How to make an herbal tincture

How to make an herbal tincture



Many herbs contain active ingredients which are not easily extracted by water, or are destroyed by heat, and a tincture solves these problems.







Things You'll Need:





a large jar




alcohol (see tips)




water




cheesecloth




bowl




dark bottle for storing the tincture




herbs









1


Put the herbs into a large jar and pour in a mixture of 25% alcohol and 75% water.





2


Seal the jar and store it in a cool place for two weeks. Shake the jar occasionally during this period.





3


Place a piece of cheesecloth over a bowl, jar, or jug. Pour the herbal mixture through the cloth into the bowl. When your finished pouring the mixture out of the jar, wrap the herbs in the cheesecloth and give them a few last squeezes to get all the liquid out.





4


Pour the strained liquid into your tincture bottle and store it in a cool dry place.








Tips & Warnings










The alcohol used commercially is ethyl alcohol, but a spirit such as brandy or vodka can be used for home tinctures.








Do not use industrial alcohol, isopropyl, or methylated spirits, as they are all poisonous.








Because a tincture is a concentrated extract, only use them as recommended and only for short periods of time.








Do not give tinctures to
children
unless advised by a professional.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2000936_make-herbal-tincture.html

How to Know What to Expect During a Fast

How to Know What to Expect During a Fast



Fasting is not necessarily easy. You'll need physical and psychological discipline to achieve results. A successful fast will give you clarity of mind, soundness of body, and a greater quality of life.









1


Expect to feel anxiety in the days prior to the fast. Your mind will try to talk you out of fasting with all sorts of excuses. Avoid the temptation to eat a big "last supper" before you fast. Instead, eat lightly on the days before the fast to help prepare your body.





2


Realize that fasting will teach you a lot about your relationship with food and meals. In the first days of your fast you will feel out of place at meal times. People around you will be eating, going to restaurants and having food-related fun. You may feel left out. Take note of these things and realize the huge role food plays in the daily routines of people.





3


Counter you feelings of being left out by becoming involved in your fast. There are lots of things to do: make teas, take baths, skin brush, stretch, meditate, do yoga, take internal baths. Realize that this is time you have set aside to clean and repair your body - take it seriously.





4


Expect to feel impatient and irritable in the first two or three days of your fast. This is your body adjusting from using the food in your digestive tract (which remains for about three days) to consuming stored fats. Just imagine how rarely your body has a chance to eliminate these stored fats with you dumping three meals a day down your throat.





5


Realize that by the third day your mind and body will be conspiring against the fast to get you to stop. You will smell food cooking five blocks away. Enjoy the smell, but do not eat.





6


Expect to stop feeling hungry after three days. By this time your digestive tract is empty and your body has adjusted. If you are fasting properly, you should not feel any physical hunger for many days to come.





7


Understand that you may experience aches in certain parts of your body. This usually means that elimination of fatty tissue is taking place in that area of your body, which is not harmful. Lower back pain can be a symptom of dehydration, so make sure to keep hydrated. Any extensive or severe pain should be examined immediately.





8


Anticipate headaches, stomachaches and discomfort as a result of salt, sugar and caffeine withdrawal. Avoid these discomforts by tapering off these addictions in the days prior to your fast.





9


Expect changes in your bowel functions. You will have to aid your bowels to keep moving.





10


Expect to lose weight, but also expect to put it back on after the fast.








Tips & Warnings










Pregnant women and
children
should not fast.








Consult your healthcare provider before doing a fast especially if you have diabetes, heart disease, ulcerative colitis, or epilepsy; if you are less than 18 years old or underweight; or if you are on any medications.



http://www.ehow.com/how_12685_know-expect-during.html

How to give yourself a hand massage

How to give yourself a hand massage



Our hands are some of the most overworked parts of our bodies. A hand massage is a great way to relieve some of the tension built up from keyboarding all day at work.









1


Squeeze between each finger with the thumb and index finger of your other hand. This releases tension and increases circulation.





2


Stretch your fingers by interlocking them, palms facing up, and pulling them gently downward. Don't try to crack your fingers with this motion, just stretch the tendons in your hands.





