Life and Living : Tulsee

Green Tea and Cholesterol

2008-07-18T14:18:00.001-07:00

The health benefits of green tea are known for centuries, but only in recent years its medicinal properties have been researched scientifically. Studies show that drinking 4 to 6 cups of tea can help get rid of several cancers, help lose weight, cardiovascular disease, infection and many other things.

Research indicates, drinking green tea lowers total cholesterol levels, and improves the ratio of good (HDL) cholesterol to bad (LDL) cholesterol.

Tea's health benefits are largely due to its high content of antioxidants. It is rich in catechin polyphenols, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). EGCG is a powerful anti-oxidant.

The antioxidants in green tea can help block the oxidation of LDL (bad) cholesterol, increase HDL (good) cholesterol and improve artery function.

The only negative side effect from drinking green tea is insomnia as it contains caffeine. However, caffeine content of green tea is less than coffee.

Heart Attack Symptoms

2008-06-02T10:50:00.001-07:00

Heart attack is a leading killer of both men and women all over the world. Chances of recovery improve following a heart attack if treatment begins within one hour. But nearly half of the patients with a history of heart disease have poor knowledge about the symptoms of a heart attack and most patients are admitted to the hospital 2.5 to three hours after symptoms begin, according to an article in science daily.

Let's see some of the most common characteristics of heart attack. Heart attack symptoms vary widely but most attacks include mild chest pain, discomfort, nausea or anxiety. The body likely sends one or more of these warning signals of a heart attack, according to the American Heart Association and other medical experts:

Chest discomfort: Discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.

Discomfort in other areas of the upper body: Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.

Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.

Other signs may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or vomiting, dizziness or fainting, unexplained weakness or fatigue, rapid or irregular pulse .

The symptoms of a heart attack may resemble other medical conditions. Even if you're not sure it's a heart attack, talk to your doctor, have it checked out.

Mindfulness Meditation / Lotus Therapy

2008-05-30T17:05:00.000-07:00

The patient sat with his eyes closed, submerged in the rhythm of his own breathing, and after a while noticed that he was thinking about his troubled relationship with his father.

“I was able to be there, present for the pain,” he said, when the meditation session ended.

Here's a wonderful article where New York Times reporter Ben Carey discusses the use of mindfulness meditation in therapy.

Based on the teachings of Gautama Buddha, mindfulness is awareness of one's thoughts. It is about focusing on your mind at the present moment. By staying in the present moment, practitioners begin to see both inner and outer aspects of reality.

While some guidance is required to begin the practice, mindfulness is an activity that can be done at any time; it does not require sitting, or even focusing on some object, but rather is done by bringing the mind to focus on what is happening in the present moment.

Mindfulness meditation can help relieve stress. In recent years, it has been incorporated into the treatment for a variety of psychiatric disorders, including depression, addictive cravings, anxiety.

Breast-fed children are smarter: Study Says

2008-05-09T13:35:00.000-07:00

Breast-feeding can make children smarter, according to a study. The research by scientists in Canada and Belarus showed that babies whose mothers breast-fed them longer—and never used formula—scored about 5 percent higher on IQ tests several years later and did better academically than other kids. (Reuters)

Breast milk is the most complete form of nutrition for infants. A mother's milk has just the right nutrition that is needed for a baby's growth and development. As a result, breastfed infants grow exactly the way they should.

Several other studies over the years also suggest breastfeeding strengthen immune system, discourage allergies and it may also prevent some forms of breast cancer in the mother.

Tomatoes Reduce Prostate Cancer Risk

2008-02-16T19:28:00.000-08:00

According to a Harvard Medical School study, diets rich in tomato appear to reduce the risk of prostate cancer. people who consume large amounts of tomatoes and tomato products have a significantly decreased risk for prostate cancer. The most likely reason appears to be tomatoes' high content of lycopene, a red carotenoid related to beta-carotene. Lycopene, which occurs naturally in tomoatoes, has long been known as an anti-carcinogen.

A recent study finds that eating at least five servings of tomato or tomato-based products a week can reduce the risk of prostate cancers as well as lung and stomach cancer. Eating fresh or lightly cooked tomato is better than consuming tomato based product. And cooked tomatoes may be better than raw tomatoes. Chopping and heating make the cancer-fighting constituents of tomatoes more bioavailable.

So, don't forget to include tomato as one of the ingredients in your daily meal, not only to help lower the risk of cancer but to help meet daily fruit and vegetable recommendations and romote overall health.

The information provided here is strictly educational and not intended as medical advice. For diagnosis and treatment, consult your physician.

reference
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news/tomatoes.html
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/lycopene/NS_patient-lycopene
http://healthfullife.umdnj.edu/archives/prostate_archive.htm
http://www.holisticonline.com/Herbal-Med/_Herbs/h_tomato-healing-benefits.htm

Diet for strong, beautiful hair

2008-02-04T09:31:00.000-08:00

Even though natural texture and the rate at which your hair grows cannot be changed by what you eat, you can improve the way it looks and feels by switching over to a nutritious, well balanced, protein rich diet.

NORMAL HAIR
Eat: Low fat fish, chicken, pulses like dals and sprouts.

DRY HAIR
Increase intake of low cholesterol, polyunsaturated oils such as margarine, sunflower oil, fruits and foods rich in Vitamin B.
Eat: Foods rich in vitamin B, raw vegetables, pulses, wholemeal bread, brown rice, liver, bananas, nuts and oily fish. A supplement of Vitamin E capsules will also help.
Avoid: Salty and fatty cheeses.

OILY HAIR
This condition stems from over secretion of the sebaceous glands.
Eat: Lots of green leafy vegetables, salads, fresh fruits, yoghurt, baked and grilled dishes.
Avoid: Fried and greasy foods, milk products and red meat.

MIXED-CONDITION HAIR
Eat: Plenty of vegetables and fresh fruits.
Avoid: Butter, cheese and deep fried foods.

DULL HAIR
Eat: Foods rich in minerals - green vegetables, nuts, lentils, wholegrain cereals, shrimps, oily fish and milk.

HAIR WITH DANDRUFF/FLAKY SCALP
Eat: Fresh fruits and vegetables, fish and vitamin A rich foods.
Avoid: Dairy products, spicy food, piping hot food and animal fat.

FOR SHINY TRESSES
Does your hair look unhealthy and lack luster?
• Start using conditioners regularly.
• It is Important that you also rinse off the conditioner thoroughly after wash.
• A easy way to get the shine back in your hair is to use tea-water as a rinse or use a mug or two of water to which you’ve added juice of half a lemon/or a table spoon of cooking white vinegar as a final rinse.
• You will feel the difference.

Pumpkin Face Mask

2008-01-11T10:32:00.000-08:00

Pumpkin makes an excellent facemask ingredient for all skin types, especially environmentally damaged or sensitive skin. High in Vitamin A (skin healing), C (anti-oxidant) and Zinc, the pumpkin soothes, moisturizes and acts as a carrier, assisting the other mask ingredients to absorb deeper into the skin.

Ingredients for a Pumpkin Face Mask

2 teaspoons cooked , pureed pumpkin
one-half teaspoon honey
one-quarter teaspoon milk (or soymilk)(contains alpha hydroxyl acid, enzymes digest skin cells)

If you have dry skin, add half teaspoon brown sugar. For oily skin, add one-quarter teaspoon apple cider.

Combine the ingredients for your facemask. Mix gently and apply to your face avoiding the eye area. Rest and relax for 10-15 minutes while your pumpkin facemask gently exfoliates, nourishes and conditions your face. Rinse with warm water and apply the appropriate moisturizer for your skin type.

[Source]

Restless legs syndrome

2008-01-08T13:30:00.000-08:00

Do you have an irresistible urge to move your legs particularly when you are not engaged in any activity? Well, if yes, then just consult a doctor as you might be suffering from restless legs syndrome which can up your risk of getting a heart attack.

Restless leg syndrome is a common cause of painful legs. The leg pain of restless leg syndrome typically eases with motion of the legs and becomes more noticeable at rest. Restless leg syndrome also features worsening of symptoms during the early evening or later at night. Restless leg syndrome frequency leads to insomnia.

The cause of restless leg syndrome is unknown in most patients. However, restless leg syndrome has been associated with pregnancy, obesity, smoking, iron deficiency and anemia, nerve disease, polyneuropathy (which can be associated with hypothyroidism, heavy metal toxicity, toxins, and many other conditions), other hormone disease, such as diabetes, and kidney failure (which can be associated with vitamin and mineral deficiency). Some drugs and medications have been associated with restless leg syndrome including caffeine, alcohol, H2-histamine blockers (such as Zantac and Tagamet), and certain antidepressants (such as Elavil).

Occasionally, restless legs run in families. Recent studies have shown that restless leg syndrome appears to become more common with age.

A team of international researchers has carried out a study and found that the sufferers of restless legs syndrome (RLS) -- are more than twice as likely as non-sufferers to have a stroke or heart attack, a news paper reported on Tuesday.

Treatment of restless leg syndrome is first directed toward any underlying illness, if known. Medications are available for restless leg syndrome. Consult your doctor if you have any unpleasant leg sensations.

Sleep trouble causes diabetes

2008-01-02T11:05:00.000-08:00

A good night's sleep is one of the most important factors of keeping healthy and feeling great. Inadequate sleep may lead to many health problems. A recent study reveals that lack of sleep may be a cause of diabetes, report suntimes. According to the report

Researchers have identified a possible new risk factor for diabetes: not getting a good night's sleep.

In a small study, University of Chicago researchers tested the theory on nine healthy young adults in a sleep lab.

For three nights, researchers prevented volunteers from getting the deepest and most restorative type of sleep.

Afterward, volunteers' bodies did not use insulin as well as before: they needed more insulin to dispose of the same amount of a sugar solution.

This reduced insulin sensitivity was comparable to the effect of gaining 20 or 30 pounds.

Earlier studies found that not getting enough sleep can increase the risk of obesity and diabetes.

The U. of C. study is the first to suggest that not getting the right kind of sleep also could increase diabetes risk.

Obesity and aging are two big risk factors for diabetes. Obesity and aging also reduce sleep quality, further increasing the risk of diabetes, researchers said.

Children Exposed To Dangerous Chemicals Daily

2007-12-27T12:21:00.000-08:00

A new report from the Environmental Working Group has found that children are exposed to a variety of chemicals in the daily personal care routines.

The study noted that on average, children are exposed to 27 chemicals that have not been assessed for safety by the government or industry. More specifically, the study reported that:

* 82% of children are exposed every week to one or more ingredients with the potential to harm the brain and nervous system.
* 69% of children are exposed every week to one or more ingredients that may disrupt the hormone system, and 3.6% of children are exposed to ingredients with strong data linking them to cancer, including chemicals classified as known or probable human carcinogens.
* 80% of children’s products marked as gentle and non-irritating contain ingredients linked to allergies and skin or eye irritation according to government and industry sources.

Surprisingly, 89% of the children’s products that had ‘recommended by a doctor’ on the label contained dangerous chemicals.

Most disturbing of the chemicals are three groups of widely used ingredients known as “hidden carcinogens” — ingredients which are contaminated by carcinogens, or which break down to release carcinogens, or which are precursors of carcinogens — to which infants are about 100 times more sensitive than adults.

This is shocking to say the least and apparently an example of industry putting profit ahead of safety, in this case to the most susceptible and sensitive portion of our population, our children.

[Source]

Overuse of antibiotics can raise intestinal disorders

2007-12-18T18:01:00.000-08:00

According to a news published in IANS "Overuse of antibiotics could raise intestinal disorders as they kill useful bacteria from the body, says a study that found such infection in 16 states of the US. "

Like all living things, bacteria adapt to the environment. Faced with an antibiotic, a few hearty bugs survive. Those superbugs then multiply, creating a new strain that the old antibiotic can’t touch. The more antibiotics used, the more the bacteria evolve.

The infection - C. difficile - often strikes older hospital patients treated with antibiotics, reported news portal NorthJersey.com.

C. difficile causes severe diarrhoea and other potentially life-threatening complications. But scientists say it has also begun spreading among people of all ages even who have not been hospitalised or used antibiotics.

"The widespread use of antibiotics, particularly their inappropriate use, has contributed to the increased incidence of C. difficile," the researchers said. "It's important that people do not take them unnecessarily or demand them from doctors."

The disorder is usually treated with other antibiotics such as vancomycin and metronidazole. But antibiotic-resistant strains have been identified.

Remedy for Menstrual Cramps

2007-12-14T10:57:00.000-08:00

Most of the women probably have experienced menstrual cramps - the abdominal and pelvic area pain around the time of menstrual period. In medical terminology, it is known as dysmenorrhea. The cause of the pain is the contractions of the uterus as it expels its unneeded contents, and also by the passage of clotted blood through the cervix and in most cases doesn't indicate any underlying gynecological problems.

How to Get rid of Menstrual Cramps

Exercise:
Regular physical activity often reduces cramping in some women. Walking is the best execise to get relief from the pain. Walking will release the muscle tension and reduce menstrual cramps by improving circulation in the pelvic organs.
“If you’re walking, strike a relaxed pose that lets you swing your hips and arms freely and lets you breathe rhythmically. If your normally brisk pace wears you out during this time, do yourself a favor and slow down,” suggests Robert Thayer, Ph.D., professor of psychology at California State University, Long Beach.
Practice pranayama (breathing exercise) , but don't stretch or compress the abdomen vigorously.

Treat with Heat:
Hot substances work as pain relievers. Try taking a warm bath and using aromatherapy or using a heating pad on your lower abdomen or back. Take a cup of herbal tea. But avoid coffee or alcohol.

Food and nutrients:
Have food rich in calcium, magnesium. Add more vegetables, fruits, chicken and fish in your diet. Eat small meals throughout day instead of heavy meal at a time.

Medication: Take Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen. Consult your doctor if necessary.

If menstrual cramps is severe, along with heavy bleeding and clotting, it is recommended to see a gynaecologist.

Prevention of Asthma

2007-12-11T12:15:00.000-08:00

Preventive measures for Asthma:
To prevent and control an asthma attack it is very important to have a good
understanding of asthma and the triggers that can cause asthma attacks. Triggers from the environment include things you are allergic to such as animal fur,weather conditions, food drugs, perfumes, smoke and other irritants, all of which may precipitate an asthma attack. Identify your triggers, make a list of things that makes your asthma worse. Recognizing your triggers and taking steps to avoid them can help you control your asthma and reduce the need for medication.

# If you are allergic to pets then stay away from them. Don't let pets into your bedroom.
# Avoid people with a cold or the flu.
# Cover your head, ears and nose in cold weather with a scarf.
# Keep bathrooms and basements well ventilated and clean.
# Wash your bedding regularly.
# Don't smoke and don't allow anyone else to smoke in your home.
# Foods which generally cause allergic reactions are wheat, eggs, milk, chocolates,
beans, potato, and certain meat varieties like beef. Idenify if any food makes your condition worse and avoid them.

Diet for Asthmatics :
A vegetarian diet is best for asthma. Ideally the diet should contain a limited
quantity of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins that are acid-forming foods, and a
liberal quantity of alkaline foods consisting of fresh fruits, green vegetables and sprouted seeds and grains.
Asthmatics should always eat less than their capacity. They should eat slowly and chew their food properly. In the evening, give enough time for the food to digest before going to sleep. They should drink 8-10 glasses of water everyday. During an attack a cup of warm water is recommended every two hours.
The last meal should preferably be taken at least two hours before going to bed. Asthma is a condition which is normally aggravated during winter months, however if the appropriate precautions are taken this can be kept under control.

In an asthma attack:

Don't take cough medicine. This will not help your asthma.
Take your asthma medicine prescribed for an attack and get emergency medical help right away.

Also read What you need to know about Asthma

Asthma

2007-12-08T10:26:00.000-08:00

What is Asthma?
Asthma is a disease of the respiratory system. People who have asthma sometimes have trouble breathing, which is called Asthma attack. But Asthma can be more serious and should never be ignored. Waiting for too long to get help during an asthma attack may even lead to death. The asthma patients have more difficulty in breathing out rather than breathing in and it is caused by a spasm of the smaller air passage in the lung. The effect is to blow the lungs up because the patient cannot drive the air properly out of the lungs before he has to take another breath. During an asthma attack, the lining of the bronchial tubes swells, causing the airways to narrow and reducing the flow of air into and out of the lungs.

Symptoms of Asthma:
# Intermittent tightness or wheezing after heavy exercise or profuse sweating and vomiting. The air being pushed through the narrow bronchi produces the wheezing sound identified with asthma.
# Daily wheezing
# Tightness of the chest
# Difficulty getting a deep breath
# Disruption of sleep with difficulty breathing

Causes of Asthma:
Although, causes of asthma are not entirely clear ,following are some factors that does seem to trigger asthma.
Asthma can be triggered by
# Cold air
# Exercise
# Infection
# Irritants
# Allergies

Various allergic conditions such as weather conditions, food drugs, perfumes and other irritants, which vary with different individuals may trigger an asthma atack. Allergies to dust is the most common symptom that triggers asthma.
Some persons are sensitive to the various forms of dust like cotton dust, wheat dust and certain types of pollen, animal hair, fungi and insects.
Foods which generally cause allergic reactions are wheat, eggs, milk, chocolates, beans, potato, and certain meat varieties like beef.

Asthma cannot be cured, but appropriate management can control the disorder and enable people to enjoy a good quality of life.

Coming up next: Preventive measures for Asthma

Lipstick can raise Brest Cancer

2007-12-06T10:55:00.000-08:00

With the twist of a stick and a couple of strokes, lipstick can transform your face from blah to bright in seconds. But ladies, give a second thought before lining your lips -- it can raise the risk of breast cancer.

A joint study conducted by the researchers of Fox Chase Cancer Centre in Philadelphia and University of Alabama in Birmingham, US over the rats revealing the facts that the chemical being used for providing glossy effects in lipsticks can be harmful and affects the breast genomic profile as per study said in a report. It can also imbalance the ratio of uterine weight to body weight as per study said.

Read the full article here

A banana a day

2007-12-03T09:11:00.000-08:00

Banana, undoubtedly the most common fruit in every household and a favorite food for everyone from infants to elders. It’s low in calories, fat, sodium, and much of its fiber is soluble — the kind that can help lower cholesterol. It stands out, however, because it has lots of potassium and a respectable amount of magnesium. That’s why it’s a favorite fruit of most athletes and often is recommended for people with diarrhea or high blood pressure.
A medium sized banana contains about 100 calories. Bananas, rich in carbohydrates, also contain phosphorus, potassium and vitamins A and C. Containing three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber, a banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy.

Nutritional Analysis

Good points
# Very low in sodium
# High in dietary fiber
# High in vitamin C
# good source of vitamin B6
# good source of potassium

Bad points
# Very high in sugar

Nutrient	Amount	DV(%)
vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)	0.68 mg	34.0
vitamin C	10.74 mg	17.9
potassium	467.28 mg	13.4
dietary fiber	2.83 g	11.3
manganese	0.18 mg	9.0

Bananas are an excellent food that can help you to build muscle or burn fat. Bananas are one of our best sources of potassium, an essential mineral for maintaining normal blood pressure and heart function. Since the average banana contains 467 mg of potassium and only 1 mg of sodium, a banana a day may help to prevent high blood pressure.

Depression and PMS : According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.

Stress: Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be balanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.

Anemia: High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.

Heartburn: Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body; so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.

Reduce Kidney Cancer Risk : Research published in the January 2005 issue of the International Journal of Cancer suggests that regular consumption of whole fruits and vegetables, especially bananas, is highly protective.

