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Two Awesome Homemade Yogurt Face Mask for Beautiful and Glowing Skin

2014-04-03T20:35:00.000-07:00

Yogurt face mask for Glowing Skin

Ingredient:

Yogurt is super loaded with multi-vitamins and minerals nourish and revitalize faded skin. Yogurt is great ingredient for acne prone skin as it contains anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties, as well as alpha hydroxyl acids that kill acne causing bacteria. There are lots of nutrients like Vitamin B2, B12, B5, Calcium, Lactic Acid and Zinc found in yogurt which very useful for skin.

Honey is rich in antioxidants which prevent free radical damage and reduces fine lines/wrinkles. It softens and moisturizes skin naturally.

Oatmeal is a great exfoliant that helps to nourish skin and removes excess dirt from deep within skin pores.

Directions to use the mask:

1tbsp Yogurt, 1tbsp Honey, 1tbsp Oatmeal,

Combine all the 3 ingredients mentioned and mix them well. Apply a thick coat on your face. Let the mask rest on the face for 15 minutes. Rinse your face with warm water after 15 minutes. Make sure that the mask comes out well. Splash cold water on your face to close up your pores. If your face feels stiff then use a drop of olive oil on your face as a moisturizer.

Yogurt face mask for Bright Skin

Ingredient:

Strawberry is rich in vitamin C. Strawberries are also rich in both Salicylic acid and Alpha hydroxyl acid which provide skin lighting and brightening benefits.

Honey is rich in antioxidants which prevent free radical damage and reduces fine lines/wrinkles. It softens and moisturizes skin naturally.

Directions to use the mask:

1tbsp Yogurt,

1tbsp Honey,

2 fully ripe strawberries,

Mash two ripe strawberries with the help of fork and add 1tbsp of yogurt and 1tbsp of Honey. Mix them well and make a smooth mask. Apply the mask on your clean face in circular motion. Let the mask sit for 15 minutes and dry. After 15 minutes rinse off the mask gently with warm water.Splash cold water on your face in order to close the open pores.

Get Well Honey!!!

2012-10-03T02:44:00.002-07:00

Raw honey is more than just a natural sweetener. It has many medicinal properties. It helps fight many diseases. Here are few of them:

ASTHMA

Mix half a gram black pepper powder with honey and ginger juice. Take this mixture at least thrice a day to reduce asthma attack.

Ingredient: Honey, black pepper and ginger juice.

Weight Loss

If you have honey and cinnamon powder boiled in one cup of water daily in the morning on an empty stomach and at night before sleeping, you will lose weight.

Ingredient: Honey and Cinnamon powder.

Heart Tonic

One teaspoon of anise powder mixed with an equal amount of honey is a tonic for the heart. It strengthens the heart muscles and improves its functions.

Ingredient: Honey and Anise powder.

Blood Pressure

Take one teaspoon of garlic juice mixed with two teaspoons of honey. This can be had twice a day in the morning and evening. Regular use of this mixture is beneficial for high blood pressure.

Ingredient: Honey and Garlic juice.

Eyesight

Regular use of honey mixed with carrot juice helps improve eyesight. It should be taken one hour before meals in the morning.

Ingredient: Honey and Carrot juice.

Gas

If honey is taken with cinnamon powder the stomach is relieved of gas in no time.

Ingredient: Honey and Cinnamon powder.

Blood Purification

Take one glass of warm water and stir two tablespoons of honey and one lemon juice. Take this preparation daily before evacuation. It helps purify the blood and reduce fat.

Ingredient: Honey, Warm water and lemon juice.

Allergy Protection

Honey has been used as an alternative and natural allergy treatment for many years, with many sufferers swearing by its anti allergenic properties. One study found that the use of honey resulted in a 60 per cent reduction in symptoms for birch pollen allergy.

Ingredient: Honey.

Soothes cough and cold

Perhaps among the most enjoyed health benefits of honey, the super food can be used to soothe cough and cold. A mixture of fresh lemon juice and raw honey provides relief to sore throat and helps stops the tickle that stimulates coughing. Raw honey kills bacteria and viruses.

Ingredient: Honey and fresh lemon juice.

Honey for School going Kids

If your kids are finding it hard to cope with the physical strain from the buzzing activities at school, prepare them some sandwiches with honey, butter and chicken slices to make sure they have enough energy to sustain through the day.

7 Dangerous acts after a meal

2012-07-19T09:29:00.004-07:00

1. Stop Smoking or Do not Smoke after meal - Experiments from experts proves that smoking a cigarette after meal is comparable to smoking 10 cigarettes. Chances of cancer is higher.

2. Do not eat fruits immediately after meal - Eating fruits immediately after meals will cause bloated stomach. One can eat fruits one-two hours after meal or an hour before meal.

3. Do not drink tea after - Because tea leaves contain a high content of acid. This substance will cause the protein content in the food we consume to be hundred thus difficult to digest.

4. Do not loose your belt after meal - Loosening the belt after meal will easily cause the intestine to be
twisted and blocked.

5. Do not bathe after meal - Bathing after meal will cause the increase of blood flow to the hands, legs and body thus the amount of blood around the stomach will therefore decrease, this will weaken the digestive system.

6. Do not go for a walk after meal - People always say that it is good to take a walk after a meal. People believe that taking a short walk after meal makes your stomach feel lighter. But the fact is that walking will cause the digestive system to be unable to absorb the nutrition from the food we intake.

7. Do not sleep immediately after meal - Lying down or sleeping immediately after having meal can cause gastric and infection in our intestine and the food will not be digest properly.

Get Rid of Tan Naturally!

2012-06-28T02:18:00.000-07:00

Curd and Turmeric

One of the best natural remedy to remove tan is to use curd and turmeric face pack. Curd is acidic in nature that helps remove tan and turmeric helps you to get a glow on your face. Method: Take some chilled yogurt and a pinch of turmeric and mix them well in a bowl. Apply this mixture on your face, neck and other tanned area. Leave it to dry for about 30 minutes and then wash it off with cold water.

Potato

Potato is just not a treat for your taste bud but can also works wonders on your skin. Raw Potato juice is again a best natural way of getting rid of tanned skin. One can apply the potato juice on the tanned skin to make it lighter. Another way, mix 1 tablespoon of lime juice and potato juice, apply it on the affected area and leave it for 10-15 minutes (depending upon your skin type). You can apply this mixture daily for a few days to get back your natural shade.

Please note that people with sensitivity may reduce the quantity of lime juice as it may irritate your skin.

Lime Juice

Lime juice is the most tried and tested ingredient that helps removing tan to a great extent. The citric acid in the lime juice breaks the dead cells down, thus removing the tan as well. Take a lime slice and rub it for two minutes on the area that has tanned. Leave it on for ten minutes. And then take a shower the way you normally do. Though this will help you feel fresh but you need to very careful while applying it as your skin may start itching. Please wash it off immediately if you feel some irritation on your skin. Sensitive skin may not bear the effects of the acid in it.

Sugar, Lime and Glycerine

Mix ½ cup of sugar with few drops of glycerine. Add ¼ cup of Lime juice in it. Use this scrub on the tanned area; gently scrub your face with the tips of your finger. Sugar will scrub your skin, glycerine will make it soft and lime will lighten the tan.

