Aloe Vera For Skin And Hair: How To Use It For Skin And Hair Woes

Aloe vera is extensively used in beauty products nowadays; thanks to its anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties and the ability to keep your skin and hair healthy

Aloe vera is extensively used in beauty products nowadays; thanks to its anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties and the ability to keep your skin and hair healthy. This humble cactus is known to grow anywhere and has strong survival instincts too. Known as ghritkumari, aloe vera is known to benefit skin and hair along with overall health and weight loss.

The miracle plant tends to hold a gooey gel, also extremely bitter, and known all over the world for its unbelievable healing properties. The gel is made up of around 96 percent water, some organic and inorganic compounds, and many more vitamins and minerals that tend to take care of both skin and hair. One of the most crucial elements found in aloe vera is a complex carbohydrate known as acemannan. It allows nutrients to reach the cells, nourish them and relieve them of any toxin. Let us tell you how aloe vera helps keep your skin and hair healthy.

Aloe Vera For Skin And Hair

Aloe Vera for skin

Aloe vera can help exfoliate, restore and provide constant nutrition to human skin. Its soothing and cooling properties help keep the skin glowing. Moreover, it is said to heal minor cuts, wounds, et al. It is rich in vitamin C, E and beta carotene that gives it its nourishing and anti-ageing properties. Aloe vera tends to treat the cells on the epithelial level of the skin, which is why it is mostly recommended by beauty experts. The best way to use aloe vera is to apply the gel topically or drink aloe vera juice early in the morning on an empty stomach. We suggest, you should apply the gel directly on the skin and avoid using commercially bought products that claim to contain aloe vera gel.

Here's how you can use aloe vera gel for skin

1. Take some aloe vera gel, add a pinch of turmeric, a teaspoon of honey, a teaspoon of milk, and a few drops of rose water. Blend the mix until you get a paste. Apply it and leave it for about 20 minutes before washing it off with water. This is best for people with dry skin.
2. To reduce acne, take some aloe vera gel, blended walnuts with a flour like consistency and honey. Aloe vera's healing properties doubled with the anti-oxidants from honey will leave you with smooth and clear skin.
3. Take some aloe vera gel, cucumber juice, yogurt and rose oil and blend them into a paste. Apply and leave for around 20 minutes, then rinse it off with water. This one's for a sensitive skin.
4. To make a scrub, take half a cup of aloe vera gel, a cup of sugar and about two tablespoons of lemon juice. The sugar will help exfoliate and scrub off dead skin, the aloe vera will deep clean the skin and the lemon will help reduce the scars and tan. Mix the ingredients well and use it to scrub both face and body.

Aloe vera for hair

Aloe vera contains proteolytic enzymes that repair dead skin cells on the scalp. Moreover, it acts as a conditioner that leaves your hair all smooth and shiny. It promotes hair growth, prevents itching on the scalp, reduces dandruff, and conditions your hair. Aloe vera tends to have a chemical that's almost similar to that of keratin that helps rejuvenate hair, further preventing breakage.

How to use aloe vera for hair

Mix equal quantity of aloe vera gel and extra virgin coconut oil. Apply and leave it overnight and wash it off in the morning. This will give you smooth, strong and bouncy hair.

The Alkaline Diet Info Every Cancer Patient Needs To Read Immediately

Proper nutrition is at the heart of living a healthy life. When someone is diagnosed with a life-changing or life-threatening condition, they instinctively know that they need to make changes to their diet.

There are increasing amounts of studies that have found direct links between highly processed and high-sugar foods and conditions like diabetes and arthritis. Cancer survivors are no exception to this rule.

How Does An Alkaline Diet Fight Cancer?

An alkaline diet consists of reducing daily intake of acidic food while increasing intake of alkaline foods.

Some people even suggest cutting out acidic foods entirely. The theory is that since cancer cells tend to die in alkaline environments (1), eating alkaline foods will make your body an unfriendly place for cancer to grow and spread.

Many acidic foods are also pro-inflammatory and inflammation is believed to be one of the underlying causes of cancer (2).

