Quick Home Remedies, Natural Home Remedies, Natural Heath Remedies, Quick Home Tips

Health Benefits of Guava, Benefits of Guavas, How are Guavas Helpful to Health?

2012-01-23T11:26:00.002+05:30

Guavas are another tropical fruit very rich in nutrition. In Europe and America when we say “An apple a day keeps the doctor away” , it must be “A few guavas in the season keeps the doctor away for the whole year” in the Indian Subcontinent and places where guavas grow. The scientific name of this fruit is Psidium Guava.

Nutritional Facts of Guavas

Fresh guava-fruit is an excellent source of antioxidant vitamin-C. Infact they have a much higher Vitamin C content than oranges.
Guavas are also a rich source of potassium, much more than even bananas.
Guavas are rich in dietary fiber, vitamins A and folic acid.
They are also rich in dietary minerals, potassium, copper and manganese.

Guavas

How are Guavas Helpful to Health? Health Benefits of Guava

Diarrhea & Dysentery: Guava is very rich in astringents which binds up loose bowels in diarrhea. These astringents are alkaline in nature and have anti-bacterial and disinfectant properties, which help cure dysentery by preventing microbial growth and removing extra mucus from the intestines.
Constipation: As guava is one of the riches sources of dietary fiber, the seed of this fruit when ingested whole or chewed, serve as excellent laxatives. These two properties of guava help in curing constipation.
Cough and Cold: Guava is one of richest in vitamin-C and iron which are proven to be preventive against cold and viral infections.
Skin Care: Guavas can help improve your skin texture due to the abundance of astringents in its fruits and in leaves.
High Blood Pressure: Guava helps reduce cholesterol in blood and prevents it from thickening, thereby maintaining fluidity of blood and reducing blood pressure. A medium guava (165 gm) provides you with 20 percent of the recommended daily value for potassium. Studies have shown that people who consume more potassium have lower blood pressures than those who consume less.
Weight Loss: Guava is very helpful for those who want to lose weight. Guava, being very high in roughage and very rich in vitamins, proteins and minerals, but with no cholesterol and less digestible carbohydrates, is very filling and satisfies appetite very easily.
Weight Gain: This might sound weird but just as it helps in losing weight, guava also helps in gaining weight in lean and thin people. This is probably due to its richness in nutrients, which keeps your metabolism right helping proper absorption of nutrients.
Scurvy: Guava is much more beneficial than other vitamin c rich fruits including orange when it comes to concentration of vitamin-C. Deficiency in vitamin C causes scurv. Hence guavas can cure survy as it contains five times the vitamin-C in oranges.
Cancer Prevention: Guava is an excellent source of the cancer-fighting antioxidant, lycopene. Lycopene in guava is more easily absorbed by our body. Lycopene consumption is associated with significantly lower rates of prostate cancer, and it has also been found to inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells.
Teeth Problems: The juice of the leaves cures toothache, swollen gums & oral ulcers
Diabetes: According to a study, both the guava fruit and its leaves can help diabetic patients by lowering their blood glucose levels. However, if consumed along with its skin, it can be bad for your blood sugar.

How to prepare Guava tea for dysentery?

Wash guava leaves, put it in a pan filled with water and heat it. Let the leaves boil in water. Do not add sugar. Now strain the liquid, cool it and drink this a number of times during the day. You will be cured of diarrhea.

Guava juice or roasted guava for cough

Juice of raw guavas or decoction of guava-leaves is very helpful in giving relief in cough and cold. Having guava juice or guava decoction helps in loosening cough, reducing mucus, disinfecting the respiratory tract, throat and lungs. In some areas in India, roasted ripe guava is used as a cure against extreme cases of cough and cold and congestion.

Skin Care using Guava Leaves

For skin care you can see the desired results either by eating the fruits or by washing your skin with the decoction of its immature fruits and leaves. It will tone up and tighten the loosened skin. In addition, guavas are very-very rich in vitamin-A, B, C and potassium which are very good anti oxidants and detoxifiers and keep your skin glowing and free from wrinkles and other skin disorders.

Home Remedies for Knee Pain, Knee Pain Natural Remedies, Knee Pain Treatment

2012-01-17T16:32:00.002+05:30

One of the largest and complex joints in the human body is the knee. Knee pain is a common problem faced by many with age. The knee is used daily by human bodies for various purposes like as sitting, running, walking, bending, dancing etc. Over the years the knee muscles go through much wear and tear and become weak, resulting in pain. Besides this there are other causes of knee pain like arthritis, injury to the knee during any sports activity, knee cap dislocation, overweight etc. Whatever the reasons, knee pain is not to be ignored. Before opting for any professional medical advise, you can try some simple home remedies to prevent or to cure knee pain.

Knee Pain

Knee Pain Natural Remedies

Rest: Taking rest is the most effective solution for knee pain. Take a break from any activity that may be causing your pain or knee soreness. Don't carry any heavy weight. When resting, place a small pillow under your knee.
Ice Packs: Whenever you feel a pain in your knee or there is a swelling apply ice packs to prevent or minimize swelling. Apply the ice or cold pack for few minutes, 2-3 times a day.
Heat Pack: A hot pack compression is also a good solution. But don't apply a hot pack immediately after an injury.
Compression: To reduce swelling, you can also wrap the injured or sore area with an elastic bandage. Bit dot wrap it too tightly. This will cause numbness, tingling, increased pain, coolness, or swelling in the area below the bandage.
Massage: Massage gently with warm oil. Take coconut or olive oil and heat it. Apply it over the pain area and gently massage it. This will relieve pain and encourage blood flow. Infact if you are a regular sufferer of knee pain, this is very helpful. Massage in a circular motion everyday. You will feel comfortable and your pain will also reduce.
Indian spice: Take 2.5 teaspoons of Methi (Fenugreek) seeds and 3 teaspoons of Jeera (Cumin) seeds and soak overnight in 1 full glass of water. In the morning filter the water and drink it. This should be done on an empty stomach. Drinking this water will reduce the Knee pain.
Another Indian spice remedy: Take 2 teaspoons Haldi (Turmeric ) and I teaspoon Hing (Asafoetida) and soak them in water. Make a paste. Apply this paste to the Knee. Doing this will relieve the pain.
Reduce weight: If you are overweight and suffer from knee pain, the first thing that you should do is to reduce weight. Go for brisk walking, avoid eating fatty and oily stuff. Eat lots of green vegetables and fresh fruits. Swimming and biking are also good exercises fro knee.
Try exercises like as hamstring chest and knee-to-chest exercises to maintain flexibility.
Do not smoke. Smoking slows healing because it decreases blood supply and delays tissue repair.

Other Essential Remedies for Knee Pain

Having a glass of warm water mixed with powered Bishop's weed seeds is another valuable natural remedy for Knee Pain.
During the winter, keep your knee heated and warm.
Dried ginger, Wintergreen, Boswellia, Devil's claw, Cat's claw and similar other herbs are regarded as highly beneficial therapeutic home remedies for Knee Pain.
Yoga and acupuncture also serve as excellent Knee Pain home remedies.

Detox in 7 Days, 7 Days Detox Plan to Lose Weight, Shed Upto 10 Pounds in 7 Days

2011-12-28T10:15:00.001+05:30

Detox in 7 days: a detoux diet can help you shed up to 10 pounds and leave you feeling good and healthy. Check out this article on how how you can lose weight in a weeks time if you follow a well planned detox diet. You want to lose weight. You are trying all ways possible to lose but somehow you are not being able to do it. Well, there is a simple solution for this. Simplify your diet just for a week. Eat only wholesome foods and give your body a break from sugar, refined flour, and caffeine. Believe it or not, your body will lose up to 10 pounds of excess water weight and your energy soars. Overall you improve your digestion, and decrease your risk of disease. This process is known as detoxing and it can also improve your eating habits, besides losing your weight.

Detox Diet Plan

Your 7-day detox plan

Follow the step-by-step instructions given below . Don't follow this plan if you have a chronic disease like cancer or heart disease or are pregnant or nursing. The plan is also not recommended for children or teens.

Your Detox Diet Plan

Select the week when you start your detox diet. Start on a Friday so that if you face some minor side effects like headaches, you have the weekends to recover.
Shop for the foods you'll need before you begin.
The day you begin the plan, start a diary. Each day carefully record any changes in the way you feel, physically and emotionally.

What to Eat

You'll eat only vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, consuming 800 to 1,400 calories a day. You'll also drink just water and non-caffeinated herb tea. Choose organic foods when possible.
Sit down for each meal and eat slowly, chewing every bite thoroughly. Chewing helps you feel full on fewer calories. Eating slowly helps you feel satisfied with less.

Use a loofah

During your showers or baths this week, gently scrub your skin with a wet loofah, a natural sponge available at drugstores and natural food stores. A loofah helps your detox by stimulating circulation and it also removes dead cells and other waste that collects on your skin.

Use a Neti Pot

If you feel congested during your detox week, rinse your nose and sinuses with saltwater with the help of a neti pot. This is a teapot like device found in medical stores. Follow the instructions and use the pot up to three times daily.

Sit in a Sauna or Steam Room

If you have access to a sauna or steam room, use it for two half-an-hour sessions for the week. This will help your body sweat out waste. If you don't have access to a sauna, stand in a hot, steamy shower for 5 to 10 minutes at least twice this week.

Take a break from news and relax

It is also necessary to take a break from news so as to limit toxic thoughts, which can undermine your health. You can observe a news fast for three to seven days this week. Make an effort to avoid news or other emotionally disturbing information from the Internet, magazines, movies, newspapers, the radio, or television. Use the free time to relax and enjoy activities like listening to music or reading a book.

How to Deal with Symptoms

You will feel less bloated and much more energetic after the completion of your detox week. But it is also normal for some of you to suffer from symptoms in the beginning like as headaches, fatigue, hunger, irritability, and nausea. But it will subside in the later part. If you face any of these symptoms, here is how to cope.

Maintain petite portions

At every meal, put one-third less food on your plate. And eat slowly.

Exercise Regularly

If you exercised during the detoxifying week, there is nothing like it. Yoga before breakfast, walking a few sets of stairs at lunch, or taking your dog for an after-dinner stroll are all helpful.

Detox again

You repeat this process two to four times a year to support your healthy habits.

Source: Article excerpts taken from findarticles.com. Judy Bass is a writer in Stoughton, Mass., is a frequent contributor to Natural Health.