5 Things Parents Should Not Say To Their Kids!

2012-06-08T15:42:00.001-07:00

Words hurt and they cannot be taken back, so be careful while communicating with anyone especially to your kids. How parents communicate with their kids directly impact the parents-child relationship in long term. We all are humans and sometime times we don’t give ourselves a pause and think that what we are communicating? Simple statements that parents make, usually in a moment of frustration with their kids can cause damage later on.

It’s no secret that parents should pay attention to how they communicate with their children, however check out these five things parents should not say to kids. These points may also help parents to turn a moment of frustration into positive life lesson.

“I don’t care”

Kids are innocent; they love to share details and want to ask too many questions. Their topics can be funny and genuine at times. Just be aware of saying “I don’t care” because you might be cutting off the communication with your kid and indirectly telling them that something that is important for them is not so important to you. Most parents face difficult time when their children reach the adolescent age. Parents complain that their teens don’t communicate with them. Now this is the time when a question should be asked to the parents that how has the parent-child communication been nurtured throughout the child’s life? There’s an unspoken trust that occurs when communication is nurtured. Parents should be able to communicate to their kids that they are free to discuss if they have any issue. Don’t let the day end without addressing your kid’s need to share with you.

“Act your age”

Sometimes you may have noticed that your seven years old daughter or son acts like three years old kid and you tell her/him to “act your age” or “behave according to your age”. Growing children are full of activities; sometimes they act childish and sometimes matured as if they have really grown up. According to experts - this common reaction is less about child’s behaviour and more about parents trying to manage their own frustration. Because most of the time when you are in happy mood, it is less likely that you will scold your child or get irritated with his childish behaviour. But if, you are in a bad mood then you may land up some part of anger on your kids saying something to them without realising what it would impact on them. Kids may think that parents are criticizing them at a time when they are in a playful mood. For Parents – When you are in a bad mood, just take a pause and come up with an effective response instead of a reaction.

“Say you’re Sorry”

Forcing a child to apologize dose not teach a child social skills. Young children do not automatically understand as to why they have to apologize. If you force your kids to say that they are sorry it might delay the child’s natural acceptance of apologizing. For example: A pre-schooler takes a toy from another child and makes him/her cry. Your instant reaction will be to tell your kid to say sorry for his /her act. Here, you are trying to teach your kid to be compassionate, which is a laudable goal. But you should not force your child to say sorry. One can try this: Apologize to the child for your kid as a way to model the behaviour or the method you are trying to encourage. And also, make sure that you are in a situation where an apology is warranted, you deliver it just as easily.

“Don’t you get it”

You have taught your kid to do a job five times or how to add or subtract. But when your kid shows you that it’s still not clicking for him/her, you hastily ask, “Don’t you get it?” This sentence of you can be degrading. A child always desperately wants to do it in order to please his parents. Implicit is a “don’t you get it’ comment are the judgements of “why don’t you get it?” or “what’s wrong with you for not getting it?” While parents may not mean to send those messages, that is the message the child receives.” One can try this: If you are stuck on how to teach your kid something, step away. Take a break. And then return to the “lesson” when you are ready try again, perhaps after researching some alternative ways or approach to teach whatever you child is trying to learn.

“I am going to leave without you”

When your kid refuses to leave the park or a toy store, so you issue an ultimatum which surely freaks your child out: “I am going to leave without you!” For young kids, fear of parental abandonment is very real. But what happens when this threat also doesn’t work? The biggest problem is that we want our kids to believe what we say. If you want your kids to believe you, you should not say something which is patently false. If you threat your kids just to scare them off the child quickly learns that mom or dad makes empty threats. One can try this: Don’t tell your kid that you are going to leave without them. Instead plan ahead because you have seen your child behave in the same manner earlier also. You know what will trigger a tantrum. It’s okay to identify unacceptable behaviour. You can tell them it’s not acceptable but you have to motivate them with a consequence that you can carry out.

The bottom line is be passionate with your kids. Be real and say what’s on your mind passionately.

Benefits of Holy Tulsi ( Basil)

2012-04-13T20:44:00.000-07:00

Holy Tulsi is the important symbol in Hindu religious tradition. Hindus believe that it is auspicious to plant Tulsi in their courtyard and worship it in the morning and evening. This sweet scented woody herb is known for its both religious and medical significance. Tulsi leaves are used as natural herbal remedy to cure lot of common ailments.

Here are some medicinal uses of Tulsi:

Healing Power: Tulsi has some amazing healing power. It promotes the removal of the catarrhal matter and phlegm from the bronchial tube. Tulsi leaves are known as nerve tonic, as when consumed it soothes our nerves. It also sharpens the memory, keeping one fresh psychologically and helps in stimulated thought process.

Some diseases are caused due to hereditary reason. The hormones play an important role and it is difficult to deal with it. This hormonal imbalance can be corrected to some extent by using Tulsi.

Fever and Common Cold: Tulsi can help in curing fever and common cold, as tulsi leaves acts as preventive against these diseases. In case of acute fever, boil few tulsi leaves with powered cardamom in water. Add sugar and milk to it. Drinking this milk will bring down the temperature.

The juice of tulsi leaves can also help in controlling the fever. Extract of tulsi leaves in fresh water can be consumed in every 2-3 hours. In between one can sip some water also. It is very effective in bringing down the temperature, especially in case of children.

Cough: Tulsi is a very important constituent of many Ayurvedic cough syrups, as it helps to mobilize mucus in bronchitis. Simply, chewing tulsi leaves can relieve cold and subside flu.

Sore Throat: Water boiled with Tulsi leaves in it can be consumed as a drink if you have a sore throat. This water can also be used for gargles, it gives immediate relief.

Respiratory Disease: Recent studies have shown that Tulsi is most effective in upper respiratory tract infection.

- A decoction of the leaves with honey and ginger can be an effective natural remedy for asthma, bronchitis, cold and cough.

- A decoction of the leaves with few cloves and common salt can also be given for immediate relief in case of influenza.

***They should be boiled in water till only half the water is left.

Kidney Stone: In case of renal stone, the juice of tulsi leaves mixed with honey (or with Aloe Vera juice) should be taken regularly for six months. It will expel the stone via urinary tract. Tulsi leaves have a significant contribution in strengthening the kidneys.

Heart Disease: Tulsi is very useful for the people suffering from cardiac disease or high blood pressure. For making syrup: You can take 10 grams of tulsi, boil it in 160 ml of water until this volume reduces to 20 ml. Tulsi leaves also helps in reducing blood sugar and cholesterol level, very helpful for diabetic people. In order to prevent the escape of volatile oil, tulsi leaves can be used without boiling.

Stress: Tulsi or Basil leaves are also known as anti-stress agent, as tulsi leaves afford significant protection against stress. Even a healthy person can chew 10-12 leaves of tulsi leaves in a day. It also purifies blood.

Mouth Infection: Mouth infections and ulcers can be cured by chewing few leaves of tulsi leaves. These leaves are very effective.

Insect Bites: This herb is very useful and curative for insect bite or stings. Methods: (1) Fresh juice of tulsi leaves can be applied on the affected parts. (2) A teaspoonful of fresh tulsi leaves juice should be taken and can be repeated after few hours. (3) Paste of fresh roots applied on affected parts is also effective.

