How to Use Eucalyptus for Sore Throat

How to Use Eucalyptus for Sore Throat



If you have a sore throat and want a naturally soothing herb, then think about trying eucalyptus. The menthol scent and flavor of the herb has been used for centuries to cure a sore throat. The smell of eucalyptus will remind you of Vick's VapoRub.







Things You'll Need:





Eucalyptus oil




Steamer or humidifier




Massage oil




Thyme oil









1


Set up your steam humidifier. Moisture in the air will help to relieve a sore throat by reducing the irritation.





2


Add a drop or two of eucalyptus oil to the humidifier. Eucalyptus is a natural anti-microbial agent. That means it doesn't allow mold or mildew to build. These can be allergens and create more mucus to run in your throat.





3


Massage the lymph nodes in the throat using oil with a few drops of eucalyptus oil added. Use a soft, steady pressure as you move the fingers down the sides of the throat to the base at the collarbone. You may also rub eucalyptus oil on the upper chest, between the ribs. Continue until the pain is relieved and the swelling in the lymph nodes has been reduced, about 20 to 40 minutes.





4


Gargle with water to which you've added a drop or two of food grade eucalyptus oil. Add a drop a food grade thyme oil to help fight infection from a bacteria or virus.








Tips & Warnings










Ease up the pressure in your massage if there is pain.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2095625_eucalyptus-sore-throat.html

How to Use Essential Oils Safely

How to Use Essential Oils Safely



Essential oils are a great alternative medicine option. Essential oils use aromatherapy to treat stress conditions and health issues such as backaches, headaches, digestive problems, nervous problems and other issues. However, if you want to use essential oils, there are some safety issues to keep in mind.









1


Read the label. While you should dilute essential oils for safety, some essential oils come already diluted and will lose their efficacy if you dilute them more.





2


Do your homework. Understand any safety precautions about the essential oils you use. Some essential oils should not be used before going out into the sunlight, while others need a great deal of dilution to make them safe.





3


Check with your doctor before using essential oils, especially if you're currently on medications. Some essential oils may interact negatively with medications, while others may raise blood pressure to dangerous levels if you already have high blood pressure. Do not use essential oils on
children
, pregnant women or breastfeeding women without checking with a doctor.





4


Dilute your essential oils with carrier oil such as grape seed oil before application. Never apply essential oils directly to the skin without the approval of a licensed aromatherapist.





5


Store essential oils properly. Essential oils should be stored in cool, dark places and in dark bottles. Keep lids tightly closed when not in use and do not use if the oil has separated, is cloudy or has clumps in it.








Tips & Warnings










Never ingest essential oils, either by drinking them or by sprinkling them over food. Essential oils can cause health issues if taken internally.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2084935_use-essential-oils-safely.html

How to Use Essential Oil Blends

How to Use Essential Oil Blends



Essential oils have a variety of uses. Most often, the essential oils are used as blends of various oils. Some of the uses of these oils are for massage, aromatherapy, perfumes and deodorizers. In some instances, they are used in their pure form where others require a dilution in a carrier oil.







Things You'll Need:





Essential oils with scents that you like




Bottle to store the mixture in




Carrier oils for dilution









1


Place a few drops in areas that you would like to smell especially nice. This can be in the linen closet to freshen the smell of the towels and sheets. You can even place a drop or two on a terry cloth and throw it into the dryer to give your laundry a nice fresh smell. You can choose oils that have scents that complement each other. To get a few ideas, visit the local grocery store, look at the scents of air fresheners and write down a few blends that you like.





2


Place a few drops of the blend in a spray bottle of water and use it as an air freshener around the house. Simmering a few drops in a pot of water will dispel cooking odors and make it smell as if you have potpourri everywhere in your house.





3


Add a few drops to the wax used to make candles and now you have scented candles. The same trick can be done if you make soap at home; add a drop or two and your bathroom will smell like a garden just from the soap balls or shapes.





4


Take a volume of carrier oil and add about 20 drops of the blend to the oil and you now have fragrant massage oil. Many practitioners of aromatherapy utilize oil blends placed into oil burners or simmering pots, or placed at strategic locations on the body to aid in relief of pain, tension or stress.