Health news and report:

2007-11-26T21:24:00.000-08:00

Check out these health news:

Prostate Cancer Treatments Often Compound Existing Health Problems :U.S. News & World Report

Cholesterol disturbances impair stroke recovery : Reuters Health

High testosterone linked to men's lower death risk: Reuters Health

Secondhand Smoke Damages Lungs: WebMD

Little milk, exercise hurts kids' bones : Yahoo health

Health Tip: Put Nightmares to Bed : Yahoo health

Fiber, whole grains may cut pancreatic cancer risk

2007-11-26T12:53:00.000-08:00

Eating more whole grain and fiber-rich food may lower the risk of pancreatic cancer by about 40 percent, study findings suggest.

Dr. June M. Chan, of the University of California, San Francisco, and colleagues identified this reduced risk among adults who ate two or more servings of whole grains each day compared with those who ate less than one serving a day. They also noted about a 35 percent reduction in risk among individuals who ate the highest amount of fiber (26.5 grams per day or more) compared with those who ate the least (15.6 grams per day or less). Read the full report here

Get rid of dark spot on your skin

2007-11-19T13:59:00.000-08:00

Skin pigmentation or dark spot on your skin :Everyone wants smooth, clear and even complexion. But the truth is, even with regular cleansing, some people still develop dark spots, also called hyper- pigmentation by dermatologists. It is a discoloured skin area that remain even after pimples or skin bumps have disappeared.

Cause:
Excess skin pigmentation or hyperpigmentation can be caused by many factors that can be external or internal. It is usually caused by an overwhelming of the melanin-protective system. This leads to excess production and clumping of melanin, and the appearance of brown or darker spots of pigmentation in the skin. The most common causes of skin pigmentation disorder are sun exposure, genetic inheritance, and drug reactions. The deficit of certain vitamins and minerals such as calcium and vitamins A, E and B also can cause hyper-pigmentation.

Home Remedy
A home remedy to reduce pimentation is to apply the juice of turmeric mixed with milk. Use cream instead of milk if you have a dry skin. Turmeric is a good for several other skin disorder. Traditionally, turmeric has been used as a natural skin bleach in many Asian countries.
Sandalwood is a good remedy to get rid of skin blemishes. Mix sandalwood powder with cucumber juice or tomato juice and apply on face once a week. You will feel the difference in a few weeks.
There are over the counter drugs available to get rid of dark spot on skin. Most often the ingredient is Hydroquinone. But use of Hydroquinone is controversial and is known to be risky in the long term.

Basil Avocado chutney

2007-11-19T12:26:00.000-08:00

This delicious chutney recipe is perfect to serve with just about any grilled meat or fish. I love it with grilled salmon fillets. Here is the recipe for you.

Ingredients
2 cups basil fresh or dry
1 garlic clove
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1 avocado peeled ,pitted and cut into chunks
Salt to taste
1 Green chilli
1 Red onion
2 teaspoon olive oil

Method of preparation:

Heat oil in a pan and stir fry onion, garlic, chilli and avocado, for a few minutes.
In a food processor blend together with the basil, and the lemon juice.
Add salt to taste and blend the mixture until it is combined well. Serve chilled.
You can also make this chutney with Cilantro or coriander leaves instead of basil.

Some funny food facts

2007-11-17T15:10:00.000-08:00

#During a lifetime the average person eats about 35 tonnes of food.

#Lemons contain more sugar than strawberries.

#Carrots Really Can Help You See In The Dark!Vitamin A is known to prevent "night blindness," and carrots are loaded with Vitamin A.

#Within 2 hours of standing in daylight, milk loses between half and two-thirds of its vitamin B content.

#When a source of Vitamin C (orange, lemon, grapefruit, strawberry, tomato, potato, etc.) is eaten with meat or cooked dry beans, the body makes better use of the iron in the protein food.

#Apples are more effective at keeping people awake in the morning than caffeine.

#Every time you lick a stamp you gain 1/10 of a calorie.

#Yams have 10 times more vitamin C than sweet potatoes.

#Honey is the only edible food for humans that will never go bad.

#Cucumbers are 96% water.

#Avocado has the highest protein and oil content of all fruits, but most of this is the healthier unsaturated type.

#Cabbage is 91% water.

#Banana contains more starch than sugar.

Steam Facial with herbs

2007-11-16T21:55:00.000-08:00

The simplest way to use herbs for your skin is in the form of a facial steam. Facial steams are useful for opening the pores, cleansing the skin, removing toxins and improving the circulation. It is good to do a facial steam once a week, but first remove all makeup by cleansing the skin.
Ingrediants for herbal steam

1 tablespoon chamomile
1 tablespoon fennel
A few rose petals
1 tablespoon calendula (for dry skin – substitute lemon balm for oily skin)
Place herbs in a bowl and pour one quart of boiling water over them. Tie back your hair, put you face 10-12 inches over the bowl, Cover your head with a towel to keep in the steam. Close your eyes and remain this way for 10 minutes or so letting the herbal steam penetrate you skin. Afterward, rinse your face with cool water. You can finish off using sage tea or sage vinegar to tighten the pores.

Ginkgo

2007-11-15T20:49:00.000-08:00

I found this article very helpful.
http://health.yahoo.com/experts/skintype/10577/ginkgo-another-antioxidant-you-can-drink
If you have not heard about Ginkgo, then let me give you an introduction. Ginkos are very large deciduous trees, has long been cultivated in China; some planted trees at temples are believed to be over 1,500 years old. Ginkgo is mainly used as memory and concentration enhancer, and anti-vertigo agent. Ginkgo is commonly added to energy drinks, but the amount is typically so low it does not produce a noticeable effect.

Small white bumps on skin- Milia

2007-11-14T11:51:00.000-08:00

Most people complain about small white bumps under or around eyes. Those tiny white growths are not painfull and do not go away naturally. Those bumps are most likely milia. (Consult your dermatologist before drawing a conclusion).

Milia are a common non-cancerous (benign) skin condition. They can be categorized as primary and secondary. Primary milia are small, fluid-filled cyst and are usually seen in infants and adults. They are formed when dead skin gets accumulated. Secondary milia are found within areas of skin affected by another skin condition.

Using products that are too rich for your skin may be one of the most common causes of milia. Look for products labeled oil-free and noncomedogenic (meaning they don't clog pores). If you use an eye cream, don't massage it but gently tap it on the fragile skin and use only a teensy amount.

It's easier to prevent new milia from forming than to clear up the existing ones. Though switching to lighter products may cause the milia to eventually disappear on their own, more often they must be removed through a surgical procedure. But it may leave some scars.

Milia should never be attacked with pins or fingernails as there's a danger of infection or scarring. To treat them at home, hold a comfortably hot, wet facecloth over the skin for a few minutes. It will loosen and remove the dead skin cells. Use an exfoliating facial wash containing salicylic acid to remove the top layer of skin, which will enable the cysts to fall out.
Another step to prevent these little white spots is a good healthy diet with fresh fruits and vegetables and adequate water.

If an underlying condition is causing the growths, treatment is recommended.

ThanksGiving Turkey Recipe

2007-11-13T15:24:00.000-08:00

If you buy your turkey 1-2 days before Thanksgiving, you can prepare it fresh from the refrigerator. If your turkey is frozen, you will need to thaw it out beforehand. The best method to thaw out your turkey is in the refrigerator. It takes about 3 days for the average 15 lb. turkey to thaw in the fridge.

Recipe Ingredients

1 turkey, approx. 15 lbs
Juice of a lemon
Salt and pepper
Olive oil or melted butter
Dried herbs and spices of choice, optional: sage, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin powder etc
Stuffing of choice, optional
Sprigs of fresh rosemary, thyme or cilantro

Method of preparation:
Remove the turkey neck, giblets etc from the cavity of the turkey and reserve for broth. Rinse your turkey in cold water, drain and pat dry.

Rub salt and half of the lemon juice all over the inside of the turkey, apply dried herbs and spices if you want your turkey a little spicy and keep refrigerated for 5-6 hour.

Put stuffing in the cavity if you want. I like to cook the stuffing separately. For flavor, put in inside the turkey a half a yellow onion, peeled and quartered, a bunch of parsley, or cilantro, a couple of carrots, and some celery. Put stuffing just before the turkey goes to oven.

Rub either melted butter or olive oil all over the outside of the turkey. Sprinkle salt and pepper all over the outside of the turkey .

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Cover the turkey loosely with aluminum foil and place it in the oven with breast down. Cooking the turkey breast down means , all of the juices from the cooking turkey will fall down into the breast while cooking. While it's roasting, frequently baste the turkey with the butter or oil and with the juices from the bottom of the roasting pan.

For the 15 lb turkey, start the cooking at 400 F for the first 1/2 hour. Then reduce the heat to 350 F for the next 2 hours. Then reduce the heat further to 225 F for the next hour to hour and a half. Remove the aluminum foil about 1 hour before the turkey is finished roasting to complete the browning of the bird. The average roasting time for a 15 lb turkey is up to 5 hours.

If you're concerned about the turkey being dry, have a can of turkey stock or broth on hand and baste the turkey with it while it's cooking.

Food for your brain

2007-11-13T10:05:00.000-08:00

"Brain foods" are those foods which improve brain function. Here is some nutrition Tips to get your diet under control and use food for increasing Brain Power.

Water: The most important nutrition for the brain is adequate water to hydrate your brain. Even slight dehydration can raise stress hormones which can damage your brain over time. Green tea is good for brain function as it contains chemicals that enhance mental relaxation and alertness.

Dietary Antioxidants: Antioxidants from fruits and vegetables significantly reduce the risk of deterioration of the brain with age.
Fruits and Vegetables high in antioxidants - Blueberries, Blackberries, Cranberries, Strawberries, Spinach, Raspberries, Brussels sprouts, Plums, Broccoli, Beets, Avocados,Carrots,Soy, Garlic,Pinto bean,Red kidney bean, Oranges, Red grapes, Red bell peppers, Cherries and Kiwis.

Complex carbohydrates are a good source of nutrition for the brain. Include oatmeal, bran, brown rice in you diet.
Vegetables and legumes: Legumes, including soybeans, kidney beans, chick peas, and lentils are great brain foods.

Fish, Fish Oil: Research in the last few years has revealed that diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids may help promote a healthy emotional balance and positive mood in later years. Salmon, Tuna is rich in omega-3 fatty acid.

An Indian herb called BRAHMI ( Bacopa Monnieri or water hyssop ) is known as a miracle brain food to increase memory and brain power.

Ginkgo (a chinese herb) has been traditionally used in China as a memory and concentration enhancer.

It is equally important, however, to recognize the foods that diminish brain power. Alcohol and some other drugs just kill brain cells directly, but there are many less obvious brain-attacking foods. Artery clogging foods can lead to restricted blood flow to the brain.

Food to Avoid :Alcohol, Artificial food colorings ,Artificial sweeteners ,Colas ,Corn syrup ,Frostings ,High-sugar "drinks" ,Hydrogenated fats ,Junk sugars ,Nicotine ,Overeating ,White bread
sugar, caffeine etc.

Sweating out your body toxin..

2007-10-09T13:26:00.000-07:00

A toxin is a chemical or substance that creates irritation and imbalance in your body. Various complex biochemical reactions taking place within the body lead to production of waste products that must be eliminated from the body. The environment also contains harmful substances that we inhale or swallow and must get rid off.

Sweating is powerful way to cleanse your body from accumulated toxins.
examples:
- exercise with a lot of clothes
- Sauna
- drink warm tea in a hot room ...
- eat CAYENNE pepper! ...

It is known that some modern industrial toxins and pesticides can leave your body only through sweat glands!

Home remedy for freckles

2007-10-03T13:46:00.000-07:00

Freckles may be described as flat, round, dark colored spots . Freckles could be the result of pigment precipitation in one particular place and the colors may vary from yellow, tan, black, red, brown, and light brown. These are commonly found on the foreheads, cheeks, nose and exposed parts of the body. Freckles are usually of no medical consequence and do not cause any problems. Freckles are sensitive to the UV rays of sunlight and hence appear more prominent during or after exposure to sunlight. These may be more apparent on the facial skin, especially on or around the nose.

Freckles are passed on genetically, so you are likely to get it if one or both your parents have it. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause freckles to appear, more so in case of fair-skinned people. Hormonal imbalance could cause freckles too.

Home remedies.

# Lemon juice is the key to removing freckles. Take the juice out of a fresh lemon, Dilute it with a few drops of water. dab the mixture on each freckle on your face and other parts of your body. Leave to dry. Apply this twice a day. After a month, you will notice the freckles have lightened up.

# Wash your face with sour milk. Lactic acid promotes gentle peeling of skin minus the irritation or dryness.

# Mix turmeric paste with buttermilk and apply it for 10 minutes and wash off.

Some Antioxidant fact

2007-09-30T20:15:00.000-07:00

Always eat veggies raw: FALSE. Tomatoes, carrots and spinach releases more antioxidants when they are stir fried or lightly steamed. Add a little fat to increase antioxidant absorption.

Drink strong brewed hot tea not iced tea: TRUE. Ice dilutes the antioxidants, and storing tea in fridge further depletes them. Instant and bottled teas offer few or no antioxidants.

Eat any kind of chocolate: FALSE. White chocolate has no antioxidants, milk chocolate has few. Only dark chocolate has high levels.

Buy nuts with skins intact: TRUE. Almond skins, for example contain a lot of potent antioxidants.

Avoid frozen or canned food: FALSE. Canned tomato sauces, paste and juice contain high amount of lycopene, a potent antioxidant. Frozen (but not canned) fruites and vegetables generaly match the antioxidant levels in their fresh counterparts.

Forget fruit juices- they are low in antioxidants: FALSE. You can get high levels of diverse antioxidants in apple, grapefruit, craneberry and especially purple grape juices.

Go for deep colors: TRUE. Deep green spinach and lettuces and the brightest berries provide the most antioxidants. Even black dried beans have more antioxidant than white or red beans.

Organics produces has more antioxidants: NOT SURE. The results of studies on this is unclear.

source: usaweekend magazine

Risk Factors for Gallstones

2007-09-20T09:56:00.000-07:00

Gallstones are formed when bile inside the gallbladder hardens into rock-like pieces. They may or may not be painful, and may have to be removed or broken apart if they're causing problems such as infection.

Here are common risk factors for gallstones, courtesy of the U.S. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse:

* Retaining excess estrogen, from pregnancy, birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy.
* Having a family history of gallstones.
* Being overweight or obese.
* Undergoing excessive, rapid weight loss, which can be characteristic of fad dieting.
* Eating a diet low in fiber and high in cholesterol and fat.
* Having diabetes.

Source: yahoo.com

Tips to a beautiful skin

2007-09-16T12:24:00.000-07:00

A few tips to a beautiful skin.

# When you get up in the morning, wash your face with water without using soap or soap based cleanser. Soap based cleanser removes the natural oil that the skin produces. The natural oil keeps the skin young and supple.

# Fill your mouth with water and splash water on your face and eyes. This is a very good exercise for your eyes too.

# Drink one or two glasses of lukewarm water in the morning on empty stomach with a spoonful of honey and lemon juice added to it. It cleans your stomach, and detoxify the toxins.

# Drink a glass of buttermilk mixed with a spoonful of fresh tarmeric juice once or twice in a week. It purifies blood and adds a glow to skin.

# Drink plenty of water and juice throughout the day.

# Exercise is must for a healthy mind, body and skin.Try to walk whenever you get an opportunity.

# Always breathe properly. The correct breathing postures makes surprising difference to your body and skin.

Healthy Cooking methods

2007-09-10T15:17:00.000-07:00

Introduction

Healthy cooking doesn't mean that you have to become a gourmet chef or invest in expensive cookware. You can use basic cooking techniques to prepare food in healthy ways.

The methods described here best capture the flavor and retain the nutrients in your food without adding excessive amounts of fat or salt. Once you've mastered these techniques, use them often to prepare your favorite dishes. Click on the tabs to the left for a description of these cooking methods.
Baking

Baking
Besides breads and desserts, you can bake seafood, poultry, lean meat, and vegetable and fruit pieces of the same size. Place food in a pan or dish surrounded by the hot, dry air of your oven. You may cook the food covered or uncovered. Baking generally doesn't require that you add fat to the food. In some cases, you may need to baste the food to keep it from drying out.
Braising

Braising
Braising involves browning the ingredient first in a pan on top of the stove, and then slowly cooking it covered with a small quantity of liquid, such as water or broth. In some recipes, the cooking liquid is used afterward to form a flavorful, nutrient-rich sauce.
Grilling and broiling

Grilling and broiling
Both grilling and broiling expose fairly thin pieces of food to direct heat. To grill outdoors, place the food on a grill rack above a bed of charcoal embers or gas-heated rocks. For smaller items such as chopped vegetables, use a long-handled grill basket, which prevents pieces from slipping through the rack. To broil indoors, place food on a broiler rack below a heat element. Both methods allow fat to drip away from the food.
Poaching

Poaching
To poach foods, gently simmer ingredients in water or a flavorful liquid such as broth, vinegar or juice until they're cooked through and tender. The food retains its shape during cooking. For stove-top poaching, choose a covered pan that best fits the size and shape of the food so that you use a minimum amount of liquid.
Roasting

Roasting
Like baking, but typically at higher temperatures, roasting uses an oven's dry heat to cook the food. You can roast foods on a baking sheet or in a roasting pan. For poultry, seafood and meat, place a rack inside the roasting pan so that the fat in the food can drip away during cooking.
Sauteing

Sauteing
Sauteing quickly cooks relatively small or thin pieces of food. If you choose a good-quality nonstick pan, you can cook food without using fat. Depending on the recipe, use low-sodium broth, nonstick cooking spray or water in place of oil.
Steaming

Steaming
One of the simplest cooking techniques to master is steaming food in a perforated basket suspended above simmering liquid. If you use a flavorful liquid or add seasonings to the water, you'll flavor the food as it cooks.
Stir-frying

Stir-frying
A traditional Asian method, stir-frying quickly cooks small, uniform-sized pieces of food while they're rapidly stirred in a wok or large nonstick frying pan. You need only a small amount of oil or nonstick cooking spray for this cooking method.
Using herbs, spices

Using herbs and spices
Creating meals using spices and herbs is one of the best ways to add color, taste and aroma to foods. Choose fresh herbs that look bright and aren't wilted, and add them toward the end of cooking. Add dried herbs in the earlier stages of cooking. When substituting dried for fresh, use about one-third the amount.

source: Yahoo.com

Treat or Prevent Kidney Stones - Naturally

2007-09-06T11:28:00.000-07:00

A kidney stone(renal lithiasis or renal calculi ) is a hard mineral and crystalline material formed within the kidney or urinary tract. Kidney stones usually form when your urine becomes too concentrated. This causes minerals and other substances in urine to form crystals on the inner surfaces of your kidneys. Over time, these crystals may combine to form a small, hard mass, or stone. Kidney stones are a common problem that will affect 5-15% of people at some time during their lives.

Signs and symptoms: You may have kidney stone if you have any of the following signs.
# Extreme pain in your back or side that will not go away
# Blood in your urine
# Fever and chills
# Vomiting
# Urine that smells bad or looks cloudy
# A burning feeling when you urinate
You're not likely to have signs and symptoms unless a kidney stone is large, causes a blockage, is associated with an infection or is being passed. Most kidney stones eventually pass through the urinary tract on their own , with ample fluid intake. If the stone is not passed on its own, surgical removal may be required.

Causes and Risk factors: Diet choices and lack of fluids are important factors that contribut to kidney stones.

Family or personal history: If someone in your family has kidney stones, you're more likely to develop stones too. And if you've already had one or more kidney stones, you're at increased risk of developing another.

Diet: A diet that's high in protein (meat, chicken and fish) and sodium (salt), and low in whole grains and calcium may increase your risk of some types of kidney stones.
Limited activity: You're more prone to develop kidney stones if you're bedridden or very sedentary for a long period of time. That's because limited activity can cause your bones to release more calcium.

