Honey Mushroom grows in temperate regions around the globe and is a dangerous pathogen to plants yet happens to be an edible form of fungi that works well in recipes ranging from pasta to soup. It contains plenty of antioxidants and is, therefore, has cancer-fighting, blood sugar-lowering properties that could indeed be therapeutic in the treatment of several chronic conditions. It is also one of the largest living organisms on Earth, with some colonies spanning several miles in diameter.

What is there to know more about this medicinal mushroom ? How can one identify it? How can it impact one’s health? Keep reading for everything one needs to know about this interesting form of fungi, plus some other fun honey mushroom facts.

What Is Honey Mushroom?

The honey mushroom happens to be a genus composed of several types of parasitic fungi that tend to grow on wood. Armillaria, which is the honey mushroom scientific name, is also made up of about 10 different species of mushrooms, including Armillaria mellea, Armillaria ostoyae, and Armillaria tabescens.

Where does honey fungus grow?

Honey mushrooms can actually be found growing in temperate regions around the globe, including areas such as Asia, Europe, and North America. The mushrooms feed on dead plant material and can cause fungal root rot in trees, which does spread through root-like structures known as rhizomorphs.

Typically, these species have long life spans and do form some of the largest living organisms in the world. Although the honey mushroom size can vary quite a bit, the largest fungal colony in the world is actually of the species Armillaria solidipes, which does span 2.4 miles across the Blue Mountains in Oregon.

Some types, such as the ring-less honey mushroom, are edible and considered a delicacy in many parts of the world. However, one needs to cook them prior to consumption, as they are actually considered poisonous when raw.

How to Identify Honey Fungus?

Honey mushrooms can be identified by the stems, which tend to grow together in tight clusters and can also range in color from white to yellowish-brown. Depending on the species, some types do have a distinct ring under the stem while others are ringless.

They can grow in clusters of up to 50 mushrooms, although one is much more likely to spot them in groups of 10–20. Many people also wonder: Does honey fungus smell? In addition to their unique appearance, honey mushrooms also have a slightly acidic odor that can also come in handy when identifying mushrooms.

When mushroom hunting, it is important to look out for deadly galerina, a honey mushroom lookalike that can actually be toxic to humans. Compared to the honey mushroom, deadly galerina is indeed slightly smaller and usually dark brown in color. It also has tan gills and a convex cap that slowly starts to flatten with maturity.

Benefits and Uses of Honey Mushroom

1. Rich in Antioxidants

Honey fungus mushroom is indeed a great source of antioxidants, which are compounds that do help neutralize disease-causing free radicals and protect against chronic disease. In fact, in vitro studies that show that several specific compounds isolated from honey mushrooms can be effective at scavenging free radicals and preventing oxidative damage to cells. You may like to read why mushrooms are good for health

2. Could Help Fight Cancer Cell Growth

While more research is still required to determine how honey mushrooms may also affect cancer in humans, some studies do show that it could also help block the growth and also spread of cancer cells in vitro. For example, one in vitro study found that Armillaria, a compound found in Armillaria mellea, was also able to kill off liver cancer cells. Meanwhile, other research does show that it could even be therapeutic against leukemia and esophageal cancer cells as well.

3. Protects Brain Health

Honey mushroom medicinal properties have the potential to enhance brain function and protect against degenerative disorders. In fact, They are effective at improving neuron function, preventing cell damage and decreasing the buildup of proteins in the brain that have been linked to Alzheimer’s disease.

4. May Stabilize Blood Sugar

High blood sugar can come with serious consequences, ranging from impaired headaches as well as an increased thirst to impaired wound healing and vision problems. It contains powerful antioxidant and blood sugar-lowering properties, which can be used to develop dietary supplements and pharmaceutical products aimed at treating diabetes.

5. Versatile and Delicious

Honey mushrooms are tasty, versatile and also tasty in different recipes. They have a slightly sweet yet earthy flavor as well as a distinct, chewy texture. They can be sautéed for a simple side dish or combined with other veggies to make a nutritious stir-fry. Alternatively, one can use these mushrooms in pasta dishes, soups or stuffings in order to give one’s favorite recipes a kick of extra flavor and antioxidants.

Honey Fungus Treatment

What causes honey fungus? Does honey fungus always spread? And can one kill honey fungus? If one finds this type of mushroom growing in one’s garden, one will probably have a lot of questions about how one can get it under control and stop it from spreading to protect one’s plants.

As there is no chemical treatment currently available for honey fungus, one needs to remove it manually in order to help prevent its spread. Simply remove as well as dispose of any affected plants, including the roots. For large trees, this may indeed require one to contact a professional who is experienced with excavating trees. Then, one needs to be sure to thoroughly disinfect any tools that may have come in contact with the fungus making use of either bleach, hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol in order to ensure that one will not spread the fungus any further.

Ensuring healthy growing conditions can also help prevent the honey fungus from growing in the future. Plants need to get enough water and light, plus have plenty of healthy soil as well as space in order to help avoid future infection. One can also choose plants that are more resistant to honey fungus rather than those such as bamboo, oak, beech and yew trees.

Honey Mushroom Recipes

There are indeed plenty of unique and interesting ways to add honey mushroom to one’s diet, from soups to stir-fries and beyond.

