How to Take Valerian Root for Health

How to Take Valerian Root for Health



Valerian root (Valeriana officinalis) is a flowering plant native to Europe and parts of Asia that also has been introduced to North America. It is also known as garden valerian and all-heal. The following steps will help you decide whether or not to take this herbal supplement.









1


Read about the history of valerian as a medicine. It was used by the ancient Greeks and Romans as a sedative and was described by Galen and Hippocrates. It also has been used as an anti-convulsant and pain reliever.





2


Examine valerian's use as a treatment for anxiety, insomnia and a muscle relaxant. It is sold as a dietary supplement and not subject to regulation by the Food and Drug Administration.





3


Look at the scientific studies that have been conducted on valerian. The results strongly support valerian's effect as a sedative (most often through the reduction of sleep latency), although the mechanism of action is not understood and the FDA does not classify it as a medication.





4


Study the side effects of valerian root. Valerian is considered safe and side effects are rare. Valerian should not be taken in combination with other sedatives. Valerian can be considered a good herbal choice for treating mild insomnia.





5


Take no more than the recommended dosage of valerian. The most common dosages range from 300 to 600 mg to be taken within two hours of bedtime. A tea can also be made with 2 to 3 grams of dried valerian root.


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How to Take Suma for Health

How to Take Suma for Health



Suma (Pffafia paniculata) is a long, shrub-like ground vine native to the Amazon basin. It is also known as "para todo," meaning "for everything," reflecting its use in traditional South American medicine as a general cure-all. The following steps will help you decide whether or not to take this herbal supplement.


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How to Take St. John's Wort for Health

How to Take St. John's Wort for Health



St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) is also known as Tipton's weed, Klamath weed and goat weed. It is a shrub with clusters of yellow flower. It is native to Europe but has been introduced to North America. The following steps will help you decide whether or not to take this herbal supplement.









1


Read about the historical uses of St. John's wort. It was used medicinally in ancient Greece primarily to treat nervous conditions, wounds and burns. More recently, it has been used to treat depression and is one of the most commonly used herbs in the United States.





2


Look at the results of modern scientific testing. Studies have shown St. John's wort to be effective for treating mild to moderate depression, but many of these have been strongly criticized. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not allow claims to be made about its safety and effectiveness.





3


Study the FDA's public health advisory against using St. John's wort with any drug using the cytochrome P450 pathway. This includes certain cancer treatments, immuno-suppressive drugs and oral contraceptives. A health care professional should always be consulted before using St. John's wort.





4


Consider the side effects of St. John's wort. They are generally mild in common dosages and include dizziness, dry mouth, rashes and stomach upset. In rare cases, it can make the skin more sensitive to light.





5


Take no more than the recommended dosage. Capsules are usually standardized to 0.3 percent hypericin extract and given in 300 to 500 mg amounts three times per day.


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How to Take Schisandra for Health

How to Take Schisandra for Health



Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis) is a woody vine with clusters of small red berries that are used medicinally. It is native to northeastern China, Russia and Korea. The following steps will help you decide whether or not to take this herbal supplement.









1


Read about the traditional uses of schisandra. It is considered important in traditional Chinese medicine and has been used for at least 2,000 years to treat many ailments, most often coughs, fatigue, insomnia, night sweats and thirst. It is thought to be most effective for treating irritable bowel syndrome when given as a combination of other extracts.





2


Look at the results of modern scientific testing. The active constituents are lignans and these have been studied for their liver-protecting effects, but human studies have been insufficient to evaluate effectiveness.





3


Study the side effects of schisandra. These are rare and generally mild in common dosages but may include decreased appetite, stomach upset and skin rash.





4


Take no more than the recommended dosage. Schisandra is not readily available in capsule form but common dosages range from 1.5 to 15 grams per day of the dried berries. Two to four ml of the tincture three times per day may also be used.





5


Consult with your physician or pharmacist for possible drug interaction if you are taking acetaminophen. Schisandra should not be taken if you are pregnant.