Treatment and Prevention

#Y ou can prevent kidney stones simply by drinking more water and making a few dietary changes. Drink up to 12 full glasses of water a day (if you've already had a kidney stone.) Water helps to flush away the substances that form stones in the kidneys.

# If you tend to form calcium stones — a combination of calcium and oxalate — your doctor may recommend restricting foods rich in oxalates. These include rhubarb, star fruit, beets, beet greens, collards, okra, refried beans, spinach, Swiss chard, sweet potatoes, sesame seeds, almonds and soy products. What's more, studies show that an overall diet low in salt and very low in animal protein can greatly reduce your chance of developing kidney stones.

# Organic Apple Juice. The citric acid in organic apple juice will help your body break down the chemicals that form the kidney stones. To help them pass more easily and with less pain

# Watermelon, grapes can be used with beneficial result in kidney stones.

# Cucumber can help stimulate the overall health of the urinary tract and potentially flush out the stones.

Stones that can't be treated with conservative measures — either because they're too large to pass on their own or because they cause bleeding, kidney damage or ongoing urinary tract infection — may need professional treatment.

Nutritional tips to hair growth.

2007-09-01T10:11:00.000-07:00

1. Eat adequate amounts of protein.
Protein is composed of the amino acids essential for the building of new cells, including hair. Five amino acids are of particular relevance to hair growth - cystine, cysteine, methionine, arginine and lysine.
Inadequate protein intake over a lengthy period can force hair into the resting phase with shedding a few months later. It is obvious then that sufficient portions of protein rich foods should form part of your daily diet. The best sources of dietary protein are lean meats, fish, poultry, eggs, dairy products, soy, nuts, grains and seeds. At least 15% of your daily calories should come from protein-rich foods.

2. Eat adequate amounts of useful carbohydrates.
Carbs are an essential source of energy and help in the growth of body tissues, including hair. They are an important source of the B vitamins that are vital to healthy hair.
It is important that you concentrate on consuming non-refined carbs rather than the sugars and white flour that are so prevalent in many over-refined carb products. You should place an emphasis on consuming vegetables, fruits, whole grains, brown rice and potatoes. It is recommended that you obtain 55-60% of your daily calories from the carbohydrates found in these foods.

3. Achieve a healthy balance of dietary fats.
Fat is used in energy production and can be found in both animal and plant foods. Your body needs sufficient levels of fat to maintain good health. That fat should be obtained from a mixture of lean animal and plant sources. Roughly 25-30% of your daily calories should come from these sources.

Fighting Dry Skin - Naturally

2007-08-27T22:24:00.000-07:00

There are many factors, both internal and environmental that contribute to the quality of a person’s skin. Nutritional status, stress levels, climate and season all play their role. In order to improve your skin, you need to consider and address all these different aspects, for simply rubbing on moisturizers is unlikely to provide you with the benefit you are seeking.

From a nutritional standpoint, you need to ensure that you are receiving adequate nourishment which includes essential vitamins and minerals. It also means eliminating substances that are not adding any substantial nutritional value. Make certain that you are receiving plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains in your diet while avoiding alcohol, tobacco, caffeine, and other recreational drugs.

Throughout the day, drink abundant fluids in the form of fresh fruit and vegetable juices. Prepare some ginger and licorice tea by adding one teaspoon of each to a pint of hot water and sipping it throughout the day. Make certain that you are receiving adequate oil in your diet to include vegetarian sources of both omega-6 and omega-3. Sauté your vegetables in sesame or olive oil and try adding some flaxseed oil.
Perform a daily oil massage at least once daily and try allowing it to penetrate the skin before showering.

Sometimes,your soap can be one of the reasons of dry,flaky skin! Stay away from products that contain any artificial phosphates, sulfates, petrochemicals (mineral oil, petroleum jelly), artificial preservatives, and parabens.

Foods that lower Cholesterol

2007-08-21T11:42:00.000-07:00

Do you want a diet to lower cholesterol? We all know that butter, ice cream, and fatty meats raise cholesterol, but do you know which foods make up a low-cholesterol diet? Find out here.

Reducing saturated fat is the single most important dietary change you can make to cut blood cholesterol. The liver uses saturated fat to make cholesterol, so eating foods with too much saturated fat can increase cholesterol levels, especially low-density lipoproteins (LDL)---the bad cholesterol. Saturated fats are usually found in animal products such as whole milk, cream, butter, and cheese, and meats, such as beef, lamb and pork. There are some plant-based saturated fats you should avoid too, notably palm kernel oil, coconut oil, and vegetable shortening.

Eating more fiber-rich foods may help to lower your blood cholesterol level. A certain type of dietary fiber, called soluble fiber, may help lower cholesterol levels by sweeping cholesterol out of the body before it gets into the bloodstream. Soluble fiber lowers the bad Low Density Lipoprotein or LDL cholesterol without lowering the good High Density Lipoprotein or HDL cholesterol.

Foods rich in soluble fiber include oat bran,legumes, dried beans and peas, many fruits and vegetables such as apples, pears,oranges, carrots, and psyllium seeds ,broccoli, brown rice, and whole grain breads.

Vitamins A, C, and E, lower the chances of LDL building up in your arteries. You can get your vitamins in foods such as strawberries, oranges, oils and margarines, and melons.

Garlic is the Ancient Herb for Heart Health. Now research has found that it helps stop artery-clogging plaque at its earliest stage.

Soy - research suggests that compounds in soy foods called isoflavones may also work to reduce LDL cholesterol.

Avocados are a great source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fat- a type of fat that may actually help to raise levels of HDL ("good"cholesterol) while lowering levels of LDL ("bad" cholesterol).

Salmon is an excellent source of protein because it is high in omega-3 fatty acids called EPA and DHA that are good for your heart while low in cholesterol and saturated fat.

A mix of nuts -Walnuts, Cashews, and Almonds- A moderate-fat diet that's rich in the healthy monounsaturated fats found in nuts may actually be twice as good for your heart as a low-fat diet

Spinach contains lots of lutein, the sunshine-yellow pigment found in dark green leafy vegetables and egg yolks. Now research suggests that just a 1/2 cup of a lutein-rich food daily also guards against heart attacks by helping artery walls "shrug off" cholesterol invaders that cause clogging.

Green Tea - Flavonoids, the major antioxidants in tea, have been shown to prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol that leads to plaque formation on artery walls. These powerful antioxidants may even reduce cholesterol and even lower blood pressure.

Can You Turn Fat Into Muscle?

2007-08-15T11:36:00.000-07:00

You may have heard that by following a proper diet and exercise program, you can actually turn body fat into muscle.

Not true. Fat and muscle are two separate entities. You must burn fat and build muscle.

Here's how fat is burned:

When you lose weight (by eating less and exercising more), an enzyme located in fat cells disassembles the fat compounds and sends the components into the bloodstream. Liver and muscle cells take up these components and disassemble them even further until what's left is a compound called acetyl-CoA. Acetyl-CoA then enters the Krebs cycle, a series of chemical reactions that takes place in the mitochondria -- the cell's "power plant."

The end product is made up of...

• Carbon dioxide, which is expelled when you exhale.
• Water, which is lost as urine and perspiration.
• Heat, which helps maintain body temperature.
• ATP, the molecule that fuels cellular activities that require energy.

On the flip side, to build muscle you need to work those muscles on a regular basis (no pain, no gain)...and eat appropriate amounts of dietary protein. Your protein grams for the day should total about 50% of your body weight in pounds, unless you're a serious athlete, in which case your protein requirements should total about 50-80% of your body weight in pounds.

Source: yahoo.com

Honey

2007-08-08T15:26:00.000-07:00

Honey is a delicious viscous sweetener made naturally by bees for their own nourishment. This rich golden liquid is the miraculous product of honey bees and a alternative to white sugar.

Honey comes in a range of colors including white, amber, red, brown and almost black. Its flavor and texture vary with the type of flower nectar from which it was made.

Composition: Honey is composed primarily of sugars and water. The average honey is 79.6% sugar and 17.2% water. The primary sugars are fructose (38.2%) and glucose (31.3%). These are 'simple', 6-carbon sugars that are readily absorbed by the body. Other sugars include maltose (7.3%), a 12-carbon sugar composed of 2 glucose molecules, and sucrose (1.3%), a 12-carbon sugar composed of a glucose and a fructose molecule.

Honey also contains acids (.57%), some protein (.26%), a small amount of minerals (.17%) and a number of other minor components including pigments, flavor and aroma substances, sugar alcohols, colloids and vitamins. This latter group of materials constitutes about 2.2% of the total composition

Medicinal Uses of Honey:
Honey has Anti-Bacterial, Anti-Viral and Anti-Fungal properties.Bees add an enzyme glucose oxidase to honey and this enzyme reacts with glucose to produce hydrogen peroxide and gluconic acid, both of which have an antibacterial effect.

Antioxidant: Raw honey have significant antioxidant properties. Daily consumption of honey raises blood levels of protective antioxidant compounds in humans. It is also an anti-irritant.

Daily use of honey and cinnamon powder strengthens the immune system and protects the body from bacteria and viral attacks.

Those suffering from common or severe colds should take one tablespoon lukewarm honey mixed with 1/4 spoon cinnamon powder daily for 3 days. This will cure most chronic coughs, colds and clear the sinuses.

Mix 2 teaspoons of honey with carrot juice and consume regularly. This helps to improve eyesight and is very helpful for those who sit before computer for long hours.

Honey for pain relief: Mix 3 Tbls. of honey in warm water and drink. Honey has natural pain-relieving powers

Honeycomb is a very good remedy for allergies.

Honey cures abscess or boils.

Honey is very good antioxident which restores the damaged skin and gives soft, young looks.

Skin Infections: Applying honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts to the affected parts cures eczema, ringworm and all types of skin infections.

Honey is a cleanser and toner for your skin. Mix 2 Tablespoons of honey + 2 Teaspoons of Milk. Apply to face and leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse with warm water. It also moisturizes your skin.

If your honey has crystallized, placing the container in hot water for 15 minutes will help return it to its liquid state. Honey should not be heated or mixed with hot foods or spicy food.

Warning! Do not feed honey-containing products or use honey as a flavoring for infants under one year of age; honey may contain Clostridium botulinum spores and toxins that can cause infant botulism, a life-threatening paralytic disease. Honey is safe for children older than 12 months and adults.

Some facts about Sunscreen

2007-08-05T15:49:00.000-07:00

SPF, or sun protection factor, describes how much longer protected skin can resist reddening than unprotected skin - if you're wearing SPF 15, then, you can theoretically spend 15 times longer in the sun without burning.

Physical and chemical sunscreens: physical sunscreens protect skin by reflecting light, whereas chemical sunscreens protect skin by absorbing radiation and then dissipating it safely.

Yes, chemical sunscreens are safe and undergo rigorous testing before they are allowed on the market. They are absorbed by the skin and secreted in the urine, however, versus physical sunscreens that stay on the skin's surface.

As a result, women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should avoid chemical sunscreens, and I recommend using physical sunscreen on children under five. Physical sunscreens are also an excellent option if you have sensitive skin or simply prefer to avoid chemical products

Are you missing important opportunities to naturally produce vitamin D by wearing a sunscreen? the amount of sun exposure required to boost vitamin-D levels is a mere 15 minutes. In the dermatological community, we fear that people will use the latest vitamin-D studies as a license to bake in the sun all day, which remains very dangerous for your skin. Furthermore, although in lower amounts, vitamin D is widely available in food and supplements.

Waterproof or all day protection sunscreen: No sunscreen is truly waterproof. They can be water resistant and need to be reapplied every few hours or according to the manufacturer's instructions. And no sunscreen really provides all day protection.

Does a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 provide twice the protection as one that has an SPF of 15? No, a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 provides protection against 93% of UVB rays, while one with an SPF of 30 provides 97% protection. Keep in mind that a sunscreen with an SPF of 2 only provides 50% protection, so be sure to use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15-30

You should apply your sunscreen 15-30 minutes before you are going to be exposed to the sun. Since it takes time for the sunscreen to be absorbed by your skin, you should apply it in advance.

Can you get a sunburn on a cloudy day? Yes, clouds don't block the UV rays that cause sunburn, so you can still get a sunburn when it is cloudy outside. Since UV rays can be reflected off of water, sand, snow, and concrete.

Choose a product that contains a mix of ingredients including zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, neither of which are absorbed significantly through the skin, and both of which are stable under UV exposure.

Make sure your sunscreen has these proven ingredients- AVOBENZONE (Parsol 1789) which is a chemical sunblock (absorbs ultra violet rays).

TITANIUM DIOXIDE, ZINC OXIDE which are physical sunblocks (reflect ultra violet rays).

But remember that the best way to avoid sun damage is still to stay out of the sun and keep your skin covered. Sunscreen alone does not allow one to lie out in the sun all day, free of the risks from harmful rays.

Type 2 diabetes

2007-08-01T15:27:00.000-07:00

Type 2 diabetes develops when your body becomes resistant to the effects of insulin — a hormone that regulates the absorption of sugar into your cells — or when your body produces some, but not enough, insulin to maintain a normal glucose level.

Signs and symptoms

Type 2 diabetes develops slowly. Many people have type 2 diabetes for several years before the condition is diagnosed, often through routine screening tests.

Typically, the earliest red flags are increased thirst and frequent urination. That's because excess glucose circulating in your body draws water from your tissues, making you feel dehydrated. To quench your thirst, you may drink more water and other beverages — which leads to more frequent urination. There are other symptoms like Flu,Weight fluctuations, Blurred vision, Slow-healing sores or frequent infections.

Short-term complications may be Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
This occurs when the level of glucose in your blood drops below 70 mg/dL
High blood sugar (diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome). This condition causes your blood sugar to become so high — 600 mg/dL or more — that your blood actually becomes thick and syrupy.

Diabetes is associated with long-term complications that affect almost every part of the body. The disease often leads to blindness, heart and blood vessel disease, stroke, kidney failure, amputations, and nerve damage that commonly develop when blood sugar levels are regularly too high. .

Living and coping with diabetes
Exercise
Exercise and physical activity. The more active you are, the lower your blood sugar. Physical activity causes sugar to be transported to your cells, where it's used for energy. Aerobic exercises such as brisk walking, jogging or biking are especially good ways to lower your blood sugar. But gardening, housework and even just being on your feet all day also can lower your blood sugar.

Healthy-eating plan
Contrary to popular belief, there's no single diabetes diet. And having diabetes doesn't mean you have to eat only bland, boring foods. Instead, it means you'll eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains — foods that are high in nutrition and low in fat and calories — and fewer animal products and sweets. Actually, it's the same eating plan that's recommended for everyone. Establish a routine for eating meals and snacks at regular times every day . Choose the healthiest foods in the right amounts at each meal. Avoid alcohol and smoking.

Natural Remedies to Treat or Cure Diabetes :
Alternative medicines have been very popular to treat diabetes in many countries. However complementary medicine experts says full clinical trials would have to be carried out to confirm the benefits of using herbs.

Common herbs used in diabetes are as follows.

Green Tea: Green tea has been used traditionally to control blood sugar in the body . 2/3 cups of green tea daily may help fight diabetes.

Curry leaf tree found in India is reputed to treat diabetes. Curry leaves can be used in chutneys. You can also add a few leaves in vegetables.(image below)

Ginseng , grown mostly in Korea and other Asian countries is used a remedy for diabetes in Chinese medicine.

Fenugreek (methi) contains compounds that help regulate blood sugar levels. Soak a few fenugreek seeds for a few hours and drink the water with meal.(image below)

Indian gooseberry or Amla and Neem are known to be beneficial in controlling blood sugar level.

Apple cider vinegar is beneficial in controlling blood glucose levels.

Psyllium or Ispaghula (also know as Isaphgol, Isabgula) is found to lower serum total cholesterol by 8.9%, LDL cholesterol by 13% and all-day and postlunch postprandial glucose where lowered by 11% and 19.2% after 8 weeks of 5.1 gm psyllium in a randomized controlled study of 34 men with type-2 diabetes.(image below)

Bitter gourd or Momordica charantia, has been used in the Orient as a traditional medicine for diabetes, gastrointestinal therapy, cancer and viral infections. (image below)

Aloe vera: In some parts of the world, dried aloe vera sap and gel (taken from the inner portions of the leaves) are used traditionally to treat diabetes
Herbs such as Olive leaf, basil is also used in treating diabetes.
Cinnamon helps controlloing Diabetes and Obesity. Yacon is used in traditional medicine in China. (image below)

There is a plenty of things you can do to manage — or prevent — Diabetes. Start by eating healthy foods, getting plenty of exercise and maintaining a healthy weight. If you choose to go for a herbal supplement product, be sure to do a lot of research- talk to your doctor, friends, check the product label for expiry date, content etc. Be wary of products that promise quick cures or claim to treat multiple conditions.

Food for a Healthy heart

2007-07-30T13:58:00.000-07:00

Dietary advice for reducing heart disease risk includes eating a balanced diet with less saturated fat , more fresh fruits and vegetables, more fish, less sugar and sodium , more fiber and for many people, fewer total calories.

#Eating fiber from fruits, vegetables, and grains may help lower your chances of getting heart disease.

#Eat an apple with a handful of walnuts or almonds as a healthy snack.

#Viscous fibre from oats and barley, plant sterols from fruits and vegetables, soy protein, and nuts such as almonds and walnuts: these four types of foods have been shown to improve heart health by increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL, or good) cholesterol and lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or bad) cholesterol levels.

#Almonds and walnuts are a good source of monounsaturated fats and some essential fats such as omega-3(found in salmon, pollock, swordfish, tuna, mackerel, and herring ), as well as plant sterols. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine showed that when people consumed 20 percent of their calories from walnuts in particular, their LDL was lowered by more than 16 percent after just four weeks.

#The monounsaturated fats found in olive oil and avocado have also been shown to lower LDL levels and to help maintain good levels of HDL cholesterol. Just remember that any source of fat -- whether it's olive oil or butter -- is calorie dense. "One gram of fat contains nine calories, compared to only four calories for carbohydrates and protein," Thayer says. That's why substitution is crucial; you want to add healthful fats to your diet while subtracting not-so-healthful ones to keep daily calorie intake on an even keel.

#Red wine contains a powerful anti-oxidant called resveratrol. Resveratrol has been shown to be good for your heart. Be sure to enjoy red wine in moderation.

#Avoid lard, butter, palm, and coconut oils. Cook with unsaturated vegetable oils such as corn, olive, canola, safflower, sesame, soybean, sunflower.

#Have season vegetables with herbs and spices. Green leafy vegetables contain folate, which helps to keep homocysteine levels down, and vitamin E. Green leafy vegetables have also been associated with better retention of memory as age.

# Tomatoes are packed with vitamins and lycopene, which has been shown to reduce heart disease risk.

# Soy protein has been shown to prevent heart attacks and soy makes an excellent protein substitute for red meat which will reduce your saturated fat intake.

Some more weight loss tips

2007-07-27T13:49:00.000-07:00

[Also read Weight loss naturally]

#Take time to taste your food. Don't gobble food down! Rushing through your meals doesn't give your brain the time that it needs to signal your body that you are full.

#Avoid alcohol. Alcohol adds lots of calories, but no nutrients. Also, it weakens your willpower to avoid the wrong food choices. Hangovers can cause wicked cravings for fatty or high carbohydrate foods that can sabotage any attempt at weight loss.

#When you choose to eat "fast food," choose wisely: skip fried foods; avoid large portions.

#Add spice to your life instead of fat; fresh herbs will perk up any dish without adding calories. Experiment with different ethnic foods and seasonings; they're full of flavor — not fat.

#When dining out, request sauces and low-calorie dressings on the side.