Here are few recipes:

• Pickled Honey Mushrooms
• Honey Mushroom Soup
• Heirloom Squash Ravioli with Honey Mushrooms and Sage
• Sautéed Honey Mushrooms

What is a Himalayan salt lamp? Himalayan sea salt is understood to be composed of dried remnants of the original, primal sea dating back to planet Earth’s creation. They are called salt lamps or salt rock lamps, and they are actually made from pink Himalayan salt and are able to light one’s surroundings — but they are really not bought for their moderate lighting abilities. There are indeed major claims that a Himalayan salt lamp does much more than provide one with a pretty glow. Himalayan salt lamp benefits are supposed to include decreasing air pollution, negative ions and electrologist caused by electronic devices in addition to symptom reduction for people suffering from asthma, allergies and other illnesses.

What Is a Himalayan Salt Lamp? Does It Work?

Real Himalayan salt lamps are actually solid blocks of Himalayan salt that have been indeed hand-carved. Deep underground mines in Khewra, Pakistan, which are located on the western edge of the Himalayan Mountains, are the only source of true Himalayan pink salt. The color of Himalayan salt lamps does range from a light pink to a pinkish orange with the hue a result of the mineral concentration. Within the hollowed-out center of this block of salt is a light bulb that does emit both lights as well as heat. A salt lamp is not a lamp at all if it does not have the light and heat source within it. It just turns out to be a block of salt.

Salt is hygroscopic, which does mean it attracts water molecules to itself. Being the big hunk of salt that it is, a Himalayan salt lamp is believed to work by attracting the water molecules. This water vapor can also carry indoor air pollutants such as mold, bacteria, and allergens. Once the water vapor does come in contact with the salt lamp, the pollutants are believed to remain trapped in the salt. Since the lamp is heated, the salt dries out and is also able to continue the cycle of attracting water vapor as well as pollutants, releasing the water vapor back into the air but holding on to the health-hazardous pollutants.

Just observing the glow of a Himalayan salt lamp can be calming, which is also therapeutic. A real Himalayan salt lamp may indeed provide some health benefits.

Salt (in general) has the following health properties:

• Antibacterial
• Anti-inflammatory
• Loosens excessive mucus and speeds up mucociliary transport
• Removes pathogens (ie., airborne pollen)
• Reduces IgE level (immune system oversensitivity)

Himalayan Salt Lamp Benefits

1. Air Purification

A Himalayan salt lamp by its salty nature is able to indeed easily attract water vapor to it. With this water vapor often come indoor air pollutants, that include allergens, mold as well as bacteria. When the water hits the heated lamp, the salt traps the pollutants but releases the water vapor. This cycle does repeat while the lamp is on and warm. By removing pollutants from the air, the salt lamp does leave one with cleaner and healthier air.

2. Reduction in Electromagnetic Radiation and Airborne Infections

Many things around us of late do release electromagnetic radiation in the form of unhealthy positive ions — items such as one’s cell phone, computer and television and more. This electromagnetic radiation (EM), aka electrosmog, may be invisible but is also believed to cause some serious long-term effects. Constant exposure to EM radiation is known primarily to cause fatigue, increase stress and also weakens the immune system.

Toxic effects of electromagnetic fields are many “chronic exposure to even low-level radiation (like that from cell phones) can cause a variety of cancers, impair immunity, and contribute to Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, heart disease, and many other ailments.

It is good to increase exposure to negative ions by spending more time in nature, especially around water. Himalayan salt lamps are said to emit negative ions in small amounts and cancel out positive ones. By neutralizing electromagnetic radiation, they may also help reduce the negative health effects of harmful electrosmog. By balancing positive and negative ions one may be able to reduce airborne infections.

3. Eases Asthma and Allergy Symptoms

Himalayan salt is now used in inhalers to bring relief to asthma and allergy sufferers. Salt therapy is also used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), patients. COPD is indeed a debilitating and degenerative lung disease characterized by the restriction of airflow in and out of the lungs.

4. Mood Booster and Sleep Promoter

Himalayan salt lamp reduces anxiety symptoms. It is calming and makes one happy in a room. It gives off negative ions such as a waterfall (but in much smaller amounts). Since Himalayan salt lamps release negative ions into the air, and can also help reduce anxiety and also encourage a relaxing atmosphere for sleep. One can have them in their bedrooms.

They increase levels of the mood chemical serotonin, that helps alleviate depression, relieves stress and boost daytime energy.

How to Tell a Real vs. Fake Himalayan Salt Lamp

One needs to choose the proper Himalayan salt lamp. How can one tell a real lamp?

Fake signs :

Poor Return Policy

Real Himalayan salt lamps are made of salt so it is not surprising that they are fragile objects. A good manufacturer is aware of this and has return policies that are flexible since there could be some damage in transit. In case a salt lamp’s maker is extremely strict (like a “NO RETURNS” policy), then it does make one wonder if it is a scam operation. Some do not go for returns as they are giving fake ones.

Highly Durable

Himalayan salt lamps are rather fragile. One should not drop it or bang it into other solid objects because the salt crystal can get damaged very easily. This is actually a rare time when durability is not desirable. If your salt lamp is unaffected by a collision, it could likely be an imposter.

Very Bright Light

If one is looking for is a bright light source, a salt lamp is not the way out. On account of its high content of numerous minerals, a Himalayan salt lamp gives off light in an irregular and muffled manner. A true salt lamp does not, of course, provide light to completely illuminate a room. If it does, then it is most likely not the real deal.

Inexpensive White Crystal

Himalayan salt lamps usually give off a warm pinkish or orange hue. There is no white Himalayan salt lamp, but it is extremely rare and a lot pricier than the colored ones. So if one comes across a white salt crystal lamp that is not substantially more expensive than the pink/orange versions, one needs to stay clear as it may be an imposter.

No Mention of Pakistan

Deep underground mines in Khewra, Pakistan, are the only source of true Himalayan pink salt.