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How to Take Herbs for Medicine and Food Safely

How to Take Herbs for Medicine and Food Safely



Herbal medicine is a great thing, especially when it comes to treating chronic illnesses and enhancing your overall state of health. But if you aren't careful, it can be dangerous. A lot of people think that just because something is natural, that means it will be safe. And yes, there are a lot of herbs that are gentle, such as chamomile and oatstraw (and plenty of others). But, not every herb out there can be used every day. In fact, some herbs such as poke root are so potent, they should only be used under the supervision of a qualified professional. When used improperly, these herbs can cause serious complications and side effects.



There are several things you need to learn about in order to use herbs responsibly. What follows are the steps needed to help you use herbs safely.







Things You'll Need:





A really good book about herbal medicine such as A Modern Herbal by Maude Grieves or your herbal book of choice. I actually have several of these that I consult when learning about a new plant.




A field guide of herbal and medicinal plants




Samples of the herbs you want to use









1


Do some research. If you have a particular condition you want to treat, read about the condition and the common herbs that are used. If you are just interested in the herbs themselves, read as much as you can about them. This includes the potential side effects.





2


If you are interested in learning how to identify the plants that you want to use and harvest your own, you will need a really good field guide and/or the advice of a knowledgeable professional to help you. You don't want to make the wrong choices just in case you end up mistaking your herb for something poisonous.





3


Once you consider which herbs you want to experiment with, do some further research as to the right way to take it. The common way to ingest herbs is through a pill. However, that may not be the optimal way. This varies from herb to herb.





4


Once you figure out which herb to test and whether or not it's for you, prepare it as instructed in your books. If you need to apply it topically, do a patch test first to make sure you aren't allergic. If you need to take it as a tea, take a few sips and see how you feel. It is important to test the plants in small amounts to gauge your body's reaction.





5


If you confirm that you aren't allergic and that you haven't experienced any side effects, you can take the herb as directed in your research. You will also want to consult with a qualified professional or a doctor.








Tips & Warnings










Choose herbal medicine books that have illustrations. This will help you learn how to identify the plants.








There are some herbal books that are considered classics, such as Back to Eden. However, some of these books are rather old. They are valuable resources, but they shouldn't be your only ones. Choose modern books as well.








Make sure you consult with a physician, especially if you have a chronic condition.



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How to Pick Earrings for Your Face

How to Pick Earrings for Your Face





Earrings


can transform an outfit and give onlookers valuable personality clues. For example, bright, fun pieces bring out a playful persona and dress up dark colors while smaller, classic pieces accent conservative behavior and highlight brighter hues. Choosing the right earrings for your face will help define your features and put the best "you" forward.







Things You'll Need:





Mirror



Four sets of earrings, varying lengths









Step
1



Determine the shape of your face. Choose among oval (same size at jaw and hairline), rectangular (long and thin), round (circular with wide cheeks), square (strong jaw and hairline), heart (wide top narrowing toward chin) or triangular (strong jaw and narrow hairline).




Step
2



Based on the shape, assess the length of your face.




Step
3



Stand or sit in front of a mirror.




Step
4



Choose four pairs of earrings, varying in length.




Step
5



Experiment. Starting with the smallest set, put each pair in your earlobes and examine them in relation to the shape and size of your face. As a general rule, small hoops and studs look best with shorter, rounder faces (oval, round and heart) while chandelier and multi-layered earrings look best with longer faces (rectangular, square and triangular).







Tips & Warnings









Dare to be different. If you have a small face but like the look and feel of large earrings, wear them with pride.








Bulky, thick earrings can overwhelm small and large features. Be cautious when choosing such pieces.



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How to Pick Earrings for Spring

How to Pick Earrings for Spring



Transition from winter into spring with fashionable earrings in soft colors of violet, pink, green and blue. The light colors add a touch of shimmer to any spring wardrobe. With spring comes lower necklines and lighter clothing textures. Complement these fashions with hoops, dangles and threaders.