#Exercise increases your metabolism and burning off excess fat. When is the best time to exercise? Our metabolism slows down about 8 hours after we wake up, so 30 minutes of exercise in the evening, before dinner will increase your metabolism for about two to three more hours just when it was starting to slow down. This produces a significant increase in fat burned off, even after the exercise is over.

#Chilli helps to speed up metabolism - even the milder varieties.

#Don't compare yourself to others. Every body is different. It stands to reason that everybody will lose weight differently. Even if you do the exact same things that I do, you won't lose weight at the same rate. The key is in finding your triggers. Keep your goal in sight, and do whatever you have to do to meet that goal.

#Sugar is evil that tastes good. You probably don't want to hear this, but sugar is a bad thing. The more refined it comes, the more your body is going to react negatively to it

#Sugar substitutes are just as evil as sugar itself. In some instances, taking in sugar substitutes may actually increase your levels of hunger! Let's not forget about all the health issues that might arise from these unnatural substances.

#Research has shown that people who eat more refined products (like white bread) are more likely to have belly fat. Avoid refined pasta ,white bread , anything made of refined flour.

#Be positive! The more you feel good about yourself the easier and faster it is to lose weight

Caugh

2007-07-26T13:40:00.000-07:00

Coughing is an action the body takes to get rid of substances that are irritating the air passages.

The complications of coughing can be classified as either acute or chronic. An acute cough as one that been present for less than 3 weeks. Chronic coughs are those present for more than 3 weeks. When something is "chronic" it means it lasts for a long time.

Causes:

The obvious causes of coughing are colds, flu, bronchial infections, sinus congestion, smoking, and the need to rid the throat of foreign matter. Listed below are some common cause of caugh.

Allergies
Postnasal drip caused by allergies can make you cough. Postnasal drip is mucus that runs down your throat from the back of your nose. If you have postnasal drip from allergies, try to avoid the things you are allergic to, such as the following:

Dust
Smoke
Pollen, mold, and freshly cut grass
Pets and certain plants
Cleaning agents and room deodorizers
Chemical fumes

Smoking
Smoking can cause a cough that doesn't go away. If you smoke, you need to stop. Talk to your doctor

Medicines
Some medicines can cause chronic cough in some people. Some examples of medicines that may cause cough are the following

Asthma
Coughing is also a common symptom of asthma.. In some people with mild asthma, a cough is the only symptom

Heartburn
Acid from your stomach may back up into your throat. This is called "acid reflux." It can cause heartburn or cough

Remedies:

#Gargling with salt and warm water can be helpful.

#Honey is the best remedy in cough. Mix honey with a spoonful of basil juice and warm water. Drink it 2 to 3 times a day. Carrot juice Mix with honey and a little warm water is also helpful.

#Do not use over-the-counter expectorant cough remedies as they just suppress the symptoms and do not address the underlying problem.

#Elevate the head of your bed. This will allow your sinuses and nasal passages to drain better and not create that "tickle" in your throat.

#Burn a garlic in mustard oil, massage the warm oil on your chest.

#Breathe the steam from a vaporizer, hot shower, or pan of boiling water. The moist air will soothe the airways and loosen sinus congestion and phlegm in your throat and lungs. A few drops of the oil of eucalyptus will help this process.

#Avoid foods that increase the production of mucus, such as dairy products, meat and oily fried foods
50 grams of dark chocolate may be an effective treatment for a persistent cough.

#And last but not the least - Stop smoking. Remember Passive smoking is harmful too.

Gastritis

2007-07-25T15:59:00.000-07:00

Gastritis is an inflammation (swelling) of the lining of the stomach. Stomach acid irritates the inflamed tissue in the stomach . Gastritis can occur suddenly (acute gastritis) or gradually (chronic gastritis). In some cases, chronic gastritis can lead to more serious complications.

Causes of Gastritis:
Gastritis can be caused by many factors. Some of these are -drinking too much alcohol, prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin or ibuprofen, or infection with bacteria such as Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), eating oily and spicy food, or irregular eating habit, excessive intake of strong tea, coffee. Chronic gastritis may be associated with an autoimmune condition, such as anemia or hypothyroidism.

Symptoms:
The most common symptoms are abdominal upset or pain,loss of appetite, headache, coated tongue etc . In some chronic cases, the patient complaints of heartburn , abdominal bloating, nausea, and vomiting or a feeling of fullness or of burning in the upper abdomen. Blood in your vomit or black stools may be a sign of bleeding in the stomach, which may indicate a serious problem requiring immediate medical attention.

Remedy
Treatment usually involves taking drugs to reduce stomach acid. Here is a few home remedies from my experience and information :

#A well banaced diet is the key to avoid gastritis.

#Avoid acidic foods and drinks. Some things to avoid are alcohol, tobacco, spices, oily and fried food, meat, sweet, strong tea/coffee. Avoid vegetable which have a strong sour or bitter taste such as bitter gourd or lemon.

#Drink lots of water throughout the day. Drink one or two glass of water 30 minutes before eating and 2 glass of water after 30 minutes of eating. This will prevent the gastric problem. Reason is water will be absorbed and secreted by pancreas back with enough salts and digestive enzymes.

#Have a all fruit diet for a day or two.

#Coconut water is an excellent remedy for gastritis.

#Go for a walk in the fresh air. Take a deep breath and exhale slowly. Avoid mental stress.

Cosmetics Contain Cancer-Causing Chemicals

2007-07-22T09:35:00.000-07:00

  An environmental coalition known as the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics is pressuring the U.S. government to institute regulations on the use of toxic chemicals in cosmetics and other personal care products. Studies have found that toxic chemicals are regularly used in such products, but are not labeled for consumers.

  According to study conducted by a non-profit organization called Environmental Working Group, a certain cancer-causing chemical 1,4-dioxane, is used by many companies in many cosmetic products. You will notice this chemical by other names, such as dioxane, diethylene dioxide, 1,4-diethylene dioxide, diethylene ether, glycol ethylene ether, dioxane-1,4,.

  A member of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics says, one in every 120 cosmetics out of the 7,500 tested contained at least one known or likely carcinogen. tetrahydro-p-dioxin, tetrahydro-1,4-dioxin.

  The items found to be contaminated included lip balms, lotions, makeup and shampoos.

  Most mainstream cosmetic products contain chemicals known to be harmful to human health.

  From the EWG study in which they read the ingredient listings of 15,000 cosmetics, skin care and other personal care products, they have published the following alarming statistics:
# 22% of cosmetics and skin care products, including baby soaps, are contaminated with 1,4-dioxane.
# 80 percent of all cosmetic products may be contaminated with one or more carcinogenic impurities.

Overall, they have found that this chemical is used in almost all brands of
hair relaxers and over half of the baby soaps. They broke down the contamination levels as follows:
# 97% - hair relaxers
# 82% - hair dyes and bleaching
# 66% - hair removers
# 57% - baby soap
# 45% - sunless tanning products
# 43% - body firming lotion
# 36% - hormonal creams
# 36% - facial moisturizers
# 35% - anti-aging products
# 34% - body lotion
# 33% - around-eye creams

What you need to know
First thing is to read your ingredient labels and get to know the names of the chemicals we do not want on our skin. Besides the ones listed above, look for the ingredients sodium laureth sulfate and others that include the clauses “PEG,” “xynol,” “ceteareth,” and “oleth.” These all have some form of 1,4-dioxane in them.

Even if you thought that natural was the way to go, some of these names will sneakily surprise you by showing up on the label. The only true way to avoid these chemicals are to use 100% Organic products - which will be certified as so.

There are many natural,eco-friendly, organic cosmetics companies that now exist. Check their website, read their ingredients, and don't be fooled by names alone. Many "organics" companies don't actually use organic ingredients.Be Sure to read the labels!

Ref: newstarget.com

Boost your Immune System Naturally

2007-07-19T13:27:00.000-07:00

Immune system protects us from the ceaseless assaults of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Usually, your immune system is quite effective in warding off disease. But sometimes things go wrong. A bacteria, virus, or other microbe might make it past your immune defenses and make you sick. Or, you could develop an autoimmune disease — such as bronchial asthma, type 1 diabetes, or rheumatoid arthritis — in which the immune system attacks normal body cells. Some viruses, such as the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), can cause the immune system to fail. frequent colds, as well as chronic allergies are an example of an immune response gone awry.

The stress connection: Our immune systems face a daily onslaught of stresses. The stress hormone such as adrenaline suppresses the immune system and reduces its ability to fight diseases.

Food : A poor diet and poor quality foods also create a digestive system that gets out of balance, resulting in partially digested proteins being absorbed into the body fluids, and causing the immune system to overreact. Nowadays, Foods have been increasingly treated with antibiotics and growth hormones. Processed convenience foods full of additives and dyes, and new synthetic foods with hydrogenated or artificial fats and artificial sweeteners have taken over the market. These are all substances that the body doesn't recognize as nourishment, but rather as toxins that have to be eliminated. The immune system is busy dealing with these foreign substances, and may not have the reserves for the common allergens, germs and viruses.

There are natural ways we can strengthen our immune system
Diet plays an important role:
A healthy diet is really the foundation of long term health maintenance and a strong immune system. It will help you to reduce the other daily stresses to your system, and even positively affect your moods and sense of wellbeing. So here's what you need to know to get started.

Things to avoid:
Sugar: There is strong evidence that sugar has a negative effect on the function of the immune system. When white blood cells are exposed to high levels of sugar in the bloodstream, they have a decreased ability to engulf bacteria and have weakened systemic resistance to all infections. Avoid Coffee, Alcohol.

Raw foods: Foods such as clams, oysters, sushi, very rare meats, and undercooked eggs contain infectious bacteria and intestinal parasites. fats and oils: These create free radicals,your diet should be low in fats. Fats weaken the body’s stamina to resist harmful bacteria and free radicals. So avoid fats and focus on fresh fruits and vegetables, yogurt, mushrooms, grains and tea for a healthy living.

Include in your meal

Whole grains: Brown rice, millet, quinoa, buckwheat (kasha), oats, barley, and other whole grains are a valuable source of the vitamins, minerals and fiber that are an essential part of keeping the immune system healthy. Fiber helps cleanse the colon of toxins and helps prevent intestinal infections

Vegetables: Eat as many vegetables as you can. These are really the immune-boosting heavyweights.
drink plenty of water, this helps flush the body of toxins and keeps you well hydrated
Omega-3 fatty acids (a polyunsaturated fat) are known for their anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular enhancing and immune regulating properties. They control and prevent auto-immune disorders, high cholesterol, hypertension, stroke, cancer, diabetes and heart diseases. Omega 3 fatty acids are present in ground flax seeds, walnuts, salmon etc.

Include vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta carotine. Food sources include: fruits and vegetables, dairy products, melons, berries, dark greens, whole grains, dairy . Vitamin E is another important antioxidant that slows down the symptoms of aging and strengthens the immune system to fight various infections.

Herbs and other supplements:
Different herbs such as Astragalus, Echinacea, Neem, St. John’s Wort, Olive Leaf, Spirulina, Bay Berry, Horehound, Red Clover and Fenugreek benefit the immune system to a great extent. Herbs enhance your well being and strengthen the immune system.

Look on the bright side : Being optimistic under stress can make you and your immune system feel high.

Walking and physical activity: walking, regularly exercising, yoga, stretching, work outs are other ways to strengthen the immune system and ward off numerous ailments. Being physically active stimulates the release of endorphins and improves blood circulation, removes anxiety, depression and lowers cholesterol level.

Take time to address your stress

2007-07-17T13:08:00.000-07:00

Parents and working age adults tend to experience greater levels of stress than those who are younger or older(retirement age).
Common symptoms of stress include irritability, change in eating habits, sleep difficulties, upset stomach, nausea, headache, memory problem, anger, fatigue etc.

Many of the physical and psychological symptoms of stress are a result of the body's "fight or flight" response. When you are faced with a stressfull situation, your body releases adrenalin and cortisol- hormones that can increase your heart rate, slow digestion,reduce blood flow to some major muscle groups and affect your nervous system.

These changes are designed to enable your body to physically fight or run away when faced with danger. When the perceived threat is gone ,your bodily functions are supposed to return to normal. In case of chronic stress , however,the "normal" relaxed state does not occur often enough, causing damage to your system.

Long term health risks

Chronic stress can lead to long term, chronic health issue, including but not limited to
Diabetes
heart desease
high blood pressure
obesity
hair loss
ulcers
anxiety disorder

Coping with stress

# Take a walk
# Read a book
# Take slow, deep breaths for 5 mins
# Meet a friend for coffee/movie /lunch
# Take a long, relaxing bath
# Hit a punching bag
# Go to a religious place(temple/church) and pray.
# Meditate
# Work in your garden
# Listen to music
# Laugh or cry
# Try a new recipe

If you experience extreme anxiety, depression, uncontrolable anger , you should seek help from a professional.

Bathing Tips

2007-07-16T14:20:00.000-07:00

A good bath not only cleanses and refreshes your body but it can be relaxing for the mind as well. From the right water temp and skin prep, to luscious products and soothing enhancements, and finally to toweling off and moisturizing, makes your bath a relaxing and enjoyable experience.

Create a soothing and relaxing environment in the bathroom by using lights and scented candles, as it will create a soothing environment.

Spoil yourself with luxurious, fragrant soaps and bath oils.

Play some calming music that will help you relax better.

Lie down in a bath tub and massage your body with the shower. Cold water jet fortifies your tissues and improves circulation.

During a bath it is the best time to clean dead cells. Use a loophah to scub your body insisting upon rough areas: knees, shoulders, elbows.

Massage the skin in a circular motion, then wash your sponge, loofah or brush thoroughly when finished.

Use Exfoliating scrubs . As they contain special particles, these products eliminate dead cells on the surface of the skin. Your skin regenerates, becoming finer and smoother.

Soak for 15-20 minutes. Let your mind and body relax. Use a soft towel or bathrobe to dry and apply a hydrating cream afterwards.

A Weekend in Monterey Peninsula

2007-07-10T10:20:00.000-07:00

One of my our favourite weekend getaway is the Monterey Peninsula. It is a perfect place for a romantic weekend or exciting adventure . From historic adobes and landmarks to Fisherman's Wharf and the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey has something for everyone.
It is relaxing...yet full of adventure- from whale-watching tours that depart from Monterey's historic Fisherman's Wharf, to Steinbeck tours and picnics along the 17 Mile Drive . Natural beauty, art, culture and history greet visitors around every corner of Monterey. the Monterey Peninsula is also home to Carmel-by-the-Sea, one of the most beautiful villages in California. Local wineries produce exceptional vintages, and there are many wine tasting places and events . Activities include golf, biking, hiking, sailing and whale watching. Families will enjoy the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, which has over 500 species of marine life and is devoted to conservation of the world's oceans.

Not to be missed Attractions:

Monterey Bay Aquarium: Set on the beautiful Monterey Bay,America's largest marine sanctuary has living deep sea exhibits along with the world's largest jellyfish gallery.
Address: 886 Cannery Row at David Avenue, Monterey, Monterey Peninsula, California

Cannery Row: This popular walkway is one of America's most famous streets and is filled with shops, restaurants and historic attractions.
Address: Cannery Row & Wave Streets, Monterey, Monterey Peninsula, California

Famous drive
17-Mile Drive: Seals bask on the beach and pelicans perch on rocky cliffs along this famous drive that passes through many popular spots.
Address: Monterey, Monterey Peninsula, California

Outdoor recreation
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park: A breathtaking 80-foot waterfall dropping from the cliffs to the ocean is the focal point of this park.
Address: State Route 1, Milepost 37 south (52.7 north), Monterey, Monterey Peninsula, California

Nearby places worth a visit
Carmel
Tucked between Big Sur and the famous Pebble Beach Golf Course, elegant Carmel boasts a rural European feel with intimate gourmet restaurants, exquisite inns and upscale shopping. Only 17 miles from Monterey, it is ideal for a half- or full-day jaunt

Where to Stay

Hotels, Motels and Luxury Resorts - Monterey offers a wide selection of accommodations for travelers, all conveniently located to everything. I stayed in Best Western Beach Resort, in a full Ocean view room .This is one hotel which is right on the beach. I just loved the beach, the breeze, and the sound of the ocean. Although, the front desk service was not very friendly. There are some nice hotels and resort in downtown, Monterey - in walking distance to Fisherman's Wharf , variety of restaurants and bars.
Files under: Holidays, California Vacation, Tourist attraction, Beach

Organically Grown Food More Healthier

2007-07-09T09:38:00.000-07:00

Organically grown fruits and vegetable are healthier than conventionally grown products. A US study reports that organic food may improve your blood pressure and lower the risk of heart disease and stroke.

A ten-year study comparing organic tomatoes with standard produce found almost double the level of flavonoids - a type of antioxidant. It contained higher levels of quercetin and kaempferol aglycones than their conventionally grown counterparts.

Flavonoids have been shown to reduce high blood pressure, lowering the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Alyson Mitchell, a food chemist, who led the research at the University of California, believes that flavonoids can also help to stave off some forms of cancer and dementia.

Dr Alyson Mitchell and colleagues measured the amount of two flavonoids - quercetin and kaempferol - in dried tomato samples that had been collected as part of a long-term study on agricultural methods.

They found that on average they were 79% and 97% higher respectively in the organic tomatoes than in the conventionally grown fruit. Recent research in Europe found that organic tomatoes contained more vitamin C, B-carotene and flavonoids than conventionally grown tomatoes. Organic peaches and organic apple purée were also found to have more antioxidants.

Scientists said the nitrogen level in the soil was different, suggesting the lower levels of flavonoids found in regular tomatoes were due to over fertilization.

Flavonoids are produced as a defense mechanism that can be triggered by nutrient deficiency, such as a lack of nitrogen in the soil. The inorganic nitrogen in conventional fertilizer is easily available to plants and so, the researchers suggests, the lower levels of flavonoids are probably caused by over-fertilization.

[News: medindia.net]

Asthma

2007-07-07T11:41:00.000-07:00

Asthma is an allergic condition resulting from the reaction of the system to one or more allergens. It is the most troublesome of the respiratory diseases. The asthma patient gets frequent attacks of breathlessness.

Asthma comes from an ancient Greek word meaning “panting or short-drawn breath”. Actually, the asthma patients have more difficulty in breathing out rather than breathing in and it is caused by a spasm of the smaller air passage in the lung. The effect is to blow the lungs up because the patient cannot drive the air properly out of the lungs before he has to take another breath. All asthmatics have more difficulty at night, especially during sleep.

The onset of asthma may be sudden or gradual. Sudden onsets are often preceeded by a spell of coughing. When the onset is gradual, the attack is usually brought on by respiratory infection. A severe attack causes an increase in heart beat and respiratory rate and the patient feels restless and fatigued.

There may be coughing, tightness in the chest, profuse sweating and vomiting. The air being pushed through the narrow bronchi produces the wheezing sound identified with asthma.

Asthma is caused by a variety of factors. For many it is due to an allergy, which may be caused by weather conditions, food drugs, perfumes and other irritants, which vary with different individuals.
Allergies to dust is the most common symptom that triggers asthma. Some persons are sensitive to the various forms of dust like cotton dust, wheat dust and certain types of pollen, animal hair, fungi and insects.
Foods which generally cause allergic reactions are wheat, eggs, milk, chocolates, beans, potato, and certain meat varieties like beef.
A vegetarian diet is best for asthma. Ideally the diet should contain a limited quantity of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins that are acid-forming foods, and a liberal quantity of alkaline foods consisting of fresh fruits, green vegetables and sprouted seeds and grains.
Asthmatics should always eat less than their capacity. They should eat slowly and chew their food properly. In the evening, give enough time for the food to digest before going to sleep. They should drink 8-10 glasses of water everyday. During an attack a cup of warm water is recommended every two hours. The last meal should preferably be taken before sunset or at least two hours before going to bed.

