Extra ordinary uses.

A aspirin revive dead car batteries. if there's no one around to give you a jump start, you may be able to get your car going by dropping two aspirin tablets into the battery itself. The acetylene-salicylic acid will combine with sulphuric acid in the battery to produce one last charge.

B bicarbonate of soda: you don't need a plumber to clear a blocked kitchen drain. pour in 200g  of bicarbonate of soda follow by 200 ml of hot vinegar. give it several minutes then add a litre of boiling water.

C corn flour: knots in string or shoes laces can be stubborn to undo, but the solution is easy. sprinkle the knot with a little corn flour. it will then be easy to work segments apart.

D disposable nappies: I want to keep a plant water for longer? Before potting, place a clean disposable nappy in the bottom of the flower pot with the absorbent side up. It will absorb water that would otherwise drained way to keep the plan from trying out to fast.

Dental floss: which can be used as  strong and resilient thread for repairs.

E electrical tape: keep a reel of this handy to lift lint and pet hair from clothing and upholstery. Simply wrap your hand with electrical tape, with the sticky side out, and rub it against surface you want to spruce up.

F fabric softener sheets: prolong the life of your trainers. Drop one sheet into your whiffy shoes overnight and leave to neutralize the odours. Remember to take it out before you use them!

G greaseproof paper: keep cast iron pots free from rust by rubbing with a sheet of greaseproof paper, then placed a piece of paper between the pot and lid to store.

H hair conditioner: protect your shoes in bad weather keep salt and chemicals off them during the winter by lathering them with hair conditioner to protect them. It's a good leather conditioner as well. and hydrogen peroxide, left over from hair dying kits can come in handy if you spill wine on a white cloth.

I ice cube tray: here's what to do with left over red wine or white wine you don't want to finish. simply freeze the remaining into cubes. It will still be drinkable months later and can be used to beef up pasta sauce,  casserole or stews.

J jars: help your gloves to dry out by pulling each one over the bottom of an empty jar. stand the jar upside down on a radiator to dry them in an instant.

K ketchup: soak silver jewellery in a bowl of ketchup for a few minutes. Then use an old toothbrush to work ketchup into the crevices. rinse and dry.

L lemon: pamper your fingernails without the help of a manicurist. add the juice of half a lemon to 200 ml of warm water and soak your fingertips for 5 minutes. after pushing back the cuticles rub some lemon peel, back and forth against the nail.

M mayonnaise: massage this into your hair and scalp just as you would hair conditioner. Then cover your head with a shower cap, wait several minutes and shampoo. the result will give your locks a lustrous sheen.

N nail varnish: keep a shirt in good shape by putting a drop of clear varnish on the thread in the buttons. it prevents fraying.

O olive oil: make your own furniture polish, which is as good as any commercial products. mix two parts olive oil with one part lemon juice or white vinegar in a clean recycled spray bottle. than shake it up and squirt it on. leave for 2 minutes than wipe off with a clean cloth or paper towel.

P paper towels: these can keep frozen bread from getting soggy. place a paper towel in each bag of bread to be frozen. when you're ready to eat the frozen loaf, the paper towel will absorb the moisture as the bread thaws. 

And cedar pencil shavings can be sewn into little cloth sacks and use as sachets in drawers and wardrobes to ward off moths.

Q quickly: remove paint fumes from a newly painted room by leaving a cut onion in there overnight.

R rubber jar rings: if you have a rug that tend to skate across a polish wooden floor, keep it in place buy sewing a couple of rubber jar ring into each corner of the underside.

Rubber bands: can make a handy holder for your call visor. snap a couple around the visors to make a handy place to slip parking receipts,  directions and even your favourite cds.

S salt: remove watermarks from furniture by mixing a teaspoon of salt with a few drops of water to form a paste. Rub the paste gently on ring until spot  is gone.

T tights: bring out the shine in freshly polish shoes by buffing them with a scrunched up old pair of tights. it works so well you may never try another method.

