butter on the nail beds and put on some cotton gloves. In the morning, you should see improvements in your nail strength. Get A Tight Ring Off No need to rush to the jeweler if your ring won’t budge — apply butter to the area and it’ll (hopefully) slip right off. Soothe Dry Skin If you’re in a pinch, butter is a great substitute for creams and lotions. You can even use it as a shaving cream. Read more: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/15-surprising-uses-for-butter.html#ixzz48H555RjO

Recipes to Make Your Own Vegan Meats at Home

By Katie Medlock

As time goes on, reasons not to try vegan alternatives to your favourite animal-based foods are beginning to disappear. Most supermarkets now offer some versions of plant-based milks, veggie burgers and even dairy-free cheeses. Restaurants are becoming more savvy and catering to customers’ requests for veggie-centered meals. The final frontier seems to be making your own vegan “meats” from scratch! Luckily, this is much easier to do than you might think. You may be surprised to learn that you can recreate just about any animal product with plant food, honoring the same tastes and textures you grew up with. All it takes is a bit of adventurousness in the kitchen and, for some recipes, getting to know your grocery store a little more intimately. Here are some recipes for meaty foods you would never think could be made vegan: Meaty Burgers The most classic American, meat-centered comfort food: the burger. What I tend to find most limiting about burgers made from animals is that the only way to change things up is through the spices and the fixin’s. Veggie burgers, however, are truly limitless. There are a hundred different beans and grains to use, veggies to add, nuts and seeds to throw in, spices and condiments to include, to create a truly unique and flavorful burger. Here is a Black Bean and Mushroom Burger to get your feet wet in the world of veggie burger creating. If that doesn’t strike your fancy, try any of these mouthwatering ideas! Store-bought alternatives: Amy’s Kitchen veggie burgers, Beyond Meat “Beast” burgers and Gardein veggie burgers. Smoky, Salty Bacon “Bacon culture” has officially taken over, and you may be surprised to learn that even vegans are all on board. We just prefer our bacon to come from plants. Try out some homemade bacon bits or coconut bacon for sprinkling on salads or stuffing into wraps for a smokey burst of flavor. Or, if you want strips, try frying up some homemade tempeh bacon. You could also pick up the new book Baconish: Sultry and Smoky Plant-Based Recipes from BLTs to Bacon Mac & Cheese by Leinana Two Moons, which is filled with smokey-sweet plant-based goodness! Store-bought alternatives: Lightlife‘s Fakin’ Bacon Strips, Sweet Earth’s Benevolent Bacon, Phoney Baloney’s coconut bacon. Seitan for Sandwiches and Sausages

But what could I make for a delicious, breakfast sandwich? What is there to make for delightfully seasoned centerpiece for an old fashioned meat and potatoes type of meal? Enter: seitan. Otherwise known as “wheat meat,” seitan features the high-protein gluten component in wheat, which becomes incredibly versatile for meaty dishes. Seitan can be made into sausages, slices and even steaks! Here is a good post for beginner seitan cooks. Store-bought alternatives: Field Roast deli slices and sausages, Tofurky deli slices and sausages, Upton’s Naturals seitan Other Scrumptious Vegan Meats If your south-of-the-border dish is missing a meaty element, look no further than homemade vegan chorizo! If your bagel is incomplete without salty and savoury lox, check out this recipe made from carrots! And, if your barbecue just needs a pulled pork option, try out BBQ jackfruit for your sandwiches. I doubt there is anything left out there that has not yet been veganized, so keep your mind and your browser’s search bar open. And get cooking!

Eggs & Type 2 Diabetes: Is There a Connection?