Moisture-Resistant

Salt is an absorber of water. If one’s salt lamp has no problem being near a moisture source (like a shower), this is a good sign that it is not a fake. A true salt lamp is prone to some sweating when it is exposed to moisture.

Not Experiencing Any Benefits

If one is sure that one has bought the appropriately sized salt lamp for the space one is using it for and one has not been exposed to it on a regular basis and one does not see any positive effects whatsoever, then you may not have a real Himalayan salt lamp.

Every season has its own set of positive and negative aspects, like in the case of summer one tends to spend more time outdoors in the heat. For example, one hangs around the swimming pool and also tries to get the suntan.

Too much exposure to the sun can damage one’s skin. One can suffer from dark spots, wrinkles as well as skin cancer. One can take part in a lot of sports in summer, but nevertheless, one gets exposed to the hot sun.

One must take care of one’s skin during summer. How?

Do not compromise on sleep

One must sleep well. Lack of sleep can cause much stress and this can affect one’s skin tone. Stress hormones can have a negative impact on one’s skin color and texture. One’s beauty gets affected.

Do not overlook the lip skin

Lips also have to be protected by a sunscreen lotion and the hot sunrays can dry up the skin. The lips must be kept soft with lip balm.

Have the bath in the cool fresh shower

One does feel like having a cool shower after one has traveled outside in the sun. It keeps the skin fresh and also prevents acne.

Eat SPF

One takes vitamin E and C orally and this helps to control sunburn. One can have the salad by adding tomatoes, citrus fruits, berries as well as other vegetables.

Wear a hat with the wide brim

One must know that simple baseball caps will not keep the hot sun rays sway. It is better to make use of a hat with a broad brim.

Avoid prickling insect bites

One will definitely feel itchy as far as bug bites are concerned. One can go in for the anti-itch solution for reducing the itchiness.

Treat the delicate skin

The skin near one’s eyes is very delicate and one must go in for high-quality eye cream.

Impact of summer on skin

One’s skin does get affected in the summer. The ultraviolet rays of the sun can cause much harm to one’s skin. One also becomes dark in complexion and experiences sun-burn.

How to take care of one’s skin in summer?

Avoid facing the sun

During peak hours one must avoid facing the sun and it is better to have shelter from such strong sun rays. It is better to do any form of exercise before 10 am. Or else one can carry them out after 3 pm.

Apply the sunscreen

It is better to make use of sunscreen against the harsh rays of the sun. It helps in protecting skin from long-term damage.

Use a toner

It is essential to keep one’s pores closed and skin rather cool by making use of a toner. One can make use of a brand that suits the skin. One can go in for homemade toners with rose water.

Be hydrated

One must drink plenty of water and make it part of an early morning routine. One can have water-based foods or even coconut water.

Cleanse the face twice a day.

During the summer one must wash one’s face twice in a day even if one was staying at home. Those who spend more time outside in the sunshine, need to wash thrice in the day. One must feel fresh.

Protective clothing

One must wear comfortable clothes such as cotton and colors that are light. The material must be light and comfortable as one sweat. One must cover every part of the body. One can wear a hat or move around with an umbrella. Summer fashion dresses can be worn.

How to look after one’s skin in summer?

Avoid sunbath

One must avoid sun baths as quite a few people are obsessed with them. One can suffer from skin cancer.

Washing of skin after swimming

One enjoys swimming in summer. Although it is considered to be a wonderful and enjoyable sport, it can damage one’s skin. The swimming pool water is chlorinated and can make the skin dry and cause allergies. One must wash one’s body with normal tap water after swimming.

Eat Healthily

During summer people avoid spicy and hot food. This is due to the hot weather. It is advisable to eat healthily and have foods such as vegetables, yogurt as well as food cooked with fewer spices. This will indeed keep the skin healthy and very elastic.

Use Turmeric and Yogurt face packs

One can make use of turmeric and yogurt face packs to keep one’s skin glowing during summer time. Take a tablespoonful of yogurt and add a pinch of turmeric to it. Add some honey and apply the pack on one’s skin for few minutes. Then remove it with cold water and this will turn out to be an antiseptic as well as anti-bacterial face pack which is rich in antioxidants.

Wash the face several times

One can get carbon deposits in one’s skin layer along with some harmful radiations. It is better to wash one’s face with a mild face wash. The skin will remain clean and skin tone very rich.

In spring people suffer from seasonal allergy symptoms. Natural allergy treatments can indeed be as effective and, in many cases, more effective than allergy medications.

Fresh cut grass, blooming trees cum flowers, and weeds do release pollen, causing seasonal allergies in an estimated 40 million to 60 million people each year. Allergic rhinitis is the medical term for hay fever and seasonal allergies that do occur not just in the spring, but throughout the summer and into the fall.

While hay fever does frequently begin at a young age, it can affect anyone, at any time. Sometimes seasonal allergy symptoms do fade over the years, only to reoccur later in life. If one experiences seasonal allergy symptoms in one location and then moves on to a new area with different types of flora, one’s allergies may go away.

Every tree, flower, and weed does release pollen, but not all individuals have heightened sensitivity or allergic reactions to all pollens. It is important to pay attention and also recognize what triggers one’s allergy symptoms. For some people, cottonwood trees and ragweed are the problems, while for others it is grass or ragweed.

Nearly a third of ragweed allergy sufferers also do experience an allergic response to certain foods. These include cucumbers, melons, zucchini, sunflower seeds, bananas, and chamomile tea. If one has a ragweed allergy, it is better to avoid foods causing it.