The Battle Against Inflammation

In a healthy individual, an inflammatory process starts when chemicals are released by the damaged tissue. In response, white blood cells make substances that cause cells to divide and grow to rebuild tissue to help repair the injury. Once the wound is healed, the inflammatory process ends.

In chronic inflammation, the inflammatory process may begin even if there is no injury, and it does not end when it should. Why the inflammation continues is not always known.

Chronic inflammation may be caused by infections that don’t go away, abnormal immune reactions to normal tissues, or conditions such as obesity. Over time, chronic inflammation can cause DNA damage and lead to cancer. (source)

7 Steps Towards An Alkaline Diet

The western diet is so full of acidic foods that it can be a hard to know where to start. Here are 7 steps that will simplify the whole process:

1. Eat Your Greens

An acidic diet makes intracellular pH more acidic, a condition called latent acidosis – which creates the perfect environment for cancer to flourish and grow.

An alkaline diet can re-balance your intracellular pH and fight the spread of the disease.

Calciferous vegetables like kale, broccoli and cabbage should make an appearance on your plate every day.

Some veggies are best eaten raw, so make sure to inform yourself about the best ways to prepare your meals.

While fruits contain incredible levels of vitamins and minerals, try to stick to 2-3 pieces a day to keep your acid levels low.

2. Swap Your Protein

Heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are chemicals formed when muscle meat, including beef, pork, fish, or poultry, is cooked using high-temperature methods, such as pan frying or grilling directly over an open flame (3).

In laboratory experiments, HCAs and PAHs have been found to be mutagenic—that is, they cause changes in DNA that may increase the risk of cancer.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) also warns that deli meats can increase your risk of colorectal cancer (4).

And so, it goes without saying that you should try to reduce your intake of meat and always select organic, free-range and appropriately fed meat. You can easily supplement your protein intake with beans, lentils, peas, nuts and seeds.

You should definitely give Meatless Mondays a go!

3. Cut Out Sugar

Cancer cells use more glucose (sugar) per unit of time than other cells (5, 6). Sugar metabolism creates acid, which also supports cancer progression.

High sugar diets also put a heavy strain on your pancreas to produce insulin. Insulin resistance, which is caused by a high-sugar diet, has been directly tied to cancer proliferation (7). In addition, high fructose corn syrup contains carcinogenic mercury (8).

It’s better for cancer patients to eliminate sugar in all its forms, even “natural” sugars like honey and agave, as well as white sugar and high fructose corn syrup. This also prevents magnesium deficiency, as the mineral is often depleted in the process of metabolizing excess sugars (9).

4. Eliminate gluten

Glutinous grains, like wheat, spelt and rye can cause inflammation. Especially wheat, which is full of pesticides, which are also pro-inflammatory.

Pastas, cereals, bread, muffins, cakes, crackers, cookies and other baked goods should also be excluded from an alkaline, cancer-suppression diet.

And while processed gluten-free foods may be more convenient, they often contain huge amounts of added sugars and unhealthy oils that cancel out their health benefits.

Instead, swap out these grains for organic rice, buckwheat, quinoa, teff, millet and amaranth. (source)

5. Stop Eating Dairy

Prof. T. Colin Campbell, PhD, Cornell University has stated that cow dairy is one of the most cancer promoting foods (10).

Casein protein, which is often found in the powdered milk added to yogurt and cheese, causes inflammation, bone deterioration and feeds cancer in a way similar to sugar.

Swap out milk for homemade almond milk or heart-healthy coconut milk and make your own cashew cheese.

6. Switch To Heart-Healthy Oils

Ditch processed corn, soya, safflower and sunflower oils as well as hydrogenated oil and margarine.

Fat is essential for neurons to communicate with each other. They act as a bridge by which an electrical impulse can travel within your nervous system. This kind of communication is essential for daily survival.

Unfortunately, fats that are hydrogenated cannot preform this essential task. Instead, once absorbed by your cells they compromise the cell’s ability to function. These inefficient cells then act as broken sections of the bridge and create electrical dead spots in your body. Thus, important messages within your body are received late or not at all (11).