By Sysy Morales

Researchers from Harvard University, the University of Eastern Finland, and Mexico’s National Institute of Public Health conducted a recent study which showed that high egg intake may raise the risk for type 2 diabetes. The interesting part of the study’s findings is this risk only applied to those living in the United States. The study set out to follow up on links between egg consumption and type 2 diabetes. The study found eggs were found to be a risk factor for type 2 diabetes development in the US only. What is the Link Between Eggs and Type 2 Diabetes? The researchers studied results from 10 separate population-based studies from around the world which covered a total of about 250,000 people. Four of the 10 studies were done in the US, one in Japan, and the remainder in Europe. During the follow up for the study, 12,000 developed type 2 diabetes. A meta-analysis of prior studies and their data show that each egg included in the daily diet raises the risk of type 2 diabetes by 13% but the data also showed a varied risk between the different countries, with the US showing the majority of the increased risk. Researchers looked over the data and did not find any link between eating eggs and type 2 diabetes risk. They also studied the seven most high-grade studies which used data from medical registers versus self reporting data and found no link between eggs and diabetes. The three studies they didn’t conduct a high grade analysis of were conducted in the US. Why Only in the US? Without a straightforward reason for the US egg and diabetes link researchers theorized that the findings may have to do with factors not related to eating eggs aside from the association that people who eat eggs participate in unhealthy habits like leading a sedentary lifestyle, smoking, and consuming high amounts of processed meats. Researchers suggested that there were potential issue with the way the US studies were gathered and concluded that, “We found evidence that results may be driven in part by studies conducted in the USA and by studies of a lower quality,” To combat this study’s findings, other recent studies have been conducted showing a positive association between eggs and diabetes–that they lower type 2 diabetes risk. The major risk factors for type 2 diabetes according to the American Diabetes Association include: • Being overweight • Having high blood sugar • A history of gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy) • High blood pressure • Unhealthy cholesterol • Lack of physical activity • Smoking • Unhealthy diet • Age, race, gender, and family history Sysy Morales has lived with type 1 diabetes for 21 years. She works as a writer and health coach at The Girls Guide to Diabetes for people with diabetes and is a regular motivational speaker. Sysy lives in Roanoke, Virginia with her husband and 6 year old twins.

Medical Error Is Third Leading Cause of Death in the U.S.A

How Did This Happen.?

By Michelle Schoffro Cook You’ve probably heard the horror stories—people receiving incorrect drugs, getting the wrong surgeries, having the wrong body parts removed at their hospital visit or having medical instruments left inside their bodies during surgery. These appalling errors may seem like unlikely occurrences, but new research shows that medical errors are now the third leading cause of death in the U.S., causing over 251,000 deaths annually, after heart disease and cancer, respectively. Known as “iatrogenic deaths,” the findings do not include the results of the correct use of medicine and surgery or other forms of medical treatment, only gross negligence and miscommunication that caused the death of those who sought medical intervention for some other condition. The study, conducted by researchers at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and published in the online medical journal The BMJ, found that communication breakdowns, diagnostic errors, poor judgment and inadequate skill are the main causes of the errors. They concluded that these medical errors occur both at the individual and system levels. According to the study, “Medical error has been defined as an unintended act (either of omission or commission) or one that does not achieve its intended outcome, the failure of a planned action to be completed as intended (an error of execution), the use of a wrong plan to achieve an aim (an error of planning), or a deviation from the process of care that may or may not cause harm to the patient.” It’s a scary thought that people are dying from their health “care” rather than the disease for which they seek treatment. Actually, more people die from errors in medical treatment than respiratory disease, accidents, stroke and Alzheimer’s disease. Equally appalling is that death from medical error is not listed on death certificates as a cause of death. Instead, if the medical error caused respiratory or cardiovascular failure, or some other type of system failure, then these results are listed as the cause of death on death certificates. The problem is not just an American one. The study authors state: “Medical error leading to patient death is under-recognized in many other countries, including the UK and Canada.” And the problem likely goes well beyond these nations, but has been insufficiently studied to date. Of course, humans make mistakes. Mistakes are inevitable, but to the tune of over a quarter-of-a-million deaths annually? I’d say that goes well beyond error into a category I’d define as “negligence.” Having personally observed patients being told to wait in emergency waiting rooms when their conditions are critical and having someone close to me nearly die due to misdiagnosis and inadequate medical response, this new research exposes a long-standing and serious disease within the medical system itself. Dr. Michelle Schoffro Cook, PhD, DNM is an international best-selling and 19-time published book author whose works include: Be Your Own Herbalist: Essential Herbs for Health, Beauty, and Cooking (New World Library, 2016).