3


Make a rolling movement on each finger with the fingers and thumbs of your opposite hand. Work from the knuckle to the fingertip.





4


Make a circling motion on your palm with the thumb of your opposite hand. Be sure to press deeply into the palm. Pressing too lightly will tickle.


http://www.ehow.com/how_2000940_give-yourself-hand-massage.html

How to Find an Energy Healing Practitioner

How to Find an Energy Healing Practitioner



Energy healing involves healing the body through its surrounding energy field. It can be used to heal a variety of illnesses including depression, arthritis and cancer. There are many types of energy healing methods but the most popular include Reiki, qi gong, Pranic Healing and Quantum Touch. It is fairly easy to find an Energy Healing Practitioner, depending on where you live.







Find an Energy Healing Practitioner




1


Decide what type of energy healing you would like. The most popular forms include Reiki, Quantum Touch and Pranic Healing.





2


Visit the Quantum Touch and Energy Medicine Directory Web sites to find lists of local practitioners near you (see Resources below).





3


Call the healer to make an appointment. Discuss method and length of treatment, as well as payment. Cost of treatment could be anywhere from moderate to high.





4


Find out how much experience your healer has. Also find out whether he or she has experience with healing the specific issue you may want to address.





5


Make sure your energy practitioner has evidence of proper training. Reiki healers receive certifications after every attunement.





6


Check your comfort level with the practitioner on your first visit. If you don't feel comfortable with him or her, resume your search.



Know What to Expect at Your Energy Healing Session




1


Sit or lie down comfortably.





2


Relax while the healer places hands on or above the chakras that correspond to the specific issue you want healed. The healer then channels Universal Life Energy through their hands to you for a certain amount of time, or until the energy spontaneously recedes.





3


Expect to feel a boost of energy. The channeling of Universal Life Energy clears and balances your energy field.



Know What Results to Expect from Your Healing Session




1


Feel lighter. Energy healing removes the energy of uncomfortable memories, as well as their effects on you.





2


Feel balanced. Energy healing balances the chakras and the auras.





3


Feel a sense of peace, joy and well-being. The Universal Life Energy restores you to a natural state of being.





4


Be aware, however, that certain variables affect the overall length of time it takes to completely heal. These include your nutritional needs, willingness to heal, congestion of the body and severity of your emotions.








Tips & Warnings










Energy healing works best when you are open and willing to receive it.








Seek immediate medical attention if you experience shortness of breath or chest pains. Go to an emergency room or see a medical doctor for assistance.








Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about how alternative medicine practitioners can be professionally licensed. If you decide to visit one, choose one licensed by a recognized national organization. Consult your primary healthcare provider about your decision first. Keep your doctor informed about the alternative medical technique you undertake.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2031312_energy-healing-practitioner.html

How to Find Alternative and Holistic Practitioners

How to Find Alternative and Holistic Practitioners



Government and medical research institutions have poured millions of dollars into studies on promising complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). You'll still need to check with your doctor, but here's how to find legitimate CAM professionals.









1


Ask your doctor for a referral. You may face possibly well-warranted skepticism. Also ask friends, family, nutritionists or physical therapists for recommendations. Some alternative-medicine professional organizations have CAM referral services.





2


Find out what your health plan covers; many costly CAM treatments are not. While more insurers include chiropractic treatments in their plan, far fewer cover acupuncture, let alone Ayurvedic medicine or homeopathy.





3


Do some detective work at state and local departments of health and consumer affairs, which increasingly have licensing and accreditation requirements for alternative practitioners. Ask about practitioners' educational background and training, and if any formal complaints have ever been filed against them. Inquire if any scientific research supports specific treatments you may be considering. Search for existing study results at the National Institutes of Health Web site (clinicaltrials.gov).





4


Check qualifications if possible, despite the patchy regulations on CAM. For example, acupuncturists must be licensed in more than 35 states, but might also be called registered or certified, or doctors of acupuncture or Oriental medicine.





5


Consider applying to be part of a clinical trial or study if money is an issue. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) is the federal government's lead agency devoted to supporting research; learn about trial participation at www.nccam.nih.gov/clinicaltrials.