Things You'll Need:





Head pins



Wires



Beads



Spacers



Round-nose pliers







Consider the Options for Spring




Step
1



Pick earrings for spring that are made from materials that are sturdy enough to withstand a more active lifestyle. A base metal of sterling silver or gold should be good for any activity.




Step
2



Choose colors that complement your spring wardrobe. Earrings are available in traditional soft spring colors such as blue, pink, green and yellow.




Step
3



Stay current with the latest trend in spring fashion colors and pick up a pair of earrings to match. These trends change from year to year.




Step
4



Wear small hoop earrings or light-colored gemstone studs for daytime activities. Stay in fashion while participating in your favorite sport or activity. Additionally, small hoops and studs are office-appropriate, making them day-to-night versatile.




Step
5



Celebrate the nights in spring when you pick earrings that dangle and shimmer. Glass beads, crystal and cubic zirconia give a dimension of glamour in a variety of colors.




Step
6



Buy chandelier earrings for stepping out in style at any spring event. Chandelier designs are available in low-cost sterling silver and glass beads to high-end diamond and precious stone adornments.




Step
7



Get a springtime look when you match your earrings to the color of your eyes. Matching your eyes and skin tone should be considered as important as matching your outfit.


Design Drop Earrings




Step
1



Determine the color of earrings to create.




Step
2



Purchase the head pins, wires and beads in your choice of colors and sizes.




Step
3



Choose head pins in the length of earring you desire. Head pins are flat on the bottom, which keeps the drops securely in place.




Step
4



Alternate colored beads and spacer beads in different sizes to make your earrings unique.




Step
5



Bend the head pin with a pair of round-nose pliers to complete a loop to attach the wires. Wires are made in many colors, including brass, steel, silver-plated and gold-filled.







Tips & Warnings









Pick a size and design of earring that complements the shape of your face. For instance, just about any shape of earring works well with an oval face, while round faces may need longer earrings to slim down the shape.








The shape of the ear and the hairstyle will affect the choice of earring.








Avoid earrings with nickel-based alloys if you're allergic to nickel. Hypoallergenic earrings made of titanium are an alternate choice.



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How to Pick Denim Jeans for Women's Fashion

How to Pick Denim Jeans for Women's Fashion



Picking a pair denim jeans can be intimidating for any woman. Today's jean fashions have so many choices! Here is how to narrow down the search and pick the right jeans for your body type.







Things You'll Need:





A full-length mirror



A dressing room









Step
1



Look for jeans with a flared leg if you are hippy or heavy on top. This balances out the look and draws the eye away from your problem areas.




Step
2



Find jeans with a little stretch in the fabric if you are curvy. The stretch hugs your curves and shows them off.




Step
3



Hide big bottoms with pockets that are positioned up high. Also, look for jeans that have few embellishments on the tush. These draw attention you don't want!




Step
4



Cover a tummy roll with high-waisted jeans. These should rest just above your navel and have an extra wide waistband.




Step
5



Conceal an overall plump body with dark-wash jeans that have very few embellishments.




Step
6



Widen narrow hips by choosing low-ride jeans that sit right on your hip line.







Tips & Warnings









Dark-wash jeans make every women look longer and leaner.








Avoid faded washes that land right on your trouble spots.








Make sure the waistband of the jeans isn't too tight. One way to tell is to look in the mirror. Do you have a muffin top rolling over the jeans? If so, put them back and get a size larger.



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How to Pick Colors to Wear in Fashion for Older Women

How to Pick Colors to Wear in Fashion for Older Women



Older women often make the mistake of getting stuck in a wardrobe rut. The assumption that what worked ten years ago still looks great today is untrue. As we get older hair and skin tone changes subtly. Clothing is a reflection of who we are, and as you become older and wiser, your wardrobe needs to reflect who you are right now. Color is an excellent way to achieve this.









