Birthday Cake History

The birthday cake has been an integral part of the birthday tradition in Western cultures. The cake is served to a person on his or her birthday, and is often decorated with small novelty candles, with the person's name and/or a message of congratulations inscribed with icing. The phrase "Happy Birthday" did not appear on birthday cakes until the song Happy Birthday to You was popularized in the early 1900s.
Tradition holds that the person with the birthday may make a wish, which will come true if all the candles can be blown out in one breath. US patent 6319530 relates to a "method of photocopying an image onto an edible web for decorating iced baked goods." This invention enables one to inkjet print a food-grade color photograph on the cake surface.
History of Birthday Cake can be traced back to the ancient Greeks who made round or moon shaped honey cakes or bread and took it to the temple of Artemis -the Goddess of Moon. Some scholars, however, believe that the tradition of Birthday cake started in Germany in middle Ages. This special birthday cake later reemerged in Germany as a Kinderfest or the birthday celebrations of a young child. Germans also baked another special kind of a cake called Geburtstagorten as it was baked in layers. This was sweeter that the coarse and bread like cake that were usually made at that time.
In earlier times, Birthday cakes were mostly round in shape. Scholars associate religious beliefs and technical compulsions for the same. Greeks offered round shape cake to the Goddess of Moon - Artemis as it signified moon. They even placed candles on the cake to make the cake glow like the moon.

Technical reason given for the roundness of the cake is that most cakes we know off advanced from the bread. In ancient times breads and cakes were made by hand. Typically, these were fashioned into round balls and baked on hearthstones or in low, shallow pans. Hence, these naturally relaxed into round shapes. With the progress of times baking pans of various shapes were developed and today we see cakes in imaginative shapes and sizes.
In medieval times people of England used to place symbolic objects like coins, rings and thimbles in the batter of the cake. It was believed that those who found coin in the cake would be wealthy while the unlucky finder of the thimble would never marry. If the cake fell while baking it was considered to be a bad omen and signified bad luck for the person in the coming year.
Thus in the midst of many superstitions and beliefs, merged the tradition of Birthday cakes which is so popular all over the world today.

Author: Roger Drukker

Diet as a natural treatment for acne

Robert Kokoska

Since the skin is the largest organ on the body and it assists
other major organs in the human body with eliminating waste, one
of the best acne treatments is diet which has many home remedies
for acne in the foods that we eat. If you are unhealthy inside
it will be reflected in your skin.



Acne occurs when the natural oils that the skin produces clogs
the pores of the skin. Normally acne is prevalent in the onset
of puberty when the body starts to produce hormones, it has also
been known to be a problem for women during pregnancy. Since
acne is a problem for people world wide, there are many forms of
acne treatments, acne products and acne medications on the
market.



A natural treatment for acne is diet, which some say can be an
acne cure and for many is the best acne treatment. When I was a
teenager I had severe acne and tried using what were considered
the best acne treatments at the time.



Retin-A was one of the most popular prescription acne
medications on the market at that time. Noxzema skin cream and
Clearsil were two of the most popular acne products used among
my friends and I. I learned the hard way that Alcohol should not
be used as a home remedy for acne and with severe acne cutting
back on processed foods replacing them with a healthy diet of
fruits and vegetables. I thought that diet as a natural acne
treatment was going to be bad because until that point I lived
junk food.



Using diet as a natural acne treatment was not as bad as I had
thought it would be. There are so many foods that act naturally
as a home remedy for acne and are often the best acne
treatments. At first I thought that it would be easier to just
remember when to use acne medication or the other acne products
that I was using at the time rather than to give up on junk
foods.



The internal home remedy for acne prescribed by my doctor and
mother turned out to be for me the best acne treatment used
along with all natural acne products like tea-tree oil. To my
surprise I enjoyed this change in diet and in a short time I
felt like it was an acne cure that was noticeable with in the
week.



My mother was happier that I was eating something besides chips
and was also happy with what we thought was an acne cure. She
was also happy that she did not have to spend a lot of money on
acne medications or worry about which over the counter acne
products were the best. Who would have thought when I drank
naturally sweetened juices and lots of water that it would be a
natural acne treatment. My breakouts were far and few in between
all because of using diet as an acne treatment turned out to
pretty much be an acne cure for me.