U umbrella: sacrifice an old brolly to save your seedlings in winter. Open the brolly,  cut off the handle and place over the seedlings to keep the frost off them.

V vinegar: this can sooth a sore throat. Gargle with one tablespoon of salt dissolved in a glass of warm water.  Use several times a day if needed.

W WD-40: remove blood stains by spaying with wd-40 directly then washing as usual.  The wd-40 will lift the stain so it will come out easily.  Try to remove stains while it is still fresh. This should also work on lipsticks,  dirt,  grease and ink.

X excess sandpaper: sharpen your scissors by cutting through a sheet of fine sandpaper to keep them clean and Sharpe.

Y yoghurt: if your dog has developed a wind problem it may be down to a lack of digestive bacteria. Plain yoghurt can help.  Add 2 tablespoons of it to the food for cats or small dogs, with an extra teaspoon for medium and larger dogs.

Z zips: stitch a zipped pocket to the underside of your beach towel, just big enough for keys, sunglasses and maybe a few coins.

Can a fruit juice cure your health problems? But too much can be bad as well!! Remember fresh fruit is Always better.

Beetroot juice can protect you again dementia.

How it works: as it contains nitrate, which opens up the blood vessels, Boosting blood supply to the brain.

Pomegranate juice for prostate cancer.

How it works: pomegranate contains a cocktail of chemicals which appear to reduce cell damage and 

Potentially kill off cancer cells.

Also good for: fighting against heart disease and lowering bad LDL cholesterol.

Grapefruit juice for weight loss.

How it works: by aiding more efficient metabolism of sugar.

Also good for: help the body absorption of coQ10, an energy compound vital to our cells. But be careful if you are on medication, will interfere the medication, consult with your doctor.

Cranberry juice for urinary infection.

How it works: cranberry juice prevents the growth of bacteria E. Coli. Within 8 hours of drinking a glass of Cranberry juice, the juice could help prevent bacteria from developing into an infection in the urinary tract. However, the juice will not treat cystitis if the infection has already occurred and will exacerbate the Discomfort.

Also good for: raising the levels of good HDL cholesterol through high level of polyphenols, the antioxidants In the fruit; reducing the risk of gum disease and stomach ulcers (because of anti-bacterial benefits)

Apple Juice for Alzheimer’s.

How it works: apple juice contains a chemical called acetylcholine, which is vital for brain health.

Good for also: aids digestion and healthy bowel function thanks to its high fibre content.

Cherry juice for cramp and gout.

How it works: Montmorency cherries a tart-tasting fruit that is rich in antioxidants helps muscle pain recover Much quicker. It can also help ease the agony of gout by helping the body to excrete the uric acid link to Painful joints.

Recommended brand: cherry active concentrated juice-Holland & Barrett and vimto cherry juice- Tesco.

Orange juice for heart disease

How it works: orange juice contains an antioxidant called hesperidins, which improves blood vessel Functions.

Also good for: preventing kidney stones, citrates, a substance found in citrus juices, can help slow the Formation of kidney stones.

Pineapple juice for arthritis.

How it works: The enzyme bromelain, found in the flesh and juice of pineapple, helps the body digest Proteins and aids digestion, but also has other benefits. When taken on empty stomach, bromelain acts as An anti-inflammatory agent who has been shown to reduce arthritis joints pain and swelling.

Also good for:  help ease the symptoms of coughs and colds and thins the blood,

Recommended brand: Del Monte pure gold pineapple juice.

Acacia berry juice for cancer.

How it works: Acacia juice which is made from a berry found in South America, has very high levels of Antioxidants, more than any other berries. Drinking the juice daily can help prevent the development and Spread of cancer cells.

Also good for: aiding weight loss, it stabilizes blood sugar levels, so preventing appetite swings.

Recommended brand: the berry company acacia juice- Holland & Barrett.

Purple grape juice for memory loss.