Left untreated, seasonal allergy symptoms do cause miserable symptoms, and one’s day-to-day activities get affected and one suffers from spur asthma attacks.

The same pollen and allergens that do trigger seasonal allergy symptoms can cause asthma attacks, resulting in wheezing, and shortness of breath, chest tightness and difficulty breathing. This condition is usually referred to as allergy-induced asthma or allergic asthma. People with compromised immune systems, COPD and other respiratory conditions do need to manage their seasonal allergy symptoms in order to prevent further complications. Changes in diet, natural supplements, essential oils, and lifestyle changes can help.

Common Allergy Symptoms

Allergy symptoms make one feel simply awful. Congestion, post-nasal drip, itchy eyes, and sneezing wear one’s body down. While the severity of symptoms of allergic rhinitis varies widely from season to season, chances are if one has seasonal allergies, the symptoms impact one’s day-to-day life.

Researchers are at odds as to why seasonal allergy symptoms have worsened over the past 30 years but agree that allergies to pollen mold and some foods are growing exponentially. Many hay fever symptoms are quite similar to those of a common cold or sinus infection, but colds and sinus infections do come and go much more quickly than seasonal allergies. Allergy symptoms do not go away until the pollen is dormant.

Someone suffering from seasonal allergies does face the same challenges, season after season. When the allergen is pollen, mold or another airborne substance, the symptoms typically manifest in the lungs, nose as well as eyes. Food allergies, on the other hand, most commonly affect the mouth, stomach and may cause skin rashes.

Common seasonal allergy symptoms include:

• Congestion
• Post-nasal drip
• Excess mucus production
• Sneezing
• Scratchy throat
• Runny nose
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Tickle/irritation in the ears
• Decreased concentration and focus
• Decreased decision-making
• Exhaustion and sleep disorders
• Mood swings
• Irritability
• Low blood pressure
• Asthma
• Hives

Eczema

Underlying Causes of Allergy Symptoms

Are you aware that one is at risk of suffering from seasonal allergy symptoms on account of underlying medical conditions? Asthma, unmanaged stress, deviated septum, nasal polyps, recent trauma or illness, pregnancy, and even food allergies can put you at heightened risk.

Stress plays a big part in the immune system, and unmanaged stress can lead to allergy symptoms. Women who are pregnant also are exposed to allergies. Even the elderly are exposed.

Treating Allergy Symptoms Naturally

Antihistamines, corticosteroids, and decongestants, as well as other OTC allergy medications, counteract the effect of the histamine produced by the body. However, they do have side effects.

Pharmaceutical allergy medicines simply are not for everyone. Remember, they do not cure the allergies — they just treat the symptoms. Many are not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or those with high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney or liver disease, glaucoma, or with thyroid problems.

There are foods that one should avoid during allergy season. Any foods that one is allergic to, or have a sensitivity to, should be avoided. If one is not sure how far-reaching one’s food sensitivities are, an elimination diet can help identify foods that can make your allergies worse.

Avoid foods that commonly make hay fever symptoms worse include alcohol, caffeine, dairy, chocolate, peanuts, sugar, and wheat, citrus, and chocolate. Also, many common food preservatives — including sodium bisulfite, potassium bisulfite, sodium sulfite, and artificial sweeteners — can contribute to one’s allergic rhinitis symptoms.

One needs to avoid dried fruits, bottled citrus juice, shrimp and any highly processed foods. In addition, many people find relief when avoiding foods that cause mucus production.

Conventional dairy, gluten, sugar, caffeinated beverages, as well as any foods that you have sensitivity can also worsen one’s allergy symptoms. If you have a ragweed allergy, it is important to avoid melons, bananas, cucumbers, sunflower seeds, echinacea, and chamomile, as they can a trigger allergic response in one’s system. The overall goal of limiting foods that one has a sensitivity to is to lighten the overall burden on one’s immune system and allow it to function more optimally.

Foods to Enjoy During Allergy Season:

• Raw local honey
• Hot and spicy foods
• Bone Broth
• Probiotic-rich foods
• Pineapple
• Apple cider vinegar
• Fresh organic vegetables
• Grass-fed meats
• Free-range poultry
• Wild-caught fish

The foods to avoid list may feel overwhelming, but fortunately, there are great tasting foods that will help relieve one’s symptoms while strengthening one’s immune system.

Probiotics modify the intestinal flora in the gut and also help boost the immune system, and they also show progress in the treatment and prevention of allergies. Vitamin A — 2,000 micrograms per day: Vitamin A does boost the immune system, fights inflammation and has antihistamine properties. Bromelain — 1,000 milligrams per day: Bromelain, the enzyme in pineapple, does help to reduce swelling in the nose and sinuses, helping to relieve hay fever symptoms. Zinc — 30 milligrams per day: Zinc also helps to heal adrenal fatigue caused by chronic stress. Stinging Nettle — 300–500 milligrams twice per day: Stinging nettle does contain antihistamine cum anti-inflammatory properties that do help to reduce the body’s production of symptom-causing histamine.

Complementary Natural Allergy Treatments

One can go in for complementary approaches to get relief:

Neti Pot

Using a Neti pot during allergy season or after exposure to allergens is indeed a very effective way to relieve nasal congestion and flush out mucus. Once or twice daily, use warm filtered water or distilled water with some salt to flush one’s nasal passages for relief.

Essential Oils

Diffusing essential oils, that include menthol, eucalyptus, lavender, and peppermint oil, does help to open up the nasal passages and lungs, improves circulation and relieves stress.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture does reduce the symptoms associated with seasonal allergies in 26 patients and without side effects. Prior to allergy season it is advisable to meet with an acupuncturist to determine the best course of action.