5


Place a few drops of the oil blend that has been diluted in a carrier oil on your pulse points as a perfume. You can have your own unique scent by using this technique.








Tips & Warnings










There are many other uses of essential oils. Aromatherapy sites are a wealth of knowledge and insight on the power of essential oils for healing and well being.








Never apply an essential oil directly to the skin unless you know that it is safe. Some oils can cause skin irritation in undiluted forms.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2095629_essential-oil-blends.html

How to Use Chamomile Essential Oil for Nerves

How to Use Chamomile Essential Oil for Nerves



The fruity smell of chamomile is used frequently in aromatherapy, often to reduce anxiety. Both the essential oil and the flower itself have soothing properties to calm your stressed and jagged nerves. Brew up a cup of chamomile tea, add some essential oil to your surroundings and watch your anxiety begin to melt away.







Things You'll Need:





Chamomile essential oil




Lavender essential oil




Chamomile flowers, or tea




Almond oil




Diffuser









1


Mix chamomile with
lavender
for a fragrance that will soothe the entire system. Put a few drops of each essential oil on a handkerchief and inhale when necessary.





2


Drink a cup of chamomile tea while getting a back massage with chamomile oil mixed in almond oil. The scent of chamomile will help to reduce the nervous tension that can be caused by menopause or an irregular cycle. It also helps to regulate the menstrual cycle. Chamomile inhalation therapy has long been used to reduce the effects of PMS.





3


Ease the worry of a hypochondriac by adding 5 to 6 drops chamomile oil to a pan of steaming water and let the odor permeate the area. Chamomile calms anxiety while promoting a feeling of overall well-being, which helps a hypochondriac develop a better awareness of his actual physical state.





4


Draw a bath and add 5 to10 drops of chamomile oil into the warm water to help reduce the pounding effect of a migraine headache. Many times migraines can be brought on by nervousness. The warm bath and scent of chamomile will help to relax.





5


Put a few drops of chamomile into a diffuser in the bedroom to help cure insomnia. Chamomile is noted for its properties that work with anything that involves over stressing the nervous system. Insomnia can sometimes be a result of anxiety.








Tips & Warnings










To make a soothing bath for
children
, use 3 to 5 drops chamomile oil.








Chamomile can cause an allergic dermatitis in some people.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2095628_chamomile-essential-oil-nerves.html

How to Take Gotu Kola for Health

How to Take Gotu Kola for Health



Gotu kola (Centella asiatica) is also known by other names such as centella, Indian pennywort and marsh pennywort. It is a creeping plant that grows in tropical and subtropical swamps. The aerial parts of the plant are used medicinally. The following steps will help you decide whether or not to take this herbal supplement.









1


Read about the historical uses of gotu kola. It has been used for thousands of years in China, India and Indonesia to heal wounds, improve mental ability and treat leprosy and psoriasis.





2


Look at modern uses of gotu kola. Western herbalists use it to treat swelling in connective tissue and to improve the memory. It is also applied externally to treat wounds.





3


Consider the results from modern scientific testing of gotu kola. It contains triterpenoids which do aid in wound healing, but it is unclear that the dried extract has enough to be effective.





4


Study the usage guidelines of gotu kola. Continued use longer than six weeks is not recommended. Patients with a history of skin lesions should not take it. Asiaticoside is a component of gotu kola and has been associated with tumors in mice.





5


Take no more than the recommended dosage of gotu kola. Common dosages are a 1- to 4-gram capsule of the powdered herb three times per day. A standardized extract of 40 percent asiaticoside is given in 50 to 250 mg amounts three times per day. Gotu kola may also be taken as a tea.


http://www.ehow.com/how_2068079_take-gotu-kola-health.html

How to Shop at Ann Taylor

How to Shop at Ann Taylor



Ann Taylor offers sophisticated, stylish women's clothing, from career separates to stylish weekend outfits. Ann Taylor is a well-respected name in ladies design, and the Ann Taylor clothing label is appreciated by fashion-conscious women across America. Here's how to make the most of your Ann Taylor shopping experience.