This contribute to the development of cancer, a condition in which cells that no longer respond to intracellular messaging and proliferate without purpose, impacting other cells.

Switch these oils for cold-pressed, organic and extra-virgin olive oil, coconut oil and avocado, which are naturally anti-inflammatory and help conduct proper electrical messaging within your nervous system.

Coconut oil is particularly good for cancer patients with a suppressed immune system.

7. Change Your Drinking Habits

Instead of reaching for a can of soda or a bottle of beer, try a tall glass of water.

Store-bought juice should also be avoided, since it often contains high levels of refined sugar, food coloring and preservatives.

If you want more diversity in your drinks, try making your own vegetable juice and green or herbal tea. If you really enjoy coffee, stick to a cup or less of this highly acidic drink or replace them with energizing detox shots.

You can also make your own alkaline water here.

Bottom Line
You may find it hard at first to make the change, but it’ll become habit after a few weeks.

If you’re someone who enjoys going out to eat, it’s best to stay away from most popular restaurant, as there can be a lot of temptation to revert back to your old diet.

Instead, stick to organic vegan or vegetarian restaurants as they’ll likely have gluten and dairy-free food. These restaurants also know how to pile on the veggies and will respond better to your alkaline needs.

Stop Throwing Away Avocado Seeds: 5 Reason why you should eat avocado seeds

Stop Throwing Away Avocado Seeds: They’re Potent Cancer Fighters!

avocado-seeds-benefits Avocados are rich in nutrients. But many people are not aware that avocado seeds are also an integral part of this superfood. As the old saying goes, “waste not, want not.”

Is It Safe To Eat Avocado Seeds?

Unlike the pits of other fruits, avocado seeds do not contain cyanide. Instead, avocado seeds contain tannins, the same naturally occurring polyphenol found in red wine and green tea. While tannins are mildly toxic; however, you would have to consume a ridiculously huge amount before you’d notice any negative side effects.

In a 2013 study published in the Scientific World Journal, researchers concluded that avocado seed extract at doses below 250mg/kg was safe and it did not show any toxicity.

All The Nutrients Are In The Avocado Seeds

According to this study, “the seed holds 70 percent of the avocado’s antioxidants, including the well-respected polyphenols associated with green tea.” It’s also packed with soluble fiber and healthy oils.

The flesh of the avocado has been immensely studied, especially by the cardiovascular health community, and found to produce positive effects against blood lipids.

It contains potassium which assist in the promotion of normalized blood pressure. Avocado flesh also provides lutein that controls both oxidative and inflammatory stress.

1. Fights Cancer

Phenols are naturally occurring chemical compounds found in numerous plants, including the avocado and its seed.

These amazing seeds actually contain four classes of polyphenolic which include proanthocyanidins flavonoids, flavanol glycosides, flavanol monomers, and hydroxycinnamic acids.

Scientists have also found the existence of procyanidin A trimers, 3-O-caffeoylquinic acid, and 3-O-p-coumaroylquinic acid. These are anticarcinogenic and provide antioxidative properties which are also effective against many liver disorders.

Avocado seeds demonstrated the ability to treat acute myeloid leukemia in laboratory testing.

2. Cardiovascular

Avocado seed extract have been found to be beneficial for cardiovascular patients.

In clinical trials the extract incited a noticeable vasorelaxation response in aorta vessel walls. This means that those properties relaxed those vessels.

The seed extract reduced LDL cholesterol, or bad cholesterol, but no increase of triglycerides or reduction of HDL cholesterol, or good cholesterol, levels were seen.

3. Digestion

It has been known for many years that fiber has an extremely positive impact on the digestive tract as well as on the prevention of cancer.

The fruit of the avocado has about 4.6 grams of dietary fiber. The daily recommended intake is 6 to 8 grams of soluble fiber.

The Malhotra College documented wound healing, analgesic, and antiulcer effects of avocado seed extract.