Tips & Warnings










Look to studies underway-- like the massive clinical trials testing the supplements glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, separately and together, against Celebrex and a placebo on osteoarthritis sufferers--for clues to remedies with the best potential. Check with your doctor first; these supplements might cause elevated blood sugar, for instance.








Keep your general physician informed about your treatment plans.



http://www.ehow.com/how_110052_find-alternative-holistic.html

How to Have an Elegantly Cheap Wedding

How to Have an Elegantly Cheap Wedding



Planning a wedding can be very expensive and especially when you want your wedding to be unique and beautiful. To keep costs down, there are a few things that "brides to be" can do to keep the costs low and yet still have a beautiful elegant wedding. Read on to learn more.









Step
1



Purchase your dress at an outlet or discount bridal store. Many discount bridal stores have elegantly well made wedding dresses that will make any "bride to be" look beautiful on her wedding day.




Step
2



Have a relative, friend or dress maker make your dress. Make sure it's someone who is known for creating beautiful wedding gowns and someone you sincerely feel you can trust.




Step
3



Rent a wedding dress. If you're not a bride who wants to keep your dress for centuries or pass your dress down to your daughter, renting a wedding dress is a very economical choice and will definitely keep your costs down. You can find bridal rental options online.




Step
4



Have your bridesmaids to rent their dresses just as the groom's men do. This can be less costly than buying a dress that they may never wear again.




Step
5



Ask various family members and/or friends who are known for their superb good cooking skills to cook the food for your wedding. This will cut down on the costs. You will have to buy the food for them to cook, of course. It should also cost you much less to pay them to cook the food for you than to hire a professional caterer. You may also be surprised; your family and friends may cook your food as a wedding gift to you.




Step
6



Decorate your church and have your wedding and the reception also at your church. The costs should be much less to have your reception at your church. Some may not charge anything and especially if you're a member of the church.


http://www.ehow.com/how_2180159_have-elegantly-cheap-wedding.html

How to Have a Manicure for Spring

How to Have a Manicure for Spring



A manicure includes care of the nails, application of polish and conditioning of the hands. Many find that a trip to a salon for a professional manicure is well worth the money. For others, the preference is to do the manicure at home. Either way, the end result is a fashion statement that focuses on the color of polish and the shape and length of the nails.







Things You'll Need:





Manicurist



Polish









1


Schedule a professional manicure for the application of artificial nails. Artificial nails are applied either as tips or forms. A tip is shaped like a nail, glued to the nail and covered with acrylic to make a smooth surface. A form is an acrylic mold of the nail.




2


Decide on the shape of nails you desire (rounded or square) and if you want a single color or to have your nails decorated with decals or jewels. Decals are especially popular during holidays, and jewels are a spring favorite.




3


Make sure the manicurist you choose is licensed to practice in the state. There are rigid state requirements for education and licensure exams before an individual can work as a manicurist. A state permit or some type of recognition should be available for viewing.




4


Opt for an American manicure or a French manicure. The American manicure has a more natural look, since it doesn't contain a color base. The French look has brighter white tips.




5


Ask your manicurist to use a French manicure stencil and airbrush for perfect results every time.








Tips & Warnings










Prolong the life of your manicure during the activities of spring with the application of a clear topcoat every other day. The topcoat protects against chipping the polish on the tips of the nails.








For painted nails, pick a color that complements both your skin tone and your spring wardrobe.








Avoid the spread of disease associated with professional manicures. Ask about the sterilization techniques used on the tools. All tools should be disinfected between clients.








For tools that can't be disinfected (such as emery boards) only new tools should be used.








Watch for signs of moisture collecting under an artificial nail. If you have a nail that becomes loose around the edges, it can allow moisture to collect. This can lead to a fungal growth that requires immediate medical attention.








Notify your manicurist if you are taking any blood-thinner medication or if you have diabetes. Special care must be taken in the care of the nails to avoid the accumulation of bacteria.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2139274_have-manicure-spring.html

How to Have a Hand Makeover for Spring

How to Have a Hand Makeover for Spring



Have a hand makeover for spring to care for yourself and be well-groomed. After all, a person's hands can reveal their age, so take good care of the only pair you'll have.