Step
1



Change your assumptions. Try to go into a store you don't usually shop at and see the clothing on the rack with new eyes. Look for colors that you love in a new shade to spice things up or try a completely different hue in a few different shades. Try on a few new things that you've never tried before, but don't buy them yet. The goal is to get out of your comfort zone and get the wheels turning.




Step
2



Try something new. If you have dark hair and eyes but are fair, choose a deep garnet, navy blue or a rich pink. If you are blonde or silver-haired with fair skin, try the latest shades of the season in pale pinks, ivory and especially
lavender
and periwinkle hues to make your face sparkle. If you have a darker complexion, choose rich earth tones, poppy reds, deep royal blue or even a bright turquoise to revitalize your look.




Step
3



Consider your current wardrobe. Now might be the time to update wardrobe essentials in more modern cuts and styles. Basic blacks, whites and neutrals are still your friend but as time marches on, subtle differences in cut and even the shade or white or black used by designers can make your wardrobe look dated compared to today's looks. Choose basics with lots of structure to flatter your figure and pick textures that are soft and feminine.




Step
4



Pick your best facial feature and choose colors to compliment that feature. For example, if you have hazel eyes, hold up different colored shirts to you chest and look in the mirror. Some colors will make your eyes pop and attract notice, while others will make them appear a little bit flatter and more washed out. Try this exercise if you're shy about trying new colors to help you pick the right shades. If a color makes your face look gray, flat, washed out or sallow-- skip it.




Step
5



Start small. Work a few new colored accessories into your wardrobe before you commit. Try a new bracelet, bag, or new shoes in current colors and see how you like them. When you find a few colors you really like, buy a new top in that color. Avoid brights and harsh colors, as well as washed out pastels and neutrals.




Step
6



Break the rules. Skip seasonal color rules, and also nix the idea of what colors look best on you. Every woman looks good in every color of the rainbow. It's just a matter of which shade of each color compliments you the most. The more shades you try on, the more colors you'll find that make you look fabulous.


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How to Pick Clothes for Having Picture Taken

How to Pick Clothes for Having Picture Taken



Choosing the right clothes for having a picture taken is the essential element to a great portrait. Clothes should blend the subjects together and not make any one person stand out. For a single subject portrait, the clothes should enhance the person, not be too bold, and should look good in the surroundings where the picture will be displayed.









Step
1



Decide if the portrait will be formal or casual. Everyone in the picture should have the same style.




Step
2



Determine if you want everyone to wear the same colors on top and bottom. This is a great look for light background where everyone really needs to blend well.




Step
3



Choose a central color. If the color is pink, then everyone should have a splash of pink, maroon or burgundy in their outfit. This pulls the subjects together without being overpowering.




Step
4



Wear white or light colored clothing for light backgrounds and darker colors for dark backgrounds. Subdue colors whenever possible. The focus should be on the person, not the color of their outfit.




Step
5



Avoid short sleeves tops or shorts. Short sleeves and shorts cut people off and can make them look heavier.




Step
6



Wear natural-looking makeup. All subjects in the picture should wear the same neutral color pallet. Blend all makeup well.




Step
7



Keep hair moderate and off the face. Remember, this portrait will be with you forever, and you want a hairstyle that is natural and not something you'll regret later.







Tips & Warnings









People with eyeglasses generally look more like themselves with their eyeglasses on. However, there's no guarantee there won't be any glare. Talk to your photographer first about what they can do to eliminate glare from glasses before you decided whether or not wear them.



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How to Pick Capris for Spring

How to Pick Capris for Spring




Capri
pants


were introduced in the 1950s in Italy and became a part of the American fashion world in the 1960s. The popularity of capris exploded in the 2000s, making cropped pants a favorite wardrobe piece for many women--and men. Capris are a great all-around wardrobe item to wear from spring through early fall. Capri pants are designed for comfort, and they are easily dressed up or down for any occasion.







Things You'll Need:





Pants to shorten



Sewing machine









Step
1



Pick capris that are the right length for your height. Between mid-calf and just above the ankle is the best length. If they are too short, it will look like you're wearing clamdiggers.




