Improving Your Energy with Natural Herbs

Herbs offer a natural alternative to boost energy levels and enhance brain function. Adaptogenic herbs increase resistance to illness by strengthening your immune system. Also knowns as “natural fatigue fighters,” herbs contain plant-based polyphenol antioxidants that clear your body and mind of toxins that slow metabolic function.

Are feeling exhausted all the time? The stresses of work and family life accumulate over time, resulting in physiological disorders that can disrupt your feeling of well-being, thereby reducing your quality of life.

Here are 9 examples of adaptogenic herbs to supercharge your diet and restore your energy levels.

 

  1.    Green Tea

Instead of reaching for an energy drink when you’re feeling tired, prepare yourself a steaming mug of green tea. Green tea contains natural caffeine to wake you up. Catechins, natural plant polyphenols found in green tea, balance the effect of caffeine in the body, providing a sustained release of energy. Green tea boosts metabolic function and alleviates stress, preventing anxiety.

 

  1. Rhodiola

This golden root assists the body in managing adrenaline production. Supplementing with Rhodiola suppresses feelings of anxiety while providing a boost of energy that eliminates fatigue. This adaptogenic herb balances your mood and boosts libido, making it a popular supplement choice for professionals and students.

 

  1. Ashwagandha

Well-known in Ayurvedic medicine, this herbal remedy is used to improve energy levels and stabilize mood. Regular supplementation with ashwagandha keeps your mind clear and increases levels of vitality. The polyphenols found in ashwagandha reduce stress and demand on the adrenal system. It’s a particularly useful herbal treatment for conditions such as adrenal fatigue, and hormonal imbalances.

 

  1. Panax Ginseng

Also known in Chinese medicine as “red ginseng,” the roots of this plant contain potent energizing compounds. Supplementing with 500 mg to 1,000 mg of red ginseng three times a day improves energy levels and enhances feelings of well-being while boosting libido. Panax ginseng is the most studied natural adaptogenic, with use extending back through millennia. Available in liquid or powder, you can find Panax ginseng as a stand-alone supplement, or blended into energy compounds.

 

  1. Holy Basil

Basil isn’t just a tasty herb used to flavor food; it’s also a powerful adaptogenic herb used to restore vitality. This traditional Ayurvedic herb contains polyphenol compounds that alleviate stress on the adrenal system. Well-known for its anti-inflammatory effect on the gastrointestinal system, basil helps improve digestion and colon health as well.

 

  1. Astralagus

Weak circulation of blood throughout the body reduces energy levels and exposes the immune system to infection. Circulatory issues can develop from environmental stresses, or as a result of poor dietary and lifestyle choices. Astralagus enhances immune function and boosts heart health by improving circulation. Astralagus is used in Chinese medicine as an ingredient in energy tonics to restore mental and physical vitality.

 

  1. Oregano

Sprinkle this adaptogenic herb over pasta dishes, roasted veggies, or scrambled eggs for a taste sensation that’s out-of-this-world. Oregano, when combined with amino acids, decreases mental fatigue and improves feelings of alertness. Boost your immune function, detoxify your GI tract, and improve digestion by adding this essential herb to your diet.

 

  1. Supplement for Increased Energy Levels

You can find Mitochondria inside every cell in the human body. These microscopic, essential organelles, produce energy from ATP and shuttle it throughout your system. As we age, mitochondria lose their efficiency, creating feelings of fatigue and exhaustion. Malfunctioning mitochondria are responsible for your need to have an afternoon nap or the reason why you might feel tired after a full night’s sleep.

Supplements for mitochondria act as an energy booster, restoring the normal function of these organelles.

Most important steps of taking care of your Brazilian hair extensions

Brazilian hair is one of the most popular types of hair extensions, especially in South America. It is usually collected from donors with strong, healthy, unprocessed hair, from small places in Brazil.

It´s of very high quality and therefore silky soft, pretty thick, low maintenance and very durable. It can last up to a year, if properly cared for.