Things You'll Need:





Nail file or emery board



Clippers



Lotion



Hand exfoliator in a cream or gel



Nail polish







Pamper Your Hands and Have a Manicure Makeover




Step
1



Have a skilled professional with a good eye perform a manicure on your nails using expert tools to push back cuticles and snip hangnails.




Step
2



Choose either an overall spring polish color covering the entire nail or a French manicure. A French manicure typically consists of pale pink polish applied to the nails with pure white polish delicately painted onto the tips of the nails for a clean look.




Step
3



Ask for a hot wax treatment as an add-on to the manicure. The service costs extra but will give your hands an added boost of moisture.




Step
4



Ask about the application of
acrylic
nails


if your own nails seem weak or break easily. A spring color can be applied to the acrylic nails after they are attached to your own nails.


Have a Spring Hand Makeover in the Comfort of Your Home




Step
1



Clip any excess length from each nail.




Step
2



File in one direction to shape each nail in an oval or squared-off shape.




Step
3



Apply cuticle cream to the base of your nails and push away skin from each nail to reveal a new healthy nail base.




Step
4



Clip any loose skin away from the edges of your nails. Be careful to clip only dead skin.




Step
5



Exfoliate your hands with a gentle scrub and wash away the residue.




Step
6



Massage lotion gently onto your hands. Remove excess lotion from your nails with a cotton ball and
nail polish
remover


before you apply polish.




Step
7



Apply a clear base coat on each nail. Brush on two coats of a bright spring color. Follow with a top coat on each nail. Allow a little time for nails to dry between coats, and let them dry completely before touching anything.







Tips & Warnings









Keep nails relatively short to prevent breaking if you work on a computer or have another job where you use your hands frequently.








Wear artificial acrylic nails for a long-lasting low-maintenance look.








Choose a reputable spa to have a hand makeover for spring or you could risk developing an infection from tools that haven't been sterilized.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2139431_have-hand-makeover-spring.html

How to Have a Good Shopping Spree

How to Have a Good Shopping Spree



Retail therapy can be a fun way to spend a weekend. To make the most of your shopping spree, take some time to do some good planning.









Step
1



Save your money. It is not much fun to go on a shopping spree with no cash to spend, and putting all of your purchases on credit can lead to guilt and buyer's remorse. For the most fun retail therapy experience, spend a few weeks saving your money and take it along in cash.




Step
2



Enlist a friend or group of friends to share your experience. Shopping is not much fun to do alone, and having another set of hands in a store is a good thing. You can also rely on your shopping companions to give you honest feedback on outfits and accessories. The perfect shopping spree accomplice has similar tastes as you with enough backbone to tell you if something is truly unflattering.




Step
3



Choose a mall or shopping center with plenty of stores and lots of variety. Having to go around town in a car to individual stores and

boutiques


takes valuable time away from your shopping spree. Shopping in a mall puts everything in easy reach and usually gives you plenty of choices in clothing and accessory stores.




Step
4



Work in a fantastic lunch or dinner. Shopping takes a lot of energy, so take time to refuel and socialize over a filling meal, perhaps with a nice glass of wine or cocktail. This adds a bit of luxury to your day if you choose a sit down establishment rather than the food court. Now is the time to splurge a little on dessert or a fancy entree, but don't eat so much that you are too stuffed to try on clothes after.




Step
5



Splurge on one big ticket or dream item. Spend a little bit more and buy that fantastic purse, to-die-for pair of shoes or little dress you have been eyeing all season. A true shopping spree should not be all about bargains, but about bringing home a true treasure for your closet.


http://www.ehow.com/how_2258817_have-good-shopping-spree.html

How to Have a Foot Makeover for Spring

How to Have a Foot Makeover for Spring



For
beauty
from head to toe, pretty feet and toes are mandatory in order to be ready for the latest, greatest spring sandals or barefoot romps in the park. A foot makeover for spring is a must and can be accomplished with regular at-home foot treatments and/or spa treatments with a professional.