Health Benefits of Walnuts, How to Use Walnuts in our Diet? Fresh Walnut: How to choose and store?

2011-12-25T09:59:00.007+05:30

Incorporating walnuts in our daily diet is one of the easiest ways to keep ourselves healthy. Scientific studies have shown that walnuts reduces the risk of heart diseases. One of the best sources of protein, walnuts, also referred as akhrots, are also rich in fiber, vitamin B, magnesium. They are also rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fats and alpha linoleic acid. Hence, walnuts have been shown to aid in lowering LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol) and the C-Reactive Protein (CRP). CRP was recently recognized as an independent marker and predictor of heart disease.

Walnut

Health Benefits of Walnuts

Healthy heart: There have been various studies that show that eating walnuts benefit the heart and circulatory system tremendously. Walnuts contain healthy fats (omega 3), which improve artery functions. Regular eating of walnuts helps lowers your total as well as LDL or bad cholesterol and increases your good cholesterol levels in the blood.
Brain: For your brain to operate at its highest efficiency, it is necessary that the surrounding fat is healthy and omega-3 fatty acids found in walnuts surely constitute healthy fat.
Mood alleviator: Many studies show that if kids do not have adequate omega 3, it can lead to hyperactivity, irritability – leading to more tantrums. So by supplementing their diet with walnuts you’ll sure do them and yourself good. The same goes for adults too.
Insomnia: Eating walnuts could help in relieving insomnia. The body produces melatonin, a hormone, to ensure we feel tired. Walnuts are a natural source of this hormone, thus eating them can make you feel tired and help you sleep.
Prevent gallstones: Consuming walnuts decreases the risk of gallstones.
Protecting bones: Walnut or akhrot has anti-inflammatory properties that are beneficial to your bones. It helps keep your bones strong as it decreases in strength with age.
Weight loss: Walnuts have also earned an important place among the desirable foods that support weight loss and prevent obesity. Eating the right amount of walnuts can prevent natural weight gain.
Anti-cancer benefits: Given the wide variety of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrients found in walnuts, these nuts have measurable anti-cancer benefits.

How to Use Walnuts in our Diet?

Walnuts, infact all nuts in general, are high in calories, so moderation is the key. The best approach is to get the maximum health benefits of walnuts by not adding excessive calories to our daily intake but to eat them in replacement of foods that are high in saturated fats (such as cheese and meat). Walnuts add a flavorful crunch to dishes. Here are some simple ways to use walnuts in our diet to get their health benefits:

Eat walnuts as snacks instead of snacking on cookies.
Instead of using meat, toss toasted walnuts in your salad or pasta to add some crunch.
Instead of layering pepperoni or cheese, use chopped walnuts in your pizza.
Instead of eating eggs or bacons, use walnuts as a protein choice by sprinkling chopped walnuts in your oatmeal or breakfast cereal
Get your protein from roasted walnuts instead from sausages, eggs and processed meat.

Fresh Walnut: How to choose and store?

Shelled walnuts should be brittle. Avoid the rubbery ones. Opt for the ones with a darker skin. Store the un-shelled in the refrigerator for a couple of months.

Home Remedies for Motion Sickness, Foods That Prevent Motion Sickness, Acupressure for Preventing Motion Sickness, Preventive Measures for Motion Sickness

2011-12-21T11:23:00.003+05:30

Motion sickness is a problem faced by children and adults alike while travelling. This most often happens when you are in a car, boat, or airplane, and even on amusement park rides. Motion sickness happens when the body, the inner ear, and the eyes send conflicting signals to the brain. Symptoms of motion sickness are nausea, vomitting, dizzyness, pale skin, cold sweats, fatigue and increased salvation. Although motion sickness is not a very big problem as it stops as soon as the motion stops, it can be troublesome while travelling not only for the patient but also for the fellow passengers. There are medicines available OTC which can be taken before travelling to avoid motion sickness. But you can also try some natural home remedies to avoid motion sickness.

Motion Sickness

Foods That Prevent Motion Sickness

Ginger: Ginger is one of the most powerful foods for preventing vomiting. Chew a small piece of freshly peeled ginger root to prevent motion sickness. Slice a few pieces of fresh ginger and store them in a plastic bag. Chew one slowly when you begin to feel motion sickness symptoms coming on.
Dry Crackers: A few dry crackers can help prevent the vomiting that often goes along with motion sickness. Eat two or three crackers if you feel nauseated and continue eating them slowly until your symptoms go down. Try eating some crackers before you begin your trip and be sure you have plenty of extra crackers in your bag.
Lemon: Lemons and fresh lemon juice can prevent nausea. While travelling, take with you few thinly sliced one or two fresh lemons, remove the peel and simply place one slice on your tongue when you begin to feel sick. You can eat the slice or simply suck the juice out of it to bring some relief.
Olives: Eat a few olives before leaving on your trip. Keep several olives with you. If you begin to feel sick, eat one every few minutes until your symptoms disappear.

Preventive Measures to Avoid Motion Sickness in Car

Sit in the front seat in a car.
Keep your eyes on the horizon. Don't read or play games.
Rest your head against the seat back, to keep it still.
Turn the air vents toward your face.
Don't smoke.

Avoid Motion Sickness on a Plane

Avoid big, greasy meals and alcohol the night before air travel.
Eat light meals or snacks that are low in calories before air travel.
Avoid salty foods and dairy products before air travel.
Sit toward the front of the aircraft or in a seat over the wing.
Turn the air vent flow toward your face.

Preventing Motion Sickness on a Boat

Ask for a cabin on the upper deck or toward the front of the ship.
When on deck, keep your eyes fixed on the horizon or land.

Acupressure for Preventing Motion Sickness

Pressing on an acupuncture point called "pericardium 6" (P6) may relieve motion sickness according to traditional Chinese medicine. The point is located on the inside of the forearm, about two inches above the crease of the wrist. A person can press on the point using the index finger of the opposite hand. You can also use acupressure wrist bands or sea bands. The bands are worn on the forearm. They have a plastic button or bead that puts pressure on the p6 point. The person wearing the band can also press on the bead for additional stimulation.

Wristband

Other Preventive Measures for Motion Sickness

Avoid heavy food before travelling.
Eat light snacks.
Close your eyes.Simply close your eyes and take deep breaths. Some people find this more effective if you rest your head on your knees.
If travelling on an airplane, on the fold-down tray in front of you.
One of nature’s most effective home remedies for nausea is fresh air. Whenever possible, allow as much fresh air into the vehicle as possible to keep you feeling settled.
Drink plenty of water.

Home Remedies for Earache, Earache Natural Remedies, Earache Treatment while Travelling in Flights

2011-12-20T09:49:00.001+05:30

A earache is one of the most common problems faced by adults and children alike. This pain can vary from being mild and dull or constant or fleeting. There can also be a sharp and stabbing pain that comes and goes. One of the main causes of earaches is the accumulation of fluid, which in turn is due to an infection or even because of the build up of pressure in the middle ear of the individual. Sometimes bathing, cleaning ones ear with a cotton bud, allergies and even swimming may also lead to bacterial growth, discomfort and even an infection in ones ears, leading to ear pain. A earache should however be treated and should never be neglected as at times it could be an indication of a more threatening problem. Before opting for medicines prescribed by doctors, you can simply try some of these home remedies to get rid of ear ache.

Earache Natural Remedies

Warm compress: The greatest ear pain reliever is warm, moist heat around the ear. Make a warm compress using a towel rung out in hot water. Press it against the ear. This brings relief to earache. Warm up an oven-safe plate, wrap it in a towel, and rest your aching ear right on it. The plate should be warm and not very hot. A hot water bottle wrapped in a towel also makes a comforting pillow for an aching ear.
Garlic/Ginger Juice: Extract some juice from fresh garlic or ginger and insert it directly into the ears using a dropper. Ginger/garlic has strong anti-inflammatory properties which are very helpful in fighting ear infections. Its analgesic properties will help to relieve the pain.
Holy Basil leaves: Put two drops of holy basil leaves’ juice in the aching ear.This provides relief to ear ache.
Olive oil: Warm olive oil is the most common home cure for ear aches. It should be dropped into the ear canal to relieve ear pain.
Onion: A whole onion should be cooked till it is soft. Then wrap it in a piece of cloth and apply over the ear to provide relief from earache and dizziness.
Peppermint leaves: Another good earache home treatment is juice freshly squeezed out from peppermint leaves. This juice can be inserted in the aching ear to provide pain relief.
Oil drops: Oils like Bishop’s weed oil, sesame oil, mustard oil are effective for ear aches. But use warm oil to get immediate relief. Pouring a few drops of warm mustard oil into the ears is also known to help in treating an earache.

Earache Treatment while Travelling in Flights

Many people face the problem of ear ache when there is a change of pressure like as in travelling by plane. In such a case, chew gum or suck on candy. The chewing or sucking will activate the muscles that send air to your inner ears, and you will feel better. If chewing doesn't work, start yawning. or else you close your mouth, relax your cheek muscles, hold your nose and blow one nostril at a time gently until you feel relief.

Earache Remedy for Swimmers

Ear ache is a common problem faced by swimmers. To prevent ear infections, Wear earplugs while swimming and avoid swimming in dirty waters. Before going for a swim, the swimmer should add some mineral oil in both ears.

Other Home Redies for Earache

After you take a shower or bath, if you feel a pain in your ear, blow dry your ears instead of rubbing them. Soothe the ear with the warm setting of a hairdryer.
If cold wind bothers your aching ears, wear a scarf when you're outside.
You can also put cotton in the opening of the ear.
Since an earache is a result of an ear infection, it is necessary to take Vitamin C to boost your immune system. It is a natural antibiotic and antihistamine and hence helps in reducing inflammation and fever.
Include zinc in your diet because it reduces ear infection.
Certain foods, more commonly dairy products like milk, butter, cheese etc tend to aggravate ear infections, so it is better to avoid them during an ear infection.
Clean your ear professionally regularly.