How it works: contain brain boosting antioxidants.

Also good for: lowers cholesterol and can be as effective as a daily aspirin in helping to prevent blood Clots. The fruit contain higher levels of disease- fighting antioxidant compounds then red wine and apple Juice.

Coconut water for exhaustion.

How it works: Contains everything you need, fluid for rehydration, carbohydrates for energy and electrolytes (Body salts) to replace what’s lost through sweat.

Also good for: offsetting hunger pangs by stabilizing blood sugar, lowering cholesterol and blood pressure Thanks to its antioxidants.

Recommended brands: Vita Coco pure coconut water- Holland & Barrett.

Carrot juice for colorectal cancer.

How it works: Contains a compound called falcarinol, which fights cancer cells. Falcarinol is a natural Pesticide which protects the vegetable against fungal diseases.

Also good for: enhancing immunity (high level of vitamin C ) rich in vitamin A, aiding digestion. Does not Improve eye vision.

Tomato juice for sunburn.

How it works: contains a substance called, lycopene. It helps to protect the skin from sun damage.

Also good for: regular eating of tomatoes reduced risks of prostate cancer. (Evidence is inconclusive)

Blueberry juice for dementia.

How it works: substance in blue berries help keep the brain healthy. (Not sure what substance)

Also good for: stabilizing blood sugar levels, preventing food cravings that can lead to weight gain.

The Memory repair kit

Always losing your keys? or walk in to a room and forgetting what you went in there for? you are  not alone, as we  get older our memory starts to deteriorate. You can do something about it, like a walk in the park which can help short term memory as much as 20%.

so what's the cause? it memory our capacity, as we get older our frontal lobes changes, so making it harder to maintain attention and filter out what's important and unimportant stuff. women suffer memory loss after pregnancy, caused by surging hormones and high level of oxytocin. and during menopause, falling oestrogen levels affect attention, memory and ability to make meaningful connection between information.

what to do:

keep one calendar and make it your best friend, multiple calendar leads to trouble.

practice: play an instrument, learn a new language or do a puzzle, this exercise the brain and improving its functioning.

meditate: it helps thickened the parts of the brain's cerebral cortex that are responsible for decision making.

why your memory is mediocre:

you're too tired: being fatigued means we pay less attention to details. missing just an hour or two of sleep on a regular basis has devastating effect on our memory.

you're stressed: this affects the area of the brain ( hippocampus ) that regulates memories. when too much glucose is released due to extreme stress it destroys cells, and if the area is damaged it can't form new memories.

you've lost the knack|: now that we rely so much on our smart phones, laptops and sat navs, our memory muscles is woefully under-use, says experts.

feed your mind: boost your brain power by consuming more or less of...

Dark green veggies: they're good source of magnesium, which helps regulate the key brain receptors for memory.

oily fish: it's not just a myth! A study proved that eating fish at least once a week can help stave off memory loss.

Fats: monounsaturated fat in avocados, olive oil, nuts and seeds keep our brain smart.

Alcohol: studies reveal excessive drinking may cause memory loss, but its never too late, and kicking the habit now will make a difference.

Figs

Figs
Figs have laxative properties, suitable for all ages. Figs work as a demulcent, soothing and protecting the gut, but are also nutritious and very high in soluble fibre, which helps the gut work more efficiently, also help prevent stomach pains and griping.

Fennel Seeds

Fennel Seeds – relieves bloating, wind and tummy upsets of all kinds, used for centuries to soothe colic. It also ease period pains and other menstrual disorders, perhaps because of its mild oestrogen properties, it has shown to increase breast milk flow in nursing mothers. The seeds also have appetite-suppressant; this may help if you are thinking of going on a diet.