Things You'll Need:





Foot massager



Nail polish remover



Pedicure tools (nail file, clippers and foot file)



Exfoliating cream or gel



Lotion



Cotton balls



Nail polish



Cotton socks







Give Feet and Toes Some TLC at Home




Step
1



Pamper those piggies. Dip toes and feet in a foot massager. Most
drug
stores


and department stores carry them. They vibrate and are easy to use when sitting at home in front of the television at night.




Step
2



Remove any old
nail
polish


and push back cuticles. Clip toenails straight across and not too short. Smooth any rough edges with a nail file or emery board.




Step
3



Use a pedicure file to scrub calluses off the bottoms of your feet and the backs of your heels. Don't scrub too hard.




Step
4



Have a pleasant-smelling foot exfoliating cream or gel on hand for the perfect spring foot makeover. Gently massage it into the feet in a circular motion to exfoliate dead skin cells.




Step
5



Pat feet dry and apply either a body oil or a cream to all areas of the foot and ankles. Massage. Wipe excess off toenails with a cotton ball soaked in nail polish remover.




Step
6



Apply a clear base coat, then two coats of a bright spring nail polish, letting the polish dry between coats. Apply a top coat over the color to lengthen the life of your pedicure.


Enlist the Help of a Professional




Step
1



Pick a trustworthy professional manicurist with a gentle but firm touch. Most hair salons and spas have a professional nail technician on hand who can pamper your feet for you.




Step
2



Visit a podiatrist for any irregularities in feet, such as hammer toes or blisters, that don't heal properly.


Follow-Up Care for Your Spring Foot Makeover




Step
1



Apply lotion on a regular basis to the heels to ensure smooth feet.




Step
2



Apply a topcoat on toenails every 3 to 4 days to keep them shiny and prevent chipping.




Step
3



Wear smooth cotton socks at bedtime to seal in moisture.




Step
4



Have a hot wax treatment at a spa once a month for a smooth finish.







Tips & Warnings









Don't clip toenails too short, especially at the corners. Cutting nails straight across will help to avoid in-grown toenails down the line.








Check the sanitation at the spa you visit for pedicures.








Seek advice and treatment from a podiatrist if you have persistent problems with corns or blisters.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2139430_have-foot-makeover-spring.html

How to Have a Fashion Show at Home

How to Have a Fashion Show at Home



Whether you and your
girlfriends
want to show off new outfits, check out the season's latest fashions or display items that you're hoping to swap, organize a home fashion show as an exciting way to see the garments. The party will turn an ordinary event into an extraordinarily fun and productive evening.









1


Invite your friends over and instruct them to bring recent clothing purchases that they can't wait to show off, garments that they need help coordinating or older items that they're willing to trade.




2


Set up a dressing room with several tall mirrors and places to hang clothing. Decide if everyone will change into new outfits at the same time or if one friend will reveal all of her outfits before going onto the next person.




3


Tell each person to state the store, designer and price of each item that they're showing to the group in case anyone wants to buy a similar item. Provide small spiral notebooks and pens in case anyone wants to take notes. Play up-tempo music in the background to create a lively atmosphere.




4


Organize a mini boutique once everyone has shown off the clothing they've brought. Give each guest an area to set out the items that they hope to trade or simply group shirts, skirts, pants and accessories together if your friends just want to give them away.




5


Prepare refreshments to enjoy after the fashion show. Try an assortment of fresh fruit, yogurt and sherbet so guests can create their own smoothies, cheese and crackers,

vegetables


and dip and finger sandwiches.








Tips & Warnings










If you're organizing a home fashion show for
teens
or younger girls, consider setting up a "runway" by arranging chairs to create a narrow path in the center. Drape a curtain over the door so they can make a grand entrance and shine large lights on them as they walk.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2259206_have-fashion-show-home.html

How to Have a Designer Purse Party

How to Have a Designer Purse Party



Designer purse parties can be a fun way to socialize with friends while making money. If done correctly, a designer purse party can be quite lucrative. Plus, you can hold it right in your home whenever you'd like. You're in control! Here's how to host a designer purse party.









Step
1



Find a source for your designer purses.