There are so many acne treatments on the market today that
profess to be the answer to all of your problems but the truth
of the matter is you will have to find the best acne products or
try to find the best home remedies for you by simply researching
on your own.



Some people will require acne medications because more serious
illness are the reason for their acne problem. Home remedies for
acne through diet can alleviate many of your outbreaks because
we truly are what we eat. If the eyes are the window to the soul
then the skin is a reflection of your overall health so the
beginning of a real cure starts from within.



About the author:


Robert Kokoska is researcher of natural health. Get a free copy
of his free acne ebook "Perfect Skin Miracles" from his website:
Natural Acne Treatment

Using Natural Remedies Constipation

Dhiraj Bhikoo

There are two basic types of constipation - organic and functional. Organic constipation is a result of some physical change, obstruction, or distortion in your colon. This type of constipation needs immediate attention from a doctor.

This article only covers Functional Constipation. This type of constipation is a result of not following a proper diet, drinking enough fluids, having good emotional health and not having a good lifestyle - a lifestyle that promotes good movement of digested foods through the intestines and colon.

Even though there are many definitions for constipation, constipation is simply a condition where the fecal matter traveling through your colon remains too long in your colon before traveling out the rectum.

Constipation is a symptom and not a disease. It is a condition that tells you your colon is not working properly or that you have some underlying gastrointestinal disease you are not aware of.

Constipation may be a warning that your diet and lifestyle are causing an imbalance in your body. It is a symptom that many people ignore or that many people try to eliminate by using unnatural and oftentimes dangerous drugstore laxatives.

Drugstore laxatives should be avoided when you have constipation. They can become habit-forming, damage your colon, and have nasty side effects if used too long. They sometimes have the tendency of creating the problem you are trying relieve - constipation.

To keep your body in chemical balance, it is important to use only natural remedies for constipation. Natural remedies such as herbs and foods bring into the colon those nutrients that can build up your colon and reactivate your natural peristaltic action.

As you use natural remedies, keep in mind that one particular remedy may not work for you. You may have to try a different remedy or increase dosage of the one you are using. If you supply what your body needs by using a specific remedy, then you will get results from using that remedy.

Experimenting is part of finding out what remedy is best for you. There are many different natural remedies you can choose from. Look on the internet for "natural remedies for constipation" and you will find many listings.

Keep in mind that most remedies should be used only for a short time, two to four days and not longer than 2 weeks. They should only be used for the time needed to clear your constipation. This might be just 4 or 5 times or sometimes it may take several weeks.

There are some herbal combinations that can be used for longer duration. These combinations can improve your colon's health and get your bowels moving again.

If you have constipation, the natural balance and function of your colon has been affected. But, natural remedies can bring you colon back into balance.

About The Author

Dhiraj Bhikoo provides you with the safest and easiest tips to relieve constipation at: http://www.1-nutritional-supplement-guide.com/stool-softener.html.

Ephedra - 101

Cephus Gunn

What is ephedra? Ephedra, which is also known as Ma Huang, is a 5000 years old natural remedy. It grows mainly in Mongolia and the bordering regions of China. It has been used in Chinese medicine and has become a popular herbal dietary supplement in the United States. Most noteworthy, ephedra is used as an energizer and for losing weight and gaining muscles.

The main active ingredients in the ephedra plant are called ephedrine alkaloids. Ephedrine is one of the naturally occurring alkaloids present in Ephedra. Ephedra is designed to naturally activate the sympathetic nervous system which increases the amount of food converted to heat, a process called thermogenesis. The results can be an effective treatment for the symptoms of asthma, allergies, and sinus problems.

Is Ephedra safe to use? Scientific studies confirm that Ephedra is a relatively safe remedy when used within the recommended serving limits. The ephedrine alkaloids in Ephedra act as a mild stimulant and develop effects similar to those of caffeine. Ephedra has been used in Chinese medicine to treat symptoms of asthma and upper respiratory infections.

In February of 2004, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) imposed a ban on ephedra as a diet supplement but allowed synthetic ephedrine and ma huang used for traditional Chinese medicine to continue to be manufactured and sold. This ban came into effect on April 12, 2004.