Asthma is a condition which is normally aggravated during winter months, however if the appropriate precautions are taken this can be kept under control!

[ TIMES NEWS NETWORK ]

Aloe Vera

2007-07-03T12:06:00.000-07:00

The Aloe Vera plant is a member of lily plant which is full of juice and appearance is similar to a cactus. The aloe vera plant contains number of health benefits that has been used for medicinal purposes around the world. Some of the uses and benefits of Aloe are listed below.

# Helps Heal Wounds: aloe gel is a mild anesthetic, relieving itching, swelling, and pain.

# Aloe Vera is extremely good for your mouth and gums.

# Improves digestion: Helps in bowel disorder or digestive problems, including peptic ulcers or any type of stomach inflammation.

# Aloe Vera can add a rich supply of building materials to produce and maintain healthy skin. The skin replenishes itself
every 21 to 28 days. Using the nutritional building blocks of aloe vera, the skin can utilize these nutrients daily to help combat the effects of aging.

# Aloe gel is used to accelerate the healing process for burns, wounds, and skin irritations, prevents scarring, soothes itching and burning.

# Some of the minerals found in aloe vera include calcium, sodium, iron, potassium, chromium, magnesium, manganese, copper, and zinc

# Aloe Vera Gel includes Vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C and E, Folic Acid and Niacin

# Several essential amino acids are found in Aloe plant.

# Aloe has also anti-oxidant, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties.

It is one of the most vitamin and mineral-packed nutrition drinks but drinking Aloe juice directly, is not recommended. Consult a herbalist or choose a reliable herbal product for drinking. Use of aloe during pregnancy could lead to miscarriage, as it stimulates uterine contractions.

What researchers have to say....

2007-07-02T12:27:00.000-07:00

Facts collected from recent studies

Cabbages can reduce lung cancer risk
Eating cabbages at least once a week can reduce the risk of lung cancer for people with a certain genetic make up, says a study.

No cancer risk for Breast-fed people
Contrary to an old notion, adults who were breast-fed as infants are not at increased risk for cancer.

Lower blood sugar to avoid heart disease
Try to reduce high blood sugar to avoid the risk of heart disease, suggest researchers.

Tomatoes can save smokers
tomatoes, rich in antioxidants called lycopene, could help protect smokers against lung disease.

Vegetable rich diet may help cut blood pressure
Eating a vegetable rich diet may help cut blood pressure, which can consequently reduce the risk of heart attacks or strokes, says a new study.

Grapefruits may help fight gum disease
Those who eat two grapefruits a day for a fortnight may have less bleeding from gums as these promote wound healing.

Mom's milk fights digestive disease
Breastfeeding may protect children from digestive disease, says a study.

Smoking affects children's genes
Smoking causes genetic changes that can be passed on to children, tending to make them obese.

Keep busy to tune the brain
Just keeping busy and engaging in leisurely pursuits like visiting friends, seems to tune the brain and also keep Alzheimer's at bay, confirms a new study.

Boost memory with exercise
Recent research has shown that simple lifestyle changes can help enhance memory. Like some simple memory exercises, Brainteasers, crossword puzzles, getting fitter, eating healthily and reducing stress to improve your powers of recall.

Gingivitis - Bleeding Gums

2007-06-28T10:36:00.000-07:00

Inflammation, swelling, and bleeding of gum tissues are the signs of Gingivitis (pronounced "jin-ja-VI-tus"). The primary cause of gingivitis is the bacteria that coats your teeth, and if oral hygiene is poor, it forms a sticky white substance called plaque. Bleeding gums is a serious problem. It is either indicating the beginning of the destructive process involving the supporting tissue around the tooth or some serious underlying systemic problems, which could be fatal

Remedies If you want to get rid of gingivitis, you have to take time to floss and brush correctly.

# Try a gum massage. Grip your gums between your thumb and index finger (index on the outside) and rub. This will increase healthy blood circulation to your gums.

# Stock up on vitamin C. Vitamin C won't cure gingivitis, but it can help check bleeding gums.

# Scrape your tongue using a toothbrush. Remove the bacteria and toxins hiding there. Scrape from back to front 5/6 times.

# Brush your gums with aloe gel. It's a healing agent and it will reduce some of the plaque in your mouth.

# Try the baking soda and water solution. Take plain baking soda, mix it with a little bit of water, and apply it with your fingers along the gumline in a small section of your mouth. Then brush. You'll clean, polish, neutralize acidic bacterial wastes, and deodorize, all in one swoop.

# With a pinch of salt soaked in a glass of lukewarm water, create a homemade saline solution. Use this to rinse in the morning and in the evening. This will help increase circulation in your gums and reduce the swelling.

# No matter how well and how often you brush your teeth, you can't reach the areas between your teeth and below the gums. Make the habit of flossing. Floss comes in very handy. Keep one in your bag or at your office. After meal, floss it. (image of dental floss below)

# To heal the gum swelling, use an anti bacterial mouth wash.

# Take some clove oil and rub it on your gums.

ref : mothernature.com

Myths about Diabetes

2007-06-26T12:53:00.000-07:00

Most diseases are surrounded by a number of myths. This stems basically from ignorance or lack of proper information. Similarly, diabetes too has given rise to a number of imaginary beliefs. It is imperative to debunk some of these widely prevailing myths and present the facts about this sweet killer.

Myth: Eating too much sugar causes diabetes.
Fact: There is no proof that sugar is the main cause behind diabetes. Diabetes is more related to family history, wrong eating habits and little or no physical activity.

Myth: Healthy foods don't raise blood sugar.
Fact: The fact is that all foods provide carbohydrates. And if there is enough insulin present in the body naturally or provided by injections, it will utilise the carbohydrates and consequently the blood sugar will not rise. However, if your body is producing less insulin or not utilising it sufficiently, then blood sugar is bound to rise even if you eat healthy foods.

Myth: Only medical treatment can control diabetes.
Fact: Diabetes is a disease that requires dietary intervention along with medical treatment. Medications are only a part of the cure. What is also needed is a healthy lifestyle behaviour that will allow the medication to work more effectively. This comes with a healthy, well balanced diet as well as a regular exercise routine.

Myth: Diabetics have to eat special foods.
Fact: Diabetics can eat the same food as non-diabetics, but in moderation.

Myth: No diet modification is required, if external insulin is being administered.
Fact: Insulin is not replacing a meal plan or involvement in any physical activity. Thus diet modification is needed, irrespective of whether insulin is being given or not.

Myth: Exercises are of no help in diabetes.
Fact: Exercise helps the pancreas to secrete more insulin, while at the same time, keeps the stress levels under control. Both these factors help to keep the blood sugar under control.

Myth: People with diabetes can eat any number of sugar free products
Fact: Sugar free does not mean calorie free. It is advisable to keep a check on the calorie product of the food, before consuming it. This way the total calorie intake can be kept under control and will further help in keeping a check on the blood sugar.

Myth: The strain and stress of everyday life is not related to diabetes.
Fact: The fact is that everyday stresses, as well as emotional and crisis situation can play a role in raising the blood sugar. Hence people with diabetes should take time out to relax and keep their stress levels under control.

A proper understanding of any disease means having a thorough knowledge about the disease, its causes and effects. That is why it is mandatory for all diabetics to be well informed and to be able to separate the myths from the facts.

[IANS]

Hazards of Microwave Cooking

2007-06-20T15:10:00.000-07:00

In traditional heating of food, the food comes into contact with a hot cooking container so the food gradually gets hot by absorbing heat. Cooking by microwaves begins within the cells and molecules. The molecules that make up
the food are violently agitated millions of times every second, causing friction and heat inside the food.
In Comparative Study of Food Prepared Conventionally and in the Microwave Oven, published by Raum & Zelt in 1992, it states

"A basic hypothesis of natural medicine states that the introduction into the human body of molecules and energies, to which it is not accustomed, is much more likely to cause harm than good. Microwaved food contains both molecules and energies not present in food cooked in the way humans have been cooking food since the discovery of fire. Microwave energy from the sun and other stars is direct current based. Artificially produced microwaves, including those in ovens, are produced from alternating current and force a billion or more polarity reversals per second in every food molecule they hit. Production of unnatural molecules is inevitable. Naturally occurring amino acids have been observed to undergo isomeric changes (changes in shape morphing) as well as transformation into toxic forms, under the impact of microwaves produced in ovens. One short-term study found significant and disturbing changes in the blood of individuals consuming microwaved milk and vegetables."
According to a research study published in Acres, USA by Hertel In addition to violent frictional heat effects (called thermic effects), there are also athermic effects which have hardly ever been taken into account.

Another interesting news is that the Soviet Union banned the use of microwave ovens in 1976. Why?

Russian researchers reported a marked acceleration of structural degradation leading to a decreased food value of 60 to 90% in all foods tested. Among the changes observed were:

* Deceased bio-availability of vitamin B complex, vitamin C, vitamin E, essential minerals and lipotropics factors in all food tested.
* Various kinds of damaged to many plant substances, such as alkaloids, glucosides, galactosides and nitrilosides.
* The degradation of nucleo-proteins in meats.

Here is a summary of the Russian investigations published by the Atlantis Raising Educational Center in Portland, Oregon.
Carcinogens were formed in virtually all foods tested.

No test food was subjected to more microwaving than necessary to
accomplish the purpose, i.e., cooking, thawing, or heating to insure
sanitary ingestion. Here's a summary of some of the results:

# Microwaving prepared meats sufficiently to insure sanitary ingestion caused formation of d-Nitrosodienthanolamines, a well-known carcinogen.

#Microwaving milk and cereal grains converted some of their amino acids into carcinogens.

#Thawing frozen fruits converted their glucoside and galactoside containing fractions into carcinogenic substances.

#Extremely short exposure of raw, cooked or frozen vegetables converted their plant alkaloids into carcinogens.

#Carcinogenic free radicals were formed in microwaved plants, especially root vegetables.

#There was a decrease in nutritional value.

reference : http://www.herbalhealer.com/microwave.html

Depression and Nutrition

2007-05-28T09:23:00.000-07:00

The brain, nervous system and neurotransmitters are all made from nutrients. A lack of essential nutrients affects mood, behaviour and mental performance. Correcting underlying nutritional deficiencies can alleviate depression, reduce side-effects of medication and improve response to psychotherapy.

Depression isn’t a disease with a one cause, nor one treatment. For some the problem may be purely psychological, for others purely biochemical. Symptoms include changes in appetite leading to weight gain or loss; changes in sleeping habits, ie. insomnia or constant sleeping; feelings of being out of control; hyperactivity or total lethargy; loss of interest and sex drive; reduced energy and fatigue or listlessness; feelings of worthlessness or guilt, lack of concentration and finally, thoughts of death or suicide.
Common biochemical imbalances that can induce depression include:

# Deficiencies of nutrients (vitamin B3, B6, folate, B12, C, zinc, magnesium, essential fatty acids)

# Neurotransmitter imbalances (serotonin, dopamine, adrenalin, histamine)

# Blood sugar imbalances (often associated with excessive sugar and stimulants)

# Allergies and sensitivities

A diet that is high in refined carbohydrates and sugars is a common factor in depressive illness and alcohol can also have a severe depressant effect. Carbohydrate attempts to raise serotonin levels. Serotonin is the neurotransmitter, or brain chemical, responsible for mood, sleep and appetite control. It is made from a protein fragment called tryptophan and this is absorbed more quickly into the brain after eating a carbohydrate meal. Low fat diets can make you depressed. Research has linked diets that drastically cut down on all types of fat with an increase in symptoms of depression.

EAT YOURSELF OUT OF DEPRESSION

# Reduce stimulants - tea, coffee, sugar, chocolate
# Have a serving of fish, chicken, turkey or tofu (from soy beans) a day
# Increase nutrient-rich foods - fruit, vegetables, wholefoods, seeds,nuts and wheatgerm. Include foods rich in vitamin B3, B6, folate, B12, C, zinc, magnesium, essential fatty acids in your diet.

Vitamin C can be found in oranges, broccoli, red pepper, parsley, green leafy vegetables (especially kale), green pepper, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage , strawberries, watercress, spinach, grapefruit, melon (all types), peas, spring onions, tomatoes

Sources of Vitamin B1 include breakfast cereals, peas, sunflower seeds, wheat germ, sesame seeds, soy beans, nuts etc. Vitamin B12 can be found in cottage cheese and milk.

Sources of Vitamin B6 include wheat products (especially wheatgerm and oatmeal), nuts (especially walnuts), legumes, (especially soy beans, lentils, butter beans, haricot beans), barley, bananas, peanuts and peanut butter, avocados, wheat , raisins etc

Folic Acid can be found in kidney beans, broccoli, legumes (especially chickpeas), soy beans, vegetables (especially spinach, brussels sprouts, spring greens, okra, cabbage), almonds, beetroot, walnuts, oatmeal, brown rice, corn etc

Ref: patrickholford.com

Bitter Gourd

2007-04-18T11:59:00.001-07:00

Bitter gourd (Latin Momordica charantia) is also called Balsam pear or bitter melon or Karela. BitterGourd is widely grown in India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, the Philippines, China and the Caribbean.

Minerals and Vitamins content in BitterGourd
(Values per 100 gms raw bittergourd without seeds)
Calcium 20 mg
Phosphorus 70 mg
Iron 1.8 mg
Vitamin C 88 mg
Small amounts of Vitamin B Complex

Natural Benefits and Curative Properties

# The bitter gourd has long been used as traditional medicine for diabetes . Recent researches by a team of British doctors have established that it contains a compund which is highly beneficial in lowering the blood and urine sugar levels.

# It increases body's resitance against infection.

# Juice of the fresh leaves of bitter gourd is valuable in piles. Three teaspoonfuls of leaf juice mixed with a glassful of milk should be taken every morning for about a month in this condition.

# It helps purify blood tissue, enhances digestion, and stimulates the liver.

# Bitter gourd is highly beneficial in the treatment of blood disorders like blood boils, scabies, itching, psoriasis, ring-worm and other fungal diseases. some people recommend drinking the juice of bitter gourd in an empty stomach, but I prefer to have cooked bitter gourd with meal. Drinking the juice in an empty stomach may cause gas and heartburn.

Here is a quick Recipe for Bitter Gourd
Young immature bitter gourds are the best for cooking when seeds are small and tender.
Ingredients:
2 Bitter Gourd, sliced
2 tablespoon fresh yogurt
1 medium sized onion, finely chopped
Salt to taste
Oil for frying
chopped cilantro
Chilli and spice eg. garam masala (optional)
Heat oil in a pan. Fry onions till golden brown. Add spices if you wish. Then,add the bitter gourds, yogurt and salt. Mix well and sauté for about 10 minutes, till the gourd is cooked. Remove from heat, garnish with the cilantro and serve with rice.
The bitterness can be reduced by steeping the peeled fruit in salt water before cooking.

Bad Breath

2007-04-04T14:55:00.000-07:00

Bad breath or halitosis is a common problem, affecting almost all of us at one time or another. Bad Breath is caused by bacteria that live in a sticky coating called a biofilm. This biofilm coats our teeth, gums, tongue, throat and nasal passages every day. Several different herbs are recommended as breath fresheners, among them aniseed, cloves, rosemary and thyme, anyone of these can be chewed or used as tea when stewed in hot water.
Some of the home remedies for bad breath that might prevent or cure your bad breath or halitosis, includes:

# Dip your tooth brush into baking soda and brush your teeth and then rinse with water.

# Oral hygiene is important. Brush your teeth and tongue properly and regularly everyday.

# Rinse your mouth with cooled tea (mint or green tea is a perfect choice.) This remedy is particulary useful if the bad breath is caused by dry mouth and for "morning" bad breath.

# Chewing parsley or basil or mint leaves relieves bad breath.

# Apple is also an excellent mouth freshner.

Here is a Homemade Mint Toothpaste Recipe
Ingredients:

6 teaspoons baking soda
1/3 teaspoon salt
4 teaspoons glycerin
15 drops peppermint or wintergreen extract
Directions: Mix thoroughly. Should be a tooth paste consistency. Store in a container.

Chronic bad breath can be a sign of an ongoing medical condition, and should be diagnosed by a doctor.

Lip Care

2007-03-27T11:38:00.000-07:00

Lips are one of the most sensitive part of your body. And therefore you have to take special care of your lips. Common lips problems are dark lips and cracked lips.
The most common cause of cracked lips are allergic reaction to cosmetics, skin infections, extreme weather conditions like excess sun and wind exposure, biting of the lips or a vitamin B deficiency. The skin on lips lack oil glands, hence they tend to get dry and cracked easily.

Following are some tips for beatiful lips:

# To stop lips from chapping due to dry lip sticks, use a very slight base of a lip balm or a moisturizer before applying the lipstick.

# Avoid licking your lips.

# Avoid regular usage of lip-balms hat are petroleum-based, as these are addictive. So look for balms that are non-petroleum based.

# Apply the juice of lemon skin for avoiding black colour of lips.

# Remove your lipstick before going to bed using a homemade cleanser and apply a thin layer of ghee on lips.

# If your lips are prone to dryness and flaking, or Lips should be moisturized and exfoliated regularly. Exfoliate lips with your gentle facial scrub using a toothbrush or just the tips of your fingers(don't rub too hard, because lip are very sensitive). Mix honey and lemon juice and apply it on your lips for 10 minutes daily to get that soft and bright lips.

# Take vitamin B, C foods in diet.

Eye Exercise

2007-03-08T16:01:00.000-08:00

Regular eye execise can help you keep you eyes healthy.

# A simple exercise is to move the eyeballs-right and left; up wards and downwards then rotate them clockwise and anti- clockwise. Repeat this exercise three or four times a day.

# Place the balls of your fingers on you’re your eye brows and gently press down. Please remember to be gentle; Now let your fingers roll down around your eyes making gentle circling movements. The motion should start from the eye brows and end at the corners of the eyes near the nose bridge. Repeat this two or three times and you can feel your eye muscles relax. It is a good idea to this at least five or six times a day if you are working at something that gives a lot of strain to your eyes

# Fill your mouth with water, and sprinkle water on your eyes 3/4 times. Never splash your eyes with bare mouth - you hurt your eyes . Do not use hot water.

# Close your eyes for a few minutes if you feel heaviness or tiredness in the eyes. To soothe your tired eyes place cucumber slices on eye lids. Do not stare too tong at anything without blinking the eyes. Blinking provides lubrications and relief from light.

Headache- Causes and Remedies

2007-03-05T15:59:00.000-08:00

Headache is one of the most common ailments people suffer from. Most headaches are caused by temporary upsets. It is important for you to understand what causes your headache.
The common causes of headaches are allergy, emotional stress, eye strain, high blood pressure, a hangover, infection, acidity, low blood sugar, nutritional deficiency, tension, and the presence of toxins(like mercury and lead) in the body.
Scented candles and other products that have chemically derived scents, such as air fresheners, can also cause headaches. Dehydration is a major cause of headaches
Weather changes, altitude changes are usually associated with sinus conditions. Sinus problems and migraines can cause pressure in the forehead and around the eyes and nose. Migraines are usually characterized by severe pain on one or both sides of the head.
A deficiency in magnesium can cause regular headaches and migraines. Magnesium helps the muscles surrounding the veins and arteries relax, thereby increasing the bloodflow
Closely monitor yourself and try to identify the causes that lead to the headache. The factors that should be taken into account are food and beverage intake, weather conditions, stress and menstrual cycles. If you find out the cause of your headache, then try to avoid them or take care accordingly

Here are some natural remedies for various types or headaches

# Breathing exercise:
Relax, Take deep breaths and then completely breathe out. Repeat this for 3 to 5 minutes.
Hold your right nasal with thumb, breathe in from left. Now open right nasal and close left nasal with middle and ring finger and breathe out from right nasal. Now breathe in from right nasal. Now close right nasal and open left and breathe out and in from left nasal. and so on.Do this for 10 minutes

# Acupressure:
There is a pressure point located between your thumb and first finger, back of both hands, about 3-4cm (1.5 inches) from the edge of the webbing between your index fingers and thumbs. Place your right thumb on the left hand point, and your right index finger on the palm side of the webbing. Press firmly for 5 seconds and release for 3 seconds . repeat for 2/3 minutes. Then swap the procedure to do your right hand point.
When massaging acupressure points sit comfortably or lie down, close your eyes and breath deeply.