Consuming the extract help speed up wound healing. It demonstrated significant effects of preventing the development of stomach ulcer.

4. Immunity Booster

The same antioxidative polyphenols that were previously mentioned also boost the immune system and incite anti-inflammatory actions.

The effectual anti-inflammatory actions are beneficial in treating many forms of arthritis. Avocado seed extract also possesses powerful antibiotic; anti-microbial; antifungal; and antiviral properties which lend to its immune system boosting effects.

5. Wrinkles

Oxidative stress can cause skin to age aggressively and the antioxidants found in avocado seed extract is effective in inhibiting the formation of wrinkles.

These antioxidative polyphenols have demonstrated the ability to significantly reduce UV induced skin inflammation and induce apoptosis in tumor cells effectively preventing UV related cancer.

The oils within avocado seeds measurably increase collagen formation. Even greater collagen enhance was found from consuming the fruit itself.

How To Eat an Avocado Seed

Eating an avocado seed is a rather simple process.

Remove the seed from the fruit and place in a plastic zip-lock bag. Use a blunt object such as a hammer to pulverize the pit. The pulp may be added to healthy fruit and/or vegetable smoothie recipes.

You can also cut it into quarters using a knife and pop it in the blender so it becomes a powder before adding it to your smoothie.

The taste is supposed to be quite strong so mixing with strong flavours like frozen berries, kale, spinach or pineapple is a good idea. (1)

Simple Avocado Seed Smoothie

Ingredients:

• 1/2 of an avocado seed
• 1/2 of an avocado
• 1 cup of coconut milk
• 1 pear; ripened, cored, and chopped
• 1/2 of an apple; ripened, cored, and chopped
• 1 cup of fresh, organic, raw spinach

Instructions:
Simply blend all of the ingredients in a high powered blender. Add a couple of ice cubes or chunks of frozen fruit such as mango, melon mix, or berry melody and enjoy.

Simple Healing Digestive Juice For Bloating, Indigestion And Fast Detox

Have you ever had a “food baby?”

If you’ve ever experienced this, then you know how uncomfortable it gets.

It happens, especially around the holidays. Just think about your last Thanksgiving dinner!

Whenever you’re feeling bloated and feel the need to calming your digestive tract and kickstart a quick detox, make the following purple cabbage juice. It will do wonders for your body.Your jeans start to feel tighter, you have excess gas and the constant rumbling around in your stomach.

How To Make Purple Cabbage Juice
Ingredients:

2 cups of purple cabbage

3 ribs of celery

½ small lemon with the rind (the white part inside the lemon)

½ green apple (it’s for taste)

Instructions:
Wash and chop ingredients and then process them with a juice (alternative: Use a blender and then strain the liquid to drink).

Health Benefits of Purple Cabbage Juice

Purple cabbage: The high potassium in this veggie helps balance your body’s fluids. It’s also high in vitamin C and antioxidants, which protect your cells from toxins.

Celery: This vegetable has been shown to prevent inflammatory reactions in the digestive tract and blood vessels.

Lemon: The lemons help jumpstart your digestive tract, similar to when you drink warm lemon water in the morning.

Prevent Broken Bones With The Help Of These 8 Things!

It’s very important to pay attention to the health of the bones. As we age, our bones face different problems. Many people experience changes faster than other people. Osteoporosis is one condition which commonly appears in people. It is characterized by decreased bone mass and brittle bones. It can be seen in men and in women.

While we’re in the teen years, the bones aren’t lengthened, but what happens is that the bone mass increases. This is a period when weakened and damaged body tissues are expelled from the body. New tissues replace them. The bones become denser and stronger. This is actually a mechanism for bone rebuilding that weakens, so the bone mass is gradually lost.

The bone mass can be improved with different strategies: use a diet and supplements to rebuild your bone tissue, decrease the stimuli found to kick the processes which absorb bones in the body and try to build more bones when you’re younger. Think of it like you’re saving some bones for the period when you retire. Even some small parts will affect the end balance.