On April 14, 2005 little more than one year after the ban on ephedra was imposed, a Utah court concluded that the FDA overstepped their power in banning ephedra. The court said that there was no evidence that low dosages, especially under 10mg, pose any health risk. The court decision puts the responsibility on the FDA to prove that ephedra poses a health risk, instead of manufacturers having to prove that ephedra is safe.

Finally, the Miracle Fat Burner is Back and available to the public. But this unparalleled weight loss concerned some people. Ephedra was so powerful, its safety was questioned. When the controversy peaked in 2004, ephedrine was taken off the shelves for further testing.

Since then, it's gone through rigorous tests - and passed with flying colors. According to last month's ruling in Utah, there was never any basis for banning doses of 10 milligrams or less. As a result, ephedra has once again been approved for public consumption?

When it is all said and done it all boils down to one thing - a choice. The choice is yours. Make it wisely!

About the Author

Cephus Gunn is an independent marketing consultant and offers common-sense tips on health and weight loss for the informed consumer. For more information on ephedra and weight loss, visit the web site http://www.yoweightloss.com/

Contact Cephus at solinc01@yahoo.com
Please note that this article is not a substitute for medical advice.

Get hemorrhoid relief from herbal remedies

rudy silva

Here are four different herbs that can give you hemorrhoid relief and help to get rid of your hemorrhoids. Using these herbs is a convenient and cost effective way to treat your hemorrhoid symptoms.



Use these herbs just long enough to give you hemorrhoid relief. Once you see that your symptoms have disappeared, stop using these herbs. Using herbs longer than necessary will make you less sensitive to the power of these herbs, if you have to use them again.



Comfrey root powder



Comfrey powder comes from an herbal root that has plenty

of allantoin. This herb is a powerful acting herb that is anti-inflammatory and stimulates the formation of new skin. It

can also cause hemorrhoids that are outside on the anus to

shrink and pull back. This makes comfrey powder an effective hemorrhoid remedy.



Here's how to use it.



Buy the powder and not the liquid. Make a paste by mixing

it with olive, fish, or flaxseed oil. Apply the paste directly

onto your anus and surrounding area. You can apply it at

night and your morning shower will remove it.



Fresh comfrey leaves or roots are the best to use. However,

you can get precut and dried comfrey root and leaves from a health food or herb store. If you use the dried leaves, you can put them into a coffee grinder to create a powder. Use this powder to create a paste with oils.



Gotu Kola



Gotu Kola is an Indian herb that is a hemorrhoid remedy.

Use an extract that has 70% triterpenic acid since this is the

active ingredient.



Take 30 mg of Gotu Kola 3 time a day.

Gotu kola extract reduces pain, swelling, fatigue, and

sensation of heaviness from hemorrhoids.



Horse Chestnut



Horse chestnut comes from the bark of a tree and has been

found to be useful in treating hemorrhoids. It contains the

chemicals "aesculin" and "aescin", which strengthen your blood vessels and which help to reduce hemorrhoids. It also helps to reduce inflamed areas.



Here's how to use it.



You can make a tea and apply it directly to your

hemorrhoids. However, do not drink the tea since it

contains tannin, which tightens mucus and tissue and would

cause constipation. Use it in powder form and mix it with oil to produce a paste and apply it to your anus area.



Plantain Herb



Plantain also has plenty of allantoin just like comfrey root

powder.



Here's how to use it.



Use it just like comfrey powder by mixing it with oil and

applying it directly to your anus.



You can also combine equal parts of the plantain and

comfrey powder. If you only have plantain leaves, put

them in a coffee grinder to create a powder. Now you can

make a mixture with oil and both of these herbs.


Rudy Silva has a Physics degree from the University of San Jose California and is a Natural Nutritionist. He writes a newsletter called "natural-remedies-thatwork.com" and he has written an ebook called "How to Relieve Your Constipation with 77 Natural Remedies." You can get more information on this ebook and more hemorrhoid remedies at this site. http://www.hemorrhoid-remedies.for--you.info

Using Essential Oils to Treat Minor Ailments

Burgundy Shank

Plants have been used for centuries to support the body's natural healing process. Not only have they been shown to be effective in curing common ailments, they're also used for the prevention of both simple and complex illnesses.