Evening Primrose

Evening Primrose
Every part of the plant is edible: the nutty roots are boiled and eaten as vegetables; the leaves are eaten as greens; while the seeds were traditionally dried and chewed by Native Americans. Evening primrose oil is a rich source of gamma-linolenic acid, and essential fatty acid that can’t be made in the body but which is essential for growth and bone health and to regulate metabolism.
Evening primrose is often recommended for the symptoms of PMS (sore breasts, irritability and bloating) and menopause. It has been shown to help with the itchiness, scaling and inflammation of eczema, to lower blood pressure slightly and to soothe ulcerative colitis.

Elderberry

Elderberry
Has anti-inflammatory properties to soothe coughs, sore throats and bronchial infections and to make catarrh and sinus conditions looser and more productive. Elderberry has powerful antiviral properties that combat various flu strains and which been shown to shorten the duration of flu attacks.
Do not eat unripe berries, which may cause vomiting and diarrhoea.

Evening primrose

Evening primrose
The oil is rich in gamma-linolenic acid essential fatty acid that can’t be made in the body but which is essential for growth and bone health and to regulate metabolism. Evening primrose is often recommended for the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (sore breasts, irritability and bloating) and menopause. It has been shown to help with the itchiness, scaling and inflammation of eczema, to lower blood pressure slightly and to soothe ulcerative colitis.

Cranberry

Cranberry
Used for treating cystitis and other urinary track infections. But make sure you see your GP it is cystitis and nothing serious.

Cherry

Cherry
Contain vitamins A,B and C, plus minerals calcium and magnesium, which is good for general immune system booster. Cherries have known to lower uric acid level and have long been used in the treatment and prevention of gout and arthritis, but no scientific proof to support its use. Cherry stalk are anti-inflammatory and when taken as a tincture or tea can soothe dry, irritating coughs. In large quantities, cherries are both diuretic and laxative – just don’t eat too much.

Chaste berry

Chaste berry
The berries are highly regarded as one of the best natural hormone regulators for women. It contains lots of essential compounds that seem to raise level of the hormone progesterone during the second half of the menstrual cycle. The berries benefits a wide range of disorders, relieving PMS and cyclical breast pain, helping with irregular bleeding, and menopausal symptoms, and diminishing hormone related acne. A study have shown that it doubles the chances for infertile women to get pregnant ( from 10% to 21%).
Guys, stay away from this berry, because it has the opposite for men, will reduce sexual desire.

Blackcurrant

Blackcurrant
Used for: blackcurrant is rich in gammalinolenic acid, its used to treat long-lasting inflammatory skin conditions like eczema, as well as PMS, breast pains, mild hypertension and rheumatic disorders. The berries themselves are also antiviral, protecting against flu.

Borage Seeds

Borage Seeds
Used for treating inflammatory and rheumatic conditions, to treating depression, as a diuretic and to promote sweating in fevers. The seeds is cultivated to make into oil, which is known as starflower oil or borage seed oil. This oil is rich in gamma-linolenic acid, greater then evening primrose oil or blackcurrant oil. GLA is an omega-6 fatty acid used to treat dermatitis, arthritis, eczema, mastalgia, PMS, as well as the pain, tingling and numbness that can occur in diabetes.
Star flower oil can also reduce joint swelling, tenderness and pain in rheumatoid arthritis, and improve the condition and function of skin. You will need to take large regular doses of the oil (1-2g of GLA, or 3-12 capsules a day, for at least 6 months.

Bilberry

Bilberry
Used for: help prevent cataracts and lesson glaucoma because it contains active ingredients such as antioxidants and free-radicals scavengers called anthocyanosides, which are also anti-inflammatory and anti-ageing. It also help people with vascular problems such as varicose veins and piles, as well as extremely painful periods and water retention.

Aniseed

Aniseed
Used for: digestive aid, help to soothe dyspepsia, colic, bloating and wind, and control nausea and vomiting. It also said to increase libido, it has mild oestrogenic properties, and some cultures believe giving it to breasts feeding mothers, increased milk production.