What NOT to Say to Someone With a Chronic Illness

By: Ann Pietrangelo

Who among us hasn’t put their foot in their mouth on occasion? Sickness and disability can make you feel uncomfortable and tongue tied. Here’s what you need to know about people who have a chronic illness: they’re people just like you. They don’t necessarily want to talk about their health every minute of the day and they don’t need anyone to remind them of it when they’re out trying to have a good time. It’s highly likely that they’ve spent a great deal of time learning about their condition and how to cope with it, so unsolicited advice is probably not a good idea, especially if they’re like these gems: At least it’s not…(whatever) The implication here is that things could be worse…and they certainly could, but so what? Just because something could be worse doesn’t mean it’s not challenging or that a person can’t be having a hard time. Telling someone with type 1 diabetes that they’re fortunate they don’t have stage IV pancreatic cancer is not helpful. Let’s put it this way: When you have the flu and you’re feeling like death warmed over you probably don’t need anyone to tell you how fortunate you are not to have a hot poker sticking in your eye, too — you already know that, but you’re still sick. Comparing diseases is a bad idea. Try this instead: “I’m not familiar with (whatever disease). If you don’t mind, I’d like to hear a little bit about it.” Or this: “I don’t know what it’s like for you, but I’m here for you.” You just need to de-stress Yes, don’t we all. If you’re alive, you’re going to have a certain amount of stress. Some we can eliminate, some we can learn to cope with, and some we’re just stuck with. Stress can certainly affect your health. And having a chronic illness? Well, that’s stressful. What you don’t want to do is sound as though you’re blaming that person for creating their own illness. It’s cruel to imply that they are ill because they don’t know how to handle life. If you have a friend who seems stressed, make a specific offer to help out, like making It’s all mental…you just need some positive thinking Tough one. Of course a positive attitude is better than a negative one. The mind-body connection is very real and quite powerful. But it’s important to remember that people with a chronic illness have the same range of healthy emotions as everyone else. They can feel sad or angry or proclaim it a frustratingly crappy day and still be positive people. And let’s face it, disease isn’t all in your head. Positive people get sick, too. Let’s not pile on by telling them they could fix it if they would only try harder. Instead, you could offer to engage in some positive mind-body activities together. Make a date to get massages, take a yoga class, learn to meditate, etc. I wish I had a handicapped parking pass Hmm…maybe you’d like a prime parking spot, but would you trade your health for it? Not likely. This one falls into the “be careful what you wish for” category. Just don’t say it. Must be nice not having to (whatever)…or getting to (whatever) Not “having” to work or “getting” to take an afternoon nap may sound enticing, but not working because you’re not healthy enough to work isn’t a good feeling. And though taking an afternoon nap to catch up on your zzzs can be refreshing, it’s a lot less fun it you need that nap because you cannot physically get through the day without it. It’s not a choice or a privilege, so it’s best not to go there. Instead, why not offer something that is nice, like hanging out together, sharing a meal or going to the movies? The (whatever) diet will cure you Dave Bexfield, who has MS and runs the site Active MSers, isn’t a fan of the diet police. “I get it, eating healthier and losing weight is good for you. So is avoiding crystal meth, poorly packed parachutes, and street gangs. But with my disease, multiple sclerosis, no diets have been shown to have any scientifically proven effect. So please, don’t tell me I should go on an anti-inflammatory, turmeric-laden vegan diet for my health, especially when we are out for a nice lunch together.” If you want to talk about diet, perhaps you could talk about it in the context of your own life, or as a general topic of conversation rather than as a cure for someone else’s illness. You should try taking vitamins instead of medication (or whatever treatment) Barby Ingle, president of International Pain Foundation, says, “Don’t judge. People have to be okay with the choices they make when it comes to their care.” Absolutely. We all need to get our vitamins, but it could be dangerous to suggest that someone ditch their medications in favor of dietary supplements. You don’t need that cane (or whatever assistive device) “Don’t try to take away my tools because of your embarrassment or trying to push me into being better,” said Ingle. She relayed the story of a friend who was asked to leave her cane in the car when attending a graduation because it would take attention from the big moment. Long story, short — the cane stayed in the car, followed by several days of pain and “see, you didn’t need the cane…” I can relate, I really can. I’ve used a cane during MS relapses, and have I ever gotten a boatload of unsolicited advice. “You’re too young for a cane,” was my favorite. Utter nonsense. You don’t use a cane because you want to be dependent on something. You use it because you want to stay independent. You want to stand on your own two feet, walk, and participate in life. If you’re living with a chronic illness, you do what you have to do to work around it and function. Whether it’s because of muscle weakness or balance issues or numbness, if a cane can help, it’s cruel to make someone feel foolish for using it. The same goes for walkers and wheelchairs and braces and handicapped parking placards and whatever assistive devices help a person get through the day. And, of course, everybody’s favorite: But you don’t look sick (or, but you look so good!) This is a favorite “what not to say” among people with chronic illness. The implication is that you look perfectly fine so why don’t you get off your ass and stop faking? Most chronic illnesses have “invisible” symptoms so it’s not hard to see why casual observers get confused. Personally, I don’t think people always mean this in a bad way. It could just as easily be meant as a compliment. Hey, if you think someone looks fantastic, by all means say it. Then ask how they really feel. Fear of saying the wrong thing might lead you to simply stay away and say nothing. That’s the worst thing you can do. Go. Talk. Hug. Be a friend. Do your best. If you make a mistake, apologize and move on. You’re only human, too.