Is one’s skin red, dry, scaly and extremely itchy? Has one been diagnosed with eczema? The skin condition eczema is indeed believed to affect over 30 million Americans. So, what is eczema? In fact, eczema is not a single condition; it is actually a group of skin conditions that do include atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, hand eczema, neurodermatitis, nummular eczema, and stasis dermatitis.

Finding a soothing, natural eczema treatment can rather be life-changing for those suffering from this frustrating condition.

Eczema typically does initially appear in very young children with research finding that 65 percent of cases do occur before infants hit their first birthday, and 90 percent of those affected have their first cases before they do turn 5 years old. Of further concern is that eczema in children is rather becoming more and more common. Diseases such as eczema can resemble include psoriasis, rosacea, and dermatitis, but it is a different condition.

Children who have a dog in the home are likely to develop eczema at any age. Although initial outbreaks of eczema most often occur in infants and among young children, onset can also occur at any time. While the majority of the skin conditions that do fall under the eczema heading are chronic, it is important to note that contact dermatitis and hand eczema may be acute in nature, occurring due to an exposure to allergens or chemicals.

For many people, the severity of flare-ups will indeed lessen with maturity, and some may even outgrow it altogether. However, eczema can come and also go throughout life. Learning how to treat one’s eczema and identifying triggers that cause flares is the best course of action.

As one is aware that there is no definitive answer as to the cause of eczema, and there is also no identified cure. No doubt, there are effective natural treatments, home remedies and essential oils for eczema that may help prevent future flares and ease discomfort during an outbreak. It is important to understand that eczema is an indeed embarrassing, stressful and frustrating condition that does often disrupt sleeping patterns.

Eczema Risk Factors, Causes & Symptoms

Eczema symptoms can rather manifest widely differently between those affected. While a singular cause of eczema has not been established, there are certain common causes that are leading to the onset and flares. In addition, a wide range of risk factors has been identified.

Risk Factors for Eczema

• A genetic predisposition or family history of eczema, hay fever or asthma
• Young age
• Healthcare worker
• Children that attend daycare
• ADHD
• Living in a dry climate

Nutritional deficiency

Adolescent obesity, for later onset of eczema cases

Low vitamin D levels during pregnancy may increase the risk of developing eczema in the first year of life.

Causes of Eczema

As of now, the medical community has yet to determine a rather definitive cause of eczema. For some, it may occur due to a nutritional deficiency, while for others it may first arise due to an allergen or another irritant. Here are the widely-accepted causes of

eczema:

• Dry skin and sensitive skin that cracks
• Immune system dysfunction
• Environmental conditions
• Gene variation that affects the skin
• Allergies to foods, beauty products, laundry detergents or another chemical allergy
• Chronic stress
• Temperature changes

Symptoms of Eczema

While many tend to experience a lessening of symptoms and fewer flares as they age, some will indeed continue to experience eczema symptoms throughout adulthood, such as atopic eczema rashes. Symptoms can rather range from mild to severe, and change from one outbreak to another. Common symptoms include:

• The appearance of small raised bumps which may ooze liquid and develop a crust
• Thick, dry, scaly skin that cracks
• Red, brown or grayish patches of skin on hands, feet, ankles, wrists, neck, upper chest, eyelids, in skin folds, and on one’s face as well as scalp of infants
• Sensitive skin that is swollen and raw from scratching
• A recurring rash that causes intense itching, often disrupting sleep
  patterns
• Rashes due to atopic eczema

Eczema Treatment: 13 Ways to Find Relief

While there is no cure for eczema, there are a variety of non-invasive eczema treatment options that can provide relief during a flare-up and some that may prevent its onset. These can include also corticosteroids, but there are other options of treatment.

1. Light Therapy/Phototherapy

According to the National Eczema Association, phototherapy does help to calm inflammation, reduces itching, increases vitamin D production and also helps fight bacteria on one’s skin. It helps to have 10–15 minutes a day of sun exposure, particularly during an eczema flare as it can provide much relief and speed healing.

2. Vitamin D

In addition to increasing sun exposure, supplementing with vitamin D rich foods like cod liver oil, sardines, salmon, eggs and raw milk may help prevent eczema in children and adolescents. Ideally, during a flare you will get 2,000-5,000 IU daily; if your sun exposure is low, consider boosting your intake with a high-quality supplement. Preliminary research shows that low vitamin D levels during pregnancy and during childhood may increase the risk of developing eczema. (5)

3. Moisturize

Because dry skin is both a cause as well as a symptom, it is important to moisturize affected areas at least twice a day. Coconut oil is the perfect moisturizer for eczema sufferers. This eczema treatment is antibacterial cum anti-fungal, with antimicrobial properties that do provide soothing relief and may speed healing.

4. Treat the Mind and Body

One gets psychologically affected when one suffers from eczema. One can go in for hypnosis, mindfulness meditation, progressive muscle relation, focused breathing, cognitive behavior therapy and talk therapy which can provide relief during a flare and also promote quick healing and prevent future flares.

5. Dead Sea Salt Baths

The Dead Sea is known for its healing powers, and researchers have indeed found that taking a bath with salt from the Dead Sea water does improve skin hydration, improved skin barrier function, reduced inflammation, and also relieves redness as well as roughness. As eczema flares can indeed worsen when exposed to high and low temperatures, bathwater needs to be just warm enough to prevent a chill. Do not rub the skin dry; pat gently with a soft towel.