Shopping Online




Step
1



Take your measurements, following the Ann Taylor size chart for guidelines on measuring your waist, bust and hips. Knowing your correct size is important when shopping online since you can't try the clothes on.




Step
2



Go to the Ann Taylor website and begin browsing the Ann Taylor collection of clothes. Check out the "Outfits" section for ideas. You'll find "Suits That Work," a section for "Relaxed Work" sets, "Weekend Casual" outfits and special occasion clothes. Take a look at the Ann Taylor ideas.




Step
3



Select the clothing separates in your size that fit your taste and budget, paying attention to the basics, which are the staples of your wardrobe.




Step
4



Check out after completing your shopping at Ann Taylor. Enter credit card and shipping information. Create an account to shop more quickly next time.




Step
5



Receive a confirmation email from Ann Taylor and wait to receive your clothes.




Step
6



Return any items that do not fit or are not what you expected. Ann Taylor has a simple return policy, with information on their website to make the process smooth.


Shopping at Ann Taylor Stores




Step
1



Find a store near you and choose a good time for your outing. Avoid busy times, such as Saturday afternoons, for a quieter shopping experience.




Step
2



Select the Ann Taylor clothing items that appeal to you, keeping an eye out for career basics such as work suits and silk blouses. Also search for weekend casual pieces such as stylish denim and fashionable tops.




Step
3



Try on the cute Ann Taylor shoes and purses as well to accessorize your outfits.




Step
4



Earn Style Rewards Cards for your purchases. Every time you spend $100 during a Style Rewards earning period, you can earn a $50 gift card good on a purchase of $100 or more. See the store for details, or look for information on the Ann Taylor website.


http://www.ehow.com/how_2125093_shop-ann-taylor.html

How to Shoe Shop With Your Wife

How to Shoe Shop With Your Wife



If you are a man and you've ever been "stuck" in shopping with your wife for shoes, you can either find yourself getting extremely impatient or find yourself irritating your wife to death. Or both. But did you know there is a way to actually shoe shop with your spouse efficiently, hassle-free and everyone leave happy? There is. I developed a method and it has my wife's stamp of approval!







Things You'll Need:





patience



drop your "man pride"



love of your wife









Step
1



Know the colors in your wife's closet. If your wife wears a lot of blue, the red shoes that she's been staring at most likely won't match. You know what she wears everyday. If you don't take time to find out. Rifle through those clothes. Does she have more blue than brown? Does she wear light-colored shirts? How about blue jeans? Having a general knowledge of what she has in her closet can help YOU help HER make decisions later on.




Step
2



Carefully select and expand your vocabulary. If you are stuck there, she's going to ask your opinion. Since you've memorized step one, you may actually have a valid opinion! "Honey, what do you think about these yellow shoes?" You can actually answer "they might look nice, but they don't go with anything in your closet." If you answer "I don't know", she may be staring at those shoes for a while. But answering with knowledge can shave countless minutes of staring at shoes that may look cute but don't match anything she owns.




Step
3



Learn economics. Now that you know the colors of her clothes and what shoes would generally match, you can better steer her to buying shoes that she could actually use more than once and not just once for that one outfit she wears every two years. For example, if there was one pair of $85 heels that would match one outfit she doesn't wear, but there were 3 pairs of shoes that would cost $75 total that could match countless outfits and give her more variety, then guess which is the better deal? But remember step 2 when you say it! Do not say "those three are cheaper "... say "you know, honey, you could do a lot more with those three pairs of shoes instead of just that one pair. But it's up to you; I want you to be happy."




Step
4



Be prepared to throw step 3 out every once in awhile. Sometimes it's just going to be the red heels for $85. That's o.k.. sometimes. Just think of the $100 you spent on the basketball game that sucked, or the $59.95 on the fight that was over in two rounds. It happens. Do not panic. She'll remember your support.







Tips & Warnings









take pictures of outfits she's trying to match and bring them to the store. This will save time thinking about IF the shoes match or not








understand that light blue shoes don't always go with dark blue clothes just because "blue" is the common color.