Since this type of hair is of very high quality, it is also more expensive than other types of hair, so you would probably want to learn how to properly take care of it.

Here are some things you should be doing to make your Brazilian hair extensions last as long as you can, while maintaining its softness and brilliance.

  1. Proper installation

The first, and maybe the most important step, to making your hair extensions look amazing is to properly install them.

This will probably be done by your highly experienced stylist, but here are some things you should look out for:

  • your hair should be washed first, in order to clean any leftover product or oil residue and buildup, so the extensions would not stick to your hair. It would be best to let it dry naturally and comb it out with a wide-tooth
  • do not pierce or put needles through the wefts
  • do not split the wefts
  • avoid cutting the wefts, if necessary, each cut weft end should be sealed with glue.
  1. Washing

The second, equally important step, is to properly treat your new beautiful extensions with appropriate products.

The best choice would be mild sulfate and silicone free shampoos (once a month), conditioners (twice a month) and other hair products (e.g. water-based silicone serums). They would help maintain the hair´s natural softness, while keeping it tangle free.

Be aware – over-shampooing your hair can strip it of much needed nutrients and oils, and make it look damaged and lifeless.

  1. Drying

In order to not dry out your hair too soon, it would be best if you would let it dry naturally. First, pat your hair dry (do not rub) with a clean towel and then let it dry naturally.

Do not use hair dryers, but if for some reason you really have to, minimize the heat exposure.

Avoid going to bed with damp hair, since it could make your hair frizzy and tangled.

  1. Brushing

You should brush your hair twice a day, and before each wash.

Use a paddle or natural hair brush (preferably boar hair) but avoid fine tooth combs (they can lead to breakage in the weave).

Don´t forget to hold your hair at the roots, so you don´t loosen the extensions.

  1. Sleeping

Before going to bed at night, you should brush your hair and tie it down, or even braid it, then cover it with a silk or satin cap.

Never use cotton materials, because they could absorb oils or elastic bands, since they can cause stress to your hair.

We’re all set!

Now you know 5 great ways to take a good care of your Brazilian hair.

In case this type of hair is not to your liking, I recommend you to read this great guide about another great type of human hair – Peruvian hair: Important Facts You Should Know.

Why don’t you give it a try next?

Introducing Monet: Beauty and Function for Your Phone The Perfect Phone Accessory #selfiebetter #monetallday @monet_brand

Monet is beauty and function for your phone. The ultimate fashion accessory for the on-the-go minimalist.  It’s an extension of your hand with its easy slip on grip that provides a secure hold on your phone while taking better selfies. That same grip becomes your kickstand and Monet is a sleek wallet to hold money and cards. It’s currently available in 30 color variations with more colors currently in production. Monet is your 3-in-1 phone grip and the only accessory you need for a busy lifestyle:

cell phone strap

  • The Gym
  • Pilates
  • Coffee dates
  • Meeting for brunch
  • Dinner Dates
  • Night Clubs
  • Traveling
  • Quick shopping trips and more….

Celebrity Influencer Jake Paul introduced Monet at the Consumer Electronics Show in January with much fanfare. Additionally, many other celebrities including Scott Disick, Stephanie Shepherd and The Selfie Kid with Justin Timberlake are putting Monet’s on their phones to help them #selfiebetter! Available at Amazon.com and Monetbrand.com, with other retailers hitting this Fall! SRP $19.99

monet

Social media handle

@monet_brand

Instagram Hashtags

#selfiebetter

#monetallday

About Quest Basics

Quest Basics Corp was founded in 2013 to deliver creative design and hiqh-quality sourced products at affordable prices. Their first launch was IJOY launched at CES 2014 with incredible response leading to the company tripling sales by year’s end. The company continued to expand and in 2017, they launched SpinPop, a unique and patented phone holder mechanism. Monet is their next launch in the phone holder space. Quest Basics is based in Brooklyn, NY.

Water Filtration System – Do You Need One?