6. Cool, Wet Compresses

Applying a cool, wet compress does reduce the itching for some individuals with eczema. For young children, dampening snug night clothes may also provide overnight relief from itching; however, if eczema becomes oozing blisters, a wet compress may rather increase the risk of infection, and should not be therefore used.

7. Apply Itch Cream

The intense itching is the miserable effect an eczema flare. One can make use of a natural homemade eczema cream that incorporates Shea butter, coconut oil, raw honey as well as essential oils in order to provide much-needed relief.

8. Licorice Extract

One can add a few drops to coconut oil or homemade itch creams for best results.

9. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Fish is introduced into one’s diet of young children by the age of 9 months, and fish is also eaten weekly, and this means the risk for developing eczema does reduce dramatically. Including foods rich in Omega-3s to prevent eczema should be considered. During a flare, these foods are a great eczema treatment that will indeed boost immune system function and speed healing.

10. Probiotics

Probiotics can help prevent eczema in infants and it also decreases the severity of flares. In fact, mothers who take probiotics during pregnancy and while breastfeeding may also prevent eczema from developing in their children. During an eczema outbreak and in order to prevent future flares, one can take a high-quality probiotic supplement of 24–100 billion organisms daily.

11. Lavender Essential Oil

In addition to the intense itching, eczema commonly does cause anxiety, depression, frustration as well as poor sleep. Lavender essential oil is an eczema treatment does prove to help reduce these common symptoms that can help heal dry skin. Add 10 drops to 1 tablespoon of coconut oil or almond oil, and then gently rub into one’s skin. The aroma can help facilitate sleep when itching is often at its worst.

12. Vitamin E

Taking 400IU of vitamin E daily can also help to speed healing by reducing inflammation. In addition, topical application of vitamin E may also help to relieve the itch as well as prevent against scarring.

13. Witch Hazel

If during a flare the rash does start to ooze, then applying witch hazel can also help promote healing due to its anti-inflammatory as well as antioxidant properties. During an outbreak, one can gently dab this eczema treatment directly onto one’s rash with a cotton pad. One needs to be sure to use alcohol-free witch hazel to avoid dryness.

Miniature mandarin orange may perhaps not look like an impressive fruit, but it contains lots of nutrients.

What is Mandarin Orange?

Tiny mandarin orange happens to be a sweet type of orange that does grow no larger than 8 centimeters in size. It does contain more sugar than most other citrus varieties, making it thus very popular for desserts and as a children’s snack. Mandarins are actually traditional gifts for the Chinese New Year and Christmas and can be found in a variety of recipes, from salads to even fruitcakes. Mandarin orange is also made use of in both Chinese traditional and Ayurvedic medicine.

Varieties of of Mandarin Orange

There are several varieties of mandarin orange, including pure mandarins, non-pure mandarins, mandarin cross, Mangshanyegan, clementines, tangerines, and Satsuma among others.

Pure Mandarins:

Pure mandarins are rather an heirloom varieties such as Tachibana and Nanfengmiju that have stayed close to the original Asian mandarin strains.

Non-pure Mandarins:

These are no doubt varieties that are slightly mixed with other citrus fruit, most commonly being pomelo, but retain mostly mandarin distinctions. Satsumas, tangerines, and murcotts are all non-pure mandarins.

Mandarin Cross:

Mandarin crosses are hybridized varieties where the Mandarin has been equally mixed with another citrus to produce commonly known fruits, such as Meyer lemons and grapefruit. Clementines are a mandarin cross with sweet oranges, for example.

Mangshanyegan:

This is a type of citrus fruit is native to China and is classified as a non-mandarin. Despite the similarities, mangshanyegans are indeed completely separate species of citrus.

Clementine:

These are no doubt bred from Mediterranean mandarin strains. They are the smallest mandarin variety and are very sweet as well as seedless. Most clementines are imported from Europe.

Tangerine:

Tangerines and mandarins names are often interchangeably used, but while all tangerines are mandarins, not all mandarins are tangerines. Tangerines do have a tougher skin and taste more akin to a regular orange, with less sweetness and more of a citric bite.

Satsuma:

Satsuma is a type of fruit, originating in Japan, which is a mandarin-pomelo hybrid. Satsumas may be a bit larger than a pure mandarin but tend to retain same loose skin. They are grown in Asia and the Southern United States.

Mandarin Orange Nutrition

One medium mandarin orange does contain 47 calories, with 9 grams of sugar and 12 grams of carbs. It also has nearly 40% of the recommended daily dosage of vitamin C and 11% of the daily recommended facts about vitamin A.

Benefits of Mandarin Oranges

Mandarin oranges are indeed an excellent source of vitamin C, which does help promote collagen production in one’s body. They also do contain synephrine, which is a bronchial dilator and is also a rich source of fiber. The presence of flavonoids, as well as other antioxidants, also does contribute to its amazing benefits.

• Boosts immunity
• Fights off free radicals
• Prevents cell damage
• Improves skin health
• Strengthens hair
• Fights allergies
• Gives relief from cold
• Suppresses appetite
• Aids in weight loss
• Supports digestive health
• Regulates cholesterol levels
• Lowers blood pressure
• Regulates insulin and prevents diabetes
• Anticancer potential

White mulberry is a popular herbal practice around the world, with many benefits that people are unaware of.

What is White Mulberry?

White mulberry happens to be a small variety of the mulberry tree, scientifically referred to as Morus alba and is native to Northern China. The white mulberry tree is famous for its leaves, which are a primary source of nutrients for silkworms that do serve as a major industry in that arena of the world. However, in traditional medicine, the leaves, fruit, and bark are made use of in various forms, due to their high flavonoid content, along with other essential nutrients, such as vitamin C, calcium, protein, and iron.