Skin Disorder: Tulsi juice is beneficial in the treating skin related disease such as ringworm, leucoderma and other skin diseases.

Teeth Disorder: This herb is great when used for dental care. It is useful for maintain dental health, for massaging gums and counteracting for bad breath. Tulsi is also very good for treating pyorrhea. Method: Tulsi leaves when dried in the sun and powdered, can be used for brushing teeth. Dried and powdered tulsi leaves can also be mixed with mustered oil and this paste can be used as toothpaste.

Headaches: Pounded tulsi leaves mixed with sandalwood paste can be applied on the forehead for getting relief from headache. It also provides coolness in general.

Gastrointestinal Disease: Tulsi is always acclaimed for its digestive properties. For a person who suffers from abdominal discomfort and loss of appetite, Tulsi and ginger juice can be taken mixed with black pepper.

Life Longevity: Anti-oxidant properties in tulsi help to prolong the life. It fights against and saves the body from external forces. One should take regular intake of tulsi to build up the immunity power in the body and control the disease incidence.

Disclaimer: These are only general guidelines and views expressed as a first aid. It is always better to see a doctor or a physician depending upon the case.

7 Myths about drinking water - busted!

2012-03-28T01:54:00.002-07:00

Myth # 1: Drinking water between meals is bad for digestion.

This is one line which we keep on hearing from everyone, also passed down from generation to generation. However, there is no scientific proof to indicate that it will affect the digestive process. Probably it will just fill up your stomach and reduce your appetite for lunch or dinner. But besides that everyone should go ahead and enjoy a glass of water with every meal.

Myth # 2: Drinking 8 glasses of water in a day is good for health.

Drinking 8 glasses of water in a day is the most popular myth these days. Scientists say that there is no clear correlation between good health and sipping water all the day. Doctors also recommend drinking water when one feels thirsty. One should drink more water in summers because we all tend to sweat more in hot and humid weather. Common sense should prevail.

Myth # 3: Drink water, and you can never have too much of a good thing!

Recent studies says that drinking too much of water can in fact be harmful. Excessive water is dangerous in a way that it can lower the salt concentration in the body. Drinking more water than required can cause water intoxication, where dilution of blood sodium takes place because our kidneys are over worked. And unable to excrete the excess water as urine.

Myth # 4: Water cleans out the body's toxins.

Common myth says that drinking a lot of water will clear out toxins from our body, which is absolutely wrong! The truth is that the toxins in our body are filtered out by kidneys. Drinking more water than required will actually reduce the kidney's ability to function as a filter.

Myth # 5: Drink water for healthy skin.

It is a popular belief that since our body's composition is 60% water, drinking more water will give you a glowing skin. However, there is little evidence to support this saying. Water does help keeping skin hydrated but healthy and glowing skin is result of many things which includes good diet, weather, pollution and genetic factors.

Myth # 6: Drinking water can help in weight loss.

I have heard many people saying that "drink more water and you'll shed those extra pounds like magic". This is not true, as we have already discussed earlier that drinking more water will at most fill in your stomach and reduce your food intake. But water is far from a miracle drug to lose weight.

Myth # 7: Drink as much water as you can during a workout.

It is commonly believed that during workouts there are more chances of dehydration, so common myth says that you need to drink more water during exercise. But dehydration sets in only when you lose 2% of body weight. Now you can calculate yourself and will know it is unlikely a normal workout requires increased water intake. Instead, ensure that you are well hydrated during the workouts and throughout the day, without over doing it. Drink water if you feel thirsty during workouts.

Essential Foods for Female Health

2012-03-23T18:20:00.030-07:00

Milk - Nature's wellness drink - Milk provides a unique balance of nutrients and is a great source of bone-boosting calcium, which is extremely beneficial to women's health. Milk has a unique proportion of carbs, protein, phosphorous and vitamin D. Consuming these nutrients is great for warding off osteoporosis and even prevent symptoms of PMS.

Tips for incorporating more milk into your day

Start your day with Milk by adding it to your morning cereals, oatmeal or into smoothies.
Drink milk as an afternoon snack. Its great balance of quality protein and carbohydrate.
Before going to any party, just have a glass of fat free or low fat milk. It is easy, fast and filling. It takes the edge off hunger and helps you to make smarter choice on food and drink in the party.
Milk is an excellent post-exercise beverage as it can refuel the muscles after the workout as effectively as any other commercial exercise beverage can do.
Having a warm glass of milk at bedtime can really help you fall asleep and stay asleep better. Poor sleep may increase your risk of chronic diseases and can impair your metabolism.

Tomatoes - Tomatoes are loaded with anti-oxidant "Lycopene" - another vibrant carotenoid beneficial for women's health. Women who consume lycopene- rich diets can have as much as 50% lower risk of developing breast cancer and reduce risk of heart disease. Lycopene can also help lowering down your blood pressure, bad cholesterol levels and even reduce your risk of getting macular degeneration. Raw tomatoes are not the only option but cooked tomatoes in form of sauce in pasta or in other dishes are equally good.

Walnuts - We all know that nuts are great for our health, but walnuts have many great individual benefits for women. Walnuts are packed with Omega-3 fatty acids, anti-oxidants and phytosterols, which may reduce women's risk of developing breast cancer and increase the good cholesterol levels in our body. This Omega-3 rich nut also helps bone health, arthritis pain and depression. Walnuts also contains many other nutrients essential for female health, such as calcium, folic acid and magnesium.

Cranberries - Cranberries are rich in anti-oxidant, they help fend off stomach bugs, colds, and certain types of cancer. Cranberries also help to fight against nasty Urinary Tract Infections, just taking 10 oz. unsweetened juice a day is need to kick UTI infection out of your body. Drinking cranberry juice can also prevent plaque formation on your teeth.

Spinach - Leafy greens like Spinach is rich in many different vitamins and minerals, but the thing that makes it great for women health is high content of magnesium. Studies have shown that magnesium can be beneficial in reducing many of the physical symptoms of PMS, including reduction of swelling, breast tenderness and bloating. Spinach is an excellent sources of lot of vitamins such vitamin K, A, C, B2, B6, magnesium, folate, iron, calcium and potassium. Apart rich in lot of vitamins, spinach is also a good source of protein, phosphorous, zinc, dietary fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. Spinach is loaded with "flavonoids" which acts as anti-oxidants and protects our body from free radicals. Researchers have discovered at least 13 different flavonoid compounds that act as anti-cancer substance. Spinach is a versatile food - it can be eaten raw in a salad or cooked as rich gravy.

Oats - Oats are packed with healthy boosting nutirents, many of which great impacts of female health. Oats are great source of soluble and insoluble fiber, vitamin E & B, iron, calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, copper and zinc. Its benefits include the following:

Oats contain natural anti-oxidants that can lower risk of heart disease.
It is best cholesterol lowering foods
It has cancer fighting properties
It help relieve constipation
Increases energy levels
Good food for those who want to lose weight
Sooths bloating, indigestion and nervous stomach

Refreshing Drinks for Summers !!

2012-03-19T16:17:00.002-07:00

Minty Ambi Panna : This is a sweet and sour Indian cooler prepared from Raw Mangoes.