Be sure you're getting your designer purses at true wholesale prices. Many so called wholesale sites are actually selling purses retail. One site that shows you how to buy designer purses at wholesale prices is designer-purse-party.com




Step
2



Order your purses.

Start by ordering around 15-20 designer purses along with 10-15 wallets. Having fewer purses will help to increase their perceived value and people will realize they need to buy one right away or miss out.




Step
3



Make your list of attendees.

Write down the names of 15-20 friends and family members who are fashion conscious and would be interested in purchasing a purse at a designer purse party.




Step
4



Send out invitations.

Buy invitations or make your own by using a rubber stamp to stamp the image of a purse on the front of a blank card. In your invitation, ask each guest to bring along a friend.




Step
5



Plan your refreshments.

Offer some light food. Don't go overboard since you want people to concentrate on the purses. Be sure to prepare a little extra in case more people show up than expected.




Step
6



Prepare a display for your purses.

Display is important and should be elegant to reflect the value of your purses. Don't crowd the purses together. Spread them out as much as possible to create less confusion. Your display can be as simple as a table covered with a black velvet covering. Try adding some framed photos of models carrying designer purses similar to the ones you're offering on the display table.




Step
7



Welcome your guests and make them feel comfortable.

When guests arrive give them a warm welcome and give them time to loosen up by serving refreshments. You can then introduce the designer purses and give everyone the chance to touch them. Do some fun activities such as having an impromptu fashion show where everyone models a purse. You can also hold contests and give away a free wallet. (This is a good way to collect email addresses).




Step
8



Collect money for the purses.

As the designer purse party winds down, collect money for the purses and encourage the attendees in your group to sponsor their own designer purse party for a free designer purse. Collect the names of anyone who shows an interest. In this way, you can build a viable long term, lucrative business hosting designer purse parties.







Tips & Warnings









Designer purse parties are quite hot right now so you should get a good response.








Don't be a pushy sales person. Be helpful and ready to answer questions about the designer purses.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2288137_have-designer-purse-party.html

How to Have a Color Makeover for Spring

How to Have a Color Makeover for Spring



It's an excellent idea for every woman to have a color makeover for spring as it will keep her look updated and refresh her own outlook for the new season. The colors selected for a spring makeover can make you look 10 pounds lighter and 10 years younger.







Things You'll Need:





Boxes or garbage bags



Full-length mirror



Hand mirror



Color consultant







Spend Time Cleaning Out Your Closet and Bathroom Drawers




Step
1



Take everything out of your closet, one item at a time. For each item, ask yourself whether you have worn it in the last year. If not, put it in one of two piles: good clothing that can be donated or stained or damaged clothing that should be discarded.




Step
2



Try on remaining items and take a good look in a full-length mirror. Use a hand mirror to check out the back as well. Toss or give away any clothing that is unflattering. It's better to have a wardrobe consisting of a few pieces that make you feel good than a closet stuffed with unattractive clothing.




Step
3



Combine pieces and accessories in new ways as you try things on. Any clothing that is good but needs repair or alteration should be kept in another pile. Pack up your undesirables in boxes and garbage bags for donation and hang the "keepers" back in the closet.




Step
4



Go through the

makeup


in your bathroom drawers and shelves. Anything over a year old should be tossed. Choose lighter, brighter colors for spring when you restock.


Have a Specialist Update Your Colors




Step
1



Visit a professional makeup artist. Have her suggest the best spring makeup colors and apply them. Ask for a daytime look and an evening look.




Step
2



Treat yourself to a free makeup consultation at a department store. You will only be able to sample one brand of cosmetics, but you should get some good ideas about what colors work best for you.




Step
3



Consult a wardrobe professional who will coordinate the ideal colors for spring and your personal skin tones. She will probably drape various color swatches on you to get an idea of what shades work best.







Tips & Warnings









Build your wardrobe around such basics as the crisp white blouse and little black dress.








Keep within a budget when replacing outdated colors of makeup and clothing.








Don't become emotionally attached to clothing or the memories that may cling to them. In order to look your best after a color makeover, you may have to part with clothing that doesn't work anymore.








Throw out old makeup to avoid the spread of bacteria.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2139432_have-color-makeover-spring.html