A few more key active ingredients in this plant include luteolin, caffeic acid, gallic acid, resveratrol, and moracin, among others.

The dried leaves of this tree are rather typically brewed into a tea, while the fruit tends to be dried and eaten directly. The essential oil from such leaves is also potent and is also recommended for people with certain health conditions, specifically diabetes. This tree is now naturalized in many other parts of the world, including being widespread in the United States.

Benefits of White Mulberry

The top benefits of white mulberry do include its ability to treat diabetes, boost the immune system, reduce one’s fatigue, and alleviate anxiety, among others.

Anti-Inflammatory

The diverse range of active compounds as well as volatile acids in these berries do give them anti-inflammatory properties, leading the byproducts of this plant to be rather ideal for arthritis patients, as well as those suffering from chronic inflammation, gout, migraines or irritable bowel syndrome.

Heart Health

Research has indeed highlighted that eating white mulberries can also help lower total overall cholesterol levels while thus elevating HDL levels, which are the “good” fats, thus lowering one’s risk of atherosclerosis, heart attack, stroke, and coronary heart disease, among others.

Depression

One of the active components of the bark of the white mulberry is referred to as anti-depressant qualities when brewed into a tea. Before making use of this herbal tea regularly, one needs to with one’s doctor first, particularly if one is already on any anti-depressant medications.

Diabetes

This plant is quite popular for treating diabetes; the active ingredient in white mulberry, which is commonly referred to as DNJ, is able to shut down or slow down sugar processing in one’s body, resulting in more manageable blood sugar levels. This does greatly improve the quality of life for diabetic patients.

Cancer Risk

The antioxidants in the leaves, as well as berries, have been shown to induce cell death and also prevent the growth cum replication of cancerous cells. While most of this research has rather centered on the effects of colorectal cancer, additional research is ongoing for other types of cancer.

Stress Response

The stress response in one’s body is responsible for everything from one’s anxiety levels to one’s metabolic processes, so making use of this tea to balance one’s nervous system and stress response can indeed help with chronic inflammation, mood swings and everything in between.

Fatigue

If one does suffer from chronic fatigue, or simply want a bit more energy, a cup of white mulberry tea can indeed stimulate both physical as well as mental energy levels. You may like to read Incredible Health Benefits of Mulberries

One can opt for good almond milk substitutes as there is much to choose from and these are available in the local supermarket. One can have regular milk which happens to be a good option. In case one wants to avoid non-dairy milk, there are several plant-based sorts of milk that can be made use of.

Most people are indeed looking for almond milk substitutes as almond production has been rather in the spotlight for environmental damage. On a global average, each almond does need 1.1 gallons of water for production.

Top Almond Milk Substitutes

The best substitutes for almond milk are coconut milk, soymilk cashew milk, hemp milk, quinoa milk, oat milk, hazelnut milk, flax milk, and rice milk.

Coconut milk

Almond milk and coconut milk are very popular non-dairy milk products that can be easily made use of in cooking as well as baking. In case one happens to be looking for a coffee-creamer, coconut milk can be indeed a great substitute as it is very thick and creamy. Yet, one must go easy on coconut milk which is higher in saturated fat as well as calories.

Cashew milk

It can be made use of as a substitute for almond milk as it contains a nutty flavor. It is indeed a great dairy-alternative coffee creamer.

Soy milk

Soy milk happens to be a good source of protein and low in saturated fat. It is also made from soybeans, water, sugar, and added flavoring.

Rice milk

Rice milk is a rather great substitute and it has the least amount of allergens. So, people with nut allergies can also opt for rice milk as it is made from milled rice and water.

Oat milk

If one wants to make one’s smoothies creamier, oat milk is no doubt an excellent substitute for almond milk. Oat milk can also be easily made at home making use of soaked oats and water.

Hazelnut milk

It has indeed a similar texture to almond milk, with a hint of hazelnut flavor.

Hemp Milk

Hemp milk is rather thick as well as creamy in texture and has a rather strong flavor. It is indeed a good substitute for almond milk while baking savory dishes.

Quinoa Milk

Quinoa milk is an accepted good substitute as it can no doubt be easily made at home. One can simply cook quinoa in water and then allow it to cool down. Then one must blend it with water to get creamy almond milk alternative.

Flax Milk

Flax milk is no doubt cold-pressed flax seed oil mixed with water. While this is a good option for plant-based milk, it is much thinner in consistency as compared to almond milk.

Almond milk substitutes can be had instead of regular milk. One does have the reference for non-dairy milk and one can go in for almond milk substitutes. They are healthy to drink.

One’s thirst can be quenched by almond milk substitutes and they come in different flavors. One can choose the flavor he or she prefers. On a hot summer day, one can have these substitute kinds of milk. The thick and creamy tastes will be enjoyed by all and sundry. Do have a sumptuous meal with these tasty drinks.

Grapes taste good and are of different taste, and have varied growth patterns. Most popular ones are sultana, moon drops, cotton candy, Concord, Canadice, fry muscadine, pinot noir, Lemberger, sweet jubilee, valiant, champagne, crimson seedless, and Riesling, among others.

12 Types of Grapes to Eat, Drink & Enjoy

Sultana

This is found in the area around the Aegean Sea and is a small, white seedless grape that appears shriveled in appearance. These golden grapes are rather deliciously sweet and are quite a popular ingredient in granola, muesli, and other bran-based cereals in the Middle East. There are also American sultanas which are a slightly different variety, and the most widely grown type of grape in California.

