Pimples. Acne. Zits. Bumps. Spots. Whatever you want to call them, they are annoying, and chances are, they will happen at the most inopportune time. You might think that once you pass puberty, you’re in the clear as far as blemishes are concerned, but that is not always the case.

7 Natural remedies to get rid of acne and pimples

1. Ice

Ice can be used to quickly reduce the redness, swelling and inflammation of pimples. It helps in improving blood circulation to the affected area, and in tightening the skin pores and removing dirt and oil accumulated on the skin. You can use ice cubes or crushed ice, whichever is convenient.

2. Lemon juice

The natural astringent and antibacterial properties of lemon juice are great for clearing up skin. To get the best results, just apply the lemon juice directly to the skin and leave it for up to an hour.

3. Toothpaste

The toothpaste that you use every morning to clean your teeth also can be used to treat pimples quickly. It is most effective when used following the ice remedy. You must use white toothpaste; avoid using gel toothpaste.

4. Egg white

The protein rich egg whites may save your day in case you apply it before going to bed. Take an egg and separate the yolk by moving it back and forth between the two halves of the shell. The whites will be collected in the bowl and the yolk will stay back in the shell half. Apply the egg whites on the pimples using your fingers. Leave it to dry and stay overnight. Wash your face with warm water in the morning to get pimples-free face.

5. Steam

Steaming is magnificent for your skin and will become more effective, in case you have pimples. Steaming will help your skin breathe by opening your skin pores. This helps dispose of oils, dirt and bacteria trapped in the pores that can cause infection or inflammation.

6. Apple cider vinegar

Sort of along the same lines as lemon juice, apple cider vinegar has the same antibacterial properties, as well as antifungal properties as well. Apple cider vinegar is very powerful though, so you might want to dilute it when you use it, at least at first. Just apply a small amount to your skin, but make sure that you choose pure, undiluted vinegar for best results.

7. Garlic

Isn’t garlic great for everything? Not only does garlic have a ton of antibacterial properties when you eat it, it also has great effects when applied directly to the skin. To use, just thinly slice a clove of garlic. Rub the garlic clove and the juice of the garlic onto your skin, paying close attention to problem areas, and leave on for up to 30 minutes.

“Potty problems” are something we avoid in our everyday conversations. While you may be more than willing to share how much your sore throat is torturing you, rarely do you go into the office and announce that you haven’t pooped in five days. However, constipation is not something to be embarrassed about, and if you’ve had it (and we all have) than you understand that it is no laughing matter-in fact it can be downright debilitating. Before running to the drugstore for a quick-fix laxative (which often worsen the problem) try some simple home remedies to relieve your discomfort, and keep it from coming back.

1. Castor oil

Castor oil is a yellowish liquid that can be used as a home remedy for constipation because of its laxative property. One study in Nigeria found that oral castor oil helped children with chronic constipation to move their bowels. An upside to castor oil for constipation is that it works quickly. 

For that same reason, however, castor oil should be cautiously administered as a constipation remedy. It should not be taken at bedtime, due to its quick effects. Another downside to this constipation remedy is that it tastes bad, so it is recommended that the castor oil be chilled and mixed with a sweetener such as orange juice. Castor oil is generally considered safe, but it can lead to overdose if taken in large amounts.

2. Figs

Figs are very high in fiber and act as a natural laxative. Those suffering from chronic constipation should include figs in their diet. For the treatment of constipation, both fresh and dried figs can be used. When fresh figs are available, eat them with their skin on. The skin contains most of the fiber and calcium.

3. Fresh lemon

Ah the scent of a fresh lemon…did you ever think your stomach might appreciate it as much as your nose? The citric acid in lemon juice acts as a stimulant for your digestive system, and can also help flush out toxins and undigested material that may have built up along the walls of the colon. Mixing the juice with water not only lessens the intensity of the lemon flavor, but helps get you the fluids you need to get everything moving normally again.

4. Fiber

One of the best known home remedies for constipation is fiber. The recommended dosage - 20 to 35 grams per day - can be found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Fiber is also a convenient constipation remedy since most people already have these items in their homes. Fiber supplements such as psyllium (Metamucil) or methylcellulose (Citrucel) can be used as well. 

The one downside to using fiber as a constipation home remedy is that it can actually make constipation worse if you don't drink plenty of water with it. For the fiber to help alleviate constipation, it needs fluids to help move it through the digestive system. Fiber derived from supplements especially must be taken with water in order to avoid worsening constipation.

5. Flax seed

Flax seed has many medicinal properties along with tons of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. Also, flaxseed has a laxative property, which can be very useful in curing mild to very serious cases of constipation.

• Mix one tablespoon of flax seed in a glass of water and allow it to rest for two to three hours. Drink the water daily before going to bed. In the morning, your bowel movement will be much better. 
• Alternatively, you can simply eat two to three tablespoons of ground flax seed with a glass of water.