Ingredients Needed:
1/2 Kg- Raw green managoes (Kaccha aam)
A mint sprig (pudina) for granish

For Paste:
1/2 cup mint leaves (pudina leaves)
2 tsp roasted cumin (bhuna jeera) powder
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 tsp of red chilli podwer (lal mirch) (this is optional)
2 tsp salt

Method: (serves 6-8)

Peel raw managoes and discard the skin.
Put peeled managoes in a pressure cooker and add 6 cups of water to it. Pressure cook to give 2-3 whistles and then remove it from the heat.
When cool , extract the pulp of the mangoes with the hands and discard the mangoe seeds. Mix the pulp and water in the pressure cooker well.
Grind all the ingredients of a paste ( as mentioned above) in a mixer by adding a little water to a smooth paste.
Add the prepared mint paste to the mangoe pulp and mix well till the sugar dissloves.
Take a muslin cloth or a very fine metal strainer and strain the mixture.
Check and adjust the seasonings as a lot depends on the sourness of the mangoes.
Pour the panna over ice put in the glasses and garnish with a mint sprig.

Sardai : This is healthy and refeshing milk drink.

Ingredients Needed:
250 ml (1 1/4 cups) Milk
250 ml (1 1/4 cups) Water
5 tsp sugar or according to taste

Grind together:
10-15 Almonds - Soaked and peeled (blanched)
1 1/2 tsp khus khus (poopey seeds)
2 tsp magaz (melon seeds)
10 saboot kali mirch (peppercorns)
Seeds of 2 choti illachi (green cardamoms)

Method: (serves 2-3)

Soak almonds separately in warm water for 30 minutes. Peel and keeps aside.
Soak together khus khus, magaz, kali mirch, and choti illaichi fro 30 minutes in little water.
Drain and grind the khus khus mixture along with the blanched almonds to a very fine paste, using little water.
Add 1/2 cup to the almond & khus khus paste. Mix. Strain and squeeze well through a muslin cloth.
Add remaining (3/4 cup) water and milk. Mix inthe sugar and serve chilled.

Lassi - Malai Maar Ke! : Lassi is a ver ypopular and traditional yogurt-based drink in India.

Ingredients Needed:
1 cup curd prepared from full cream milk
6-8 pudina (mint) leaves
1/2 cup water, salt and pepper to taste
1/2 bhuna jeera powder (roasted & ground cumin seeds)

Method: (Serves 1)

Beat or churn alongwith pudina very well, preferably in a mixer.
Add water, salt, and pepper. Add ice and blend till frothy. Pour in a tall glass.
Sprinkle bhuna jeera powder and serve garnished with mint leaves.

Note: To prepare sweet lassi , add 2 tsp of sugar to the churned curd instead of salt and pepper.

Punjabi Kanji : This is a Red purple drink .Also, known as the wine of Punjab!

Ingredients Needed:
1/2 kg fresh black carrots - peeled & cut into thin fingers.
3 fully heaped tsp of Rai powder.
3 tsp of salt.
3 pinches of red chilli powder.
1/2 tsp of kala namak (black salt)

Method:(Serves 12)

Boil about 2 liters (8 cups) water. When the water boils, remove pan from fire.
Add the carrots in the hot water and let them rest in water for 4-5 minutes.
Add 2 more liters of water and keep aside to cool. Let the water cool completely.
Add rai powder, salt, red chilli powder and kala namak and mix well.
Transfer it to an ceramic jar and keep in the sun for 2-3 days. make sure sure to stir it every day.
After 2-3 days when it turns sour, it can be kept in the refrigerator and used as required. It is served chilled.

Note: Rai powder should be added only after the water turns cold. If black carrots are not available, ordinary carrots aand 1 beetroot may be used.

Pudina Jeera Paani: A refreshing and cooling drink, the Pudina Jeera Pani looks delicious when served topped with boondi.

Ingredients Needed:
4 cups of water.
1 rounded tsp seedless tamarind (imli) or tamarind pulp
4 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp of sugar
1/2 tsp kala namak (balck salt)
1 1/2 bhuna jeera (roasted cumin powder)
3/4 tsp normal salt (or according to the taste)
1 bunch of mint leave and 1" piece ginger - ground to paste
2 tsp besan ki pakories or boondi

Method:(Serves 4)

Soak tamarind in 1 cup of hot water. Extract pulp and strain the pulp.
Grind pudina and ginger with a little waterto a smooth paste.
Add pudina paste to tamarind water.
Add 3 more cups of water and all ingredients except boondi. Chill in the refrigerator.
To serve, pour in the glasses filled with a little ice and sprinkle some boondies on top.

Castor Oil Benefits

2012-03-02T01:31:00.004-08:00

Castor oil is pale yellow thick oil, extracted from castor seeds. Castor oil is one of the most effective and widely used oil for health benefits. Because of its commercial importance it is cultivated around the world. India, China and Brazil being the major producer, are able to meet most of the global demand. Over 60% of the global production is contributed by India.

Castor oil is an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant oil which has been used for ages now for it's medicinal & health benefits. Castor oil contains unsaturated fatty acids, a strong smell and an unpleasant taste. Because of its medicinal & health benefits it's used in many products such massage oil, soaps, cosmetics, medicines, and hair oil.

Castor Oil Benefits

Because of its magical health benefits, castor oil can be used both internally and externally. It can be used for treating day to day minor problems such as Constipation, Fungus infection, Acne, Sunburns, Migraines, Menstrual disorder, hair loss, Ringworm and Inflammation. Castor Oil is also great for treating major illness such as Arthritis, Rheumatism, Cerebral Palsy, Parkinson's Disease and Multiple Sclerosis.

Beauty Benefits and Remedies of Castor Oil

Acne: Castor oil contains ricinoleic acid which penetrates deep into the skin tissues that makes it an effective treatment for acne.

Method to treat Acne: In the night before you go to sleep, take a hot damp washed cloth and put it on your face for few minutes (cloth should be warm enough so that you can bear the heat ). The heat from the damp cloth will help to open pores on your face. Then take few drops of castor oil and massage it on your face gently in circular motion. Leave it overnight. Continue to do this for 1-2 weeks and see the result.

Wrinkles: Castor oil penetrates the skin deeply than any other essential oil and helps stimulate the production of collagen and elastin that helps to keep skin hydrated and smooth.

Method to treat Wrinkles: Before going to bed just rub few drops of castor oil all over the face and rinse it morning. Alternatively, you can wash it off in 2-3 hours of time also. Keep in mind that castor oil is very thick and just a few drops can go a long way. Regular use of castor oil for few months can help to fade pimple marks or spots. Castor oil restores and rejuvenates skin looking smooth, firm and wrinkle free.

Stye: Stye is a painful red bump that appears on the eyelash or under the eyelid. Castor oil contains anti-bacterial components that are effective against styes.

Method to treat Stye: Apply a tiny drop of castor oil directly on the stye. You can apply it 2-3 times per day.

Scars & Pigmentation: Number of studies have proved that regular use of Castor oil on the scars and pigmentation helps to fade marks, pimple spots and pigmentation. Castor oil mixed with Turmeric gives long lasting results.

Method to treat Scars & Pigmentation: Make a face mask by taking few drops of castor oil and little amount of turmeric (actually its depends on your own choice, you can make a thick paste = more turmeric & less oil or a thin paste = less turmeric & more oil ) . You can apply this mask on your face and leave it on your face mask as long as you are comfortable.