Turn on your tap and take a look at the water coming out of it. Chances are it will be clear and look quite inviting.

The assumption is that it is safe to drink. Of course, if it was yellow, brown or smelt of rotten eggs you would question how good the quality of your water is.

But the fact is usually it is not and you take it for granted.

Unfortunately looks can be deceiving. You could take a look at the website of your local water board. This will tell you how good the quality is.

However, it will only tell you the quality of the water leaving the plant; it can’t confirm what it is like when it reaches your home. This is why you should check this link and consider adding a water filtration system.

The Benefits Of Water Filtration Systems

There are several benefits of having a water filtration system:

Peace Of Mind

A water filter is designed to remove the chemicals used by the water board. They are no longer needed as they have done their job. These chemicals can be harmful to your health and will affect the taste of your water.

But the filter will also ensure the water is clean, providing you with peace of mind. You and your family are drinking the best water possible in your home.

Removal Of Smells

Have you ever noticed that your water has a faint chlorine smell or sometimes even smells of rotten eggs? This is a result of the chemicals used by the water board and bacteria managing to enter your water.

The right filtration system for your home will eliminate these issues and give you clean, odor less water. This will encourage you to drink more of this essential substance.

Reduced Risk Of Contamination

The water that leaves the treatment plan is tested to ensure it meets government standards. However it then travels through miles of pipe work to your home.

It is possible that these pipes can become damaged and allow debris or pollutants in; the water board simply cannot check every bit of pipe.

Pollutants include harmful bacteria, fertilizers from the fields, a variety of chemicals and even miniscule pieces of debris. All of these can be harmful to your health and you may not know about them until it is too late.

Your water filtration system will remove all these things.

Get the Right Filter

Once you realize that you do need a water filtration system it is important that you choose the best one for you and your family.

You’ll need to have your water tested to ensure you know what you want to remove from it. You should also check that the filters being supplied meet the certified standard; otherwise you could be paying for nothing!

It’s not worth the risk of not having a water filter; any of the nasty bugs that live in water can cause serious illness over a long period of time. It’s much easier to prevent them from entering your body in the first place.

 

Mynt – Smart Tracker and Bluetooth Remote Control

 

What is it?

Mynt is a compact (2.5cm wide) Bluetooth device that can be used as a smart tracker for objects, or when paired with a smartphone, used for a variety of remote control actions.

How can it help me?

A Mynt Bluetooth device can be attached to your keys, wallet, purse or bag. You can download a free app to your Smartphone and connect it to your Mynt device(s) to turn it into a smart tracker.

When you activate the device within the app, your Mynt chirps so that you can find it.

A Mynt device has a range of around 150 ft. If you lose an item outside this range, the Mynt app shows you the GPS coordinates of the place the device was seen. So if you leave your rucksack in the pub, Mynt will tell you this.

If you report an item lost within the Mynt app, then the Mynt community springs into action. Each smartphone with Mynt installed can detect a Mynt smart tracker device nearby. So the more Mynt users using the app, the more Mynt smart tracker devices will be detected by the network.

[tweet_box design=”default”]Mynt is a smart tracker that will help you find lost objects like keys, wallet or Smartphone[/tweet_box]

You can also use the Mynt device to find your Smartphone. Each Mynt device has a button that, when pressed, can help you find your paired Smartphone.

You can also programme your Mynt device to remote control your Smartphone. You can use Mynt as:-

  • a presentation pointer, advancing slides in Powerpoint
  • activate your camera shutter to take a remote control picture
  • control your music player

… and lots of other actions that are supported by a Bluetooth remote control.

The battery life of a Mynt device is 6-months, and unlike many trackers, the battery is replaceable.

How much does it cost?

A Mynt device costs £18.99 from Amazon UK, and $19.99 from Mynt in the USA.

How can I get it?

Buy a Mynt device from Amazon UK or Mynt USA, and then download the Mynt app for iOS devices, Android devices or Apple Mac OS X.

