Barley Tea: A Great Alternative to Black Tea

Have you heard of barley tea? It’s very popular in Asia – particularly, China, Korea and Japan. Although barley water has been popular in Britain for eons, the tea is also really good.

Not only is barley tea easy to make but there are lots of health benefits. For starters, it is naturally caffeine free. It also has a cleansing effect on the body and is a good tea to take if you have a urinary tract infection. It also is a good source of antioxidants and thus helps to keep your body healthy and free of disease. Some people say it also helps to reduce cholesterol and even helps when you have a cold. Obviously if you are gluten intolerant, this isn’t the tea for you!

Making it is simple. Simply dry roast (no oil in the pan) three tablespoons of barley. You can do this in the oven but it is easy to do in a frying pan as well. When the grains turn brown, they are ready so take them off the heat and cool slightly. This procedure can take up to fifteen minutes in your oven but is much shorter if you do it in a frying pan. Put the barley in a saucepan or teapot and pour on a liter of boiling water. Let this mixture steep for a few minutes and let it cool down a little before pouring into cups. Enjoy. The taste is toasty and a little bitter. You can add honey, stevia or sugar as well as lemon juice.

You can also portion the roasted barley into tea bags for future use. The Japanese call barley tea Mugicha so look for this tea when you’re next in an Asian supermarket and you can buy the tea bags so you only need boiling water to make your Mugicha. If you find the taste too intense, you can actually make it with cold water. Simply put a tea bag in a jug of cold water and put it in the fridge until chilled. On the other hand you can put the tea bag in a glass jug with cold water and simply leave it in the sun until it becomes a lovely orange red color.

Although this tea is consumed all year round in Japan, it is usually a summer drink in Korea. Try it with ice cubes and lemon or orange juice for a refreshing summer drink.

Hopefully you will try this wonderful tea soon.…

Fruit Tea Recipes Are A Summer Hit

Now summer is showing its beautiful face, it’s time to consider cold drinks. Fruit tea is a great choice and much healthier than many summer beverages like iced tea and sodas from your local supermarket. Here you will find some easy recipes for fruit tea that will have your friends and family asking for more.

When you make fruit tea yourself, you get to choose everything – the type of tea, what you would like added to it and the amount of sugar/sweetener. In other words you are master of your summer tea!

For example you could simply make your favourite black tea, let it cool and serve it with ice cubes and lemon – adding some frozen berries makes it into a very special drink – raspberries are my favorite as they are not so sweet and they look good in the golden liquid.

My favorite is rooibos tea. I usually drink at least one cup per day (hot) and as I always make it in a teapot, I simply pour the left over tea into a glass jug which I keep in the fridge – therefore I have my own specialty iced tea available always throughout the summer. I can jazz it up with mint leaves and lemon, I can add fruit to it (lemon slices or even apple or peach slices look great). This tea is healthy and so versatile.

Peppermint is a great tea for hot days as it does cool you down. Again, make your peppermint beverage and cool it down in the fridge. Lemon slices and ice cubes do it proud – and don’t forget some peppermint leaves as well.

I never sweeten my tea but if you want to do so, think of natural sweeteners like argave, honey or stevia. Give them a try and you’ll be surprised.

If you like your summer drink bit sweet, then you can always try Honeybush tea – a cousin of rooibos and also from South Africa, this is naturally sweet. As with rooibos, cool it down in the refrigerator, add lemon slices and ice cubes and you’re ready to go.

Hibiscus tea is naturally a beautiful red color and tastes great on its own with iced cubes. Adding orange slices enhances the flavor but you can also use strawberries as they blend in very well.

Teas area so very versatile, especially when consumed cool or cold with ice cubes and other fruity additives like fresh fruit slices and some mint. Next time you want to surprise your friends and family at a summer get together, try some of the recipes above. You won’t be disappointed!…

It is important to remember that when taking a personal loan, you can determine the amount depending on the lender you wish to get. The amount depends on other factors, including credit history, debt-to-income ratio, and many more.

When you determine how much you wish to borrow, you should check whether you can handle monthly installments combined with interest rates that will become the principal you decide to get. The best way to learn more about the Loan Market Association is by entering here for additional information.

Generally, personal loans come in numerous sizes. Some lending institutions will offer you thousand dollars while others can go up to a hundred thousand. This range is not the one that will help you determine how much you should get because everything depends on the type you choose.

You can find short-term loans for small dollar amounts, mostly known as payday options. They are simple to access for people with different scores, but you will repay the significant interest rates and fees in the short term.

On the other hand, different loans are perfect for people with high scores, but you will get maximum and minimum amounts depending on your preferences. At the same time, these loans come with longer repayment terms, meaning you will get lower monthly installments and have more breathing room throughout the process.

Factors Affecting a Personal Loan Amount

As mentioned above, each lender comes with specific criteria for determining the amount. Still, you should know a few essential factors most of them will consider.