There are plenty of simple plant remedies that can be used in the form of essential oils. Essential oils are a practical way to treat common problems because they are easily stored, and when purchased from a respected source, they are extremely effective with little to no side effects.

Our bodies understand that essential oils are a part of nature's way of balance, and readily accept their life energy without interference with bodily function, as can be the case with over-the-counter and prescription drugs. The acceptance of that life energy is what causes their effectiveness not only through healing, but providing a positive mental and emotional state that can improve the quality of life.

That doesn't mean that modern medicine does not have its place, but there are minor inconveniences in our lives that can be treated with essential oils, removing the need for expensive doctor's visit and prescriptions. Most importantly, these remedies only require some very basic knowledge of essential oils in order to be used safely and effectively:

- Essential oils should never be applied directly to the skin, with the exception of lavender and tea tree oil. Other oils should first be diluted in a carrier oil (such as olive, sweet almond or sunflower for example) to avoid skin irritation.

- When smelling oils as a form of remedy, never sniff directly from the bottle. Waft your hand over the top and then smell the air to avoid irritating the delicate mucous membranes of your nose and eyes.

- Some oils may not be safe for pregnant women, and should be clearly marked when ordering from a respectable source. You can also ask your health practitioner should you have concerns.

- Essential oils should not be ingested, with the exception of peppermint, and then only if the manufacturer approves their oil for such use.

- If it is your first time using a particular oil, do a small patch test on the inside of your arm or other inconspicuous area, and wait for at least 8 hours to check for any adverse skin reactions. If irritation occurs, discontinue use.

If you've followed all of the information above very carefully, you'll find that the following oils are very easy to find, inexpensive, and can be used for a variety of ailments. I highly recommend them for your medicine cabinet at home:

Lavender – Apply directly to the skin for cuts, stings and minor sunburns. Place a few drops into bathwater to reduce allergy symptoms. Earaches can be soothed by a couple of drops in both ears. Headaches caused by eyestrain can be treated with a few drops of lavender on a warm washcloth and then placed over the eyes.

Peppermint – Add one drop to a tablespoon of raw honey for indigestion, or add to baking soda for an all-natural toothpaste. Use two drops in a bowl of steaming water and inhale to relieve sinus pressure and to provide mental clarity.

Tea tree – Add one drop to baking soda for an all-natural toothpaste that will help to heal bleeding gums. Apply oil directly to skin to treat warts, athlete's foot or ringworm.

Eucalyptus – Adding a few drops to the bath will quickly open up the nasal passages and ease chest or nasal congestion. It can provide energy much more effectively than caffeine through inhalation, but without the dehydrating side effects of coffee or soda.

About the Author

Burgundy Shank makes handmade personal care products using peppermint, lavender and other essential oils. She regularly publishes articles on natural home remedies in her newsletter, "Beauty Secrets from Around the World," which can be found at http://www.burgundysoap.com

Making Money Online With Google Adsense

Everyone has heard the stories of all the people making tons of money online through the utilization of Google Adsense. Is it for real? Can it work for you? How do you avoid what the masses really experience – little to no earnings? The good news is that it is entirely possible to make a lot of money by using Google Adsense. The most common mistake people make is that they think that it is going to be a simple process.

In essence, it actually is a simple process, but it’s one that needs to be studied for effective methods, and it needs to be repeated and repeated. It is erroneous to think that you can just throw a few ads out there and sit back and wait for the money to pour in. Believe me, it won’t.

You have to experiment. You have to learn the techniques of creating ads that draw interest and attention. This is the way to increase your click through rate (CTR). Here are some suggestions from the experts:

1) You need the ads to blend in with the website instead of standing out – like an ad. Choose the background color on the rectangular Adsense ad. Oh yeah, choose white for the boarder color too, get it?

2) Place the ads at different places on your webpage, not just the bottom.

3) Maintain hyperlinks to other relevant websites. Place your Adsense ads on the tops of these sites so that they are seen first as visitors come.

4) Experiment. Put in your time. You have to learn to earn. Don’t make the big mistake of giving up because you don’t see immediate results. If you quit, how can you win?

There are a thousand “secrets” readily available out there. Search. Read. Work it. You will be on your way to the big bucks soon enough!