You may, at times, feel a little less "manly" for knowing your woman's clothes. Suck it up! Every once in awhile you wish she'd cheer for your team and know why the play was good, don't you?



http://www.ehow.com/how_2112588_shoe-shop-wife.html

How to Share Maternity Clothes

How to Share Maternity Clothes



Sharing maternity clothes can be a win-win situation for everyone involved. For the pregnant women, borrowing clothes from another woman can be a very cost conscious measure. For a woman who is no longer pregnant but has maternity clothes around her house, sharing her clothes with someone else can help save space in her closet.









Step
1



Borrow maternity clothing. If you are pregnant, you can ask your friends and family members who have recently been pregnant if you can borrow some of their maternity wardrobes. Most people will be willing to share their clothes with you.




Step
2



Join a mommy message board online to get in contact with many other moms all around the country or in your local area. You may make friends on the message board and then these friends may be willing to share their maternity clothes with you. You can also share maternity clothes with women on the message board.




Step
3



Put an ad on Craigslist in your area. You can post an ad saying that you have maternity clothes that you are willing to share (or sell) with other women in your area. You can also post an ad saying that you are looking for maternity clothes to borrow (or purchase). You may be lucky and get some interest from a local mom.




Step
4



Visit consignment or second-hand stores. You can either sell your used maternity clothes to these stores for another mom to use, or you can purchase another mom's clothes to use during your own
pregnancy
.




Step
5



Donate your used maternity clothes. If you are no longer pregnant, you can donate your clothes a woman's shelter or women's center to share with other pregnant women. Most women's shelters will be thrilled to have you share your maternity clothes with them. And any donations you make are tax deductible.







Tips & Warnings









Sharing maternity clothes can be a great idea if you need a specialty piece of clothing during your pregnancy. For example, if you will be going to a formal function while you are pregnant, it may not make sense to splurge on a formal dress. Borrowing a dress from a friend can be a great idea in a case such as this.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2090744_share-maternity-clothes.html

How to Sex Up a Look

How to Sex Up a Look



A sexy look doesn't necessarily mean you have to look sleazy. Sex appeal comes from attitude, how you hold yourself and of course, how you choose to dress. If you are looking for a new and interesting way to sex up your look without going overboard, a few simple tips can get you started in the right direction. Read on to learn how to sex up a look.









Step
1



Show off your lips and do them up in red. It may be a bit clichГ©, but nothing can sex up a look quite like a pair of gorgeous red lips. Match your red to your
skin
tone


, going for a blue-red if you have a dark skin tone, orange-red if you have an medium or olive skin tone and true red if you are a natural born blond. Apply your lipstick with a matching lip liner for the cleanest, classiest look.




Step
2



Play down the rest of your make-up, as your voluptuous lips should be the center of attention. Light eyeliner and shadow should be kept minimal, as dark heavy eyeliner mixed with the red lips may tip the scale to the sleazy side. Sex up your look by keeping your make-up, apart from those lips, as natural as possible.




Step
3



Be mysterious and get a great pair of dark sunglasses. There is something sensual and sexy about the mysteriousness that a pair of sunglasses can convey. Dark sunglasses, paired with your red lips, are a recipe for sexy.




Step
4



Choose the right accessories to sex up your look. Wearing a hat takes both guts and pizzazz, but nothing says sexy like a women brave enough to sport a beret or classic fedora. Don't forget earrings, a woman's sexiest accessory. You can forget every other piece of jewelry, tie your hair back, and accentuate the sexy curves of your neck, jaw line and chest with one simple pair of earrings.




Step
5



Wear soft and touchable fabrics that feel sexy on
your
skin


. The best tip to sex up a look is to wear fabrics that make you feel sexy. Forget sweaty leather and scratchy sequins, and go for soft cashmere, silk or suede. Try a soft flowing wrap skirt, a beautifully embroidered cotton sarong or a scoop-neck silk dress from China to get a sexy and comfortable exotic look.


http://www.ehow.com/how_2122883_sex-up-look.html

How to Sew with Crochet Lace

How to Sew with Crochet Lace



There's that one piece of clothing in your closet that might look transformed with a little bit of intricate crocheted lace added to it. Bring it out along, with your sewing machine or a needle and thread, and your length of crocheted lace. You could have a masterpiece in under an hour.