Note: All natural remedies require patience. Also, remember that the skin only renews itself every 30 days or so.

Eyelashes & Eyebrows: As we all know that Castor oil promotes hair growth. Apply little castor oil on the base of your eyelashes before you got to bed. This will thicken your eyelashes.

For Eye brows, take a little amount of castor oil and rub it on the brow line in the night before you go to sleep. This will promote hair growth and thicken your eyebrows.

Hair Loss or How to get long & healthy hair: As stated earlier also, castor oil contains anti-bacterial and anti-fungicidal properties of ricinoleic acid. This acid helps our scalp and hair from infections that can cause hair loss. Castor oil is also rich in Omega-3 fatty acids that can nourish our hair and prevent the sclap from drying.

Method to treat hair loss: Rub castor oil on your scalp and on the roots of the hair regularly. This will help in regenerating new hair and will also thicken your hair. One can really get long, beautiful and strong hair with regular use of castor oil.

Stretch Marks: Rub few drops of castor oil on your stomach regularly to prevent stretch marks.

Health Benefits and Remedies of Castor Oil

Ringworm: Castor oil contains undecylenic acid which is very effective in treating fungal infection.

Method to treat Ringworm: Soak a piece of cloth in castor oil and tie it or keep it on the affected area. And, if a small area is to be treated then a band aid with a few drops of castor oil can be used.

Another method is to spray some hot water on castor leaves and crush them coarsely. Then take some pure coconut oil and soak the crushed castor oil in it. Heat these leave to a temperature that doesn't burn your skin. Apply these leaves on the affected area and leave it overnight. Continue this procedure until it is cured.

Note: Please discontinue this procedure if it causes some redness or discomforts you.

Constipation: It is proved that Castor oil is a very strong laxative and just works great to treat constipation.

Method to treat constipation: Because of it strong smell and unpleasant taste, many people cannot take it directly. Therefore, it can be mixed with some juice such as Orange juice, ginger juice, cranberry juice so that it tastes better and castor oil's laxative effect is also maintained.

Note: Castor oil should not be consumed continuously for more than three days.

Arthritis: Because of it's anti-inflammatory properties, castor oil makes a great massage oil for relieving joints pain and sore muscles.

Method to treat Arthritis: Take a medium piece of cotton cloth and fold it four times (make a cotton pad). Dip this pad into the castor oil and place it on the joint or muscle that is paining. To prevent the oil dripping down, cover it with a plastic wrap. After this take a hot water bottle to place it over the cotton pad. Leave the cotton pad on the affected area for an hour. This activity can be done once a day.

Keen Pain: Take clarified butter or ghee, add some wheat flour, small amount of turmeric and few drops of castor oil. Make a paste and apply on your keen. This will give you immediate relief from keen pain.

Moles & Warts: Regular use of castor oil on warts or moles helps to remove them permanently without leaving scars or marks on your body.

Method to treat Moles & Warts: Rub castor oil on warts or moles every night before you sleep. In couple of days warts or moles will start to shrink. Continue to use castor oil as explained. It is a slow healing process and complete removal will take atleast 2-3 months of time.

Side effects of Castor Oil

- Please do not use a castor oil if you are breast feeding, pregnant, suspect to be pregnant or trying to conceive.

- People with appendicitis, acute inflammatory intestinal disease, intestinal blockage or abdominal pain should not consume castor oil with out doctor's approval.

- Precautions must be taken when consuming castor oil. Always consult your doctor first, follow the steps or instruction written on the castor oil pack. Overdosage of Castor Oil may result in different problems such as cramping, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain or vomiting.

A to Z care for your Skin in Summers !!

2012-02-28T20:20:00.009-08:00

Here comes summer again! Summer is a lot fun with outdoor activities. We all enjoy outdoor sports, picnics, and beach activities in summers. But at the same time summer brings hot and muggy weather too. Hot, humid and scorching heat is really bad for our skin and hair. We all sweat a lot in summers which makes our skin dry and saggy. Our skin absorbs different foreign particles such as dirt & dust which block our skin pores and because of which our skin is not able to breathe properly.

Most of us prefer to stay inside our home and office during summers, but it not always possible! Life becomes tough when we have to travel or spend some time under direct sun. Direct Sun rays is another harmful element which can cause a lot of damage to our skin such as tanning, early aging, wrinkles, sunburns, and also skin cancer in some cases.

Therefore, be ready to do your homework for summers so that you can enjoy any outdoor activity of your choice.

Here is A to Z easy ways to protect your skin from harmful effects of sun rays this summer. Since, all the remedies mentioned below are home-made, they are 100 % natural, have no side effect and are very cost effective.

A - Aloe Vera is one of the most effective and perfect remedy for the sun burn. It soothes irritated skin. If you have sun burnt skin, take a fresh aloe vera leaf/stick and extract juice from it. Rub the gel on the affected part of the skin and let it dry. Rinse it after it dries and repeat the process for few days. Aloe Vera has proven versatile healing properties.

B - Besan is the hindi word for Chickpea flour or Gram flour. Besan is low in carbohydrates and high in protein. It's a good source fibre, vitamins, minerals, and highly nutritious. Besan work wonders for removing sun tan. It lightens the skin and helps to get fair complexion. For fair complexion you can prepare a face pack. Ingerdients needed: 1tsp of Besan or chickpea flour, 2 tsp of raw milk and 2-3 drops of fresh lemon juice. Mix all the ingredients to make a paste. Apply this paste on your face and leave it for 10-15 minutes. Wash your face with cool water. You can use this face pack twice a week. This face pack works great for all skin types but is best for dark skin.

C - Everyone is aware of cooling effects of cucumber. Cucumber has its own healing effect as it helps in reducing swelling on the skin. It also reduces heat from the body and refresh your skin. Here is the quick tip for looking fresh. If you are going out for party and want to put on some make, this tip will help your make up to remain fresh longer. Take fresh cucumber juice (just squeeze it from cucumber) and refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes. Apply this juice on your face in circular motion and leave it for 10-15 minutes. Rinse it with cold water. Now you are ready to apply make-up.

D - Dried Amla also known as Gooseberry fruit is the great source of vitamin C. It is truly a gift of nature that has an amazing remedial qualities. Amla is used in many Ayurvedic medicines to cure liver disorder, anemia, fever, indigestion, heart related problems, and urinary problems. Amla fruit contains more than 80% of water. It also contains vitamin, proteins, fiber and carbohydrates. Dried Amla can be obtained by drying amla fruit in shade, drying it in shade helps retaining much of vitamin C present in the fruit. Dried can be chewed with little salt also.

Coming back to skin and hair benefits. Dried Amla has many beauty benefits. As mentioned earlier in this post that we all sweat a lot in summers. Sweat makes our hair look dull, dry and rough. To get healthy, smooth and shiny hair take powdered amla (dried) mix it with coconut oil. Add 2-3 drops of fresh lemon juice. Apply this mixture to you hair and leave it for one hour. For rinsing off you can use a mild shampoo or your regular shampoo. Another method is to take a piece of dried alma and soak it overnight in water. Use this water to rinse your hair. Regular use of this method will give you healthy and shiny hair.

E - Egg whites are full of nutrients and protein. It can give you an amazing effect on our complexion when applied on face. Egg white is the most simple and natural skin lightening remedy. Egg whites when applied to face makes the skin frim and tight, face gets more lifted appearance. If summer makes your skin oily. There is a great way to stop your skin ooze out oil. Take egg white and mix it with honey. Add few drops of lemon in to it. Apply this mixture on your face and leave it for 15-20 minutes. Rinse it with cold water and pat dry.

F - Fresh fruits are always good for healthy skin. One should include different fresh fruit in daily diet to get smooth and clear complexion. All fruits are good but citrus fruits contains vitamin C and are the best for skin complexion because citrus is responsible for body's collagen formation. Fruits like Oranges and grapes are rich in vitamin C. For fresh glowing skin you can mash the fruits and apply directly on the skin. Fruits such as Avocado, mango, Berries, Orange, lemon and grapefruits are food good for glowing skin.

G - Green tea has many health benefits. One should get in to the habit of drinking green tea. It is really good for skin, especially it is very beneficial in summers. Green tea slows down the process of ageing. Green tea has following benefits: Fight free radicals, Neutralize UV light, prevent skin cancer, rejuvenate skin cells, fight inflammation, Improve Psoriasis, Dandruff condition, soothe acne and lighten skin colour. You can make ice cubes of brewed green tea and rub it on your face in circular motion.

H - Honey and Lemon is the best combination for the glowing skin. Honey is 100% natural product and doesn't contain any kind of chemicals. It acts as a moisturiser and helps in hydrating and smoothing your skin. Because of its anti-bacterial properties it is proved beneficial for acne prone skin and controls the chance of breakouts. Lemon is also known as the natural bleaching agent. If you have dull, oily, and aged looking skin then lemon is the most helpful solution for you. Lemon helps our skin in many ways such: Exfoliates and brighten our skin, Neutralise damage caused by sun and pollution. Lemon is the natural toner and very good for pore cleansing. Every time after spending a day under sun you can apply honey & lemon facemask which helps to control darkening of skin. For this mask you can take 1tsp of honey and 1tsp of lemon, mix them well and apply on the face.Keep it for 10-15 minutes and rinse with cold water.

I - Ice cubes are more than welcome in summer season. We make use ice cubes in our drinks and food, we can also use it for refreshing are tried looking skin. Ice cubes can be rubbed on the face 1-2 times a day but only for few seconds, the time should not exceed for more than 5-6 second. You can rub ice cubes in the morning after you wake up to tone up the skin and in the evening to remove tirdeness from the face. Another way to use Ice cubes is that you can take help of milk also. Take 3:1 ratio of water and milk i.e. 3 parts of water and one part of milk. Freeze it to make Ice cubes. These milk & water ice cubes can be rubbed on sun burnt area or on face to get relief. This also helps in blood circulation. For sunburnt skin this procedure can be repeated every 2-4 hours for a week.

J - Summers not only damage our skin but also hamper our hair. Jojoba oil is great for dull and dry hair. It has amazing qualities to repair damaged hair. Jojoba hair oil is available in various compositions such as meduim, heavy and light concentrations, you can buy depending on your hair type. It is excellent oil for adding moisture to your hair. Here is the tip for having healthy, soft and shiny hair. You need Rose water, Jojoba oil, and Vitamin E oil. Take 1 cup of rose water and warm it up on a very low flame. Add 1tsp of jojoba oil and 7-8 drops of vitamin E oil. Apply this mixture on your scalp and leave it for one hour. After an hour, rinse it with plain warm water and then take head wash with mild shampoo and plain water.

K - Kajal is the first make-up product that most of the girls use. Pure Kajal or Kohl which is chemical free is great for protecting your eyes from the sun. Please be sure of what you pick because these days some kajals are produced by adding charcoal which gives kajal a dark colour and some use sliver nitrate which gives kajal a glowing effect. So, it very important to buy only trusted and reliable brands. There are lot of ayurvedic kajal brands available in the market.

L - We have already discussed benefits of Rosewater and Lemon juice earlier in this blog. There is another quick way to give your skin a fresh look. For this trick, take 1:1:4 ratios of lemon juice, rose water and chilled water. Where equal quantity of lemon juice and rose water is taken and 4 parts of chilled plain water is taken. Fill this water solution in a bottle and spray this solution on your face regularly in hot summers. It will keep your skin fresh.

M - Multani Mitti or also know have Fuller earth works great for Oily skin in summers. Multani mitti has been used for ages now to get rid of skin oiliness, pimples, acnes, and blemishes. Some people also call it as "Magic Mud" because it is an excellent skin cleanser and contains rich minerals that nourish your skin. It should not be used on dry skin as it has tendency to clean out excess oil from the face making it more dry.

For Oily skin here is the way to make a great home-made face mask. Take 2tsp of Multani Mitti and 1/2 tsp of Sandalwood powder, mix them well by adding 2tsp of pure rosewater. Apply this mask evenly on the face & neck and leave it to dry on its own. Don't make the paste too dense because then it will take more time to dry than required. Now, once the mask dries out rinse it with cold water by slowly massaging your face in circular motion. Oily skin people should use this mask regularly to get clean and smooth skin. It refreshes your skin naturally.

N - Neem is not a new word for people who take interest in beauty, health, fitness and ayurvedic medicine talks. Because of its numerous benefits it is called "Magical Tree". Some benefits of Neem leaves are: helps treating chicken pox, neem leaf paste helps subsiding inflammation , diabetic people consume neem leaves empty stomach in the morning, it really helps in curing diabeties, Neem leaves are also helps in purifying blood, and you can also increase body's natural immunity by neem leaf juice.

Neem Benefits on skin: Neem cures number of skin related problems.

- Boil some handful fresh neem leaves in water, let the water cool down. Rinse your face regularly with this water to get problem free skin.

- For any kind of skin infection, make a paste of neem leaves with turmeric and apply it on the effected area for 2-3 month.

- If you have minor wounds apply neem leaves paste, it helps healing the wound fast and reduces the chance of further infection

- For pimples, neem leaves work wonders. Apply neem leaves mixture or paste on the pimples.

Neem Benefits for hair:

- To get rid of dandruff, mix the neem leaves extract with lime juice and apply it on the scalp, leave it for 25-30 minutes. Rinse it with normal water and then use you regular shampoo.

- This also helps hair loss!

Neem Benefits for body:

- When consumed neem leaves it acts as de-worming agent and fights with intestinal worms.

- Helps in curing urinary tract infection.

- Helps proper functioning of liver.

- Neem leaves have anti-malarial properties.

Important Note: If you are pregnant or trying to conceive, please do not consume these leaves.

O : Orange dried peel is another good way to get natural glow on your face in summers. We all know that Orange is the great source of Vitamin C and Vitamin C is very important for healthy and glowing skin. Besides this it is very tasty and refreshing fruit.

Dried orange peel face mask :

Method to use dried orange peel : take some orange peel and dry them under the sun. Once the peels are dries out completely, powder them. Then add milk to the powder to make fine paste. Apply this paste evenly on your face. Keep it for 10-15 minutes and rinse it off and see the glow on your face. Regular use of this paste will make your skin fair and smooth.

Other Benefits of dried orange peels are :

- For cough: Take 2 cups of water and add about 5grams of powdered orange peel. Also, add some grated ginger & sugar and simmer it for 10-15 minutes. Drink it before it cools down. This also helps to treats cold, fever, and vomit.

- Cure for Hangover: If you have bad headache in the morning because of excessive drinking a night before, take about 30 gram of powdered orange peel, add water and salt to it. Bring it to boil and drink it warm.

- Constipation: Boil small amount of powered orange peel in water. Drink it two times a day to get relief from constipation.

P - Raw Potato acts as the natural bleach. It is excellent for removing suntan. Apply raw potato juice directly on the tanned skin. Keep it for few minutes and rinse it with cold water. Raw potato juice also works great for reducing pigmentation, scars and blemishes on the face. For more remedies on raw potato juice, please read my blog on Home Remedies for Scars and Pigmentation

Q : Another Quick tip for removing scars and blemishes: take 1tsp of glycerine, 1 tsp of pure rose water and 1tsp of fresh lemon juice. Mix all of them together. Apply 2-3 drops of this solution on your face every day in the night before you sleep. Continue it for 2 weeks and see the result. You will have glowing and smoothing looking skin. You can use this solution to heal cracks in the feet, hands or dried lips. This can also be stored for few days in the refrigerator.

R - Rose water is the best natural toner available. Rosewater suits all skin type be it normal, dry or oily skin. Rosewater can be used for cleansing, toning and mositurising also. It also helps in treating dry flaky skin, acne, patches on cheeks and forehead.

Uses of Rosewater:

- Rosewater can be used in many different face mask such as Sandalwood face mask, Multani mitti face mask etc..

- Rosewater can be used as a Cleanser: Because of it natural cleansing properties, it is used as astringent which helps to tighten the skin, reduce fine lines and wrinkles and up lift of the face.

- Rosewater can be used as a Toner: It can be applied on the face before putting on make-up. It helps set foundation and adds glow to your face.

- Rosewater can be used as Mosituriser: Add few drop of rosewater to your regular moisturiser and apply to your face in circular motion. It is well suited for all kind of skin.

S - In summers it is very important to scrub your skin. You can make your own anti-bacterial scrub at your home. Take small amount of Sugar Crystal and few drops of lemon juice and rub gently against your skin. After massaging for few minutes rinse it off with luke warm water. This exfoliates and smoothen your skin giving it a fresh look. As you exfoliate your skin with sugar crystals and lemon, it removes dirt and dead cells from your skin.

T - We all are well aware of Turmeric benefits. It has a lots of beauty as well as antiseptic benefits. Its anti-inflammatory properties makes it great cure for skin related problems. Turmeric is used in many face masks. It helps to cure pimples, eliminate blemishes and brightens the skin tone. In summer season you can apply turmeric powder and milk to get rid of suntan. There are different face mask for different type of skin.

- For Normal Skin: Mash 3-4 Strawberries, add a pinch of turmeric and some corn starch. Mix all of these ingredients well and apply it on your face. Let it dry and then wash it off with cold water.

- For Oily Skin Take 2tsp of Sandalwood powder, 2 tsp of milk, a pinch of turmeric and 2-3 drops of lemon. Mix them well and apply it to you face. Let is dry and wash it off with cool water.

- For Dry Skin: Take one egg, add a pinch of turmeric and equal amount of lemon juice, rosewater and olive oil (2-3 drops). Mix them really well and apply it on your face. Wash of in 15 minutes with cold water.

U - Unripe Papayas facemask are just excellent for summers. As it helps to prevent premature ageing, exfoliates dead skin cells and removes suntan. For those who have sensitive skin should use ripe papaya as unripe papaya tingles when applied on face. To get a glowing skin you can prepare a face mask with the following ingredients: 1/2 cup of unripe papaya, 1tsp of pure honey and 1tsp of yogurt. Mix all of them in a blender and make a paste. Now apply this paste on your face for 8-10 minutes and wash it well with cold water. This will give you a clean, fresh and glowing skin.

Note: Please be careful while applying this mask on your face, keep your fingers away from your eyes. If it gets in to eyes, it burns badly.

V - Vinegar when mixed with lemon gives you soft, silky and shiny tresses. For this take 1tsp of vinegar and 1tsp of lemon juice. Apply this mixture for on your scalp and leave it for 30 minutes. Rinse it well with normal shampoo.

W - We all are aware of Walnut scrubs available in the market. But it's always a good idea to make your own walnut scrub at home. for making your own walnut scrub you need: 10tsp of walnut powder, 3-4tsp of honey, and 2tsp of lemon juice. Mix all the ingredients well and rub it on your face & body in circular motion. Leave it for 15-20 minutes and then rinse it with cold water. This scrub will make your skin soft & smooth. You can use this scrub weekly.

X - X factor for your skin is to drink lots of water. Drink more water to get healthy and problematic free skin. Water moisturises your skin inside out and helps to throw out the toxins in the body. There is nothing better than water to make your skin healthy. We tend to sweat al ot in summers, it results in loss of water from our body. So, you should make sure that you drink enough water in summers. Some simple tips:

- Take your own water bottle anywhere you go.

- Can add lemon slices in your water.

- Always keep a glass of water beside you if you want to sit somewhere for a long time.

- Always keep water on your bed side in the night when you are about to sleep.

Therefore, rather wasting money on cold drink and beverages, one should adopt the habit of drinking more water.

Y - When you step into home after spending whole day out in sun, just apply chilled yogurt all over your face and neck. Let it rest on your skin until it dries out. Rinse it with cold water. This mask will prevent tanning and your skin will look refreshed.

Z - Zzzzzzzzzzz............Last but not the least, Yes! Sleep well. Everyone needs six hours of sleep. If you sleep less or you sleep more than required, it shows on your face. So, sleep early and wake up early. This formula never fails to give you a refreshed and healthy looking skin.

Home Remedies for Scars and Pigmentation

2012-02-27T02:13:00.008-08:00

Organic Olive Oil or Extra Virgin Olive Oil

The easiest way to get rid of scars and pigmentation is to apply Organic Olive Oil or Extra Virgin Olive Oil on the affected area and leave it overnight. Regular massage with olive oil helps curing discolorations, blotches and freckles. It tightens, rejuvenates and gives your skin a healthy glow. Olive oil is the best skin care product you can ever use. If you have dry or Itchy skin or if you just want to improve your skin texture, you can use organic, extra virgin oilve oil straight from the bottle.

Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe Vera Gel is the extract from the aloe vera plant. Due to its various healing properties people have used it to treat different kind of skin conditions, burns and infections. Aloe Vera has anti-inflammatory property that cut down the skin irritation. Aloe Vera gel penetrates deeply into the skin and moistures it. Regular application of Aloe Vera Gel on the affected area can fade way scars and pigmentation. Try to use fresh Aloe Vera gel.

Warning: Please do not use Aloe Vera if you are pregnant without discussing with your doctor.

Sandalwood Powder and Rosewater

Sandalwood has antimicrobial properties which gives it its healing power. Pure Sandalwood powder can do wonders to the skin such as it protects skin from ultraviolet rays of the sun, calms nervous system and leaves the skin clean and germ free. It's soothing effect helps in releasing stress and anxiety. Mix Sandalwood powder with few drops of Rosewater. Apply this paste on the affected area and leave it for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, rinse with cold water. This will help in reducing the scars. Regular application of this will leave your skin glowing, flawless and clear.