Your diet and lifestyle can help you strengthen your bones naturally. The quality of your whole life will be improved, too.

CALCIUM

Many people are wrong thinking that this is the main thing we need in order to build bones. Other people think that dairy products are the ones we need to consume in order to supply our body with calcium. But, what if that’s wrong?

Calcium in our body declines with age. This is a mineral needed for many other processes like blood clotting and neural transmission. Our body regulates the supply of calcium inside our bloodstream. If it decreases much, our organism steals it from our bones.

We should take about 1.000 mg of calcium every day, but everyone should consult their doctor. The best form of calcium that can be absorbed really easily is calcium citrate.

VITAMIN D

Researches claim that vitamin D has an amazing role for healthy bones. Our digestive tract is improved and the inflammation is decreased. This is a vitamin which helps our body regulate any process when calcium becomes eliminated through our kidneys.

Try to be exposed to the midday sun about 20 minutes several times a week. Take D3 oral supplements. Ask for a blood test by your doctor to show you the levels of vitamin D in your blood serum. Approximately, they should range from 50 to 65 ng/mL or 125 and 165 nmol/L.

VITAMIN K2

Vitamin K2 should be taken along with vitamin D3 so that the bloodstream could regulate the calcium. In this way, the calcium deposits are formed in the bones and not in the soft tissues or skin. Some of the best vegetable sources of vitamin K include spinach, soy beans, cauliflower and cabbage. Intake about 100 mcg of vitamin K2. If you have to use blood thinners at the same time, consult your doctor.

VITAMINS C AND A

Both of them are actually the antioxidant vitamins that improve the health of our bones. The absorption of calcium is tied to the usage of vitamin C. They’ll treat any inflammation. Vitamin C should be taken from 500 to 1000 mg every day. Include natural sources, too: broccoli, tomatoes, cauliflower, citrus fruits, cantaloupe, asparagus and bell peppers. Take from 2,500 to 5,000 IU of vitamin A. You should also include different natural sources like: sweet potatoes, leafy greens, cantaloupe, spinach and carrots.

B VITAMINS

Methionine is an amino acid found in the meat protein. It is broken down in the body to create a substance called homocysteine which acts on the creation of collagen. Collagen is actually the primary protein found in our bones and joints, but also the skin. We need vitamins of the group B: B6, riboflavin and B12 so that the homocysteine becomes metabolized in order not to affect the bone tissue. These are vitamins we can find in many vegetables as well as many animal sources: salmon, beef, eggs and dairy. Take from 100 to 500 mcg of vitamin B12 every day.

EXERCISE

It’s really important to exercise since it helps you build muscle mass and decrease bone loss. Studies claim that exercise can help us with building bones no matter what age we’re in. There should be a weightbearing activity that our bone health will consider effective. Avoid swimming or biking. What you can do is jumping, walking or dancing. Your bone health can also appreciate a 5 minute walk. The bones have to be stressed, but your own weight has to be carried by you.

You can build stronger muscles with the help of resistant training. You should have about 70% of the complete load. We’ll achieve stronger bones with the help of stronger muscles. Stress also has an impact over our bones. Use some exercises or meditate in order to decrease cortisol levels and protect the bones. In case your levels of cortisol are increased, the bone mass will suffer.

MAGNESIUM

Bone mineral density is affected positively by magnesium. The vitamin D in our organism also becomes regulated. These are some natural sources which include magnesium: whole grains, meats, broccoli, chocolate, nuts, dairy products and seeds.

OTHER MINERALS

The bones include a mixed structure of copper, zinc, fluoride, manganese, boron, strontium, potassium, phosphorus and silica. Using a balanced diet as well as multivitamin supplements will help your organism obtain them regularly.

How To Use Mustard Oil For Skin And Hair?

Most of you must have heard that mustard oil is a great cooking oil, which is used in most part of India. The reason for the widespread popularity of Kachi Ghani pure mustard oil is due to its unique pungent smell as well as immense health benefits. However, it may come as a surprise to you that mustard oil is also used to protect our skin and hair and keep them healthy. People have been using mustard oil since yore to moisturize the skin and make their hair lustrous and healthy. Mustard oil also helps in preventing premature greying of your hair.