# Every morning, after you brush you teeth, fill your mouth with water, place the three middle fingers on your forehead and apply firm deep strokes of pressure along the eyebrows- moving in downward direction -(between your hairline and the outer corner of your eyes). Repeat this 3/4 times. This helps in sinus problem.

# Steam inhalation is good for those who have a sinus problem. it is not advisable to expose your eyes to steam and so take care to protect your eyes when you are inhaling steam.

# If you have a tension headache then de-stress youself. Have a soothing bath , listen to soft music preferably without ear phones.

# Put a few drops of this essential oil in a carrier oil and massage your forehead. Also, try sniffing the oil - put a few drops on a handkerchief and sniff. This may be beneficial for tension headaches.

The best way to prevent headaches is to build up physical resistance through proper nutrition, physical exercise and positive thinking. Have a nutritious diet with fresh fruits and vegetables. Anything you can do to increase blood circulation will greatly benefit your headache problem. If you feel a headache coming on, take a brisk walk. This will relax you and your circulatory system. A good night’s sleep is also very important to keep away headaches.

Benefits of Soy

2007-02-22T12:04:00.000-08:00

# Soybeans are the richest dietary source of a compounds known as isoflavones. Isoflavones are a class of organic compounds and biomolecules related to the flavonoids. They are also very strong antioxidants.

#Soy reduces risk for heart diseases by lowering the cholesterol level.

#Soy protein may help to prevent calcium loss from the bones.

#Several studies have indicated that Soy isoflavones may help protect against cancer. They can suppress the production of stress proteins, which facilitate cancer cell survival.

#Regular intake of soy products may relieve menopausal symptoms

#Soy milk is high in protein, and because it is made from beans, also contains considerably more fiber than cow's milk.

The largest downfall of soy milk is the lack of calcium. Soy milk has only about a quarter of the calcium, compared to cow's milk. Also, Soy milk isn't fat-free. Soy milk does have a bit more fat than 2% cow's milk, but none of the cholesterol (of which there is approximately 20mg per cup, in 2% cow's milk).

Isoflavones are also found in chick peas and other legumes. However, soybeans are unique because they have the highest concentration of these powerful compounds.

Some Cancer Myths

2007-02-20T15:00:00.000-08:00

Some common myths and reality about cancer-
Myth: Mammograms prevent breast cancer
Truth: Mammograms cannot prevent breast cancer. They can only detect cancer that already exists

Myth: Living in a polluted city is a greater risk for lung cancer than smoking a pack of cigarettes a day
Truth: The truth is just the opposite, Air pollution is far less likely to cause lung cancer than smoking cigarettes.If you don't smoke, but breathe in the smoke of others (secondhand smoke or environmental tobacco smoke) you are also at increased risk for lung cancer.

Myth:Household bug spray can cause cancer
Truth:Available evidence does not suggest a link between household use of pesticides (bug spray) and cancer. On the other hand, these products can be dangerous if precautions regarding breathing and direct contact are not followed.

Myth:Some injuries can cause cancer later in life.
Truth:The fact is that a fall, a bruise or any other injury is almost never the cause of a cancer.

Myth: Some types of cancer can be contagious
Truth: No type of cancer is contagious. However, there are two known contagious viruses, HPV and Hepatitis C, that can cause cancer

Myth: Cancer causes hairloss.
Truth: Cancer does not cause hair loss. Hair loss can be a side effect of cancer treatments, like chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Nutrition content in fruits and vegetables Part II

2007-02-09T14:29:00.000-08:00

Cucumber
1 medium Cucumber contains
Calories 45
Carbohydrate 9 grams
Dietary Fiber 3 grams
Calcium 6 (% daily value)
Potassium 520 mg
Vitamin C 10 (% daily value)
Vitamin A 30 (% daily value)
Cucumbers are a good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin A. It also contains calcium and potassium. Cucumbers are wonderful as a digestive aid. they are good for skin.

Cabbage
one cup shredded cabbage contains
Calories: 17
Protein: 1.01 g
Carbohydrates: 3.91 g
Fiber: 1.6 g
Sugars: 2.51 g
Calcium: 33 mg
Vitamin C: 22.5 mg
Vitamin A: 120 IU
Cabbage , high in vitamin B , may reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke as well as that of cancer, specifically colon cancer. It may also cut the risk of cataracts . It speeds ulcer healing and improves digestive health. Cabbage has a high folate, vitamin B and antioxidant content

Cauliflower
1/4 of a medium sized Cauliflower contains
Calories 35
Carbohydrate 7 grams
Dietary Fiber 3 grams
Calcium 2 (% daily value)
Potassium 400 mg
Vitamin C 150 (% daily value)

Cauliflower is an excellent source of vitamin C,vitamin B-complex, vitamin E, carbohydrates and folate. Folate helps the blood work more efficiently and is often recommended for preventing anemia. Folate is also essential for proper tissue growth and not getting enough can make you succeptible to many diseases down the road such as cancer and heart disease. It lowers the chances of breast cancer.Cooking reduces vitamin C and eliminates vitamin E

1 medium Green Capcicum/Green Bell Pepper>
Calories 30
Carbohydrate 8 grams
Dietary Fiber 2 grams
Potassium 210 mg
Vitamin A 15 mg
Vitamin C 180 mg

Peppers are high in vitamin A and C, which, in turn, may be effective in protecting against cancer. And red peppers are quite a good source of beta carotene

To be Continued....
Nutrition content in fruits and vegetables Part I

Aromatherapy

2007-02-06T15:15:00.000-08:00

Aromatherapy is a form of treatment, using a variety of essential oils. They can be added to the bath, massaged into the skin, inhaled, diffused to scent an entire room or applied as compresses. The right mixture of essential oils will help to relax, promote pain relief and alleviate fatigue. Essential oils can affect the mood, reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
In aromatherapy it is believed that the sense of smell is very powerful and directly connected to our brain, and therefore, to the hormonal activity in the body. Based on this logic, we can balance our hormones using essential oils.

Although aromatherapy cannot fix the root of the problem, it can help give you a boost. Aromatherapy can help you relax, be energized, and create a feeling of well being.

The essential oils are aromatic essences extracted from plants, flowers, trees, fruits, bark, grasses and seeds with distinctive therapeutic properties

Some Essential Oils
Basil: It has Antidepressant, Antiseptic properties. Recommended for migraine patients.

Rose. This is one of the most expensive essential oils in the market. Aromatherapists believe that rose gives a sense of security and happiness

Rosewood. This oil is indicated to treat stress, nervousness, anxiety, and sadness. It has a pleasant, sweet, and woody fragrance.

Sandalwood. This is an essential oil used in yoga and in temples in many religions. It is indicated to treat anxiety, nervousness, and depression.

Orange, tangerine, mandarin, lemon and lime. All these citric smells help in cases of sadness, irritability, lack of energy, and depression. They are some of the lower priced oils.

Ginger: It has a warm, spicy scent. It is used as a stimulant

Lavender:This essential oil gives relief from Anxiety,Insomnia .

Some essential oils may cause irritation to sensitive skin. Use well diluted. Not to be used during pregnancy.

Benefits and Risks of coffee

2007-02-05T16:09:00.000-08:00

Coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world. Recent research has uncovered that moderate coffee consumption doesn't cause harm, but it may even offer some health benefits.
Caffeine content
Many notable effects of coffee are related to its caffeine content. A typical 7 fluid ounce (ca. 207 mL) cup of coffee contains 80–140 milligrams of caffeine, depending on the method of preparation. Depending on the type of coffee and method of preparation the caffeine content of an average cup of coffee can vary greatly. Even when prepared using the same equipment large variations can take place. However, on average for a 7oz cup of coffee the following amounts of caffeine can be expected:

Drip: 115-175 mg
Espresso: 100 mg (serving size 1.5-2 oz)
Brewed: 80-135 mg
Instant: 65-100 mg
Decaf, brewed: 3-4 mg
Decaf, instant: 2-3 mg

Possible Risks of drinking Coffee
#Increases blood pressure among people who already suffer from high blood pressure
#Causes insomnia, anxiety, and irritability
#Can reduce fertility in women trying to conceive
#Can cause heartburn and indigestion
The negative effects of coffee tend to emerge in excessive drinking so it is best to avoid heavy consumption

Benefits of Moderate Coffee drinking
#Rich source of anti-cancer agents
#A study has found that coffee contributes more antioxidants - which have been linked with fighting heart disease and cancer - to the diet than cranberries, apples or tomatoes
#Can increase alertness and improve short-term recall
#Coffee increases the effectiveness of pain killers—especially migraine medications—and can rid some people of asthma
#Coffee intake may reduce the occurrence of gallstones and gallbladder disease in men
#Coffee can also reduce the incidence of cirrhosis of the liver and prevent colon and bladder cancers

Salmon and Omega 3s

2007-02-01T15:33:00.000-08:00

Salmon is now the third most popular seafood in the U.S., it is an excellent source of essential omega-3 fatty acids. Essential fatty acids are essential for human health but because they cannot be made by the body, they must be obtained from foods. In addition to being an excellent source of omega-3s, salmon are an excellent source of selenium, a very good source of protein, niacin and vitamin B12, and a good source of phosphorous, magnesium and vitamin B6. Salmon is low in calories and saturated fat.

Eating fish rich in omega-3s is so beneficial because these fats lower the amount of lipids (fats such as cholesterol and triglycerides) circulating in the bloodstream. High levels of triglycerides increases the risk of cardiovascular disease
Omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon and other fish have anti-inflammatory benefits and help prevent heart disease ,regulate pressure in the eye, joints, and blood vessels, and mediating immune response
Salmon has even found to make you less prone to wrinkles beause it is so rich in omega-3 fatty acids. This fish has shown to help boost the skin's ability to retain water.

The good news is that Omega 3 is limited to salmon. You can get omega-3s in other fatty fish such as sardines, mackerel, canned albacore tuna, rainbow trout, herring, swordfish, oysters, pollock, halibut, whitefish, and anchovies. There are also vegetarian sources for omega 3s. These include flaxseed, flaxseed oil, canola oil, walnuts, and leafy greens.
Another Important Note: According to an article in the January 24 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals, Eating broiled or baked fish you will have a much lower risk of stroke later in life. However, your risk is higher,if you eat fried fish or fish sandwiches.

Tulsi or basil

2007-01-27T12:05:00.000-08:00

Basil or Tulsi( Indian name) grows wild in the tropics and warm regions. It has highly aromatic leaves that has a pleasant spicy taste. Basil is grown from seed and the leaves are green or purple.

Basil has many medicinal properties.

# Basil seeds have been used as both a laxative and for the treatment of diarrhea

# Basil is a well known home remedy useful in all types of fevers like viral, bacterial or malarial. Juice of the leaves mixed with honey and warm water is an effective remedy for bronchitis, asthma, influenza, cough and cold

# It is rich in vitamin C, carotene, calcium and phosphorus, Tulsi helps skin stay healthy and supple. Take basil, oat flour, rose petals and sandalwood powder mix with milk and gently apply this on face. Rinse with water. It makes skin clean and glowing.

# Paste of basil leaves and water can reduce pigmentation.

# It has antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties. It raises the human body immunity by increasing the antibody production.

# It is believed to have anti-fertility effect.

# The leaves are a nerve tonic and also sharpen memory. It provides significant protection against stress

# The herb is useful in teeth disorders

Turmeric

2007-01-20T13:22:00.000-08:00

Botanical Name: Curcuma longa
Turmeric is a spice commonly used in curries and other South Asian cuisine. Turmeric has long been used in both Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine as an anti-inflammatory, to treat digestive disorders and liver problems, and for the treatment of skin diseases and wound healing. It is an excellent antiseptic. It grows 3 to 5 feet high, mostly in the tropical regions of Southern Asia, with trumpet-shaped, dull yellow flowers. Turmeric is fragrant and has a bitter, somewhat sharp taste.
Medicinal properties and Use of turmeric in home remedies

#Reduces Pigmentation :Turmeric can help even out your skin tone and colour. Simply apply a little turmeric mixed with cucumber juice or milk cream (malai) if you have a dry skin.Leave on for fifteen minutes , and wash off.

#Turmeric is a wonderful body scrub

#If you are planning a pregnancy, apply a mixture of turmeric and malai or turmeric and curd to your stomach and waist before going for a bath. Leave it on for fifteen minutes, and wash off. Theskin becomes supple and elastic and after giving birth, you will not be left with unsightly stretch marks.

#Turmeric is an excellent anti-oxidant

#Turmeric herbal tea to be a cure for loose stools

#Take a small piece a turmeric, grind it and drink the juice with a warm glass of milk.Have this drink once or twice a week. This will cure numerous ailments. It also purifies blood and strengthen bones.

#Turmeric's volatile oil functions as an external antibiotic, preventing bacterial infection in wounds

#Recent studies have shown that turmeric can be effective in fighting a number of Sexually transmitted diseases including chlamydia and gonorrhea

#Recent studies indicate that turmeric slows the growth and spread of existing cancerous tumors.

#The populations that consume turmeric in large quantities have traditionally had a lower incidence of Alzheimer's, turmeric is also being investigated as an anti-Alzheimer's medicine. Early animal studies are very encouraging.

Neem

2007-01-08T13:13:00.000-08:00

Neem or Indian Lilac or Azadirachta indica, is native to India and Burma, grows mostly in tropical and semi-tropical regions. Neem is a fast growing tree that can reach a height of 15-20 m. Neem has various medicinal uses to cure human ailments, boost immunity and fortify human health. Recent studies have shown that Neem Leaf may help in cancer treatments and diabetes. It also cures digestive disorders.

For centuries people of India have used neem twigs for cleaning their teeth, treated skin deseases with neem leaf juice.
Neem is one of the most powerful blood-purifiers and detoxifiers.
Due to neem's antibacterial properties, it is effective in fighting acne, psoriasis and eczema. Neem kills the bacteria that causes acne and reduces the associated inflammation

Taking bath with neem steeped water reduces the intense itching of chickenpox, reduces scarring.

Neem is very effective in piles. Take three grams of the inner bark of Neem with 6 grams of jaggery every morning to cure piles.

Neem Leaf is also good for the eyes and nourishing to the hair. To get rid of dry, itchy skin or scalp, boil some neem leaves in water and wash your skin or scalp with this water. This will not only stop hair falling (due to infection) but also help their growth.

Neem extracts plays a vital role in dental hygiene. In India and Africa, people use the twigs of the neem tree as toothbrushes. It helps in healing bleeding gums. Cleaning the teeth regularly with a Neem twig prevents gum diseases. It firms up loose teeth, relieves toothache, evacuates the bad odour and protects the mouth from various infections . Neem-based toothpaste and mouthwash can also be used.

While fresh neem leaves are always preferable, they're rarely available outside India. There are many ayurvedic products available in the market. Make sure that you buy the right brand. Neem oil is a vegetable oil pressed from the fruits and seeds of Neem. Neem oil is generally light to dark brown, bitter and has a rather strong odour. To preserve fresh neem leaves- dry the leaves, crush them and keep in a tightly sealed container.

Puffiness under eyes

2007-01-03T16:13:00.000-08:00

Mild puffiness of the skin under your eyes can result from a number of causes, including fluid retention , tiredness, whatching too much television or computer. Taking a lot of salt, either directly or indirectly, could add to your problem with water retention. Water retention, occurs when the body has too much salt and not enough fluids to flush it out. If you see puffiness under your eyes, that is an indication that you're probably not getting enough water in your system and therefore, drink plenty of water. If you apply facial cream incorrectly or use a very oily night cream, this could also be the cause of swolen eyes in the morning. Make sure the creams are not applied to the center corner (near your nose) of your eyes.

The skin around your eye area is the most fragile and thinnest in the entire body, and for this reason, it must be treated with the utmost care. To reduce the puffiness, you can apply a cold compress until the area returns to it's original state. Some tips for reducing mild under eye puffiness

# Dip a cotton pad in chilled water , squeeze lightly and place on your closed eyelids. Repeat it 2/3 times. You can also use rose water instead of plain water.

# Place chilled cucumber slices or damp chilled tea bags, preferably green tea bags on your closed eyelids.

# Apply the juice of a grated raw potato. You can apply slices of raw potato over your eyes

# Sleep on your back with your head elevated by a pillow.

# Avoid foods high in saturated fat and consume more fibre in your diet

# If alcohol is the cause of puffy eyes, increase your intake of fluids to rehydrate the skin.

For puffiness caused by fat, cosmetic surgery is recommended to remove the fat pad. If puffiness is severe and persistent or you notice swelling in other parts of your body, see your doctor. The doctor may want to rule out other possible causes of swelling, such as kidney or thyroid problems or a side effect of medications

Yoga can cure cancer: Ramdev

2007-01-02T13:12:00.000-08:00

Here is an excerpt from a news published in www.dnaindia.com
Yoga guru Ramdev on Monday claimed that regular practice of seven breathing exercises or 'pranayams' popularised by him had successfully cured cancer within six to nine months
The news also states that
"Cancer of the breast, liver, prostate, uterus, pituitary gland, brain tumours and even leukaemia, can be cured by practising the seven breathing exercises," he claimed.

These claims were based on documentation and patients in hundreds have benefited, he said. "Some other ingredients like wheat grass juice and those derived from neem and tulsi leaves are also administered to patients alongside the breathing exercises."
It would be great if people who have been cured of such deseases, come forward and share their experience.

Source : www.dnaindia.com

Prevent Hair Loss- Home remedy

2006-12-27T16:30:00.000-08:00

Most men and women experience some amount of normal hail loss everyday. This happens because after the end of every growth cycle, the hair naturally falls off, resulting in hair loss. But, one needs to start worrying only when the hair loss is excessive. Most common causes of bad hair loss is stress and poor nutrition. There are other factors such as Hormonal changes, pregnancy etc. Some medicines could also cause hair loss and the loss of hair might in crease when you would stop taking them.
Excessive use of strong chemical content shampoo over a period of time could adversely affect your hair. This might lead to losing of hair

How to prevent hair loss
The best way to treat the threat of hair loss is to take care of your hair while it is healthy. Make sure that you
# Have a balanced diet rich in iron and protein.
# Take raw vegetables, fresh fruits, salads, green leafy vegetables regularly.
# Wash hair twice weekly with a light shampoo.
# Reduce anxiety, stress and sleeplessness.
# Check for infections of scalp.

You can avoid hair loss with things like changing your diet, removing stressfull points in your life, applying herbal remedies etc.

# Vitamin A, iron in the diet takes care of hair loss, so go for green, leafy vegetables like spinach, salads, milk and sprouted beans. Proteins that promote hair growth could be buttermilk, wheat germ, Soya beans, whole grains and nuts. Add vegetable oils, honey,egg, wheat germ, yeast and liver to your diet.

# Make a paste of Hibiscuss flower and apply to your scalp. Alternatively , you can use Jaba Kusum Oil or any ayurvedic product made from Hibiscuss flower.

# Onion has also been found beneficial in patchy baldness. The affected part should be rubbed with onions and wash off after some time.

# Massage your hair with warm coconut oil or olive oil twice a week.

# If the reason of your hair loss is some kind of infection, then boil some neem leaves in water and wash your hair with this water.