You can also follow Mynt creators @Slightech on Twitter or visit the Slightech Facebook page.

MYNT Tracker is available on Amazon US https://www.amazon.com/MYNT-Smart-Finder-Remote-Control/dp/B01N09XZ1X.

This was a guest post from Richard Tubb and posted with permission.

Take Volunteering to a Whole New Level with VolunteerWorld.com

Whether you are a philanthropist, an adventurer or simply a vacation seeking wanderluster, eager to explore the world and make your travels more meaningful, volunteering abroad is the best solution to make your journey most impactful.

Volunteering ignites a self-satisfying spirit of putting your one cent in a cause greater than oneself, while also dishing out a bonus ride in exploring new cultures, communities and ecosystems.

VolunteerWorld.com is the largest volunteer abroad comparison platform worldwide. We know saving the world from the evil forces of social and political injustice and utter ignorance of one’s environment can be quite intimidating, so here are the best 5 countries to volunteer in 2018 to help you spark some inspiration.

South Africa

South Africa is the most economically and commercially developed countries of Africa that offers a variety of beautiful natural landscapes and interaction with a number of ethnic communities with histories worth learning. Even with much advancement, it struggles with the dilemmas of HIV/AIDS, wildlife preservation and underprivileged communities.

Volunteer abroad in South Africa to conserve endangered species by signing up for wildlife sanctuary programs or help cater children in orphanage care, or programs regarding teaching, health care and sports.

India

Home to a blend of indigenous languages, religions and cultures, India provides a refreshing culture shock you don’t want to miss. An extensive history stored in its impressive architecture and diversity engraved in its ecosystem, it is one of the best places to travel and volunteer abroad.

With its economy constantly upgrading and society evolving, combating poverty, illiteracy and social taboos has created volunteering opportunities left and right.

Choose from a variety of programs relating orphanage work, healthcare programs, teaching and women empowerment.

Australia

Australia is a sunny beautiful nation with a number attractions that can never bore you. From the diving paradise of the Great Barrier Reef to the diverse landscapes in the Outback and the bustling cities of Sydney and Melbourne, various volunteering opportunities awaits outdoor travel enthusiasts in this country.

Find programs at VolunteerWorld regarding environment, wildlife and sea life conservation or explore projects for community development as well.

Thailand

One of the most popular, aesthetic and economical places to travel and volunteer in SouthEast Asia is Thailand. Famous for its cheap eats and exotic tropical beaches, ancient temples, palaces and ruins, this country open opportunities to a wide variety of activities.

Volunteer abroad in Thailand to help the victims of human trafficking, rescue elephants to wildlife sanctuaries or work in projects regarding child development, nursing and medical.

Peru

Peru is renown for the citadel of Machu Picchu, one of the 7 wonders of the world. Home to a large indigenous population who suffered from centuries long oppression, Peru is now building up by a number of social reform volunteer programs.

Opportunities awaits in the Land of Incas for people willing to work for community development, education and health care in underserved rural communities.

If you have the resilient adventurous spirit to hike up the Andes Mountain or surf  beaches or volunteer in the Amazon for environmental conservation then the variety alone makes Peru the best place to volunteer abroad.

These are just 5 countries out of 195 countries of the world with people, animals and nature struggling to set its course straight, but no worries, as Shams of Tabriz sums it beautifully, East, west, south, or north makes little difference. No matter what your destination, just be sure to make every journey a journey within. If you travel within, you’ll travel the whole wide world and beyond.

Explore VoluteerWorld.com and find the best package of exotic tourism and exciting volunteer package that matches your dream and passion for This year now.

Kids and sightseeing: How to make it a match

As any parent will testify, as soon as little people come along into our lives those relaxing sightseeing trips tend to come to an end. Or, if you do take the plunge and opt to go one, it would be fair to say that they are drama-filled – and the enjoyment-factor can be stripped away.

Unfortunately, like it or not, a lot of sightseeing attractions just aren’t going to tickle children’s fancy’s. However, in a bid to at least see a few during parenthood, we have penned the following guide which shows some of the best tips to adopt during your trips.