Home Remedies for Frizzy Hair, Frizzy Hair Home Remedies, Natural Remedies for Frizzy Hair

2011-12-13T18:38:00.001+05:30

Frizzy hair is one of the common problems that women face on a daily basis Contrary to popular belief, people with curly or wavy hair are not the only ones to suffer frizzy hair. Frizz is really a breakage that occurs in straight hair as well. No matter what type of hair you have, whether bone straight, kinky, or full of waves, ladies face the problem of frizz hair, specially in winters. Hair frizzy means the hair shaft containing cuticle layers tends to stand up in case of extreme weather conditions, thereby, stripping off natural oils from hair. In this way, hair becomes very dry and frizzy. There are a number of home remedies

for getting rid of frizz hair problems. These home remedies are without any side effects, easily available at home and less expensive. So next time when you have frizzy hair, try these remedies:

Frizzy Hair

Natural Remedies for Frizzy Hair

Gram flour and coconut oil: Mix two tablespoons of gram flour to coconut milk. Evenly apply this mixture on the scalp. Massage your hair gently. After about 10-15 minutes, when the oil is absorbed by the hair, rinse it off with normal water.
Milk cream: Add milk cream to the above mixture. This will condition the hair and make them shiny.
Natural Oils: Massage the scalp and hair with natural oils like as olive oil, jojoba oil, peanut oil, castor oil or coconut oil. Leave this on to the hair for about an hour. A regular massage with these oils helps in improving the blood circulation. It makes hair look non-frizzy and lively.
Beer: Well, have you used beer for frizzy hair? Try this out. Apply beer on your hair. Or you can gently spray beer on your hair. Doing this brings back the sheen of the hair. You hair becomes more manageable and less frizzy.
Egg yolk: Mix one whipped egg with a little amount of water. Massage your scalp with it for about 20 minutes, followed by a hair wash with a shampoo. This is also an effective remedy for frizzy hair.
Olive oil and egg yolk: Mix olive oil and egg and apply to the hair. After about an hour, use your regular shampoo and conditioner to rinse out the egg mixture.
Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise is one of the highly effective and at the same time inexpensive home remedies for frizzy hair. Simply condition your scalp with mayonnaise on a regular basis. Your hair will be healthier, shinier, and frizz-free.
Natural Vegetable Glycerin: Add glycerin to your hair to control frizzy hair.
Olive oil: You can simply apply a few drops of olive throughout your hair once daily. Or else you should add warm olive oil to your hair for at least half an hour once a week. This hot oil treatment will prevent your hair from becoming frizzy and unmanageable.
Vinegar: Smooth out the cuticles of your hair by using vinegar to achieve an acceptable pH balance.

Other Remedies for Frizzy Hair

Maintain a diet rich in essential vitamins and proteins. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables.
Avoid exposing hair to dust and pollution.
Do not over wash your hair. It will take away the strands of natural oils in your hair.
A good cut is very important to control frizzy hair. Trim you hair regularly. Do not opt for razor cut if you have frizz hair problem.
Be gentle with your hair, use a deep conditioner at least once a week.
Keep Away from Heat. Do not blow dry your hair.
Use all-natural hair products if you are the type who use gels, mousses and hairsprays. These products possess a high alcohol content, which will worsen frizzy hair. Consider the use of all-natural hair products that help curb a frizzy hair problem.
Using a conditioner that contains coconut or castor oil to moisturizer your hair.

Frizzy Hair (before and after)

Tips on Power Saving, How to Save Electricity at Home, Household Power Saving Tips

2011-12-10T17:22:00.001+05:30

Saving electricity or power requires some general practice. At first you have to find out which electrical devices are you using at home, what devices are using excess power, who is using them and how to get them to use less. Get tips here on power saving, how to conserve electricity at home. Not only will you be surprised with a lower electricity bills, you will also be contributing towards conserving our environment.

How to Save Electricity at Home?

Lights

For lights at home, use CFLs. CFL bulbs use 66 % less electricity compared to standard bulbs and last up to eight times longer. In this way you can save over Rs 2500 a year by simply replacing 5 old bulbs with energy-efficient CFLs.

Computers

To save electricity if you have computers at home, then shut down your computer for 12 hours a day. This way, you save up to Rs 3000 a year.
Remember screen savers do not save power. They simply protect your screen. Instead, use the sleep-mode or energy-saving feature on your computer. With a sleep mode, the average computer uses 200 kWh less power per year.
Save power by turning off your computer monitor when you are not using your computer for more than 10 minutes.
Consider using a laptop instead of a desktop computer. Laptops use up to 90% less power.
The smaller your computer monitor is, the less power it will use.
Flat-screen LCD computer monitors use about 66% less electricity than standard monitors.
Do not think that turning a computer on and off use any extra electricity. It won't damage your computer. Infact shutting it down reduces the wear on your computer and reduces your power use.

Refrigerator

Try to get a new refrigerator if you have a refrigerator that is older than 15 years. It costs over Rs. 5000 a year to operate. But a new fridge costs less than Rs. 2500 a year to run.
If it's running almost empty, unplug that fridge and save over Rs. 5000 a year on your power bill.
To keep just a few items cold, use a mini fridge. A mini fridge uses about Rs. 1500 a year in electricity.
Set your refrigerator's temperature to mid-range (3°C or 38°F) to optimize your power savings.
Let food cool before placing it in the fridge or freezer.

Kitchen

Use your microwave instead of a conventional stove. A microwave oven uses less electricity. It also cuts down on cooking time and produces less heat in the kitchen.
A microwave uses 84 per cent less electricity than a stove to cook the same amount of food
Use an electric kettle and heat only as much water as you need. Electric kettles are more efficient than stove-top kettles or microwaves.

Mobile Chargers

Unplug your phone charger. Phone chargers and other power adapters continue to draw power even if they're not being used. It's called "phantom power" and, believe it or not, it adds up to 5% of our nation's power bill!

Dishwasher

Run your dishwasher only when it's full. You'll save Rs. 12500 a year running full loads instead of twice as many half-loads.
Load dishes according to manufacturer's instructions to allow proper water circulation.
Don't pre-rinse dishes before loading them.

Washer and Dryer

Wash your clothes with cold water. This save up to Rs. 3000 a year. About 80 to 90% of the energy used by washing machines comes from heating the water.
Washing machine use about the same amount of energy regardless of the size of the load, so run full loads whenever possible.
There are clothes dryers that come designed with a moisture sensor, which automatically shuts off the machine when clothes are dry. This saves energy. This will also save wear and tear on your clothes caused by over-drying.
Simply hanging a clothes line in your garden and use it to dry your clothes in the summer months will save the energy you would use to run a dryer.

Television

A plasma TV that is the same size as your older TV can use twice the energy. And the bigger the size of your TV, the more power it uses.
Switch off your TV when not in use.

Electric Water Heater/Geyser

Electric hot water heaters are the second largest energy user in the home. Bathing uses the most hot water in the average household. To save energy, take short showers instead of baths. Any hot water you can save not only reduces your energy bill for heating the water.

General

Turn off your electronic entertainment devices when you are not using them and watch your savings add up.
Unplug your electronics or turning off the power bar when you are finished with them.
Keep your appliances clean and well-maintained so they will operate efficiently.
Turn off appliances, lights and equipment when not in use.

Turn off kitchen, bath, and other exhaust fans as soon as they are no longer needed after cooking or bathing.

Get your home insulated in winter

If the winter chill has come and it is cold enough for the central heating, then this is a good time to have your home insulated. Not only will it save you energy and cut your bills, but it will make your home feel warmer too.

Allergy Cough Home Remedies, Cough from Allergy: Natural Remedies, Home Treatment for Allergy Cough

2011-12-06T18:55:00.001+05:30

Seasonal allergies are very common during fall and spring. One common seasonal allergy problem faced by many is the allergy cough, which is characterised by itchy throat and dry cough. Allergic cough can be caused due to many reasons. Most common of it are sudden change of weather from hot to cold or visa versa. Allergic cough is not very serious health issue, but it can lead to disturbed sleep, sore throat and also difficulty in breathing. Though there are many OTC and antihistamine medicines available, it takes time to cure cough problems immediately and people often resort to natural remedies to find relief for their allergy symptoms.

Allergy cough and Natural Treatment

Cough from Allergy: Natural Remedies

Check out these easy, tried and tested home remedies for allergy cough. It is to be noted that cough due to cold and fever is different from allergy cough and hence the treatment also differs, though there might be some common home remedies for both.

Drink lots of warm water: By consuming enough fluid in the form of warm water or fruit juices you can eliminate the dryness in the throat. This reduce the allergic cough to a great extent. Take small sips of fluid every time you feel a cough attack coming on.
Clove: To soothe a cough, suck a whole clove without chewing it.
Pepper corns: To relieve fits of coughing due to dryness in the throat, suck a few pepper corns.
Honey and ginger juice: Take half spoon of ginger juice, few crushed black pepper mix with one spoon of honey. Have this twice day. This has worked wonders.
Milk and garlic: Boil milk. Add smashed garlic in it and boil for some time. Add honey. And drink this once or twice a day.
Castor oil: Castor oil is also an important remedy in allergic cough. 5-6 drops of castor oil is mixed with any fruit juice and taken.
Lemon and honey: Take a little bit of lemon juice and mix it with twice as much honey. Drink this mixture every time you feel like coughing. This is natural cough syrup.
Licorice and peppermint and German Chamomile: Mix licorice with peppermint and german chamomile in the form of a tea. It soothes an itchy allergenic cough.
Almonds: Make a paste of almonds and add to it sugar and butter in equal amount. Take this twice a day till symptoms subside.
Raisins: Raisins are also helpful in treating allergic cough. Ground few raisin and make a paste with water and heat it. Thick gravy like preparation is ready. Have this twice to thrice daily in acute condition and once daily at night in chronic condition.

Other Remedies

Keep your self healthy by daily early morning walk and light exercise so as to increase your immune system.
Moisturize the air you breathe. Take a hot shower and breathe in the air from the steam.
You can keep the air moist in your bedroom by using a vaporizer or humidifier. This will help loosen the mucous and ease your allergy cough.
Prevent constant coughing by sucking on hard candy.

Natural Detox Drinks, Homemade Detox Drinks, Detox Drink Recipe, Natural Detox Juices

2011-12-02T10:00:00.001+05:30

To enjoy a healthy living, it is necessary to consider detoxifying your body so that our body is cleansed from any toxins that are harmful to your body. Detoxification is also necessary to slim down and get rid of many diseases. There are various methods for detoxifying your body. However, one of the common and most simple ways is by using detox drinks. Though in the market there are a large number of detox drinks or juices available, it is very effective if you can opt for natural homemade detox juices. Natural detox drinks contained organic ingredients, whereas chemical detox drinks are formulated by chemical way. The natural detox drinks made from simple natural ingredients are among the best detox drinks that you can use to cleanse your body. Detox drinks can be in tea form or in fruit juice form.