• Loan Offerings – Although most lenders with similar requirements and terms come with a wide array of amounts, you should research to find the best option for your needs. Some can offer you up to a hundred thousand dollars, while others will go up to fifty thousand for people with the best scores. It is vital to determine your score before applying.
• Credit Score – One of the most critical aspects when choosing the best and highest amount is a credit score. Therefore, the higher the amount you have, the lower the chances you will default. That is why you can qualify for higher amounts. You should check out a particular lender’s minimum credit score requirements before prequalifying for the loan.
• Credit History – Apart from the score, lending institutions will check your report for potential risks that will reduce your amount. Therefore, if your credit score is decent, but it features negative items such as missed loan payments, collectors, or other issues, that will damage your chances of qualifying in the first place.
• Debt-to-Income Ratio – Most lending institutions will consider the chance to repay it based on your current income when applying for a loan. They will thoroughly analyze your annual income, especially if they come with a minimum income requirement. They will also check the overall debt you must handle each month. They will calculate the debt-to-income ratio, meaning how much of your monthly income goes towards repaying debt. As a result, they will know whether you can make another monthly payment and how large installments you can handle.

Remember that each lending institution will consider these factors, so you should conduct comprehensive research to boost your chances of scoring the best one possible. That way, you can compare different loan options and offers from multiple lenders, which will provide you peace of mind.

Determine the Monthly Payment You Can Afford

Although a lending institution will determine that you can afford to take a certain amount based on your debt, income, and credit profile, that does not mean you should get the maximum offer.

Instead, it would be best to take advantage of a personal loan calculator you can find online to help you determine the payments you must make based on the amount, repayment term, and interest rate. You can choose the monthly installments and combine them with current income and debts to ensure the best action.

The next step is to check your budget to determine whether the expenses can fit into it. You can prioritize spending your money, handle the debt you have, and ensure you get the amount now when it does not significantly strain your finances. The main goal is to make loan payments that limit your chances of achieving financial goals.

Boost Your Credit Score

Suppose your credit score is in perfect shape. Then it would be best if you moved towards getting a new loan for your process. However, if your score has not reached the point where you wish it to be, we recommend you consider whether you should wait for a better moment to apply.

Everything depends on how much you can increase your score, ultimately saving hundreds of dollars. Therefore, you should follow these steps that will help you ensure the …

Natural Healing With Healthy Lifestyle Habits – Fluids

Develop healthy lifestyle habits with these general instructions on how to start healing from diseases and health conditions. In order to help prevent disease or adverse health conditions, it is a good idea to take the best care of yourself possible. Following this guideline can help prevent health conditions as well. What are some healthy lifestyle habits? General areas to work on include fluid intake, a diet rich in foods that heal including things to avoid, body care and exercise.

Unfortunately, too many of us decide to take better care of ourselves only after our state of health becomes compromised. That is better than not at all. The hardest part is just getting started. Most people do best by beginning with small steps. However, some people dive in full force headfirst. You know yourself best. If you have started a new health regiment, and quit repeatedly by over doing it in the beginning, start slowly this time, one-step at a time.

Fluid intake is very important to keep cells functioning properly. It is critical for healing. Insufficient fluid intake is like trying to wash dishes without any water! Fluids help keep cell organelles actively functioning doing their jobs efficiently and effectively.

Drink plenty of and only pure fluids. The amount of fluids needed depends on how fast the body is expending fluids. Spread the quantity out throughout the day. Certain conditions affect fluid expenditure. The higher the temperature, the drier the air, the greater the amount of exercise intensity, exertion and duration, the more rapidly the body uses fluids within the body. Increase fluid intake as these conditions increase.

Filtered water is good. I recommend reverse osmosis or carbon filters. An inexpensive way to improve water quality is to boil water and store it in the refrigerator in a glass container.

Drink freshly juiced fruits and vegetables for added nutrients, fast absorption and an abundance of enzymes for quick healing. Wheatgrass juice helps supply the body with needed oxygen due to oxygen-rich chlorophyll. When you supply cells with an abundance of oxygen, optimal health is more likely.

Herbal tea supplies minerals that can contribute to healing. Brew tea in the sun by placing herbs in a glass jar and sitting the jar in the sun. This keeps the temperature low enough to preserve enzymes. When you boil water and add tea, you extract more tea constituents, but you destroy the enzymes. The temperature enzymes are destroyed varies per food item. The easiest thing to do is keep temperatures at 105A� or lower to preserve enzymes. Enzymes are very powerful. Enzymes speed the rate of chemical reactions. In fact, some enzymes can cause a chemical reaction that would normally take one year to take place without enzymes to take just over 3 seconds with enzymes! That is powerful healing potential.

In conclusion, start healing naturally by increasing your fluid intake with plenty of pure water, enzyme-rich freshly juiced fresh fruits and vegetables, wheatgrass juice and herbal teas. Proper fluid intake can make a tremendous difference in how you feel and do so quickly. Start now.