In this article, we will share with you how mustard oil makes your skin and hair healthy and blemish free.

You can use mustard oil as a sunscreen lotion

Many people use mustard oil is a great sunscreen lotion. The reason being, mustard oil has a thick consistency and is very rich in vitamin E. Experts are of the opinion that vitamin E is very important for our skin. This vitamin not only blocks ultraviolet rays from reaching our skin but also prevents wrinkles on the skin (as it also acts as a great moisturizer). However, one point of caution, if you want to use mustard oil as a sunscreen lotion, then make sure that you rub it thoroughly on your skin so that no extra oil is there on the surface which may attract dust particle.

Mustard oil is great for removing dark spot on your skin

If you have dark spots or suntan, then you can use Kachi Ghani pure mustard oil to remove them in a natural manner. What you have to do is make a face pack with besan, curd, lemon juice, and mustard oil and apply it on the affected area and leave it there for half an hour and then wash it off. Use this process, at least thrice a week to see a visible change in the skin coloration. The best thing about this face pack is that all the ingredients you are using are totally natural and there is no chance of any side effect to your skin.

Improve your skin tone

There is a great misconception in the mind of people that regular massage of your skin with mustard oil will darken the skin color. Nothing is farthest from the truth. If you take mustard oil and coconut oil in equal parts, and regularly massage your skin with it, then you will see within a few weeks not only your skin looks healthy and well-toned but also a bit fairer. The reason behind this change, when you regularly massage your skin with the mixture of coconut and mustard oil, it improves the blood circulation as well as moisturizes the skin. The presence of vitamin E which is known to be highly beneficial to our skin and helps in preventing premature aging of the skin.

You can use it as lip balm

If you have chapped lips, then you can rub some mustard oil on it. As it is a vegetable oil with a thick consistency, it acts as a moisturizer at the same time it gives the protective covering to your chapped lips. Using it during the winter will help you to keep your lips from getting chapped.

Use mustard oil as a natural cleanser

When you massage your skin with mustard oil, then you activate the sweat glands, which in turn opens the skin pores to remove toxic elements from your sweat. This action cools down your skin and improves the blood circulation under your skin.

Mustard oil for your hair

Mustard oil has amazing antifungal and anti-bacterial properties. Therefore, when you mix this oil with either coconut or olive oil and apply it on your scalp, the mixture to not only strengthen the roots of the hair but also prevent the formation of dandruff. And as dandruff is known to be one of the biggest contributors to most of the problems related to your hair, an oil that prevents it is a great solution for your hair care. When you regularly massage your scalp with mustard oil, you improve the blood circulation, which in turn ensures that the root of the hair stays strong. This helps in preventing hair fall.

Different premature greying of your hair with mustard

Mustard oil is rich in vitamin E, which is known to be beneficial for our hairs. When you regularly massage your scalp with mustard oil, then it provides essential nutrients and vitamins to make them healthy and lustrous. Hair experts have recommended that if you are facing the problem of premature greying of your hair, then you should massage your scalp every night with warm mustard oil and then cover it with a cloth and let it stay for the whole night. Next morning washes your hair thoroughly and you will find that it has become soft and silky.

Helps in the growth of new hair

If you are looking for a natural solution for your hair growth, then you can try out the Kachi Ghani pure mustard oil. This vegetable oil has a high concentration of beta-carotene. This nutrient in mustard oil ensures that when you regularly massage your hair with the oil, it gets converted into vitamin A which is very good for your hair. Additionally, mustard oil also has other vitamins and minerals, which helps in the growth of your hair.

It helps in preventing rashes on the skin

The antifungal and anti-bacterial property of mustard oil makes it a great massage oil that helps you to control and eliminate skin rashes. As you know, most of the skin infection occurs due to bacterial or fungal infection and when you apply mustard oil over them, then it helps to prevent its spread and slowly cure it.