Holiday foods at home

Exotic fruits and vegetables are now common in supermarkets; they're delicious and are great for adding variety to
your diet. Try these...

● Don't pass up a papaya as they are bursting with vitamin C.

● Swap your baked potato for a baked sweet potato - they're just full of antioxidants.

● How about globe artichokes? Those impossible looking vegetables are worth-including if your cholesterol's on
the high side. They are rich in cynarine, a substance that seems to help reduce cholesterol levels. Steam, boil with
lemon juice or microwave and serve with French dressing.

● Many supermarkets now stock a whole range of squashes. They're packed with betacarotene and taste great
roasted or made into a delicious risotto. Yams can be used instead of rice and are great boiled, mashed or baked.

● Bilberries are rich in anthocyanins, which are strongly antioxidant. They help strengthen veins, improve circulation
and vascular eye disease. Add them to fruit salads and puddings.

Kiss goodbye

Kiss goodbye to "garlic breath" by chewing fresh or dried parsley leaves. They're good, too, for refreshing the mouth.

cod liver oil

For the 20 million people in the UK who have arthritis or rheumatism, cod liver oil has become a staple because it helps to ease joint stiffness. But this isn't its only quality. People who take it also need a much lower dosage of the Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs that they are usually prescribed, which can cause osteoporosis and lowered immunity.

The No More Thrush Plan

Over 70 per cent of women suffer from thrush at some point in their life and, for some, it can be a recurrent problem. There are anti-fungal remedies available, such as Canesten and Nystatin, but here's our self help plan:

● Take live Lactobacillus acidophilus tablets, which supplement the "friendly" bacteria in the vagina; or eat live ("Bio") yoghurt three times daily during an attack.

● Eat plenty of fresh garlic, a natural antiseptic, or take garlic supplements.

● Try inserting plain live yoghurt into your vagina with your fingers.

● Avoid antibiotics, unless it's absolutely necessary.

● No more long, hot baths; take showers and short warm baths and avoid bath oils.

● Avoid close-fitting trousers and go knickerless when possible. Wear stockings instead of tights.

● Avoid swimming in chlorinated water. Seek out ozone treated pools and shower thoroughly after swimming.

● Don't use tampons.

● Use non-biological washing powder.

● Beware - the Pill and pregnancy can be triggers.

● Certain foods, such as sugar and yeast - in bread, Marmite, alcohol, mushrooms and most cheeses - can encourage thrush, so cut down on your intake.

● Vitamins B2, B5, B6, B12, C, E, folic acid and selenium supplements may bolster your immune system, and only buy vitamins that are yeast-free.

Did you know...

that skin infestations such as pubic lice, scabies and ringworm are not only caught through sexual contact but can be transmitted on towels and bed linen? Pubic lice or crabs can survive up to 24 hours away from human skin. Scabies and ringworm can also be caught from inanimate objects, according to Sister Lesley Hunter at St John's Dermatology Centre, St Thomas' Hospital, London: "Ringworm is easily caught in damp, wet places, such as swimming pools and changing rooms, and scabies, although it is mostly transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, can be caught from bedding and clothing." She advises against sharing brushes, combs and towels, too. Prompt treatment is essential, so go to your GP if you suspect that you're infected.

KNOW YOURSELF

Give yourself a talking to....Most of us listen to a relentless stream of self criticism and negative thoughts going on inside our head. When we hear it often enough, we begin to believe it. You can replace these automatic negative thoughts with positive ones which set you up for success, for instance..

Stand up for yourselfThis doesn't mean being aggressive, stroppy or rude, it's just expressing feelings, needs and wants simply, clearly and confidently. Why do most of us find it so hard to say what we think or want? 'It's because we think it's selfish, or we're afraid to say no,' says consultant psychologist Trevor Powell. One way of being assertive is to use 'I' statements to express yourself such as 'I feel really angry when you...', and then to say clearly what you'd like the other person to do or change.