Choose strategically

Whether you are staying in Blackpool or Bournemouth, you will always have a wealth of different attractions in the vicinity. Of course, some of these attractions are more child-friendly than others.

As we have already alluded to, children in general don’t like sightseeing. There are some attractions which are more appropriate for them than others though. For example, an art gallery and a sculpture park might both be focussed upon art, but the latter at least allows children to roam around and enjoy themselves in the Great Outdoors. It’s a little more versatile so to speak, and that’s what you need to look out for as you choose your sightseeing attraction.

Timing is key

As well as choosing what to visit, choosing when to visit is just as important. There are a couple of ways of looking at this. The first relates to the best time for your child. If they are still having afternoon naps (or morning naps, if they are that way inclined), then it stands to reason that these are the periods where you most definitely don’t want to visit.

At the same time, rush hour is a definite no-go area as well. The reasons for this should be clear for all to see; there are less options at peak times, while most kids tend to be at their worst in crowded places.

We should also add a point about the Monday-factor. This is the day where a lot of museums around the world happen to be closed, and the last thing you want to be doing is planning your day around this only to be hit by a giant closed sign.

Travel at their pace

Even though a lot of sightseeing attractions might not be solely targeting children, they will find many elements of them interesting. This is something that you need to take full advantage of. If they are seemingly intrigued by a section of the museum or your destination of choice, travel at their pace and let them enjoy it. Don’t drag them around looking at the things that are only of interest to you; it’s only going to spell disaster for the day.

The flexibility factor

Finally, don’t be afraid of being flexible. In other words, if you spot a cafe halfway around the attraction, take advantage and give everyone a break. At the same time, don’t expect to stick to a rigid itinerary. You can have the best intentions in the world when it comes to these attractions, but with kids alongside you things might not always go to plan and you may have to adapt.

How do you know if you need new tires on your car?

  1. Everyone knows that car tires need to be replaced at some point. If you do not replace the tires on your vehicle when necessary, you will find that your car does not handle as it should. You could also be putting yourself, and any passengers you may have, in danger. The problem is that not everyone knows how to tell if the tires on their car need to be replaced.
  2. The big brand models, such as Goodyear tyres, are hard wearing, but you still need to buy new ones at some point, so when should you do this?

Examining the tread on tires

It’s important to examine the tread on your car’s tires on a regular basis; once a month, or more often if possible. If the tread is less than 1.6mm in depth, then you need to buy a new tyre. If the tread is less than 1.5 mm in depth, it’s not legal to drive the car until the tyre is replaced. Not only is it illegal to drive a vehicle with severely worn tires, it’s also very dangerous. The tread helps to keep your car on the road. Once it wears away, you lose that ability to grip the road and you do not have the same level of control over the vehicle.

Checking the sidewalls of tyres

The sidewall of a tire is prone to damage; after all it can take a lot of punishment. There should not be any significant damage to the sidewall, such as bulges, cuts or cracks. If any of these are present, the tire has to be replaced. You may be able to see this type of damage, if it’s obvious. However, there could be damage to the sidewall that is not immediately recognizable but which could be dangerous. If you hit an object hard, such as when you reverse into a curb, there could be internal damage to the tire. For your own peace of mind, it often pays to have the tires on your car checked by a professional, if you have any doubts.

Protecting your tires

If you spot any of the signs we have discussed, it’s time to get the tires on your car replaced. You can make sure that this happens as infrequently as possible be taking certain steps:

  • Keep tire pressures at the recommended level.
  • Drive at or under the speed limit.
  • Keep braking to a minimum; only do so when necessary.
  • Make sure that the wheels of your vehicle are correctly aligned and balanced.

All of these measures can help you preserve the condition of car tires for as long as possible. Make sure that you keep a careful check on the tires, so that you can see when their condition is deteriorating and when they need to be replaced. Doing so helps you to continue to drive safely and legally.