Homemade Detox Drinks

The Most Common Detox Drink

Water is the most common detox drink. Drink 8-10 glasses of water and flush out the toxins from your body.
Honey, Lime & Water: Take a glass of luke warm water. Squeeze a lemon in it and add 1 tsp of honey. Mix well. Drink this in an empty stomach every morning in an empty stomach.

Detox Drink Recipe Suggestions

A typical detox drink can be made of

Fresh Vegetables - Tomato, Spinach, Cucumber, Corn, Broccoli
Fresh Fruits - Guava, Banana, Lemon, Green Apple, Dragon Fruit, Star Fruit
Fresh Skimmed milk - Low Fat Yogurt Drinks, Low Fat Yogurt, Low fat milk
Tea & Water

Homemade Detox Drinks

Here are some of the detox drinks that you can make at home to flush out toxins.

Detox Tea

Green Tea: Green tea is one of the common natural detox drinks. It also helps prevent some common illnesses.
Nettle Tea: This is another common popular body cleanser together with ginger tea, which also helps in healing.
Ginger Tea: In a normal cup of black tea, add ginger or grated ginger. This has to be one of the oldest recipes out there for detoxification.
Peppermint Tea: Besides the obvious soothing effects, this tea can also help your body get rid of the toxins inside of it. You just have to remember that it is best to make one out of fresh peppermint tea leaves. Dandelion Tea: This type of tea can help enhance the blood circulation inside your body, help curing liver and heart problems.
Milk Thistle Tea: This tea works very much like the Dandelion tea.

Detox Fruit Juice

Pineapple, Ginger and Mint Detox Drink: Take half a pineapple and cut it into slices. Get few chopped mint leaves, 1cm of ginger piece. Mix and smash the ingredients in a juice extractor. Strain out the juice, stir and serve instantly. Add very small amount of sugar if required. But its always better if its consumed without sugar or salt added.
Kiwi And Grape Fruit Juice Detox Drink: Mix 225g of kiwi fruits and 70g of billeted green grape fruit with 60ml of water. Smash them until the mixture becomes smooth. Pour it to a glass and serve fresh.
Orange and Cinnamon Tea detox Drink: You would need few orange rind strips and 2 sticks of cinnamon. Take a saucepan. Add the ingredients mentioned above to the pan with 1 liter of water. Boil the mixture for a few minutes. Slow down the heat and boil the mixture for few more minutes. Let the mixture not be covered when it boils. Cool, filter and serve instantly.
Cranberry Juice: Cranberry juice detox is a wonderful way to flush out and detox the kidneys, bladder and urinary tract it not only flushes them and removes the toxins from any infection but also supports them and aids in healing.

Detox Vegetable Juice

Papaya Drink: Blend a small amount of green papaya with other fruits and some water in the blender and drink. It is best to drink it first thing in the morning.
Carrot Juice: Carrot juice is one of the most refreshing fruit juices out there. You can either make it at home with fresh carrots or get the one available in the super market but make sure that no matter what brand you choose, it is 100% natural.
Cabbage Juice: Get a fresh cabbage and make a juice out of that. This vegetable is loaded with all sorts of vitamins and minerals. It also has anti-inflammatory properties which can be helpful to you if you are experiencing joint pains.
Beet Juice: Beets are full of cholesterol-lowering substances and also make your liver healthier which is why it is one of the most recommended
Mixed Vegetable Drink: Take 1 peeled carrot, 1/4 cucumber, 1/3 tomato, 1/2 cup water , little salt and 1 pinch chilli powder. Blend these and have this mixture. Strain if desired, but then fiber content is dramatically reduced.

Homemade Facial Scrubs, Make your Own Facial Scrubs, Natural Beauty Scrubs

2011-11-29T21:24:00.001+05:30

Scrubs are great for getting rid of the dead skin. Infact for any facial activity, scrubbing is the most essential step required. Try a facial scrub prior to applying a face mask. Face scrubbing is essential to exfoliate the skin. There are many over-the-counter scrubs which are costly and made of chemicals which may not be suitable for skin. There are m,any easy to make home made scrubs which are natural, chemical free and most important of all less expensive. All of you have to check is your kitchen shelf or household items to make these scrubs.

How to Start a General Scrubbing Process?

Tie hair back and wash your face.
To open pores, steam face over hot water. You can also press warm cloth to skin for a few minutes.
Prepare the scrub.
Apply it to face (and neck if desired).
Use a facial loofah, sponge, or brush to maximize exfoliation. Using circular motion, apply all over the face avoiding the eyes.
Rinse off with warm water.
Enjoy results!

Homemade Facial Scrubs

Make your Own Facial Scrubs

Presenting below some fun to prepare scrubs for your skin. These scrubs are suitable for all skin types and for all seasons, unless unless stated otherwise. They leave you with a clean, soft, refreshing skin .

Almond Scrub: Take few almonds and grind them roughly. Add few drops of rose water, make a paste of it and then apply to your skin.This make your face soft and smooth.
Strawberry Facial Scrub: Make a mixture of 2 mashed strawberries and 1 tsp brown sugar and . Brown sugar will remove dead cells and strawberries will make your skin baby-soft.
Sea-salt and Olive Oil Facial Scrub: Take a mixture of 1 tsp olive oil and 1/2 tsp sea salt and apply gently to a wet face. This will remove dead cells and improve micro-circulation. Olive oil is good for nourishing the skin.
Honey Sugar Scrub: Take 1 tsp. of honey and 1/2 tsp. of sugar. Blend in bowl. Apply. Rinse very thoroughly, as this recipe can be slightly sticky. This can also be used as a body scrub.
Honey Cleansing Scrub: Mix 1 tablespoon honey with 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice and 2 tsp ground almonds. Rub gently onto face. Rinse off with warm water.
Walnut Powder Scrub: Make a mixture of 1 tsp walnut powder,1/2 tsp honey, 1 tsp lemon juice. Scrub your face with it. Rinse well.
Banana Scrub: Take 2 tsp mashed banana, 2 tsp rolled oats, 1 tsp milk, 1 tsp honey and apply on your face.
Milk and Honey Scrub: Choose your milk as per your skin type: 1 tsp Skim Milk (Oily skin) 1 tsp 2% Milk (Normal or combination) 1 tsp Cream (Dry). Add 1 tsp honey, 1 tbsp ground almonds in it and scrub your face with it.
Papaya Facial Scrub: Mash a piece of papaya, then add 1/2 tsp brown sugar and rub your face with it. Leave it on for few minutes and rinse well. Your skin will be fresh and glowing . Feel the difference!
Baking Soda & Lemon: In a small bowl, add about 2 tbs baking soda and slowly apply lemon juice. The mixture will foam and fizz. Apply enough juice to make a thin, loose paste. Apply to skin in a circular motion for a minute or 2. Rinse with a warm cloth and water. Smooth, clear skin!
Baking Soda Facial Scrub: Apply baking soda on wet face using circular motions. Wash your face after some time. Your face becomes soft.

Home Remedies to Increase Appetite, Tips to Increase Appetite, Appetite Increase

2011-11-24T19:55:00.001+05:30

Many people resort to various means to decrease appetite with the sole intention of eating less food so as to lose weight. But a lack of appetite or poor appetite is actually a sign of poor physical condition when not done intentionally. There are many causesof poor appetite like as illness, surgery, depression, stress, anorexia, old age, menopause etc. Loss of appetite is very common in children and old people. At times, it can lead to serious problems like as weakness, poor nutrition, vulnerable to weakness including unintentional weight loss. While prescription appetite stimulants are sometimes prescribed by doctors, natural ways to increase the appetite are also available.

Loss of Appetite

Tips to Increase Appetite

Foods: Stock your kitchen and refrigerator with simple, quick foods that require no preparation. Cheese sticks, cottage cheese, pudding, yogurt and peanut butter increase your calorie intake and feed your appetite. Never eat plain foods. Always add something extra to food to increase its nutritional value. Try eating a little more food than you actually want at each meal. As your stomach stretches, your appetite will increase accordingly.
Avoid Fluid Intake Before Meals: This is a very common and easy method of increasing appetite. This is because, when you drink water or any fluids, you feel full and you do not feel like eating more. So avoid drinking unnecessary liquids before eating. This will help you consume larger meals as your stomach will not become full quite as easily.
Exercise to Increase Appetite: While through exercise, you burn calories to lose weight, it can actually help stimulate your appetite. When you are burning calories, you are actually increasing your desire to eat. You do not have to exercise vigorously to increase appetite. A short, modestly-paced walk several times a day is sufficient. But always remember that you eat a higher calorie food before exercising to ensure that you do not burn off everything you have eaten. Even if you do not feel hungry, which may be the case if you are already suffering from a poor appetite, make sure you force yourself to eat a high calorie snack before doing any sort of physical exercise.
Zinc Supplement: Studies have shown that zinc plays an important role on a person's appetite. It has been found that people suffering from deficiency in zinc may find that they have bad breath, overall foul taste in the mouth, food tastes differently to them, which results to loss of appetite. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or food does not taste good to you, you might be suffering from a zinc deficiency. That is why many doctors suggest that anyone, who is trying to increase their appetite and gain weight, take a zinc supplement. Some foods that are rich in zinc are oysters, toasted wheat germ , sesame butter, roasted pumpkin, squash seeds, dark chocolate, cocoa powder, peanuts etc.
Vitamin B Supplement: A major study revealed that a significant caloric increase in children is seen when they take vitamin B supplements. There are a number of vitamin B supplements that are available on the market.
Natural Remedies: There are many naturopathic remedies that may be effective in stimulating the appetite. These are Cayenne or red pepper, Green tea, Ginseng, Garlic, Cardamom, Cloves, Fennel, Ginger. Use them in your meals.
Herbal Appetite Stimulants: There are also a number of herbal remedies that have been known to help people who have a poor appetite. Caraway seeds, when used in tea, or eaten will help stimulate the appetite. There are herbs that have been associated with appetite increase like as French Sorrel, Black Currant Chickory, Dandelion, Goldenseal, Hops, Ground Ivy, Ginseng, Mugwort, Horseradish, Watercress, Safflower, Tarragon, Wood Sorrell, Yarrow, Parsley and Oatstraw. Any of these lwhen made into tea will help increase the appetite. These herbs can usually be found in natural food stores or health food shops. Some of these herbs can even be found on the shelves at your local grocery store.
Eat More at Night: Eating something extra before bedtime can help make you hungrier the next morning.
Moderate Fiber Intake: While fiber is necessary to keeping your digestive tract healthy, too much can create feelings of fullness that prevent you from taking in extra food. So reduce your fiber intake.
Seek Company: Eating with other people may help you eat more.

Getting Rid of Bed Bugs, Natural Remedies for Bed Bugs, Home Remedies to Get Rid of Bed Bugs

2011-11-20T19:47:00.001+05:30

Getting rid of bed bugs is not so easy. Bed bugs, these small microscopic sized organisms, can just live anywhere under any climate conditions. Bed bugs are one of the most common pests all over the world. They hide very well inside the bed mattresses, furniture pieces, clothing, carpets, cracks, holes and other things that are available in any house. Infact many people do not even know that these creatures actually live with them. Getting rid of bed bugs is no doubt a strenuous task but not impossible. It is said that to get a professional help is good way to get rid of bed bugs. There are also many chemical and organic alternatives available to destroy these tiny microbes. But before that you can yourself take the help of some simple home remedies to get rid of these pests.

Tips to Get rid of Bed Bugs

No matter what remedies you intend to use for removing the bed bugs, it is necessary to keep in mind that you need to apply these remedies time to time so as to completely prevent the growth of bed bugs.

Bed Bugs in a Mattress

Vacuum Cleaning and Heat Treatment: Bed bugs cannot survive to temperatures that are above 113 degrees Fahrenheit. Therefore, it is necessary to use any extreme heat to remove them. You can use vacuum cleaner or any one of the hot steam cleaning equipment. Vaccum clean your mattress, carpet, cushions, pillows, furniture, crack and holes and any space where there are chances of bed bugs to accumulate and where electric cleaning equipment can be used. You can also put any infected clothing and bedding into dryers for an extended amount of time.
Cold Treatment: Bed bugs cannot tolerate cold climate as well. You can leave your clothes outside if it is winter season. Otherwise you can put them in the freezer or you can wash your clothes with ice cold water or leave it in ice until it melts and forms into water. Both freezing and using steam or heat will work. Just make sure to expose the bugs to these temperatures for a while to guarantee effectiveness.
Washing BedSheets and Bed Covers Frequently: Washing the bed sheets frequently is a good solution.
Sealing mattresses with mattress casings or covers: Bed bugs cannot penetrate through any kind of material, especially that are synthetically produced. Wrapping a plastic cover around the mattress helps preventing the bed bugs from entering deeper.
Sanitize Everything: To treat bed bugs, one has to sanitise the house completely including disinfecting of all the furniture, clothes and mattresses in order to attain complete success.
Storing the Clothes in Sealed Bags
Keep your surroundings clean
Most important all, keep yourself clean so that there is no chances of any bugs to bite you.

Natural Remedies to Get Rid of Bed Bugs

Neem Treatment: Neem is a Safe Natural Remedy for Removing Bed Bugs as neem leaves have antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. Pluck fresh neem leaves and crumble them with your hands and spread the leaves on the mattresses, upholstery and anything else where you suspect infestation. You can leave the leaves under the beds and sofa sets too. Leave it there until the neem leaves are dry. Replace with fresh leaves. Do not crush the leaves if you have light coloured upholstery as it could stain the surface. For disinfecting the clothes and bed sheets, boil neem leaves in a bucket of water and dip all the clothes inside until it becomes cold. Wash these clothes with detergent and preferably in hot water. You can use neem water for taking bath as well.
Herbal Oil Spray: There is a range of natural cures that people have used to treat their bed bug problem with varying degrees of success. A few suggestions is to try include spraying lavender, thyme, tea tree, or eucalyptus on bed linens, clothes and in other locations where people sleep in the house.
Food-Grade Diatomaceous Earth: Bed bugs have been known to decrease when using food-grade diatomaceous earth as a repellent for bed bugs.
Boric Acid: It is suggested to spread boric acid powder about the places where bed bugs choose to frequent, feed, and hide. This natural cure should never come in direct contact with a mattress or box spring. This remedy is often used to control the migration of bed bugs in a home.

Pistachios Health Benefits, Pista Nuts for Health, Health Benefits of Pistachios

2011-11-14T15:38:00.000+05:30

Pistachios are wonderfully delicious nuts which have been considered as symbol of wellness and robust health since a long period of time. The Pistachios nuts, also referred as “Pistas” in common terminology, are enriched with many health-benefiting nutrients that are required for optimum health. A handful of pistachio nuts a day can help destroy bad cholesterol, ward off heart disease and prevent cancer, say scientists.

Pista Nuts

Health Benefits of Pistachios
Pistachio is a nut enriched with

vitamin B6 (aids protein metabolism and absorption)
phosphorus (helps build bones and teeth)
potassium (which helps regulate the body's fluid balance)
magnesium (important element in the conversion of the body's energy)
thiamine (enhances energy and promotes normal appetite).

Pistachio Benefit for HeartPistachios nuts are known to reduce LDL ("bad") cholesterol and increase the good HDL cholesterol. This is possible only after a short period of regular consumption. As these nuts are high in antioxidants like vitamins A and E, they fight inflammation, protecting blood vessels and reducing risk of heart disease. Even a moderate intake of pistachios has been shown to increase levels of lutein, an antioxidant which is known for protecting against oxidized LDL, reducing heart disease.

Pistachios for Diabetes
Eating pistachios may help to prevent Type 2 diabetes. It is said that almost 60 % of the recommended daily value of the mineral phosphorous is available in just one cup of pistachios. Moreover, breaking down proteins into amino acids, phosphorous helps in glucose tolerance. The University of Toronto performed a study that showed that pistachios may stabilize blood sugar levels and can be a good snack item for diabetics.

Healthy Blood
Pistachios nuts are a good source of vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 is necessary to produce hemoglobin, and is also shown to increase the amount of oxygen carried.

Pistachios for Nervous System
The vitamin B6 so abundant in pistachios has wide-ranging effects on the nervous system.

Pistas and Eye Health
Eating pistachios may be good for the eyes. The nut contains a wide variety of nutrients called carotenoids, which are beneficial to eye health. Pistachios contain two carotenoids not found in most nuts. These carotenoids, called lutein and zeaxanthin, act as protective antioxidants, protecting tissues from damage from free radicals. They have been associated with a decrease in the risk for developing age-related mascular degeneration, which is the main cause of visual impairments and acquired blindness in the United States.

Pistachios and Antioxidants

Pistachios contain phenolic compounds, which are believed to account for the antioxidant capability of certain foods. The pistachio nut is placed in the highest group for antioxidants.

Immune SystemA healthy immune system requires adequate intake of vitamin B6, which pistachios abound in. A reduction of vitamin B6 can retard brain activity as well as decrease the effectiveness of the immune system for fighting infections. Vitamin B6 found in pistachios also helps the body make healthy red blood cells, ensuring the production of white blood cells that defend the body from infections.

Skin Health
Pistachios are a great source of vitamin E, a powerful fat-soluble antioxidant, essential for maintaining the integrity of cell membranes. It is recommended for healthy and beautiful skin.

Nutrition in Pistachios

Pistachios are a good source of copper, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and B6. The nuts deliver 30 vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients, so they pack a considerable wallop from a nutritional standpoint.

How to Consume Pistachios?
The pistachios nuts are often eaten whole, either fresh or roasted and salted. To reduce the sodium and fat content of your diet, it is however better to avoid salted, oil-roasted pistachio nuts. You can make these nuts form a part of a healthy, balanced diet by

Sprinkling the pistachios on yoghurt, hot or cold cereal, canned fruit and icecreams
You can use it in cream cheese spreads for sandwiches and crackers.
Add chopped pistachios to your favourite bread, waffle or muffin recipe
Snack on them between meals.

Caution
Pistachios are associated with nut allergy for some sensitive individuals. The allergic manifestations are due to anacardic acid (urushiol) that is present in these nuts. Reactions may be skin itching (hives) to severe form like as breathing difficulty, pain abdomen, vomiting, and diarrhea. Persons with known allergic reactions to these nuts are therefore needed to observe caution while eating pistachios.

Asafoetida – Hing Health Benefits, Home Remedies Using Asafoetida, Hing Home Remedies

2011-11-09T11:59:00.002+05:30

Asafoetida Piece

Asafoetida or Hing is an ancient old Indian spice which is used not only to give an extra flavor in culinary dishes but also used for its medicinal properties. Asafoetida is the dried latex (gum oleoresin) extracted from the living underground rhizome or tap root of several species of Ferula, which is a perennial herb. There are two main varieties of asafoetida: Hing Kabuli Sufaid (Milky white asafoetida) which is water soluble and Hing Lal (Red asafoetida) which is oil soluble. Since pure asafoetida is not preferred due to its strong flavor, it is mixed with starch and gum and sold as compounded asafoetida mostly in bricket /piece form or in free flowing powder form or in tablet forms. It is said that this spice is antispasmodic, carminative, anthelmintic, emmenagogue, digestive, expectorant, and diuretic and hence used for a number of medicinal uses.

Asafoetida or Hing Health Benefits

Check out the hing home remedies for various medicinal problems:

Hing or Asafoetida Powder

Indigestion: Asafoetida is a common home remedy for indigestion, gastritis. For proper digestion, this spice can be consumed regularly by adding in curries and food. According to many scientific studies, the powder is considered as good anti-inflammatory and good anti-oxidant agent. Dissolve few small pieces of asafoetida in half a cup of water and drink to relieve from gas, pain and for digestion
Flatulence: It provides quick relief from flatulence when taken orally along with buttermilk.
Stomachache: Hing or asafoetida helps to release the locked-up gas from the abdomen and relieves stomachache. It can be applied as a paste on the stomach when mixed with water to relieve pain and distention of stomach.
Cancer: Hing can also cure many incurable diseases like cancer by preventing the incomplete division of cells and further growth of infected cells.
Cough and Cold: Asafoetida is one of the most common medicine used in Indian homes for the treatment of respiratory tract infections and in the treatment of coughs. It helps in relieving chest congestion and release of the phlegm. It is also helpful in asthma and wheezing problems. In cough related problems, hing powder can be mixed with other herbal mixtures like dry ginger, honey, tulsi juice etc. and can be taken 2-3 times a day. For treating whooping cough, hing is roasted with little bit of ghee and taken along with food.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases: A study conducted in Egypt also says that asafoetida is anti-parasitic curing various genital infections and sexually transmitted diseases like Trichomonas vaginalis or Trichomoniasis.
Nervous Disorders: It is revealed that hing acts like a sedative, an antidote to opium and relaxes nerves, relieving depression, mood swings, hysteria etc.
Menstrual problem and dysmenorrhoea: Asafoetida is considered to be helpful for women with menstrual problems like menstrual cramps, irregular menses, and aches and also helpful in the treatment of dysmenorrhoea. Use asafoetida fried in ghee regularly in diet to reduce the pain and discomfort accompanying menstrual periods and to promote free flow of fluid.

Other Health Benefits of Asafoetida or Hing

Asafoetida helps in relieving from insect bites and snake bites. A thick paste of the herb applied on the infected area gives a quick relief.
It is also used as an essential ingredient in the diet of lactating mothers for their good health.
Hing also helps in preventing toothaches. A pinch of asafetida placed in a dental cavity will provide relief from a toothache.

Guggul: Guggul Extracts, Guggul Benefits, Guggul Lipid, Directions for taking Guggul

2011-11-04T13:07:00.001+05:30

Guggulu or guggul is an ancient herb used as a medicine from a very long time.

Guggul Plant

One of the most important and trustworthy herbs in Ayurvedic system of medicine, guggul is basically a gum or yellowish resin that is produced by the Mukul Commiphora tree. This is a small, thorny plant that grows throughout northern India, and may be found from northern Africa to central Asia. While guggul is known as Indian bedellium as in English language, in India it is referred by various names like guggul gum, guggal, gugglesterone, guggul, gugulu and gum gugal. This herb finds its use in almost every kind of illness due to its miraculous treating power. Since a long time, it is an important component in many Ayurvedic classical medicines.

Guggul in Raw Form

Guggul Benefits

Relieving pain and swelling: Guggulu is very often used as an anti inflammatory and pain relieving herb by Indian herbal doctors. It has been very dominantly used in arthritic pains. It helps in relieving pain and swelling. So in diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, gout, sciatica, paralysis, osteoarthritis, hemiplegia, lymphadenopathy etc.
Blood Purifier: Guggulu acts as blood purifier and hence widely used in skin diseases. It promotes the production of red blood corpuscles (RBC) and improves the action of white blood corpuscles (WBC), which are helpful in fighting against any kind of infections. Effective results are seen in leprosy and eczema.
Improving Immune System: Guggulu is also known for improving our immune system. Considered as an antibiotic, it is used in infectious diseases.
Guggul Lipids for Lowering Cholesterol: One of the main uses of guggul is in problems related to heart. It has been reported by doctors that by regular use of guggulu, there has been significant lowering in blood cholesterol levels. Guggul helps in maintaining LDL and HDL levels in blood in normal limits. It helps in blood pressure levels.
Fat Loss: Guggul is rich in guggulosterones which help to regularize the fat metabolism, its assimilation and deposition in fatty tisues. It helps to burn extra fats from the body and reduce weight naturally.
Strengthening our digestive system: Guggul helps in easy secretions of digestive juices, works as appetizer, avoids indigestion and constipation. It helps in overall strengthening our digestive system.
Helpful in cough problem: Guggulu is also seen helpful in upper respiratory tract infection. It works as expectorant by helping in suppressing kapha dosha, which cause wet cough. Benefits are also seen in asthmatic conditions. Gargles done by guggulu water (guggulu dissolved in water) have been widely used in tonsillitis, upper respiratory tract infection, throat irritation, mouth ulcers, pharyngitis and stomatitis.
Solving Menstrual Problem: Menstrual disturbances and stomach cramps or pain faced by many women can be solved by guggulu. It gives wonderful results.
Improving Men's Sexual Ability: It has been seen that by regular usage of guggulu helps in improving sexual ability and sperm count. It also helps in improving sperm quality.
Improving overall health: Guggulu also works as rasayan. It can be used in promoting youthnesss with longitivity. This is the reason it is the part of well-known rasayan known as Chawanprash.

Directions for taking Guggul: Dosage

Guggul Capsules

It is to be noted that guggul should never be used in raw form. In Ayurveda, Guggulu is only used after purification (shudhikar) in milk. Instead of taking in its natural form, guggle extracts are available. It is better to go for Guggul capsules, also referred as Guggul lipids.

The therapeutic dose of guggul tablets ranges from 75 to 150 mg daily. Commercial daily recommendations for the purified guggul extract are typically based on the amount of guggulsterones in the extract. A common intake of guggulsterones is 25 mg three times per day. Most extracts contain 2.5-5% guggulsterones and can be taken daily for 12 to 24 weeks for lowering high cholesterol and/or triglycerides. Take 1-2 tablets with a meal two times daily.

How Long to Take Guggul?
Herbal medicines provide progressive, long-term benefits. Herbs like Guggul usually take 3-4 weeks before you can experience the full effectiveness of taking it. Individual results can vary, depending on the nature and seriousness of the condition for which Guggul is being consumed.

Easy Beauty Tips, Quick Beauty Tips, Tips to Make You Look Beautiful Easily

2011-10-23T10:33:00.004+05:30

Ways to a beautiful you...

Came across this beautiful article on Times of India, written by Tanya Dutta, about how you can make yourself look beautiful at a short notice. There are some quick beauty tips which you can do easily at home. The best part is that it does not take time, it is simple and easy and you use only products that are easily available at home.

Check this Out: Easy Beauty tips

To treat acne, you can use baby anti-rash cream instead of harsh pimple cream. Baby rash creams have zincoxide, which help cure zits quicker than any acne creams do.
Well you are out in a party and you need to stay there for long. But your lipstick fades away. So what do you do? Don't worry. When you apply foundation for your makeup, apply also on your lips. Applying a little foundation on your lips before using the lip colour and this make your lip colour last longer.
For luscious long lashes, apply mascara on the tips and let it dry. Then, apply a second coat to the lashes covering them completely.
For a shiny look in your eyes, apply a little transparent gloss on the eyelids. This helps in achieving beautiful eyes in seconds.
Well you want to wear that short skirt that your boyfriend gave you and you forgot to wax or you have no time to wax. In that case, just apply a little bronzer to your moisturiser and apply all over your arms and legs smoothly. It very nicely camouflages body hair , giving you shiny, bronzed look skin.
For body scrubbing at home, use a mixture of crushed oats and honey.So you don't have to go to the parlour for scrubbing.
Don't have time for facial and you have to attend an evening party. Not to worry. Take two to three ice cubes in a cloth and add a few drops of aromatic oil to make a potli. Rub gently to get a fresh looking face.
Everyone can't hit the gym as often as they want to. So all you need to do ladies, is to just pull in your stomach tightly every time you sit or walk. Even if you practice this for a week or so, you can be in shape.
For a quick glow and a healthier look, just bend over from your waist and and hold this posture for about few seconds. The blood will rush to your face giving you that instant glow.
Want shiny hair instantly? Gently rub a silk cloth over them. The cloth reduces static electricity and makes your hair look neat and shiny.
You have run out of stock of hair serum. In times of such crisis, use (very) little hand cream or conditioner and rub it on your tresses. It will work wonders!
Don't worry if you do not have well toned legs. Apply a little oil along the bone of your leg to give a leaner appearance. Polished, shiny legs look slimmer.
Red wine is known to have antioxidants that are good for your skin. To get that fresh look on your face, splash your face with four to five tablespoons of wine mixed with water. You skin will feel more soft and supple.
You see most of the time, when you remove nail paint with nail polish remover, the nails get stained because of dark polish. The best way to remove them is to rub lemon halves on your nails. It works as an astringent and will brighten them up.
Applying eye shadow with a damp brush makes the colour pop.
How do you make your perfume last longer. Apply a little petroleum jelly on your pulse points and then spray perfume on it.
For a quick pedicure, dip your feet in warm water with sea salt and rub them with a dry loofah. Then, massage with a little quantity of hydrating moisturiser and coat your nails with transparent nail paint.

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Almonds Nutritional Benefits, Benefits of Almonds, Health Benefits of Almonds

2011-10-19T18:11:00.000+05:30

Almonds are one of the most nutritious types of nuts available all through out the season. According to a report by WHO, almonds are the only type of nuts which have highest amounts of the six essential nutrients - fibre, protein, potassium, magnesium, copper and vitamin E. They are cholesterol free and compared with other nuts, they provide high quality, highly absorbable protein.

Almonds Benefits

Calories in an Ounce of Almonds
Whwn we talk about an ounce of almonds, it is roughly 20-25 almonds which come in a small handfull. This can be opted as a decent snack size portion, and it consists of the following:

Calories :164
Fat: 14.4 grams
Sodium: 0.3mg
Potassium: 206mg
Carbs: 5.6g
Fiber: 3.3g
Net Carbs: 2.3g (net carbs = carbs - fiber)
Sugar: 1.4g
Protein in one ounce of almonds: 6g

Nutritional Benefits of Almonds

One ounce of almonds contain as much calcium as 1/4 cup of milk, which is great for building strong bones and teeth with the phosphorus in almonds. This also helps in preventing oestoporesis later on.
Almonds are the best whole food source of vitamin E, which may help prevent cancer.
An important health benefit of almonds is that it lowers LDL-Cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease.
According to a study, eating almonds could help prevent diabetes as well. The research found incorporating the nuts into our diets daily may help treat type 2 diabetes.
Studies have also shown that almonds healthy fats can help in losing fat. Almond added diet had greater reductions in weight, body fat, total body water.
Almonds are a great source of the folic acid required during pregnancy. Almonds contain more magnesium than oatmeal or even spinach.
Almonds can help boost your brainpower, stabilize your mood and even relieve the aging process.

How to Take Almonds?
In addition to being eaten raw, almonds are a wonderful addition to a variety of recipes from salads to baked goods and milk shakes. Sprouted almonds are crispy and crunchy, making them a super addition to salads, pasta, vegetables, and meats. It is found that whole almonds (with Skins) provide most heart healthy benefits. Almond butter makes a delicious breakfast spread on warm toast. You can also have almond milk. Almond oil is good for skin, hair and health.

World Handwashing Day, Hand Washing with Soap, Global Handwashing Day

2011-10-15T20:07:00.000+05:30

Today is world handwashing day

UNICEF (United Nations Fund for Children’s Activities) declared 15th October is Global handwashing day. Purpose of Global handwashing day is to raise awareness & promoting hand washing to school children and parents. The main aim was to raise awareness about the benefits of handwashing with soap and encourage and support a global culture of using soap while handwashiing. The Global handwashing Day (15th October) is organized by a high profile coalition. USAID, UNICEF, Disease Control and Prevention Centers; Water and Sanitation Program, Procter and Gamble and Unilever.

Hand Washing

5 Fundamental facts about hand washing with soap

Washing hands only with water is not enough. Washing hands with water alone, a more common practice, is significantly less effective than handwashing with soap.
Use soap to hand wash as this can prevent children and adult from diseases. Using soap helps in breaking down the grease and dirt that carry most germs and make your hands smelling pleasant.
The important time for hand washing with soap for children are after usage of the toilet. And also before having food.This habit can save more lives than any single vaccine or medical intervention.
Hand washing with soap is the single and most productive health intervention.
Social marketing advances that center on the potential handwasher and his or her exact motivations are more useful than usual disease-focused approaches.

When Do you Need to Wash Hands?

Before and after preparing, serving or eating food.
After coming home from work or school.
After being out in public or crowded places.
After touching objects like coins, rupees, telephone, keyboard etc.
Shaking hands with people having fever, coughing, sneezing..
Afer handling animals.
After going to the toilet.

5 steps in handwashing with soap

Wet your hands under running water.
Apply soap on your hands, on top, palm, fingers and then rub your hands together vigorously.
Rub your palms, in between your fingers, under your fingernails and the back of your hand.
Rinse your hands thoroughly under the running water.
Dry your hands with a clean towel.

Wash with Soap

Alcohol-Based Sanitizers

When there is no water, use sanitizers. Alcohol-based sanitizers are a special type of sanitizer that doesn’t require rinsing, and they claim to kill almost 100% of germs. They usually come as a gel or a rub cloth. However, they are only effective when no visible dirt is present. They cannot replace soap and water, but act as a supplement when soap and water are not available. People with open cuts should avoid hand sanitizers because they may cause further irritation.

Cycling for Weight Loss, Cycling Exercise, Bicycling Benefits, Cyling and Weight Control

2011-10-09T19:01:00.001+05:30

Cycling is an important form of exercise. Cycling provides good exercise to the whole body, making you stay fit and healthy. Infact among all the popular forms of exercises, cycling is rated second only to running. For overall fitness, cycling should be done regularly.Cycling has today become very popular all over the world. An easy solution to maintain overall health and weight. Moreover cycling as an exercise is full of fun and enjoyment. Cycling can reduce the risk of heart disease, high

blood pressure, obesity and diabetes according to a report by Kelley GA.

Benefits of Cycling in Controlling Diseases

Controlling Cholesterol: Since cycling is a good form of exercises, you will be able to improve the levels of the good cholesterol or High Density Lipoprotein in blood.

Controlling Blood Pressure: A regular activity like cycling prevent people to have a higher BP or blood pressure. This in turn helps to have a healthy heart.

Controlling pain in joints and muscles: Cycling helps improve our muscle strengths, balance and coordination, helping in joints mobility and its lubrication. It also helps arthritis patients by reducing pains and swelling in the joints, and increasing flexibility.

Imporoving skin: During cycling, the blood flow in our skin increase, removing our body’s heat and removes the waste through sweating. This also helps in giving you a clear skin.

Controlling Diabetes: Regular cycling is one of the best exercise for diabetes patients. Cycling helps in controlling weight.

Cycling also helps in reducing tension, stress and depression of a person.

Cycling and Weight Loss

For excessive weight problem or to maintain weight, cycling offers a great workout. Infact, bicycle riding is suitable for everyone, any age or level of fitness. It is said that cycling helps in losing weight as it burns calories and improves health. You will lose fat and burn calories by increasing heart rate. For many, cycling is an easy exercise as you do not need to stretch or exert yourself much. For those who cannot do high impact sports because of the pressure it puts on their joints, because of twisting, turning, and stretching like as in running, swimming, aerobices, cycling is a good alternative. Pedal power while cycling is of low impact and takes the weight of the body. Another benefit of cycling is that it improves all round fitness, along with strength and cycling exercises the major muscle groups in the legs like as the glutei, quadriceps, hamstrings and calves.

How many calories will cycling burn?

Depending on your weight and exertion level, cycling will help by burning off between 75 and 670 extra calories in a half-hour session, thereby helping you lose weight.

Advantages of Cycling or Biking

Cycling regularly as an exercise can be maintained for a long period of time compared to other forms of exercises that too without your leg muscles getting too tired, although you may feel the burn. This way, your lungs and heart get a solid workout which is just great for improving your cardiovascular fitness levels.

Lots of people find doing exercises a big problem. Many find jogging , walking burdensome because it needs early waking time. Then comes gym options, but then it is expensive. But cycling is a cheaper alternative and a good investment.

Cycling for half an hour just 2-3 times a week will help you achieve your goal much earlier than regular aerobics or walking exercise.

Types of Cycling for Exercise

There are different types of cycles to choose from – mountain bikes, road racing bikes, touring bikes and hybrid bikes. Choose a bike that will manage the local terrain, comfortably. If you are not at all interested in going out but want to remain fit and healthy, then you can opt for staionary bike.

Stationary Cycle as an Exercise Equipment

A stationary cycle is an exercise bicycle with saddle, pedals, and some form of handlebars arranged as on a bicycle. It is not used as a means of transportaion but used as exercise equipment. Stationary bike provides a low-impact, medium/high intensity cardio workout and strengthens a number of muscle groups. Due to their calorie-burning benefits, the cycle workouts are very useful for any weight loss exercise program.

Home Remedies Common Cold, Common Cold Home Remedies, Common Cold Natural Remedies

2011-09-24T16:46:00.001+05:30

A very common illness that affects infants and elderly alike is the common cold. There are many causes of cold. Many believe that cold is due to cold weather. But this is not always the case. There are many viruses which cause cold. On an average people may get 2 to 4 colds per year depending on their body immunity.

Common Cold

Symptoms of cold

Frequent sneezing
Blocked or runny nose
Sore throat
Reduced sense of taste and smell
Dry cough
Headache and mild fever

Cause of Cold

Viral infection
Person to person through sneezing
Allergic disorders
Low immunity power
Menstrual cycles
Change in weather

Home Remedies for Common Cold

Are cold and flu making you feel miserable? Here are few cold remedies that can make you feel better. The best part is that you can use them right now at your home.

Take a tablespoon of crushed aijwain or carom seeds and tie it in a muslin cloth. Inhale this when your nose is blocked.
Drink warm milk with pepper and turmeric. Boil 1 tbsp of pepper powder in milk together with a pinch of turmeric. Add some sugar for taste. Drink this once a day.
Mix 3-4 tsp onion juice with 3-4 tsp honey and have it every day during cold.
Boil water. Add coarsely pound ginger to it. Reduce the quantity to half, add some honey and drink hot at bedtime.
Gargling can moisten a sore throat and bring temporary relief. Add a tsp of salt in warm water, and gargle 3-4 times daily.
Drink Hot Soups and juices. Prevent dehydration. Hot drinks relieve nasal congestion.You should drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water.
Apply Hot or Cold Packs Around Your Congested Sinuses. Take a damp washcloth and heat it for few seconds in a microwave and cover your nose with it for some time. Alternately, you can keep the keep the towel in the fridge for some time and get a cold pack.
Put few drops of eucalyptus oil or vicks in some water and inhale it two or three times a day. It relieves from nose blockage.
Take Vitamin C rich diet.
Warm lemon water with honey helps loosen congestion
Chewing few basil (tulsi) leaves is also helpful.
Stay warm and rested.

Liquorice Health Benefits, Liquorice Medicinal Uses, Preparing Licorice Root at Home, Loquorice Dose

2011-09-18T19:18:00.001+05:30

Liquorice was one of the most widely known medicines in ancient history, and there are records of its use in ancient Chinese Medicines as in Assyrian tablets of around 2000 BC and Chinese herbals of the same period.

Synonyms: Liquirita officinalis (L.), reglisse, lacrisse, sweet licorice, licorice root, sweet wood.

Parts used: dried roots and stolons

What is Liquorice?

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), also known as sweet root, is a hardy plant, perennial, and grown in the Mediterranean region and central and southwest Asia. It is cultivated widely for the sweet taproot, which is known to have many medicinal values.

Liquorice Supplements, Lozenges

Liquorice Medicinal Uses

Licorice finds its way into so many therapies such as follows:

The main part of the liquorice plant used in medicine is the root. This root is a gentle relaxant, soothing to mucous irritations, and known for its for its sweet taste and in masking the sharpness / taste/pungency / of other remedies.
Ayurveda recommends the root as beneficial in the treatment of colds, coughs, and other bronchial irritations.
Liquorice is Tonic, Diuretic, Demulcent, Expectorant, Emenagogue Laxative and Laxative.
It is used for treating coughs and catarrhal infections.
Liquorice is also useful in irritable conditions of mucous memberane of Urinary organs.
The root is also useful in sore throat, cough, anorexia and persistent low fever. Licorice is great for healing cancer sores and cold sores.
Licorice is an important antiviral agent. It can be used to treat flu, herpes, and even hepatitis.
Another use of liquorice is that it is useful in flavouring of tobacoo, beverages, confectionary, jams and marmalades.
It is also a popular ingredient in throat lozenges and herbal teas as a natural sweetener

How to Eat Liquorice?

The root may be chewed as throat lozenges.
The root can also be prepared as infusions. This is done by removing the outer bark and boiling for several minutes. This relieves hoarseness and coughs.

Liquorice Root

Preparing licorice root in your home

Licorice Root Tea

Slice licorice roots into small 1 inch pieces and place them between layers of wax paper. Use a hammer and tap on it so that the they break into pieces about the size of sunflower seeds.
Now put these broken sunflower seeds like liquorice roots in to a stone, cup-shaped mortar. Grind the pieces in a circular motion with the pestle until the pieces become a fine powder.
Add a half a teaspoon per cup of tea to any herbal mixture. Pour the herb mixture and licorice into the center of a cheesecloth square. Tie the cheesecloth into a bundle.
Boil water in a tea kettle and add the cheesecloth. Remove the kettle from heat and allow the tea to steep for few minutes. You tea is ready. Pour and sweeten as desired.

Homemade Liquorice Lozenges

Cut licorice roots into small pieces and scatter in the bottom of a large saucepan. Fill the sauce pan with room-temperature water and bring the water to a boil.
Now let the boiled water simmer. Allow the pieces to simmer, testing them with a fork every few minutes. When the fork penetrates easily, remove the pan from the heat and drain off the water, leaving the pieces in the pan.
Mash the licorice into a paste. Spread out wax paper on a flat surface. Scoop out small spoonfuls of the paste and drop them onto the wax paper to dry.
Once it dries, your lozenges are made. Suck on the hardened licorice pieces like cough drops, or stir them into black tea. Both are very concentrated doses of licorice.

Recommended Dose of Liquorice Supplements/Tablets

Licorice as a supplement is normally standardized to 20 percent glycyrrhizinic acid and commonly given in capsules of 250 to 500 mg, three times per day.
Use licorice supplements only as directed by a health care provider. Licorice should not be taken for longer than four to six weeks

Part of the plant used: ROOT.

For Ulcers, take two to four 380-mg tablets before meals and at bedtime. Use with conventional therapy.
For mouth sores, suck on two to four 380-mg tablets before meals and at bedtime.
For respiratory problems, take 1 to 2 g of liquorice root 3 times daily for no more than 1 week.
For Eczema, Psoriasis, or Herpes, apply liquorice cream twice daily to the affected area.
For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, consult a physician. High dosages of whole liquorice are required. Significant side effects may result.

Monsoon Diseases and Precautions, Monsoon Diseases: Prevention and Cure

2011-09-10T19:33:00.001+05:30

First showers of monsoon are welcomed by everyone with great enthusiasm after experiencing the scorching heat of summer. But monsoons reduce the immunity of our body and make us susceptible to many diseases. There are many diseases that people experience in this season. It is very essential to keep our body resistant against diseases by boosting our immunity and taking precautions against these diseases in Monsoon.

Prevention During Monsoons

Check out here Monsoon Diseases: Prevention and Cure, Ayurvedic Tips During Monsoon, Skin Care in Monsoons

Diseases in Monsoon

Common diseases are cough, cold, flu, jaundice, typhoid, malaria, dengue, water infection, poor digestion, and dysentery. There are also skin related problems such as prickly heat, abscess, and eczema

Prevention and Cure During Monsoons

Drink Lots of Water

Most of the diseases that occur during monsoon is due to water pollution. That is why, the first preventive measure that should be taken is not to drink outside water. Always boil and filter your water before drinking. Also do not put ice cubes in your water. If at all you require ice cubes, make sure that you use boiled water to make the cubes. But then drink plenty of water as this will help you drain toxins from your body.
Wash your hands at regular intervals with soap or sanitizer especially before handling food, after eating food and after visiting the toilet. Maintain good personal hygiene.
Apply a strong insect repellent to keep mosquitoes away and prevent getting bitten.
Drain all standing water and empty water from outdoor items such as old tires, cans and flower pot bases.
If you are a patient with asthma or diabetes, avoid staying anywhere near damp walls. It promotes the growth of fungus and can be harmful. Diabetic patients need to take extra care of their feet during the monsoon season. They should not to walk barefoot since the soil on which they walk is a reservoir of all types of germs.
Keeping yourself and your immediate surroundings clean.
Try to eat nutritious food and avoid eating out during rainy season.
One should wear cotton clothes and loose clothes and use talcum powder that are anti-fungal in areas more prone to fungal infections.
Keep yourself fit by doing regular exercises.

Wash your hands

Drain all standing water

Ayurvedic Tips During Monsoon

Monsoon season leads to low digestive power and decrease immunity. Hence the diet you take regularly play a vital role in enhancing your immunity and strengthen your digestions. Following ayurvedic tips are helpful:

Garlic, pepper, ginger, asafoetida (hing), jeera powder, turmeric and coriander help enhance digestion and improve immunity. So try to incorporate these in your diet.
Have light foods prepared out of old barley, rice and wheat.
Eat warm food
For cough, a pinch each of long pepper powder and rock salt mixed in warm water is helpful.
Drink a glass of warm water mixed with a tea spoon of honey in empty stomach.

Skin Care During Monsoon

Major issue during rainy season is the fungal infection. So keep your body clean and dry and never keep your skin and body wet for long time. Lukewarm water for bath, antifungal soap, cream and talc are effective.
If your skin is getting dry and it makes you irritated feeling, then just moisturize it. Apply rose water, glycerin, honey, almond or moisturizer before sleep.
Use sun screen while going out.
Scrub gently sometimes to exfoliate the dead skin and let the skin get suppler.

Home remedies for Sun Tanned Skin, Remove Tan Naturally, How to Remove Tan?

2011-09-04T19:13:00.003+05:30

There are few effective home remedies to remove. However it is to be noted that there is nothing that can help to remove a tan overnight. It will take atleast a week or may be a month to remove tan. The natural ways of lightening skin that has darkened due to tanning are always the easy ways rather than to use the harsh chemical products available in the market. The natural home remedies are safe, tried and tested and you can easily do it at home.

How to Remove Tan?

Remove Tan Naturally

Check out here some easy ways to remove tan naturally:

Buttermilk: Buttermilk is an effective way to remove tan. Make your own buttermilk. Dilute a cup of yogurt in water (2 liters) and blend well. Apply this on your tanned skin and rub it. This will show excellent results. You can also apply this to your skin as many times as you like.
Fresh Milk Cream and Saffron: You can also apply a paste made of fresh milk cream and saffron. Soak saffron in milk cream overnight. Mix this in the morning with your fingers and apply. This will lighten your tan besides providing a glow to your skin.
Aloe Vera Gel: Take Aloe vera leaves and squeeze out a little gel from the leaves. Apply this on your face. Aloe vera gel, being natural, is an excellent way to reduce the discoloration of your tanned skin. You can also use aloe vera gel available in the market. Apply this overnight. Remember never to apply aloe vera gel while going out in the sun as this can make your skin darker.
Rice flour with curd: Mix rice flour with curd and apply it on the face. Massage gently using circular movements and wash it off after 5 minutes.
Curd, fresh lime juice, honey: Mix a tsp of curd, fresh lemon juice and honey and apply it on the face. It lightens skin color.
Raw Potato: Take a raw potato. Take the juice out of it and apply on your face. This has natural bleaching properties.
Cucumber and fuller earth: Mix cucumber paste with lemon juice and fuller's earth and apply it for few minutes and then wash it off. This acts as an excellent anti-tan pack.
Natural Oil: Mix sesame seed oil, olive oil and almond oil in the ratio 4:1:1. Apply this oil on your skin for few minutes. Remove the oil from your face by using gram flour/besan or a mild soap. This is an effective natural remedy to get rid of suntan. It also improves complexion.
Tomato juice and curd: Mix tomato juice with a little curd. Apply and wash it off after few minutes.
Sandalwood and masoor dal: Mix paste of sandalwood (chandan) powder with black gram (masoor) dal. Keep the mixture overnight. Apply this the next morning and wash it with cold water.
Turmeric and Yoghurt: Use haldi (turmeric) and yoghurt before taking bath Add a pinch of turmeric (haldi) to chilled yoghurt and apply on your face for 30 minutes before having a bath.

Check out some more tips here:

Improve your complexion naturally

Natural Remedies for Hot Flashes, Hot Flashes Menopause, Treatment for Hot Flashes

2011-08-28T19:25:00.002+05:30

Hot flashes are the common symptoms faced by many women in the menopause and pre-menopause transition. Usually hot flashes are sudden feeings of intense warm over the face, neck and chest. There are other symptoms asscosiated with it like as rapid heartbeat, a red, blotchy skin appearance, perspiration, chilled feeling as the hot flash subsides. No two women describe the exact same symptoms when talking about a hot flash. The typical hot flash lasts approximately 2-3 minutes, may occur a few times a week or several times a day. Although the exact cause of hot flashes is not fully know, hot flashes are considered to be a cause of a combination of hormonal and biochemical changes brought on by declining estrogen levels. Sometimes hot flashes are accompanied by night sweats resulting in unrefreshing sleep and daytime tiredness.

Hot Flashes

Natural Remedies for Hot Flashes

Diet: One of the main causes of hot flashes is the decreasing estrogen level in the body. For this it is very essential that you have a well balanced diet and increase your consumption of food which contain estrogenic substances. There are many vegetables and food items that can increase the estrogen levels like as soybeans, soy sprouts, garlic, green beans, sesame seeds, crushed flaxseeds, wheat, yams, pumpkin seeds, cucumbers, cabbage, beets, olive oil, corn, apples, anise seeds, olives, papaya, oats, peas, sunflower seeds. These are all important sources of natural estrogens that are also loaded with vitamins, fiber and minerals essential not only for menopause, but to maintain an overall good health.
Vitamin E: For ordinary hot flashes, try vitamin E with dosages between 400 and 800 IUs daily.Hot flashes deplete our bodies of the B vitamins, vitamin C, and magnesium and potassium, so it is helpful to increase our consumption of these nutrients
Primrose Oil: Evening primrose oil alleviates hot flashes and promotes restful sleep. Depending on the amount of primrose oil in each capsule, effective dosages vary from 2 to 8 capsules a day.
Chickweed tincture: Chickweed tincture (25 to 40 drops) once or twice a day reduces the severity and frequency of hot flashes.
Light Clothes: Wear clothes made of natural fibers (cotton, wool, silk) which can disperse heat away from the body. It is more practical to dress in layers so that clothing can be removed and added as needed.
Exercise: Acupuncture, meditation and biofeedback have helped women find relief from hot flashes. Engaging in regular physical activity helps improve your overall health, which may help hot flashes feel less intense.

What to Avoid?

Avoid spicy food, hot drinks, alcoholic drinks, white sugar, stress, tobacco and marijuana as they triggers hot flashes.
Avoid “hot” situations by keeping the temperature comfortably cool in your bedroom while you sleep. Switch on the fans during the day to keep your home from getting stuffy. If you need some instant relief in the middle of a hot flash, try a cool shower to chill out. When you’re not at home, try to avoid hot places, like outdoor locales during the summer. Also avoid hot weather, hot tubs and saunas.

Check out more information on

Menopause