Monthly Archives: November 2009

My Favorite Fruit and Flower Tea

My mil brought back a tin of blueberry tea during her recent trip back from Hong Kong. The tea consists of blueberries, elderberries, strawberries, raspberries, passion fruit, kiwi, hibiscus, apple pieces, sunflower blossom, rose petals and cornflower blossoms.


It’s one of the best fruit and flower teas I have ever tasted.  This infusion is so aromatic and flavorful, perfect for berries and flowers lovers. iLike it and am enthralled with this tea!


Now, I am hooked on this tea and gotta have a cuppa everyday, along with my daily cuppa green tea and occasional cup of Milkmaid (fenugreek) tea (to boost my milk supply. Yes, I am still Baby’s moo moo up until now and she’s 19 months in a few days).

Food For Thought:

Blueberries are not only a low calorie snack; they are also a great source of nutrients. New research suggests blueberries are a great way to naturally lower risk factors for cancers, enhance your memory, and achieve the optimal health we should all be striving for.

Antioxidant rich
A low calorie fruit which does wonders for you health is just what your body needs. With their high antioxidant capability, blueberries rank at the top beca with their ability to destroy free radicals. Red wine gets much recognition for being high in anthocyanins, but researches have found blueberries to be 38% more affective at fighting free radicals.

Helps fight cancer
Blueberries contain pterostilbene, an antioxidant that cuts precancerous colon lesions by 57% a recent study shows and kaempferol, a flavonoid which may decrease the risk of ovarian cancer by up to 40%.

Boosts brain cells
Eating blueberries can also be food for the mind. Blueberries boost enzymes that grow new nerve cells in the brain so you don’t lose your marbles as you age. Diets rich in blueberries protect the brain from oxidative stress and Alzheimer’s or dementia. Blueberries have been proven to reverse memory loss.

Strong bones
Blueberries can also fight against osteoporosis in women by slowing the breakdown of the bone which occurs after menopause in much the same way estrogen does in building bone.

Aids in elimination
A great aid for diarrhea and constipation, blueberries contain tannins which are astringents to the digestive system and reduce inflammation. Blueberries also promote urinary tract support and contain the same compound found in cranberries which aids in urinary infections.

Blueberries can help:
* Reduce risk of cancers
* Promote urinary tract health
* Boost memory function
* Improved vision
* Reverse age-related illnesses
* Help weight management
* Protect against disease
* strengthen blood vessels

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Toenail Fungus

Along with unsightly cracked heels, calluses and peeling skin on the soles on both my feet, I have another problem, which is toenail fungus on my left big toe. The big toe has been afflicted by fungus for over 2 years and it seems to go away and then come back again, over and over again. Sometimes the fungus would look pretty bad when the corner of my nail would turn from brown to black!

Initially I had thought that there was some debris lodged underneath my toenail but after scrubbing and digging my toe and toenail with a cotton bud and toothpick (yup, I am gross ok), I realized that the ‘dirt’ seemed to have gotten stuck to my skin. I did a google search and found out that I have fungus on my toe.  I did consult a GP early this year but the cream that she prescribed did not manage to remove the fungus from my toenail, not at all. 

I have in the past 2 years tried heaps of over-the-counter creams for my cracked heel and wrinkled feet and I guess that some of these creams (with potent ingredients) have healed my toenail fungus as I noticed some improvement on the toenail after applying those creams. The problem is I can’t identify which cream in particular. As of today, I can still see a little brown ‘debris’ on my toenail, which suggests that the fungus is still there, though not as serious as before.

Symptoms of toenail fungus are quite obvious. The affected nail will get yellow or brown in colour. It may become so thick and overgrown that it may be painful to wear shoes. Foul-smelling debris may get accumulated under the nail. The nail may crumble and eventually fall off. Sneaks or spots can be seen down the side of the nails of the affected person.   Thank God my toenail did not crumble and fall off, phew!

