posted by EmpressSassy on Dec 16
Read this and because so many of my friends have issues I thought I’d pass it along….
To Prevent a Headache
Try relaxing magnesium (200 to 400 mg) to reduce the muscle tension and spasms that can cause your noggin to throb. But not any type will do. Make sure the supplement contains at least 200 mg of active elemental magnesium. Because magnesium is more preventive than curative, the treatment works best on, say, premenstrual headaches because you can predict when they’re coming and take a dose a day in advance. Those with kidney problems should consult a health care practitioner before taking magnesium.
Expert: Ronald Hoffman, MD
To Heal Dry Skin, Rashes, and Eczema
Bathe in your breakfast. Although oatmeal is a centuries-old skin soother, researchers only recently recognized the avenanthramides in oats as the key compounds that calm inflamed, itchy skin. Put whole oats in a clean, dry sock. Seal the open end with a rubber band, and then drop the sock into a warm or hot bath. Soak yourself for 15 to 20 minutes.
Expert: Laurie Steelsmith, ND
To Curb a Cough
Indulge in a square or two of dark chocolate. Researchers found that chocolate’s theobromine compound is more effective than codeine at suppressing persistent coughs without the side effects of drowsiness and constipation. To calm a nagging cough that keeps you awake at night, take 2 teaspoons of honey (1 to 2 teaspoons for kids; don’t give to children younger than 1), along with 500 mg of Ester C 30 minutes before bed. The vitamin C (nonacidic Ester type won’t upset stomachs) boosts the immune system in the early stages of your cough. Recent research shows that honey works better than either a cough suppressant or no treatment at all for relieving children’s nocturnal cough and promoting sleep.
Experts: Jacob Teitelbaum, MD; Mark Moyad, MD, MPH
To Relieve Menstrual Cramps (I don’t know what this is but I must have it!)
Take 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of crampbark tincture every 2 hours on the days of your worst cramps. Test-tube studies show that this North American plant works as a muscle relaxant to quickly relieve painful spasms.
Expert: Eric Yarnell, ND
To Relax a Stiff Neck (This goes with headache issues)
A stiff neck results from slowed circulation and lymph flow to muscle tissues. Use contrast hydrotherapy–a quick blast of hot, then cold water–to get the blood pumping again. In the shower, first run hot water over your neck for 20 seconds to increase blood flow, then switch to cold for 10 seconds to constrict blood flow. Alternate three times, always ending with cold. When you get out of the shower, your body will send the blood back out to the skin, which results in a final dilation of blood vessels and–voilà!–a looser neck.
Expert: Laurie Steelsmith, ND
To Revive Puffy, Tired Eyes
Black tea is chock-full of astringent compounds called tannins that can help deflate and tighten the bags under your eyes. Activate the tannins in a tea bag by dipping in a cup of hot water for several minutes. Cool in the fridge, then apply the damp bag as a compress to the closed eye for 10 minutes.
To Beat Insomnia
Before bedtime, eat a handful of cherries, which scientists discovered are jam-packed with melatonin, the same hormone created by your body to regulate sleep patterns. Then steep yourself in a hot bath to relax your muscles and your mind. In bed, rest your head on a lavender-filled pillow–the fragrance induces sleepiness.
Do you guys ever eat these cookies? If you live in Indiana the BEST place to buy them is William’s Bakery in Clarksville(which by the way is one of the best Bakeries around). They make them in various colors and they always coordinate them for the holidays. 