Moon Drops

These are available in America and are due to the result of cross-cultivation with older varieties of grapes from the Middle East. Extended and as well as oval in shape, these grapes do resemble stuffy fingers and have a dark, purple exterior. Their texture is dense as well as crunchy, and they are quite hardy, lasting for weeks in storage without losing their flavor as well as nutritional value.

Cotton Candy

Harvested from August through September, this California cultivar is so named on account of its cotton candy flavor. These plump green grapes were not really specifically designed to taste like the popular carnival snack, but the similarity is undeniable.

Concord

Their connection with grape jelly, Concord grapes are small, dark purple, round grapes that are used as table grapes, as well as grapes for juice cum wine. This species is called Vitis labrusca and does contain a large seed; they are also slip-skin grapes, meaning it is easy for the skin to be separated from the flesh inside.

Canadice

Ripening from September to October, the Candice grape is rather small, round, as well as bright red in color. These grapes do have a bit of a spicy bite and also come in rather tight clusters. It is made use of as a table grape and is quite hard, and is able to retain its flavor and nutritional value for up to 4 months in case it is stored properly.

Fry Muscadine

These are large, golden-brown, and round and often resemble a larger fruit than a grape. However, once they do ripen and take on a slightly burnt yellow or orange color, they are a rather deliciously sweet and oversize variety of grape.

Pinot Noir

These small, round grapes are bright blue color and as they ripen, they become deep purple. Named for the two French words, “pine” and “black”, these are commonly grown grapes in France, and they do ripen in August as well as September. They are also widely grown in California, New Zealand, and Oregon.

Lemberger

These grapes are ready to be harvested in August and September and are of a muddled blue color with a rather heavy “bloom” – the natural white sheen that certain grapes to take on. These grapes do have a spicy aftertaste and are often made use of to make subtle as well as spicy wines. These grapes are most commonly grown in Germany and upstate New York.

Sweet Jubilee

Grown in central California, sweet jubilee and  Muscadine Grapes are rather large in size, and are dark purple to black in color. They appear as they are going to burst and one can, therefore, slice these grapes open to remove the large seed, and then enjoy the rich, sweet flavor.

Valiant

These cold-weather grapes are rather often harvested in Alaska and Canada and are large and blue in appearance. They are of course commonly made use of as table grapes and in the production of wine. They are popular for their hardiness and also able to survive low temperatures.

Champagne

Also referred to as Zante currant, this small grape is the size of a pea and is therefore made use of as a garnish for other dishes, on account of its sweet taste. It is also referred to as a black Corinth grape in certain parts of the world.

Kyoho

These are the largest, bulbous red grapes that grow to the size of a plum. They are found in Japan, and one needs to peel these grapes and remove the large, inedible seed before one can enjoy the delicious fruit

One really craves for muscadine grapes which happens to be large, thick-skinned grapes.

The texture is softer than conventional grapes and they sort of melt in one’s mouth and are quite sweet.

Good and tough

They are bigger and rounder than other grapes available in the local grocery store and the skin is thicker.

Muscadines are native to North America. One can also find them all around the Southeast region of America, as far north as Kentucky and as far west as East Texas.

The tough skin protects them from a lot of fungal diseases.

Muscadines are rather easy to grow and one can make use of less pesticide use.

The hardiness of muscadines also implies that it can cost less to grow them than other grapes. It has a tough skin which has health benefits. Muscadines are rich in total phenolic compounds, ellagic acid, and catechins that can help ward off cancer.

Native to the southeastern United States, muscadine grapes (Vitis rotundifolia) have thick skins and seeds. Much of the nutrition is in the skin. The thicker the better. Muscadine grapes contain a lot of vitamins and minerals, to disease-fighting antioxidants.

Quiche

The protein and fat provided by muscadines are rather negligible, but the carbohydrate content — especially the fiber content — is indeed valuable. Carbohydrates are one’s body and brain’s main source of energy, and one needs to have adequate amounts each day to be able to breathe, digest, work, eat, exercise and sleep.

Benefits of Fiber

Nearly 30 percent of the carbohydrates in muscadines do come from dietary fiber.

Fiber also adds bulk to stool and also improves the movement of waste through one’s digestive system. A diet with adequate fiber does improve digestive health and can be instrumental in preventing gastrointestinal conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, diverticular disease as well as anal fissures. It can prevent colon cancer.

Eating plenty of whole grains, vegetables, and fruits as well as muscadine grapes helps one get one’s daily fiber needs.

Vitamins and Minerals in Muscadines

Muscadine grapes contain a lot of vitamin and minerals. It contains Vitamin B and C and more than 100 percent of the riboflavin that adults require each day. Vitamin C supports one’s immune system health and helps in the healing process. Vitamin A is important for healthy eyesight and reproduction, and riboflavin helps in energy production as well as metabolism.

Muscadines do contribute minerals to one’s diet, which include calcium, magnesium, phosphorous and potassium. Calcium is good for strengthening of bones as well as teeth; magnesium, for protein synthesis; and phosphorous for bone mineralization as well as energy production. It provides potassium, a mineral which is necessary for sodium balance and nerve function.

Antioxidant Power of Muscadines

All grapes are a rich source of antioxidants — plant chemicals that can reduce oxidative stress, prevent cell damage, and fight free radicals that cause cancer and other diseases. Muscadines are an especially rich source of phenols. They are particularly rich in the polyphenolic compound resveratrol, which has been studied for its antioxidant benefits in numerous diseases, that includes cancer and heart disease.

Another group of polyphenols to as flavonoids have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects and also play a role in cellular enzyme function. They may also play a key role in antibiotics resistance as well as the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases.