Herbs are usually safe, but they aren’t right for everyone. They can interfere with medications you’re taking, and you could be allergic. Talk to your doctor before you take herbal supplements to make sure they’re safe for you.  Remind your doctor of the medications and supplements you’re already taking. If you are pregnant, do not take any herbal supplements before you talk to your doctor. When you take herbal supplements, always follow your doctor's dosing instructions as well as the manufacturer's instructions about dosing. Occasional heartburn typically isn’t anything to worry about. However, chronic heartburn may be a problem. Over time, chronic heartburn can lead to complications, so it’s best to visit your doctor. They’ll figure out what’s causing your heartburn and offer you treatment options.  Symptoms of heartburn include a burning or irritating sensation in the middle of your chest, a sour taste in your mouth, burping or hiccups that won’t stop, dry coughs, nausea, stomach bloating, dark or black stools, feeling like food is stuck in your throat, and pain that gets worse when you bend over or lie down. Your doctor will likely recommend you try over-the-counter (OTC) heartburn treatments if you haven’t already. These can neutralize acid or reduce your acid production.  Additionally, they’ll probably suggest lifestyle changes. If this doesn’t work, they’ll probably prescribe a medication for you. Chronic heartburn can turn into GastroEsophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), which can cause serious ulcers that may cause internal bleeding. GERD can also increase your risk for certain medical conditions, so it’s important to get treatment if you need it. Try not to worry, but these are always considered emergency symptoms. It’s especially important that you get treatment if you’re also experiencing pain in your arm or jaw, which could indicate a heart attack. Visit an emergency room or call for help if you have these serious symptoms.Heartburn can cause extreme symptoms in some cases. However, it’s always best to be safe and make sure you're okay.

Summary: Check with your doctor before using herbal remedies. See your doctor if you have heartburn at least twice a week. Get emergency medical care for chest pain and difficulty breathing.


Hold your hands open with your palms facing outward. The near string should be short, just the distance between your two hands. The far string should be very long. Bring your hands close together and use your left thumb to hook the string around itself. Return your left hand to its original position. There should now be a section of string extending from under your right index finger over to your left thumb. Mirror Step 2 using your right hand and the dangling left index string. Return your right hand to its original position, palm still down. The string should now make an X between your hands with a short near string across your index fingers and a long far string across your thumbs. Rotate your wrists so that your palms now face each other. A properly-formed Navajo Opening should be much less angular than Opening A. The nooses will be loose and wide. There should be two parallel strings oriented inward, one connected the index fingers and the other connected the thumbs. Underneath these two strings should be an X formed by two strings connecting the index fingers to the thumbs on opposite hands.

Summary: Drape the string over both your left and right index fingers. Loop your left thumb under the right side of the far index string. Loop your right thumb under the left side of the far index string. Bring your hands apart to even out the string.


It's no secret that hair will grow just where you don't want it. If you have unwanted hair that shows around your bikini in the back, try waxing or shaving to remove it. You can also use a hair removal cream to remove unwanted hair, but be sure to test it on a small patch of skin first to see if it irritates your skin. Use a gentle all over scrub in the shower to help remove dead skin. Removing dead skin will make your skin feel softer and appear smoother. Use a tanning lotion or cream to give your skin that sun-kissed look without actually using the sun or a tanning bed. Simply use a mirror to apply the cream evenly to your body, making sure to go lightly on problem areas such as your knees, elbows, and face. Make sure you try on your bathing suit before tanning to ensure you cover all the skin that's showing, including the area around your butt.  For a glamorous-looking tan, try products like Shiseido Brilliant Bronze Tinted Self Tanning Gel or Clarins Intense Bronze Self Tanning Tint, both of which were rated highly by Total Beauty. Be warned, though, they can be a little pricey.  The best tanning creams today don't use a dye or stain. Rather, they use DHA to actually change the color of your skin. Use a moisturizing lotion when you get out of the shower or before bedtime to keep your skin healthy and looking smooth. Not everyone looks good in the same bikini, so pick the right one for your body.  If you curve at your hips and thighs, opt for a bikini with a high cut, as other bikinis may cut you off strangely. In addition, this cut will add visual inches to your legs, making them appear longer. Try a string bikini, as it can accommodate your curves.  If your problem area is your stomach, opt for boy shorts with stomach control. Not only will it slim down your stomach, the suit will highlight you summer-ready bikini butt.  If you are larger in your butt and thighs, try a bikini with ruffles and a small skirt. A small skirt can help hide problem areas, and ruffles add length, meaning you can adjust it up or down as needed.  If you're athletic, try a string bikini. String bikinis add less bulk to your already muscular body.  Avoid shiny materials. Shiny material will show every bump on your body, highlighting problem areas. Opt for solid bikinis in cool colors instead. Salt can make you bloated, which can make everything look bigger in a bikini. Use herbs instead of salt at meals, and check menus for low-sodium options. Also, always read labels, as many products have added salt. Using correct posture will help your whole body look better, as it lifts up problem areas and pulls the skin tighter. You may not have the exact bikini butt you want, but that shouldn't stop you from splashing in the waves or jumping in the pool with your best girlfriends.
Summary: Remove unwanted hair. Exfoliate your skin. Tan your skin without the harmful rays. Moisturize your skin. Choose the right bikini for your shape. Eat less salt. Stand up straight. Remember that nobody's perfect.