These are some of the benefits that you will get if you use mustard oil regularly in your diet as well as your skin and hair massage oil. However, one thing you should know that you have to select pure mustard oil to get all the benefit that you desire from this oil.

If You Have Receding or Unhealthy Gums, Here Are Proven Solutions

A smile is a great way to make a first impression, but what if you’re not very confident with your smile? One of the most common dental problems people are facing is a receding gum line.

What is a receding gum line? Gum recession is what happens when margin of the gum tissue that surrounds the teeth wears away, or pulls back, exposing more of the tooth, or the tooth’s root [1]. When this happens, a pocket of space is left between the gum and the tooth where disease-carrying bacteria may enter. If gum recession is left untreated the supporting tissue and bone structures of the tooth can be damaged, resulting in tooth loss.

What Can Cause A Receding Gum Line?

So how does this happen? Well, according to WebMD, a receding gum line can be a result of [1]:

Periodontal Diseases. These are bacterial gum infections that destroy the gum tissue and supporting bone that keep our teeth in place. Gum disease is the main cause of receding gums.

Genes. Studies show that 30% of the population is predisposed to gum disease, no matter how well you take care of your teeth, it’s just in your DNA.

Aggressive Tooth Brushing. Brushing your teeth roughly or incorrectly can cause the enamel on your teeth to wear and your gums to recede.

Insufficient Dental Care. If you rarely brush, floss, or clean your mouth in general, you leave yourself susceptible to plaque to build up and turn into tartar. Tartar builds on and between your teeth, causing gum recession and it can only be removed with a professional dental cleaning.

Hormonal Changes. Hormonal changes in a woman’s life like puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, can leave gums sensitive and vulnerable to recession.

Tobacco Products. People who use tobacco products regularly are more likely to have plaque on their teeth that is hard to remove and can cause gum recession.

Grinding/Clenching Teeth. Doing this puts too much force on your teeth and may cause your gums to recede.

So what do you do if you notice your gums are receding. Well, besides visiting a dentist, there are a few things you can do at home to improve your overall gum and mouth health.

What Can You Do About Your Receding Gums?

Gum recession is no laughing matter, and it can leave your smile looking worse for wear. Here are some tips you can use to boost your gum health and help get your gums back to where they belong.

Brush Your Teeth Properly
Using the proper techniques and products when brushing your teeth will not only help with receding gums, but improve the health of your mouth in general. This short video explains the proper technique you should use when brushing, whether it’s with a manual or electric brush.

Gum Massage
You could also try incorporating a gum massage [2] into your dental cleaning routine. Combine 1-2 drops of eucalyptus essential oil with 1-2 tablespoons of water and rub the mixture into your gums. Eucalyptus is great at treating painful, inflamed gums because of its anti-inflammatory properties [3].

Oil Pulling
Oil pulling has been used for 3000 years in the Ayurvedic healing [4] and has recently gained a resurgence in popularity. Commonly, a tablespoon of coconut, sesame, or olive oil is swished around the mouth for 10-20 minutes. Coconut oil is one of the most commonly used oils because of its antibacterial properties. It’s been shown to help remove harmful plaque, destroy harmful bacteria in the mouth, and even help with bad breath [5].

Yarrow
Yarrow is an herb closely related to chamomile, and has been used by various different cultures for years [6]. Traditionally it has been used to reduce inflammation and stop minor bleeding, perfect for those with painful, sensitive gums that are receding. You can purchase yarrow essential oil and combine it with a carrier oil to apply directly to your gums, or you can make a tea from the herb itself [2].

Don’t Avoid The Dentist
Dentists are your best friend when it comes to protecting your mouth, so if you think there is something wrong, you should go see them. Only dentists can remove the plaque and tartar that has built up on the teeth and root surfaces below the gum line. This is carefully removed and the exposed root area is smoothed to make it more difficult for bacteria to attach itself [1].

A receding gum line isn’t the end of the world, if treated promptly and properly. Put your best smile forward by making sure your mouth is taken care of!