Things You'll Need:





Needle and thread or sewing machine



Lace



Garment









Step
1



Decide where you want to place the lace. It's a good idea to choose a place several inches from a fabric's edge.




Step
2



All across the fabric, measure up from the edge and pin the lace to keep it even across fabric.




Step
3



Stitch the lace to the fabric, using similarly colored thread.




Step
4



Stitch very close to the outer edge of the lace, directly over outermost crocheted row.




Step
5



At end of the lace, fold the end piece underneath and stitch neatly to avoid fraying.


http://www.ehow.com/how_2187211_sew-crochet-lace.html

How to Sew Elastic into a Custom Bikini Top

How to Sew Elastic into a Custom Bikini Top



You must sew elastic into a custom bikini to ensure that it moves with your body properly while you are wearing the suit. You also want to make sure the top stays in place and keeps your chest covered during activities like swimming.







Things You'll Need:





Bathing suit elastic



Coordinating colored thread









Step
1



Buy bathing suit elastic. This elastic withstands the wear and tear of the water, swimming pool chemicals such as chlorine and the damaging effects of the sun. Bathing suit elastic comes in either clear or cream colored.




Step
2



Decide on elastic placement. If you want the elastic covered, simply fold the edge of the suit over the elastic and pin it in place before sewing. Once you've pinned the elastic on, move on to Step 4. If you don't care to have it covered, move on to Step 3.




Step
3



Put the elastic on the inside of the fabric of the bathing suit top. Start with the bottom portion of the bikini top and line the elastic up evenly with the bottom edge.




Step
4



Sew the elastic on to the bikini top. Set your sewing machine to surge and slowly begin sewing along the bottom edge of the bikini top.







Tips & Warnings









Sew on a test fabric first. This gives you practice in handling both the swimsuit material and the elastic at the same time. It's a good idea to practice first because elastic is stretchy and swimsuit material is slippery, making them difficult to handle.








Avoid pulling on the bikini top and elastic. This will cause shirring and causes the thread to bunch up and ruin your fabric. Allow the foot to feed the fabric naturally to avoid this problem.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2293536_sew-elastic-custom-bikini-top.html

How to Sew a Towel Skirt

How to Sew a Towel Skirt



For your next trip to the beach or the pool, wear a towel skirt, an item that is both functional and fun to wear. A towel skirt comes in handy when covering up out of the water and is something that will stay on when you're lugging beach gear around. No matter how skilled you are at sewing or

crafts


, the towel skirt is something virtually anyone can make.







Things You'll Need:





One terry cloth towel



Two 2-inch Velcro strips



Scissors



Needle and thread









Step
1



Decide which end will be wrapped underneath the other end of the towel. The end on top will be the front portion.




Step
2



Sew the fuzzy size of one Velcro strip to the front end of the edge that will wrap underneath. Attach the strip vertically so that it is placed next to the edge.




Step
3



Attach the sticky side (the side with the little hooks) of a Velcro strip across from the fuzzy side. Sew it on so that it completely matches the other strip in position. When wearing the skirt, this Velcro strip should fall near your left hip.




Step
4



Find the inside edge of the upper layer, or the end that will wrap over the top of the skirt.




Step
5



Sew on the fuzzy side of a Velcro strip on the inside of the upper layer so that it lays vertical.




Step
6



Attach the hook side of the Velcro strip directly across from its fuzzy counterpart. Your Velcro strip should be near your right hip.







Tips & Warnings









It's a good idea to have a towel that matches your swimsuit's color.








Terry cloth will naturally fray at the edges, and it can make for a great look. However, you can cover up the edges with trim.








If sewing with a needle is not your thing, you can use a glue gun to fasten the skirt together.








The idea behind the skirt is that it wraps around the body, meaning that one end of the towel will wrap over the other end. See the final product at Musings of a Crafty Wench (see Resources below).








The towel should wrap around you about one and a half times. It this is not possible, a beach towel will also make a good skirt.








If you use glue to put together your skirt, be sure the glue is washable and won't break down in the washing machine.








Your towel may not wrap around you exactly one and a half times. If it's too long, just cut off enough to make it wrap around sufficiently.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2228264_sew-towel-skirt.html