Home Remedies And Natural Cures For Toenail fungus (article extracted from www.home-remedies-for-you.com/remedy/Toe-Nail-Fungus.html)

Toe nail fungus remedy using tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is a potent natural antiseptic and fungicide that will help fight your fungus. Apply undiluted tea tree oil with olive oil to the affected toe nail. Alternatively you can put few drops of tea tree oil on toenails and rub it thoroughly every day.

Using Listerine mouthwash
Soak your toes in Listerine mouthwash. The powerful antiseptic leaves your toe nails looking healthy.
Curing toe nail fungus using warm water and natural apple cider vinegar

Soak your toenails for 15 – 20 minutes in basin full of warm water and natural apple cider vinegar mixed in equal proportion. When done, dry your toenails thoroughly. Use a hair dryer on warm setting to absorb all the moisture in and around the toes

Tea tree oil and Lavender oil
Put equal amount of tea tree oil and lavender oil on a cotton ball or swab. Dab it under the top edge of the toe nail and surrounding area 2 or 3 times a day. Tea tree oil is natural antibiotic and lavender will help fight the infection and prevent skin irritation

Using Oregano and Olive oil
Blend 2 drops of Oregano essential oil with a tsp of olive oil. Apply this mixture on the affected area daily for NOT more than three weeks. Oregano essential oil has antiseptic, antibacterial, antiparasitical, antiviral, analgesic and antifungal properties

AHA creams
Lather AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) creams on to your feet before going to bed. This will flush the rough scaly skin from your feet that is more prone to growing fungus

Diet for Toe nail fungus

Diet plays a very vital role in curing any ailment. People suffering from toe nail fungus should include more probiotics – good bacteria, in their diet. This will help your body to get rid of the fungus. Yogurt and kefir are good sources of probiotics. Reduce intake of refined carbs like sugar, dairy products and vinegar. Olive leaf extract is an excellent internal anti-fungal agent.

Suggestion for Toenail fungus
Wash your feet after visiting public places like swimming pools

The fungus thrives in warm moist areas like spas, swimming pools, showers or locker rooms. If you step on a warm puddle or floor, you can pick up the infection. After using such public places, it is ideal to wash your feet thoroughly and dry them well.
Wear cotton socks

Wear cotton socks to absorb moisture from the feet that happens from sweating.
Dry your feet.  If your socks are damp, take them off and dry your feet before wearing a fresh pair of dry socks.
Do not share linen with affected people

Avoid sharing towels, washcloths, shoes or any other personal items of those people who have already contracted this disease.

Trim nails and avoid nail polish

Keep your nails cut short, and don’t use nail polish. Trim your toenails regularly. Trim them into a straight line and then smooth the edges with a nail file.

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Cracked Heels Remedy

Remember my earlier post on cracked heels?  I finally made the mixture of Vaseline with fresh lemon juice to apply on my feet.  I used the juice of half a lemon and squeezed it into my jar of Vaseline, which was about slightly less than a quarter jar left.  I applied the mixture onto my feet twice a day – before going to bed at night and in the morning before I run.  After applying the mixture, I put on a pair of socks.   However, I did not apply the mixture consistently everyday.

On some days, I only apply plain Vaseline (without the lemon juice) and on other days, I apply Waiora’s skin repair cream and Aqua / Simple cream.

I also bought a tube of Prolin Skin Guard cream from Cosway recently.  One of the ingredients in Prolin is Evening Primrose Oil.  Other active ingredients are Plantolin and Resveratrol.

After applying the above creams on my feet for about a month, my feet are not so wrinkled and dry. The cracks on my heels are closing up. The problem now is my itchy hands! I tend to peel the skin whenever I see stray skin jutting out on my feet! Peeling and cutting the skin only aggravate the problem. I guess I’ll just have to stop looking at my feet and resist the urge to touch them!

This post will be continued, where I will update everyone on the progress of my heels and feet.

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