6. Moving

If you want stuff to move through your body, you need to move too! Our lifestyle these days not only involves dietary changes that increase constipation, but we’re often sitting much more than we’re active. While there isn’t an exact scientific reason as to why lack of exercise is linked with getting clogged up, we can assume that moving the body helps get the smooth muscle in the colon moving as well. Keep in mind, however, that you should wait an hour after big meals before exercising. There are also specific stretches and workouts that are supposed to help with getting good old number 2 out the door.

7. Spinach

Spinach is really good for the digestive tract, especially when you are suffering from constipation. Raw spinach has various components that can cleanse, reconstruct and regenerate the whole intestinal tract.

• To get rid of constipation, you must include spinach in your diet. You can eat it either raw or cooked, depending on how you like it. 
• If you have severe constipation, drink a mixture of one-half glass of raw spinach juice and one-half glass of water, twice daily. Within a few days, you will get much relief.

Sex is one of life’s most basic human functions. Besides the important job of procreation, sex brings pleasure and can deepen feelings of intimacy with your partner. Lack of desire, impotence, and other sexual problems can turn a sizzling hot sex life into a low-burning flame quickly. If your love life can stand a gentle nudge (or a substantial kickstart), look to your diet for help. These seven foods are packed with nutrients that can perk up your libido and may improve your overall health too.

1. Avocados

The Aztecs referred to avocados as, ahem, testicles, because of their physical shape. But the scientific reason why avocados make sense as an aphrodisiac is that they are rich in unsaturated fats and low in saturated fat, making them good for your heart and your arteries. Anything that keeps the heart beating strong helps keep blood flowing to all the right places; in fact, men with underlying heart disease are twice as likely to suffer from erectile dysfunction (ED).

2. Dark chocolate

Fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants should be a part of your daily diet already because they can provide many health benefits. Luckily, delicious dark chocolate is chock-full of antioxidants so it’s a yummy way to get more of it. Antioxidants have been linked to reducing the signs of aging, reducing the risk for cervical cancer in women and enhancing sexual pleasure. With all those benefits and a devilishly good taste, this item shouldn’t have any trouble making its way into your grocery cart.

3. Salmon

Salmon is a popular poster child for heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. The pink-fleshed fish, as well as tuna and halibut, might be the key to enhancing your sex life too. Omega-3 may help prevent the buildup of plague in your arteries, thus improving blood flow throughout your body. A fatty fish diet may not be the love potion for guys who are at risk for high-grade prostate cancer, however. Studies published in the American Journal of Epidemiology suggest that omega-3 fatty acids could increase your risk for developing an aggressive form of the disease. Low-grade, slow-moving prostate cancer is not affected by eating foods rich in omega-3.

4. Almond

Topping my list of feisty foods, almonds have long been purported to increase passion, act as a sexual stimulant, and aid with fertility. Like asparagus (another one of my favorite sexy foods), almonds are nutrient-dense and rich in several trace minerals that are important for sexual health and reproduction, such as zinc, selenium, and vitamin E. “Zinc helps enhance libido and sexual desire,” says Dr. Berman. “We don’t really understand the mechanisms behind it, but we know it works.”

5. Celery

This fibrous vegetable can increase a woman’s sexual desire. It also contains androsterone, a hormone men release that appeals to women, getting them in the mood. Eating celery regularly can help keep the mood fresh and will likely increase the number of times a woman feels like having sex.

6. Apples

An apple a day keeps the doctor away, and could also improve your love life. Apples, along with berries, cherries, onions and dark-colored grapes, are rich in quercetin. This antioxidant, called a flavonoid, may offer a number of medicinal effects. As far as sex goes, quercetin plays a role in controlling symptoms of prostatitis and interstitial cystitis (IC), and promotes circulation. Prostatitis is the inflammation of the prostate gland, sometimes causing testiclular discomfort and pain with ejaculation. IC, or painful bladder syndrome, may also make sex difficult for men and women. Sexual-related symptoms of IC can include genital pain, erectile dysfunction, painful intercourse, and low desire

7. Garlic

High in an ingredient called allicin, garlic can help stimulate circulation and blood flow to sexual organs in both men and women. Although, you should try to eat this in moderation because the intense smell of garlic on someone’s breath, may kill the mood. You can also opt for garlic pills if you want to bypass the mood-killing odour altogether.

8. Strawberries

The color red is known to help stoke the fire: A 2008 study found that men find women sexier if they’re wearing red, as opposed to cool colors such as blue or green. Strawberries are also an excellent source of folic acid, a B vitamin that helps ward off birth defects in women and, according to a University of California, Berkley study, may be tied to high sperm counts in men. This Valentine’s Day, try making dark-chocolate-dipped strawberries. And while we’re on the subject, there’s a reason we give chocolate on Valentine’s Day: It’s full of libido-boosting methylxanthines.

9. Figs

These funny-shaped fruits have a long history of being a fertility booster, and they make an excellent aphrodisiac because they are packed with both soluble and insoluble fiber, which is important for heart health. Plus, high-fiber foods help fill you up, not out, so it’s easier to achieve that sexy bottom line—or belly.