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The colour green is thought to bring all intellectual elements and creativity into line. If you feel yourself losing focus, try donning a bit of green. Studies have shown that even something as small as a wristband can boost intellect and focus on the tasks at hand.

Okay, so this isn’t the prettiest of topics, but it is one that many people have trouble with every morning. At night, we tend to breathe through our noses which increases the intake of dust from the air. In the morning, our nasal passages can be filled with this dust. To stop the cycle, dab a small touch of petroleum jelly under the nose at night. As you breathe in, the jelly will catch the dust before it enters the nose. Simple yet effective!

Caffeine is commonly used as the first morning drink to wake up the mind. However, feeling sleepy in the middle of the day is a common problem. When you find yourself drifting off at work, immediate stress can fill the body making it hard to concentrate and continue working. A cup of tea or coffee in the middle of the day can increase the heart rate just enough to push through the afternoon sleepiness!

At night, many people choose to change into their bed clothes and head off for a long slumber without taking a shower or bath. But little do they know, the need to feel clean in the morning may be causing a stuffy nose at night! The dust, dirt and pollen collected in the hair throughout the day is transferred to the pillows and bed linens in the night. As you toss and turn, you breathe in the dirt which can cause allergies to flare up in the night. Ever wake up feeling swollen and tired? This could be due to allergens in your pillow…

Roses provide natural inflammatory properties, not to mention the fact that rose scents fight off depression. For irritated eyes, mix 8 ounces of water with 9 rosebuds. Allow this mixture to simmer on the stove for three to five minutes, strain and cool in a refrigerator. Add 1 ounce of rosewater (can be found in specialty beauty shops or older pharmacies). Apply the mixture to cotton pads and rest on closed eyelids as needed. Try a test patch on your inner arm first and remember this herbal remedy only keeps for 3 days in the refrigerator.

Research shows that many people have far too many Omega 6s and not enough Omega 3s. The best source is apparently NOT fish oil, however. Flaxseed oil has a more concentrated source of Omega 3s than fish oil … and without the fishy taste! The flaxseed oil can be sprinkled on salad to increase the anti-inflammatory response in the body. This can decrease the effect of allergies on the body and decrease the risk of developing inflammation based conditions like diabetes and arthritis.

Goldenseal is a natural herb that aids the blood by providing a good source of iron and a high vitamin C content to help the iron absorb into the body. Goldenseal should not be used by women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or those with chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes or glaucoma so do check with your doctor first. It’s a short term remedy so make sure to only take the herb for a maximum of one week at a time.

There is a natural quality to aspirin that apparently reduces hair dandruff. All you have to do is add crushed aspirin to your normal, everyday shampoo. The effect of the new mixture will be the same as the most expensive medicated shampoos without the nasty smell and high price tag. However there is a downside…. the aspirin can leech into the skin! Got a more persistent dandruff problem? There are some fantastic remedies available that you can use everyday without aspirin soaking in through your scalp – just ask your pharmacist or hairdresser.

The same hops used to brew beer can be used to reduce anxiety. Hops works with the nervous system as an effective sedative. This calming effective may help a person to relax which can help to relieve the effect of stress on the body and may reduce the number of panic attacks in people who suffer from the condition regularly. However this isn’t an invitation to drink lots of beer! We’d suggest asking for hops-based relaxation products at your local health food specialist!

Chamomile, lavender and peppermint can heal and tone the skin. Ever wondered why they seem to feature in so many different face products? Well, now you know.
To make your own, try placing a bit of each of these herbs into a bowl with boiling water and use as a healthy steam bath for the face. After the water has cooled, the “tea” can be used as a facial toner for up to two weeks if kept in the refrigerator. Add 4 teaspoons of herbs to every 2 quarts of water.