# Amla is another powerful remedy for hair loss. Soak amla powder or dried amla in water and apply.

Also check Natural Home Remedies for your Hair

Weight Loss Naturally

2006-12-19T09:56:00.000-08:00

Know your ideal weight
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a mathematical calculation used to determine whether a patient is overweight or not. BMI is the ratio of your height to your weight and is calculated as follows:
BMI = your weight in kg divided by the square of your height in metres.
For example
your weight is 60 kg
your height is 1.68m (5ft 6in),
then your BMI is 60 /( 1.68 x 1.68) = 21.2

Under 20: underweight
20-25: normal
25-30: overweight
30-40: obese
Over 40: dangerously obese

Weight Loss Naturally
Natural weight loss with physical exercise and a vegetarian diet or raw food diet is the most healthy and safe weight loss. The best way to loss weight is
Control eating habits
Don't fast or skip meals. Instead, eat three meals a day- a breakfast, a light dinner and a heavy lunch . Eat at least one hour before you go to bed at night.
A diet free of animal products and low in fat helps in losing weight without the task of strict calorie watching
Regular exercise
Find activities, hobbies, sports, games, or work that you enjoy doing . Walk for half an hour daily. Choose your exercise activity according to your natural constitution / build and your tendency to gain weight.
Avoid the causes of weight gain
Avoid the junk foods that have no nutritional value. Avoid very sweet, salty or oily food especially at night.
Reduce calorie dense foods, they are the most likely source of weight gain.
Reduce the intake of refined carbohydrates, such as white bread and pasta, which cause a rapid increase in blood sugar. Refined carbohydrates are often found in processed foods that contain a lot of sugar. Eat whole grains, fruits and vegetables . Sleeping during the daytime should be avoided at all costs

Here are a few home remedies and herbs that is helpful in losing weight

# Lemon juice and honey is an excellant home remedy. Mix 2 teaspoon lemon juice , 1 teaspoon honey in water and drink. Take this drink 2 to 3 times a day.

# Regular intake of carrot or carrot juice helps in reducing weight.

# Do pranayama/yoga: Take deep breaths and then completely breathe out, squeeze stomach completely and hold for a while. Repeat this 3 to 5 times. For more detail on yoga, see Pranayama

# Drinking green tea also help. Hoodia is one herb which helps to get rid of body toxins.

# Mint is also known to reduce weight. Drink mint tea or prepare a mint chutney to take with other meals.

# Eat raw fruits and cooked vegetables (boiled or steamed) like cabbage, bitter gourd . Avoid cheese, butter ,rice , potato etc

Remember,there is no 'quick fix' to losing weight . The only way to lose weight safely and to keep it off is to change your eating habits, and then ensure that those new, healthier eating habits become a way of life

Home remedy for Constipation

2006-12-16T14:52:00.000-08:00

Constipation is irregular bowel movement. Improper eating habits including eating a lot of food, eating food which is difficult to digest (such as meat) and not eating enough vegetables and salads are asically the reasons of constipation.Stress,Irregular sleeping habits can also lead to constipation. If any serious illness is not the reason of constipation, then following home remedies help

#Drink 2/3 glasses of warm/hot water and go for a walk after waking up early in the morning.This is one of the best treatment for constipation.

#Drink lemon juice mixed with warm water two to three times a day to ease constipation

#Eat freshly cooked food, and chew food thoroughly .Have Plenty of fruits, vegetables and salads . Bale fruit, papaya , grapes are some of the best natural laxative to treat constipation.

#Soak one date overnight in half a cup of water. Next morning mash the date and drain the water. Drink 1 teaspoon of this water four times a day

#Do some regular physical activity

#Drink a glass of warm milk before going to bed

#A common Ayurvedic medicine for constipation is Triphala Churna. Triphala is an Ayurvedic herbal formula consisting of equal parts Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Bibhitaki (Terminalia belerica), and Haritaki (Terminalia chebula).

Home Remedies for Dandruff

2006-12-15T12:58:00.000-08:00

A few home remedies to prevent and cure Dandruff

* Apply warm coconut oil mixed with lemon juice or Amla (Indian gooseberry) juice to scalp and leave on for about an hour. Then steam your hair for 10 minutes and wash . You can also use Olive oil instead of coconut oil. Use this treatment twice a week. It is one of the best remedy for dandruff

* Apply curd which is kept open for 2/3 days ,once it becomes a little sour in taste. Wash after half an hour.
Fenugreek

* Soak two tablespoons of fenugreek(methi) seeds overnight in water and grind into a fine paste . Apply this to your scalp and wash after half an hour.
Neem Leaves

* Boil a few neem leaves (Indian Lilac) (or neem powder) in water for a few minutes. Let the water cool and apply on your scalp for half an hour. Then rinse off.

* After washing hair with shampoo, always rinse off with a tablespoon of fresh lime juice mixed with water. It prevents dandruff. Avoid using harsh shampoos.

* The hair should be brushed daily to improve the circulation and remove any flakiness. Keep you comb/brush clean.

* Diet plays an important role in the treatment of dandruff. Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. Avoid strong tea or coffee, refined and processed foods.

Blackhead Removal

2006-12-14T16:57:00.000-08:00

When a pore gets clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria, a blackhead is formed in your skin.The following are some tips for removing blackheads.

# Steam your face using a hot water or a washcloth. Steaming opens up the pores and soften blackheads. This will make them much easier to remove.

# You can also use baking soda to loosen blackheads. Take equal parts baking soda and water in your hand and rub gently on your skin for 2 to 3 minutes. Rinse with warm water

# Use mild scrubs and exfoliaters to clear away any dead skin cells.

# Apply gentle pressure to clear the clog from the pore. Avoid harsh squeezing or scraping at the blackhead.

# You can also try a good quality Blackhead Remover to Extract black heads . Commercial “blackhead strips” are basically placed over the skin and then pulled off . Caution should be used with these products

# Once you are done , wash your face with ice cold water to close the opened up pores

Acne: Home remedy

2006-12-13T16:32:00.000-08:00

Acne occurs when the natural oils that the skin produces clogs the pores of the skin. One of the best acne treatments is diet. If you are unhealthy inside it will be reflected in your skin. There are so many foods that act naturally as a home remedy for acne and are often the best acne treatments. Here are a few basic measures to prevent and cure acne.

* Develop a regular habit of skin cleansing. Remove all your make-up at bedtime. Exfoliate with a gentle scrub 2-3 times per week. This skin care measure will help you clean off dirt, bacteria and other undesirable substances. Additionally, cleansing your skin also helps you get rid of excess oils that can cause breakouts. However, it is very important that you do not over wash your skin; otherwise, you'll be removing oils that are essential for your skin.

* Avoid oily and fried food.

* Drink 8-10 glasses of water throughout the day. Increase intake of water rich fruits and vegetables like cucumber, melon etc. You can also apply cucumber juice on your face.

* Another home treatment for acne aloe (aloe vera). You can use this in gel or juice form.

* Apply cooked and cooled oatmeal mask to your face and let it sit for fifteen minutes. Just apply it to the area that is affected with acne.

* Wash your face twice a day with a mild cleanser or a specialized acne cleanser that has no harsh chemicals. Cleaning your face with egg whites also helps.

* Use moisturizer that is water based and oil-free.

* Mix gram flour or sandalwood powder or multani mitti with rose water. Apply on your face and let it dry. Then wash off thoroughly.

* Drink a glass of Lemon juice (two tablespoon lemon juice mixed with water) daily.

* You shouldn't touch, pop or squeeze pimples, because you spread the bacteria and make the acne worse.

Some people will require acne medications because more serious illness are the reason for their acne problem. Medications such as antibiotics are often used to clear up acne outbreaks, and very often are effective

Anti wrinkle- natural way

2006-12-12T13:16:00.000-08:00

As we age the skin is no longer able to retain moisture as it once did and the collagen and elastin fibers, which support the skin, become weaker. Slowly, the skin sags, and wrinkles appear. A few simple steps can help you look younger and more beautiful by reducing the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines.

# Drink plenty of Water, 6-8 glasses per day to keep the skin hydrated.
# Use Sunscreen, SPF 25 or higher, wear sunglasses with UVA protection
# Moisturize Regularly.
# Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables ,especially foods high in anti-oxidants.Foods rich in antioxidant are dark green leafy vegetables including spinach,bell and chili peppers, prunes, Raisins, Blueberries, Blackberries, Grren tea,sprouts .The theory is that the same anti-oxidants that protect our health when consumed as part of our diet can protect our skin when applied directly to the face.
# Exercise regularly. Exercise helps keep us from aging by keeping weight down, working the heart, toning muscles, and getting the blood flowing (to the skin!)
# Green tea when applied to skin ,rejuvenates the skin and prevent aging.
# Soy is an effective moisturizer and offers anti-oxidants.certain soy proteins help with pigmentation problems, like sun spots and other discolorations
# If you want to use a anti-wrinkle cream, then look for products which contain Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs), Vitamin E etc,or a herbal cream with ingredients like Indian aloe (Aloe vera) ,Grapes ,Lemon ,Tomato ,White sandalwood etc

Alpha Hydroxy Acid: Alpha hydroxy acid weaken the fibers between the dead cells hastening the process of exfoliation, unblock pores, improve tone and texture of the skin and also take care of fine lines and wrinkles. Even blemishes and sunspots fade rapidly and the skin actually acquires a glow.

Vitamins: There are certain vitamins, which help in making the collagen fiber stronger and also help in reducing the fine wrinkle lines. Vitamin A or Retinol is a good exfoliator and collagen stabilizer. It hastens cell division and removes dead cells very efficiently. Vitamin C in the form of L-ascorbic acid is an antioxidant, which reduces wrinkles and also stabilizes collagen. Vitamin E improves moisturization.

Anti Aging- Naturally

2006-12-11T10:06:00.000-08:00

Everyone desires to look and feel younger as one ages.Lifestyles and health habits can control the process of aging. Let us see how simple it is to remain young and fit in a natural way.

Diet:
Eat a balance diet ,consume fresh fruits and vegetables. Drink plenty of water .Add a wide range of ingredients to your diet, including essential fatty acids and antioxidants. Antioxidants are special compounds that protect against oxidation, or cellular damage caused by free radicals.Familiar antioxidants include vitamin E, vitamin C and beta carotene. Fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidant are
Kale
Spinach
Brussels sprout
Alfalfa sprouts
Broccoli Flowers
Beets
Red bell pepper
Prunes
Raisins
Blueberries
Blackberries

Green tea is a rich source of anti-oxidants. Green tea when applied to skin ,rejuvenates the skin by reactivating dying skin cells.Carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin and cantaloupe has antioxidant which can reduce wrinkle.
Cut back on unnecessary calories.Don't confuse reducing calories with malnutrition, however. Lower your intake of foods containing fat and sugar. Eat fish regularly, avoid red meats. omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, lower heart-disease risk, stimulate the immune system.
You may also want to consider a multivitamin if you aren't getting enough nutrients in your diet.

Exercise:
Exercise to stay young and healthy. Do breathing exercise or paranayama. When you go for walks try different routes. The changes are also good for your mind plus you won't get bored.
Spend some time in your garden, in the fresh air among the trees and plants. Plants have good vibrations that can benefit you.
And last but not the least, think young and you will feel and look younger.Do something you have always wanted to do, but never had the time to do. Enjoy

Green Tea

2006-12-10T14:20:00.000-08:00

Green tea is the the most popular tea in Asian countries such as China and Japan.It is light green in color. Green tea is not oxidized; the leaves are steamed or baked immediately after being plucked. They are then rolled and dried allowing the leaves to remain green in color

The best way to prepare Green Tea is to boil the water and then let it cool for 2/3 minutes. The target water temperature is 170 degrees Fahrenheit. Let the tea bag/tea leaves steep for two to three minutes.If the water is too hot, it turns the tea bitter.

Drinking green tea has many health benefits:

Reduces high blood pressure.

Lowers blood sugar. Green tea polyphenols and polysaccharides are effective in lowering blood sugar.

Fights cancer. There have been many studies that have shown that green tea catechins are effective at preventing cancer.

Drinking tea can help people lose weight.It burns fat naturally and increases metabolism

Help the immune system fight viral and bacterial infections

Prevents aging.It can be applied to skin as well. It rejuvinate the skin

Home facial

2006-12-04T09:57:00.000-08:00

A facial leaves the skin soft, smooth and glowing with vitality.A regular facial once a fortnight is a good habit ensures a youthful and fresh skin.
Here is a 6-step recipe for a home facial.All that you need to do a facial at home is
Gentle cleanser
Exfoliating scrub
Warm water & a washcloth
Clay-based or cream facial mask (based on skin type)
Toner
Basic moisturizer

Cleanse the skin:wash the face to remove any grime or dirt.You can use a cleansing cream or a homemade cleanser like honey, milk or rose water

Exfoliate: Using your fingers, rub a gentle exfoliating scrub in a circular motion on your face. Concentrate on the areas around your nose and forehead or if you have combo skin, work harder on the areas that tend to be ‘greasy.’ Rinse your face well since exfoliating scrubs tend to be drying.Check out Home Made Scrubs for a list of scrubs that can be prepared at home

Steam: Steaming helps in opening the pores and primes the skin for deep cleaning, increase blood circulation to the skin, and soften it. Place one Facial Tea bag in a bowl and add boiling water.. Let it steep and cool for a few minutes.Or you can use fragrant herbs like chamomile, eucalyptus, lavender. You can also use just plain water. Lean over the bowl and drape a towel over your head. Make sure to keep your face at least 15-24 inches away from the water. If you have sensitive skin or enlarged pores, keep further away. Remain under the towel for a few minutes, up to 5.Then pat dry

The mask: masks draw dirt, oil, and impurities out of the skin. There are many varieties of masks you can make at home.Check out HomeMade Mask for preparing a mask at home.Apply the mask, avoiding the areas around the eyes. Keep it on for 10-20 minutes . Rinse completely

Toning: Toning removes the residues of cleanser or mask and refreshes the skin. It contracts muscles, refines pores, absorbs all the oil and grease immediately, leaving behind a fresh and radiant skin. You can prepare a toner at home as follows.
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup witch hazel
2 Facial Tea bags
1 tsp. aloe vera gel

Bring water and witch hazel to a boil. Turn off heat, add the tea bags and let steep for 5-10 minutes. When mixture has cooled, remove tea bags and mix in 1 tsp. aloe vera gel. Pour into a clean bottle. Keep the remaining mixture in the refrigerator

Moisturize: Wash your face with ice cold water to close the pores. Pat dry. Apply a moisturizer on the skin with the fingertips in the upward and circular movements to make it soft, smooth and glowing

Tags: steps for a home facial

Organic Food facts

2006-12-03T14:00:00.000-08:00

Organic foods are health foods grown without the use of conventional pesticides, artificial fertilizers or sewage sludge, and that they were processed without ionizing radiation or food additives.For animals, it means they were reared without the routine use of antibiotics and without the use of growth hormones.In most jurisdictions, organic food must meet specified production standards, which specify growing and processing conditions different from normal agricultural and food safety requirements.

How to identify: A "certified organic" label is usually the only way for consumers to know that a processed product is "organic".In USA, a USDA Organic seal identifies products with at least 95% organic ingredients
Food safety: growing a food organically doesn’t alter the the nutritional content but the lack of synthetic pesticidal & insecticidal residues on organically grown foods surely makes it a safer product.organic foods lack the harmful chemicals found in non-organic foods. Tthe lack of chemicals within organic foods,reduces the amounts of toxins such as fertilizers, hormones, and pesticides in your body.

Better taste: Since organic food is natural and fresh, it boasts off its rich taste

Organic Food is More Expensive:Organic produce, since it is grown without the use of any synthetic pesticides or insecticides is more labor-intensive. Also, very often the yields of an organic produce is significantly lower than that grown under non-organic conditions. The time to time certification, use of expensive sprays, training of agriculturists for organic practice etc., all contribute to the price hike

Green leafy vegetable could reduce skin cancer risk

2006-12-02T13:05:00.000-08:00

Green leafy vegetable may be as important as wearing a hat, sunscreen and protective clothing to reduce the risk of skin cancer, says a study that highlights the importance of eating a healthy, well-balanced diet.

Those who eat at least three serves of green leafy vegetables a week reduced their risk of skin cancer by up to 55 percent, the study by Jolieke van der Pols and other researchers involving 1,000 people in Nambour, on the Sunshine Coast found, according to ABC News online.

Green vegetables such as spinach contain a crucial cocktail of nutrients that can boost the skin's natural defence against sun damage, the 11-year study said.

"Other researches that have looked at individual nutrients haven't found very clear evidence, so it might be that actually the combination of nutrients as they occur normally in the foods that we eat, actually have the effect on the skin cancer," Pols said.

-IANS

Tea helps heal damaged skin after cancer radiation therapy

2006-12-01T14:28:00.000-08:00

Tea extracts work as an effective treatment for patients who suffer from damaged skin following radiation treatment for cancer.

Researchers show that this might partly be due to the anti-inflammatory properties of tea. In a study published today in the open access journal BMC Medicine, researchers show that tea acts at the cellular level, by inhibiting inflammatory pathways, to reduce inflammation.

They also show that tea extracts reduce the duration of radiation-induced skin damage by up to 10 days in patients who received radiation treatment.

Frank Pajonk, from the University of California in Los Angeles, USA, and colleagues from the University of Freiburg, Germany, studied the effects of green tea and black tea extracts on patients who had been treated with radiotherapy, which can damage the skin. The authors then analysed the effects of the same tea extracts on human and mouse white blood cells in culture.

Pajonk et al. add that tea's high content of polyphenols is likely to be responsible for its high anti-inflammatory activity, but that other pathways are probably involved in its clinical effectiveness.

--- ANI

Natural Home Remedies for your Hair

2006-12-01T11:20:00.000-08:00

A few home made recipes to keep your hair healthy and beautiful :

Apply coconut oil to your hair and scalp and keep it for 2hrs. Wash with a mild shampoo that suits your hair.shampoos must be selected cautiously, according to your hair type- normal,oily or dry.Remember excess shampooing strips natural oils from the hair.

Rinse your hair with baking soda to get rid of shampoo build-up and styling residues. Rinsing your hair with lemon juice mixed with water is said to bring life and shine back to dull hair.

Apple cider vinegar mixed with water will give your hair shine and bounce.

Egg is a natural conditioner and gives bounce and shine to the hair.

Lemon ensures dandruff free and absolutely clean hair.Apply lemom juice with water all over your scalp and leave for 15-20 minutes. Then rinse off.

AMLA is a known hair tonic and a hair nourisher. It also promotes hair pigmentation, which makes the hair look dark.Apply Amla juice mixed with water or Soak dried amla in water overnight,apply this water in your scalp and leave on for 20 minutes.

Mix equal amounts of dried shikakai and amla(Indian gooseberry and a little Fenugreek(methi) powder.(or Soak fenugreek seeds overnight and grind to a paste).Soak for 2hrs .Apply the paste to scalp.leave it for 20 minutes and rinse off.It nourishes hair, promotes hair growth and prevents dandruff.Use this mixture once in a week and see the difference.

Grind some fresh maha bhringraj leaves and apply the juice .It nourishes hair,Stops hair fall and graying of hair. It is a miracle tonic to Stop hair fall instantly.

Amla, shikaki powder mixed with curd is a good conditioner.

Heat coconut oil with 100 gms.of neem powder and apply to your hair once a week to get rid of dandruff.

Mix henna powder, gooseberry, curd & lemon juice. Apply this to your hair and leave it for an hour. Then wash your hair with a mild shampoo. Frequent application of henna dries your hair, so make sure you apply oil before washing hair.

Herbal shampoo: Make a paste of shikakai, soap nut and gooseberry powder. This would serve as an effective herbal shampoo.