Step
2



Look for capris with the best fit for your figure. The cut should be close to the body and straight-legged or slightly flared. If you are extremely thin, wide-legged capris may be a good choice.




Step
3



Pick capris in vertical stripes to give the appearance of slimmer hip lines. Big, bold prints may make your hips look bigger.




Step
4



Wear capris with the right style of shoes. Flats, flip-flops or low heels are best.




Step
5



Dress for the office in casual attire with a career-look capri. Fabrics such as silk, linen or stretch cotton can be paired with a shell or sweater set for a comfortable, casual outfit.




Step
6



Look for capri pants in the latest spring colors. Fabrics will vary from denim to brushed cotton to linen and silk. Dress for indoors or outside with the versatility of capris in your closet.




Step
7



Pick your color and fabric of capris to wear with your existing wardrobe. If you have tees in white or any bright color, complementary solid color capris are an essential. Tanks and

sweaters


make great coordination essentials with capri pants.




Step
8



Take a pair of your favorite pants and make a pair of capris for spring. If you find that a pair of pants has shrunk too much to look good anymore, shorten them to just above the ankle. Moderate sewing skills are required.







Tips & Warnings









Suit blazers tend to make the capris look out of proportion. Wear a three-quarter-length sleeve, close-fitting jacket instead if a jacket is required.








Cuff a pair of jeans for a quick, no-cost pair of capris. There's no need to buy denim capris when you can transform an item that's already in your closet into the latest fashion.








Make sure your employee dress code allows for capris as office attire.



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How to Pick Black-Tie Formal Wear

How to Pick Black-Tie Formal Wear



If you aren't a movie star or celebrity, you probably don't have all that many occasions to get dressed up. Therefore, if you've been invited to a black-tie wedding or cocktail party, you may not be sure quite how to pick black-tie formal wear. But with a little planning and creativity, you can create your own red carpet look that just might steal the show!







Things You'll Need:





Computer with Internet Access



List of specialty dress shops



Gown



Short cocktail dress



Long full skirt and dressy top



Heels



Beaded clutch purse









1


Look online or in fashion magazines for ideas of what celebrities are wearing for black-tie affairs.




2


Identify a few different looks that really appeal to you.




3


Check your yellow pages or online for a listing of local specialty dress shops where you can find similar items. Remember that department stores, outlets and off-price stores often have dressy options.




4


Bring high heels with you when you shop, so you can get the full effect in the fitting room.




5


Try different shapes on to see what works best with your body type. If you are petite and slim, try a form-fitting dress. Or if you carry your weight in your bottom half, try a nice A-line cut to play up your narrow upper body and let the skirt skim over the rest.




6


Determine how comfortable you are with a strapless top, a mini skirt or a bare back.




7


Select items that play up your best assets. For instance, if you have great legs, go for a short dress. Or play up generous cleavage with a plunging neckline.




8


Consider two piece options, such as full skirts and dressy tops, as well as very wide leg satin or velvet pants, if these feel more comfortable for you than a traditional gown or cocktail dress.




9


Realize that in a sophisticated black gown or dress, no matter what others wear, you are sure to fit in.




10


Search out a gown or cocktail dress in an unusual color or one that features unique embellishments such as beading, fringe or embroidery if you prefer to stand out from the crowd instead of just blending in.




11


Think about the weather. If it will be cold, find a shrug or shawl that works well with your dress.




12


Incorporate accessories, such as a delicate necklace, dangling earrings or cuff or bangle bracelets, as well as a dressy beaded clutch, to finish off your presentation.








Tips & Warnings










Wear underwear that has no panty lines or skip the underwear entirely.








Bring a fitted slip with you to try on form-fitting styles.








Remember that if you find a designer brand and a style you like but can't find your size or the right color, you might be able to locate what you want online.








Steer away from very generic-looking styles and those featured at popular chain stores if you are worried about being dressed in the same outfit as some of the other guests.



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