To learn more on healthy habits and things to avoid, look for other articles in this series.…

Dog With Diabetes – Symptoms and Treatment Tips

Did you know that your dog is susceptible to getting diabetes? It’s true. Older dogs are found to be at increased risk, as well as certain breeds, such as poodles, Old English Sheepdogs, Golden Retrievers, Daschunds, Miniature pinscher and schnauzer, and Beagles.

Diabetes is marked by the non production of insulin, causing blood glucose levels to rise in the blood. Insulin must be given to lower high glucose levels. For dogs, insulin made especially for them can help your dog live a normal happy life.

Two forms of Diabetes:

Diabetes Insipidus: Is the the lack of the anti-diuretic hormone called Vasopressin. Vasopressin controls how the kidneys absorb water.

Diabetes Mellitus (DM): Is insulin insufficiency. It is the most common and the most dangerous for dogs.

Diabetes is comprised of two types:

Type 1 – Is insulin dependent diabetes. The pancreas is not making insulin at all. Type 1 is seen mostly in younger dogs.

Type 2 – Is non insulin dependent diabetes. The pancreas is making insulin but the body is resistant to it. This type is mostly seen in older dogs.

Bigger dogs have a higher risk for diabetes than smaller dogs. It is also an autoimmune disease that dogs can inherit from their parents.

Symptoms – If you notice that your dog is:

Eating more

Drinking more

Weighing less

Diagnostic Testing:

If your dog is showing symptoms of this disease, a visit to the vet is in order. The vet will conduct blood tests to check your pet’s glucose level. He will also do a urinalysis to check for kidney function and urinary tract infection. If your pet is positive for diabetes, changes in diet and getting more exercise will aid in reducing the symptoms and prevent complications.

Treatment:

Fido will most likely be put on a diet that is high in fiber and protein. Fats and carbohydrates will be restricted. Depending on the severity of your dog’s disease, you may need to feed him prepared meals instead of what is regularly eaten. Proper nutrition given the same time each day will help to keep glucose levels as normal as possible. Insulin is given after meals, and it is important to not limit your pet’s fluid intake. Let him have his fill.

Exercise:

Regular daily exercise at the same time each day helps to keep blood glucose down, thus preventing a detrimental affect of up and down glucose levels. Glucose need to be consistently within normal levels.

Hormonal changes in your female dog puts her at higher risk for diabetes. Consider having her spayed prevent any undue complications of diabetes in dogs.…

The urinary drainage collection system is designed for routine changes. Only in small circumstances is one permitted for non-routine changes if supported by the requisite documents that showcase chronic urinary tract infections, blood clotting, sludging, and obstruction. However, there are cases where people reuse catheters and other urology products due to the high cost of supplies.

You know that to avoid complications such as urinary tract infections, especially when you do not have enough money to purchase the supplies, there are several options that you can consider, which include;

Seeking a Healthcare Facility that Accepts Private Insurance and Medicare

Not all health care facilities accept private insurance or Medicare coverage. Therefore, it is essential to contact research on health care facilities that accept the insurance cover you have. Such a facility may even deliver catheter supplies to your home and give you free samples.

Looking for a facility that offers other products ranging from urology products, ostomy, incontinence, and wound care products.

Finding a Supplier who Builds your Insurance

You can consider looking for suppliers such as ABC Medical, that can supply national catheter brands and accept a payment plan that suits you with no out-of-pocket expenses.…

It is important that your elderly loved ones are well taken care of. Use these tips to provide the best care possible.

Assess Their Needs

Decide how much help your loved one needs based on their current physical and mental abilities. Assess whether they have trouble with balance or performing basic tasks around the house. Make sure their medications are refilled on time and clearly labeled. If they are taking several different pills, purchase a pillbox organizer with different compartments for each day of the week and time of day. Some pillboxes come with alarms you can set as a helpful reminder to take their medication on time every day. If living on their own becomes a safety hazard, you may want to consider hiring professional elderly care services Grosse Pointe MI.

Visit and Check-In

Help them stay active by visiting often. Social interaction is especially important for cognitive health and function as you age. Try to take them on occasional outings for a change of pace and scenery. Ask your local community center about senior events they might be interested in. During your visits, make sure they have fresh food and that everything else is in good shape. Check their medications, mail, laundry, and any plants they might be caring for.

Make Safety Modifications

For additional safety, you may need to make modifications to their home. Place handrails and grab rails throughout the house, especially in the bathroom near the shower and toilet. Install a ramp to make the home more accessible for wheelchairs or walkers. Check that all smoke detectors are working and that the entire home is well lit. Install security cameras that will alert you in case something goes wrong. If they live alone, ask them to always wear a Life Alert system. This way if they do fall, they can call emergency services at the push of a button.

Keep your elderly loved one safe and well taken care of with these tips in mind.…