Lemon and Cucumber Juice

Lemon and Cucumber juice helps reducing scars and pigmentation. Mix equal amount of lemon and cucumber juice and apply on the affected area. Lemon and Cucumber are full of vitamin C and antioxidants which help lighten your skin colour.You can do this twice a week. If someone is sensitive to lemon then just reduce the quantity of lemon in the mixture. Lemon had the drying effect, so in order to add softness to your skin you can add few drops of natural moisturiser that is Honey.

Gram flour, Curd, Lemon and Turmeric

Another home-made remedy is Gram flour ( besan or chickpea flour) face mask. Take 2tsp of Gram Flour, 1tsp of Curd, a pinch of Turmeric and 5-6 drops of Lemon, make a paste. Apply this paste on your scars for 10 minutes and then rinse it off with cold water. When washing off the mask, use circular motion so that you can exfoliate your skin at the same time.

Raw Potato

Raw Potato is an excellent skin lightener which helps in removing suntan from the body, face, hands and feet. You can also use it to remove scars also. Grate a raw potato, squeeze out the juice and apply it on your scars, keep it for 20 minutes. Rinse off with cold water. Potato contains vitamin, anitoxidant, minerals which makes it anti-bacterial also.

Yogurt, Oatmeal and Lemon

Yogurt, Oatmeal and Lemon is another great combination for reducing scars. Take equal amount of yogurt and oatmeal and add 3-4 drops of fresh lemon juice. Apply this paste on your face for 10-15 minutes. Wash your face with cold water after 10 minutes. Oatmeal is commonly used for skin treatments because of it smoothing and healing properties. Lemon is a natural bleaching agent and contains a healthy acid that helps removing dead skin cell.

Green Vegetables and Fresh Fruits

Include fruits and vegetables in your daily diet to reduce acne scars. Vegetables and fruits contain powerful anti-oxidants should be consumed. Anti-oxidants help kill the bacteria and fight free radicals. Anti-oxidants also helps your skin stay youthful and prevent wrinkles also. Fruits rich in anit-oxidant are: Blackberries, Apples, Avocados and Asparagus. Other fruits containing vitamin C helps strengthen and rejuvenate skin from inside out. Fruits rich in vitamin C are Guava, Strawberries, kiwi and blueberries, oranges, lemon, pineapple and grapefruits. Vegetables rich in anti-oxidants are: Leafy green vegetables like Spinach and Kale. Vegetables rich in Vitamin C are Bell pepper, sweet potatoes, and Broccoli.

Water

Last but not the least...it's water on the list. Water is probably the best available natural method and very important to treat the scars. One should drink plenty of water, as it helps in flushing out the toxins from your body and making it revitalized. It also helps in shedding out dead skin cells and formation of new healthy skin. Best way to flush out toxins from from your body is to drink lukewarm water in the morning. Drinking good amount of water keeps skin hydrated.

My Hubpage!

2012-02-24T19:27:00.020-08:00

Hubpages.com is a great platform for easy communication and delivers fresh ideas. Through hubpages I am able to interact with so many people from different countries and not only I can explore information on any topic/article of my interest. Through this I can help others by giving them useful information which can benefit others. I believe that writing is the most powerful way to build communication from various directions. You can visit my hubpage at http://sunita-sharma.hubpages.com/

Topics covered by me so far are:

12 Brain Boosting Food That Can Make Your Child Smarter!

Help your child to become a good learner and active problem solver by feeding them these brain booster foods. Read this article on http://sunita-sharma.hubpages.com/

The Most Amazing Fruit on the earth: Avocados!

Avocado is the only fruit on this earth which contains most of the Vitamins, Minerals, Proteins and Nutrients which are essential for human body. Everyone should include atleast half Avocado in your diet daily. For More benefits please read my article on http://sunita-sharma.hubpages.com/

Quick Home Made Remedies!

Home-made remedies can be the best solution for any illness. There are two reasons to support this. First, it gets to the root cause of the disease to cure it.Secondly, it is 100% safe natural, no side effects and very much affordable. Read more on http://sunita-sharma.hubpages.com/

Get Glowing Skin Naturally !

Secret to Naturally glowing skin. It is the most cost effective and natural process to get glow on your skin. No need to spend money on expensive products when you can easily get it and that too with 100% natural products. Read more on http://sunita-sharma.hubpages.com/

7 Easy Ways to Beat Wrinkles!

Wrinkles are the fine lines or the folds on the skin. Wrinkles are an inevitable part of our natural ageing process. There are many factors that contribute to wrinkles such as Ultra Violet rays od sun, Facial Expressions that we wear most of the time, Smoking, Dehydration, Medicine, Stress & Tension, Life Style, and Genetic Factors. Read more on http://sunita-sharma.hubpages.com/

Health and Beauty Benefits of Saffron!

Saffron, which is obtained from the flower of the saffron crocus plant, has lots of health and beauty benefits. Saffron is used in aryurvedic treatments, beauty cosmetics and in lots of cuisines. This spice which emanates a lovely aroma is found to be beneficial in fighting a number of conditions ranging from minor skin troubles to heart diseases. Read more on http://sunita-sharma.hubpages.com/

Purpose of Education

Education has many purposes to serve in our society including employment for all. Read more on http://sunita-sharma.hubpages.com/

I am Good and Aspire to be the Best
Read this article on http://sunita-sharma.hubpages.com/

Information on HubPages

If you have passion for writing, then Hubpages is the place for you! HubPages allows you to publish web articles absolutely free.You can create a hub account in 3 simple steps :
1. Sign up for free, it takes just few seconds.
2. Write informative articles of your choice (anything you wish such fashion,food,health...etc)
3. Make money through Google AdSense and other Ads displayed on your hubs.

Visit https://hubpages.com/signin/ and sign up now....and start making making through your writing skills.

My Paintings-Warli Art!

2012-02-24T18:48:00.008-08:00

Warli Art

Warli is the tribal community who has it's own beliefs, life, customs and rituals. The warlis speak an unwritten language composed of Gujrati, Sanskrit, and Marathi words. The word "Warli" comes from the word "Warla", which means a piece of land based in the north of Mumbai, India.Warlis use very basic geometrical shapes such as squares, triangles and circles.

Warlis make paintings on walls on specific occasions such as harvests and weddings. Warli paintings are done with white colour made of rice paste, water and gum. Warlis draw paintings with the help of bamboo stick, which is chewed at the bottom to use it as a paintbrush.

Warli paintings include human figures, animals, trees and scenes: dancing, farming, fishing, hunting, celebrating festivals.

Warlis strongly believe in the concept of "Nature as Mother". They believe that Mother Nature is the central to all their customs and traditions.

Warli Paintings made by Me

Warli - Radha & Lord Krishna

Warli Village - Marriage Preparation

Warli God

Warli Doli

Warli Girls - Dancing

Warli Village - Harvest

Warli Village - Rain

Warli Tree - Lord Buddha

Warli Tree of Life

Warli Motif on Mud Lamp

Warli on Pen Stand (Front View)

Warli on Pen Stand - (Back View)

Warli Tarpa Dance