Take small risksMost of us feel safe when we're on familiar ground, with friends we know and things we've done before. Psychologists call this our comfort zone'. We don't usually like stepping outside it because we feel we wouldn't be able to cope with the anxiety But taking a small 'risk' every day, even if it makes you feel uncomfortable, is one of the best ways to boost confidence. Learn to cope with more. not less.

Be selfish'The word selfish has negative associations for most people,' says Trevor Powell. 'Many of us feel caring for ourselves is somehow self indulgent or wrong.' Not true. Making time for yourself, giving yourself time to relax, allowing yourself treats and rewards without feeling guilty about it, will all make you feel good about yourself - after all you're worth it.

Act as if...
Confidence is partly a question of practice. You may feel like jelly inside, but if you act as if you are confident - speak as a confident person would, adopt the body language, think the thoughts, carry out the actions and look the part then your real inner confidence will grow as a result.

12 steps to positive thinking Certain ways of thinking and acting can lead to positive mental health, says consultant psychologist Trevor Powell. These life skills will help you stay positive and cope with stress.

1] Take responsibility for your life, If you don't you'll always blame others or circumstances for our own dissatisfaction.

2] Be flexible, Change what you can and also learn to adjust to what you can't.

3] Accept reality as a mixture of good and bad, Accept the of unfairness and that things aren't always black or white.

4] savour the moment,Seek out laughter, fun, change.

5] learn to live frustration, it's a part of life and important for any personal progress.

6] express both your positive and your negative feelings, be open and assertive about your emotions.

7] work towards goals, have both short and long-term goals in life, they give your life direction and meaning.

8] think creatively, Work out your own solutions, rather than accept what you are told.

9] manage your time to create a balance, Learn to balance work and leisure; family and friends; being serious and having fun,

10] develop hobbies and interests, Experiment until you find one that is absorbing, meaning ful and fulfilling.

11] develop relationships, value friendships and show commitment.

12] accept and care for yourself, like yourself; focus on positive things about yourself that you like.

Smart Snacking

Are your snacks nutritious pit stops or nutritional black holes of high fat? Learning how to snack smartly can not only improve your nutritional status, but help boost you up, calm you down, aid digestion and even combat cystitis and raised blood pressure.

COTTAGE CHEESEIt's not only a great snack food because it's low-calorie; it's also rich in the protein building block tryptophan, which is converted in the body into the mood enhancing chemical serotonin.

CRANBERRY JUICECranberries can help prevent and treat urinary tract infections, like cystitis. The equivalent of a glass a day of cranberry juice can help guard against infections, even in regular sufferers.

SOYA MILK YOGHURTProducts made from soya beans contain iso flavones, which appear to mimic oestrogen in our bodies. These reduce the effect of our own oestrogens, which seems to help relieve some symptoms of the menopause. Soya products also contain genistein, a compound which may repress growth of malignant cells of the breast and colon.

FORTIFIED CEREALSWith 23-30% of all women in the UK having absolutely no iron stores (we should have 50Orng stored away), breakfast cereals fortified with iron, such as All Bran, make excellent mid afternoon or evening snacks. One bowl of All Bran supplies 3.6mg of iron - that's a quarter of your day's requirement. Pour over some milk and you'll boost your calcium intake, too.

SEEDS AND NUTSIf you're out and about, it's easy to grab a small bag of sunflower seeds, nuts and raisins or even a sesame seed-based bar. All are bursting with essential fatty acids which are vital for the integrity of every cell wall throughout our entire body. Without sufficient essential fatty acids, cell walls become leaky. As far as our skin is concerned, this means dehydration which causes dry and flaky patches.

GUACAMOLE
WITH CELERYThe avocado in guacamole is rich in vitamin E, the tomatoes contain lycopene, and the onions and garlic are rich in immune boosting sulphur compounds, including allicin. Guacamole can be served with celery sticks - the allicin in the garlic and the phthalides in the celery are both good for helping to reduce blood pressure.