Herbal bleach: Make a blend of cucumber, orange & lemon juice with henna and apply.

And last but not the least- Drink plenty of water and eat plenty of raw fruits and vegetables.

Tag: Hair care, hair loss, dandruff,graying of hair,beautiful hair

Pranayama

2006-11-30T10:48:00.000-08:00

Pranayama is the art of breath control.Prana means life.Pranayama is used in yoga as a separate practice to help clear and cleanse the body and mind.The breath is a metaphor for life energy. In yoga, and in Ayurveda, we seek to sustain and enhance the life force as much as possible - absorbing as much prana through breath, food, visual surroundings, sound, all our senses as possible. The most significant way of doing this is through the practice of pranayama , breathing techniques or breath control

A few Benefits of Pranayama:

Increases the rate of metabolism (to aid with weight loss) - also Agni, the digestive fire, is extremely important in Ayurveda (Eastern Medicinal Branch of Yoga) - having a healthy digestion will improve your entire state of health - body and mind

Strengthen the immune system

Calms and steadies the mind ,improves focus and concentration

Reduce stress - when encountering stress, one of our first responses is to hold the breath, or breath very shallowly

Remove waste products such as Carbon Dioxide and other toxic gases from the body, so they do not remain in the blood stream - this exchange in done through the alvioli in the lungs

The following are a few pranayama exercises taken from Swami Ramdev's teachings. For details procedure and benefits of doing these pranayama please visit
Bhastrika Pranayam
Kapal Bhati Pranayam
Bahaya Pranayam
Anulom Vilom Pranayam

Bhastrika Pranayam
Procedure : Take deep breaths and then completely breathe out.
Duration : 2 mins atleast. 5 mins max.
Kapal Bhati Pranayam
Procedure : Push air forcefully out. Stomach will itself go in.
Duration : Start with 30 times or 1 min. increase upto 5 mins min. upto 10 mins max.
Bahaya Pranayam
Procedure : Breathe air out, touch chin to chest, squeeze stomach completely and hold for a while. then release chin, breathe in slowly.
Duration : 3 times to 5 times normally. max upto 11 times. and extremely max upto 21 times (in winters).
Anulom Vilom Pranayam
Procedure : Hold your right nasal with thumb, breathe in from left. Now open right nasal and close left nasal with middle and ring finger and breathe out from right nasal. Now breathe in from right nasal. Now close right nasal and open left and breathe out and in from left nasal. and so on.
Duration : atleast 10 mins.

courtesy: www.divyayoga.com

Tag: Yoga , Pranayama, breathing exercise

Vitamin rich Vegetables

2006-11-29T14:45:00.000-08:00

Vegetables is an excellent source of vitamins and other nutrients . Check out the vitamins in vegetables as well as in other food sources and get a complete knowledge as to which vegetable or food source contains what kind of vitamin and other nutrients.

Vitamin A :carrots, pumpkins, broccoli, dairy products, liver, eggs,sweet potato, kale,spinach, avocado, broccoli, peas, asparagus and green pepper
Contribution to Body:helps growth and health of bones, teeth, skin, hair; maintains health of eyes; fights infection

Vitamin B1:whole grains, pork, poultry, fish, dried beans,peas and avocado
Contribution to Body:helps body use carbohydrates; helps digestion; promotes good appetite; keeps nerves healthy

Vitamin B2 (riboflavin): avocado,dairy and grain products, eggs, meat, fish, dark-green vegetables
Contribution to Body:helps body use proteins and energy foods; helps eyes; maintains smooth skin

Vitamin B3 (niacin): avocado, peas, potatoes, mushrooms, corn, artichoke, asparagus, lima beans, sweet potato, kale, broccoli, carrots and green pepper
Contribution to Body:helps maintain healthy nerves and digestion

Vitamin B9 (folate/folic acid):lima beans, asparagus, avocado, peas, artichoke, spinach, broccoli, corn, sweet potato, kale, potatoes, carrots, onions and green pepper,deep-green, leafy vegetables; grains, meats, eggs
Contribution to Body:maintains health of red blood cells

Vitamin C(ascorbic acid):artichoke, asparagus, avocado, broccoli, cauliflower, corn, cucumber, green pepper, kale, lima beans, mushrooms, onions, peas, potatoes, spinach citrus fruits
Contribution to Body:helps build teeth and bones; helps in blood formation; helps body to fight infection; aids in healing of cuts; forms collagen.

Vitamin D:fortified milk,mushrooms
Contribution to Body:helps build strong bones and teeth

vitamin E: oils, whole grains, eggs, milk, liver, green leafy vegetables
Contribution to Body:helps body use energy foods; protects body from too much oxygen

Vitamin K: leafy vegetables like broccoli, spinach and kale,cabbage, cauliflower

calcium: dairy products, broccoli, turnip and mustard greens
Contribution to Body:helps to build and maintain strength of bones and teeth; helps blood clotting; ids heart and nervous system

phosphorus :dairy products, whole grains, meats, dried beans, peas
Contribution to Body:helps to build and maintain strength of bones and teeth; helps body to produce energy and to use other nutrients

magnesium: dairy products, eggs, organ meats, whole grains, nuts, leafy vegetables
Contribution to Body:helps muscles and nervous system; aids enzymes; aids use of carbohydrates and proteins; forms skeleton, soft tissues, and blood

sodium :table salt, processed foods, pickled foods, cured foods

potassium :citrus fruits, bananas, dried fruits, fish meats

iron :organ meats, eggs, meat, dried fruits and legumes, whole grains, dark leafy greens, mint leaves.
Contribution to Body:with protein, makes hemoglobin; helps cells to use oxygen received from blood

zinc :seafood, meat, eggs, dairy products, whole grains

Carbohydrate: grain products, rice, legumes,bran, nuts, some raw vegetables and fruits
Contribution to Body:provides energy; helps body to use protein

Protein:: meat, milk, fish
Contribution to Body:builds and repairs body cells; makes antibodies to fight infection; forms hormones; provides energy

Tags: vitamin ,nutrients
Ref: Utah Edu. Network

Miracle herb: Brahmi

2006-11-27T15:07:00.000-08:00

Popular names: Brahmi, Bacopa Monnieri(latin),bacopa, Babies tear, Bacopa monnieri ,water hyssop

Brahmi is a small, creeping plant with numerous branches.The leaves of this plant are succulent and relatively thick. Leaves are oblanceolate and are arranged oppositely on the stem . It commonly grows in marshy areas throughout India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, China, Taiwan, and is also found in Florida and other southern states where it can be grown in damp conditions by the pond or bog garden.

Brahmi is bitter in taste.it has been used in the Ayurvedic system of medicine for centuries. It is used as a Ayurvedic medicine in the treatment of a number of disorders, particularly those involving anxiety, intellect and poor memory. Traditionally, it is known as a Miracle Brain Food to enhance memory development, learning, and concentration.

Benefits of using Brahmi :

In India the plant is used for all sorts of skin problems- eczema, psoriasis, abscess, ulcerations- it is said to stimulate the growth of skin, hair and nails.

Brahmi is a home remedy for skin problems, rheumatism, piles, inflammations swellings, fever, dysentery, children's bowel complaints, mental weakness and to improve memory.

Brahmi extract has been found to be very beneficial in the treatment of anxiety neurosis and mental fatigue. It has been found to significant improve IQ levels, general ability, behavioral patterns and mental concentration in children.

Brahmi is also used for the treatment of epilepsy, insomnia, asthma and rheumatism.

Indian studies have also shown Brahmi to possess anticancer activity.

Brahmi is effective against diseases like bronchitis, asthma, hoarseness, arthritis, rheumatism, backache, constipation, hair loss, fevers, digestive problems etc.

Brahmi is useful for improving mental clarity, confidence and memory recall. For these uses of Brahmi, it has been widely used by students.

Indian research has shown that Brahmi has Antioxidant, Cardiotonic and Anticancer properties.

Under Eye Dark Circles- Home Remedies

2006-11-27T12:51:00.000-08:00

Causes of under eye dark circles

Genetic: If you have dark circles, there is a good chance that others in your family also have them. The skin under the eye is very thin. When blood passes through the large veins close to the surface of the skin it can produce a bluish tint. The more transparent your skin, also an inherited trait, the darker the circles appear.

Exposure to sunlight, especially during the summer months, can cause a higher-than-normal level of skin pigmentation (melanin) under the eyes.

Nutrition:the lack of a balance diet, can contribute to dark circles

Lack of sleep or excessive tiredness

The skin can also become more pale during pregnancy and menstruation

AGE:If you have a propensity to have dark circles under you eyes, as you grow older, they are likely to become more noticeable and permanent

Dark Circles - Treatments and Remedies:

Get enough sleep

Apply grated potato for 20 minutes, 3-4 times a week

Drink plenty of water to hydrate the skin

Keep cucumber slices on your eyes for 15 to 20 minutes when you feel stressed

Have a balanced diet rich in iron and vitamins. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables

Use a high SPF sunscreen during the day.Moisturize with a good under eye cream at night.

Yoga and pranayams also helps in getting rid of dark circles

Massaging eyes with almond oil also helps

Use green tea that has steeped for five minutes and cooled. Wipe the eyes with this solution several times a day. This is supposed to reduce puffiness and shrink the skin under your eyes allowing the circles to be less visible

Product: Under eye cream

There is a product called Avalon Organics Lavender eye gel that has a specialty ingredient that has been clinically proven to get rid of dark under eye circles, not by covering them up but removing the blood that pools there.

Tags: under eye dark circles, home remedy, herbal remedies,Under eye cream

Homemade face packs

2006-11-24T16:12:00.000-08:00

Explaining the need for face packs

The skin is made up of a number of layers, fresh skin layers constantly form beneath the old, and the top skin is sloughed off in the form of dead skin cells. The new skin is fed up by the blood stream, so we can help our complexions by stimulating the circulation beneath the skin surface and also by seeing that old particles of tissue are not left clinging to the skin, so making it tired and dingy looking.
Face packs or mask can stimulate and tighten the skin. They often have a mild ligthening effect and whip up the blood beneath the skin surface, leaving the face glowing radiantly, and they help to work off dead surface skin.
Homemade Face Packs recipe from different Fruits like Apple, Strawberry, Avocado, Grape, Banana, Orange, Peach etc

Mash the avocado, Apply it thoroughly on face and leave for 15 - 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water, then use cold water to close the pores

Take some juice of orange,mix with a little milk or yogurt and apply it to the face with a cotton . It makes the skin smooth and soft

Take two teaspoonful of tomato juice, add one teaspoonful of lemon juice in it. Apply the mixture to the face and neck. It makes the skin soft and glowing

Split 2-3 grapes and rub the flesh over face and neck. Rinse with cool water.

Mix 1 tablespoon honey with 2 tablespoons finely ground almonds and a teaspoon lemon juice. Rub gently onto face and rinse off with warm water after 20 minutes

Mash three large strawberry , mix well with 1 teaspoon honey. Apply to face and let set for about 15 minutes. Gently wipe off with a damp wash cloth. Strawberry is slightly acidic, contains vitamin C. It leaves the skin sparkling and shining

Take a ripe banana , smash it ,mix with milk and apply on your face. leave it for 10 minutes and rinse off with cold water

Egg yolk mixed with honey makes for a really great mask: put on your skin, leave it on for 20 minutes, and rinse off. Excellent for sensitive skin. Honey gives a tingling/ticklish sensation, so if you are sensitive to that, use the egg yolk alone.

Mix Sandal wood powder with rose water, apply the paste on your face and leave it to dry.then wash completeley. If you have a dry skin then use milk or yogurt instead of rose water.

Take one ripe peach - peeled and pitted ,one egg white. Whip peach and egg white together in a blender until smooth. Gently pat mixture over face. Leave on for 30 minutes. Rinse off with cool water. It helps tighten your skin

Homemade scrubs

2006-11-23T13:35:00.000-08:00

Scrubs stimulate circulation and cleanse the pores, preventing blackheads by efficiently removing the dead scaly outermost layer of the skin. It helps bring lustre to your complexion and stimulates new skin growth.Listed below are some home made scrubs for various skin types.
Gently rub the mixture on the face in small clockwise circles for 2/3 minutes. Rinse off with cool water.

Sugar Scrub:sugar cane produces glycolic acid, one of the natural alpha hydroxy acids that exfoliates the skin.Take 2 tsp white cane sugar (note that organic sucanat, while the best choice for food, doesn't work as well for this recipe) ,2 tsp vegetable glycerin to moisten the sugar ( or you can use avocado oil ) ,small amounts of aloe vera gel, vitamin C crystals, or anything healing that dissolves in water
Combine the ingredients in a bowl. Scoop some of the scrub onto your hand and massage gently onto your skin for a minute (the scrub will actually tighten onto your skin like a masque). Leave on for 3 to 4 minutes before rinsing.

Oat flour plus a little Basil (tulsi), sandalwood (chandan) powder and rose (gulab) petals. Mix to a paste with water, milk .Gently apply to face and wash off.

Honey Almond Scrub:2 Tbsp almonds,2 tsp milk,1/2 tsp flour,1/2 tsp honey.Grind almonds in a blender. Add milk, flour and honey, mixing until a thick paste is formed. Rub into skin, rinse with warm water

To loosen blackheads, combine equal parts baking soda and water in your hand and rub gently on your skin for 2 to 3 minutes. Rinse with warm water.

Two tablespoons of cornmeal mixed with yougurt or milk to make a thick paste. Gently apply to face and wash off

Honey and Oats Scrub:1/2 cup oatmeal,1 Tbsp honey,1 Tbsp cider vinegar,1 tsp ground almonds .Moisten face with a warm washcloth then apply mixture to face avoiding the sensitive area around the eyes. Let mixture dry, then remove with a warm, damp washcloth

Tag: homemade facial scrubs, skin care, beautiful skin

Amla-Indian Gooseberry

2006-11-21T11:28:00.000-08:00

Amalaki, Amla or Indian Gooseberry is known to be the best among rejuvenating herbs.The fruit contains the highest amount of Vitamin C in natural form.Amalaki is referred to in ancient text as the best medicine to prevent aging. Although only one inch in diameter, the Amalaki fruit has the same antiscorbutic value as two oranges.
While the fresh Amalaki fruit is used to make chutneys and relishes in India, the Amla-Berry tablets from Ayurvedic products are a convenient way to enjoy the healing benefits of this remarkable fruit no matter where you live

Benefits
Enhances food absorption:The regular use of Amla-Berry tablets can strengthen digestion, absorption and assimilation of food

Nourishes the brain and mental functioning

Promotes healthier hair. Amla-Berry boosts absorption of calcium, thus creating healthier bones, teeth, nails and hair. It also helps maintain youthful hair color and retards premature graying, and supports the strength of the hair follicles, so there is less thinning with age

Amla protects cells against free radical damage and provides antioxidant protection

Amla is used to treat skin disorders, respiratory infections, and premature aging

Amla is useful in hemorrhage, diarrhea, dysentry, and has therapeutic value in treating diabetes

Amla has anti-bacterial and astringent properties that help prevent infection and help in the healing of ulcers

Basic steps to a beautiful skin

2006-11-20T10:34:00.000-08:00

Healthy, radiant, glowing skin is something every person wants.A good skin care routine is very natural, simple and easy to follow. Explore the ways in which you can make your skin glow out with smoothness, beauty and radiance of good health.

The best way to take care of your skin is to protect it from the sun. Ultraviolet light — intense rays of the sun — damages your skin, causing deep wrinkles, dry, rough skin, liver spots, and more serious disorders. Avoid the sun during high intensity hours- from 10 a.m. to 3pm and always use Sunscreens .

A daily skin care routine calls for four basic steps: Cleansing, Exfoliating, Toning and Moisturizing.

Cleansing :One of the most important factors of skin care is skin cleansing. Because dirt, pollution, residual makeup, etc. can cause havoc to the skin leading to skin ailments and even hastening of the aging process. Depending on whether your skin is oily , normal to dry, you should use cleansers and products that are formulated for your specific skin type.Wash face using a gentle cleanser,so that all traces of dirt is gone and skin becomes perfectly clean.
Exfoliating :Exfoliating is the process of removing dead skin cells, which cause the face to look dull. The build up of dead cells can also contribute to blockage of the pores causing acne. Facial scrubs help clean the surface of the skin by removing the dead skins and the dirt.Use a delicate scrub for beautiful skin care. Use a tablespoon of sugar or oatmeal to keep you skin healthy and fresh.
Toning: Toning is refreshing, improves blood circulation and adds a healthy glow to the skin.
Soak cotton wool pads in skin tonic and wipe face in outward and upward strokes.
USE A FOAMING BATH TO TONE YOUR SKIN .Bathing foams with plant extracts like mint and rosemary are ideal for maintaining your skin’s firmness. They tone the skin by providing nutrients and improving blood circulation.
For instance, balsam (which contains pine extracts) improves breathing by improving oxygen intake.
Moisturizing:Well-moisturized skin is soft and supple, reflects a healthy glow and ages less quickly . You can apply moisturizer at night. You can also treat your skin with alpha hydroxy acids, vitamin A or C, or any similar cocktail treatment

Use Facial masks: Facial masks helps a lot keeping a beautiful skin. It is a great beauty skin care. Find recipes for preparing your own facial mask see Home made Face Pack

Digestive Enzyme

2006-11-17T15:07:00.000-08:00

A lack of proper digestive enzyme intake is often the cause for various ailments associated with your intestines, such as indigestion, bloating, and bowel difficulties.

Enzymes are needed for the digestive system to work. They are necessary to break down food particles . Raw vegetables and raw fruit are rich sources of enzymes.

While all raw foods contain enzymes, the most powerful enzyme-rich food is sprouted seeds, grains, and legumes. Sprouting increases the enzyme content in these foods enormously.

The more food that you can eat raw, the better.

If you do cook your food, the best way to cook food is to lightly steam, stew, or use a slow crock cooker. Eat as few over-processed and over-cooked foods as possible. The body has a difficult time digesting fried, pasteurized, barbecued, dried, and other over-processed and over-cooked foods .

If you are healthy, Raw eggs are another important part of the raw food approach, ,especially if the eggs are organic

Nutrition content in fruits and vegetables

2006-11-11T15:02:00.000-08:00

Here is a list of fruits and vegetables and their nutrition content and Nutritional Benefits

Apple
1 medium sized raw apple with skin contains
Calories 81
Carbohydrate 21 grams
Dietary Fiber 4 grams
Calcium 10 mg
Phosphorus 10 mg
Potassium 159 mg
Vitamin C 8 mg
Vitamin A 73 IU
Don't peel your apple. Two-thirds of the fiber and lots of antioxidants are found in the peel. Almost half of the vitamin C content is just underneath the skin. Apples are low in calories. It is a natural mouth freshener.they promote dental hygiene. Biting and chewing an Apple is a stimulant to the gums. Apple is a good medicine of diarrhea in patients of all ages, including babies.

Asparagus
5 spears of Asparagus contains
Calories 25
Carbohydrate 4 grams
Dietary Fiber 2 grams
Calcium 2 (% daily value)
Potassium 230 mg
Vitamin C 15 (% Daily Value )
Vitamin A 10 (% Daily Value )
Asparagus is one of the most nutritionally well-balanced vegetables in existence. Low in calories,Contains no fat or cholesterol,Very low in sodium and good source of potassium, fiber, folacin, thiamin, B6, antioxidant . This nutritious vegetable is a useful source of vegetable protein. The greener the Asparagus, the higher the concentration of nutrients.

Banana
Bananas are rich in potassium, calcium, magnesium phosphorus and iron. They are also a good source of Vitamins A and C as well as thiamine, riboflavin and niacin
Bananas also contain all 8 essential amino acids. Bananas are rich in fiber. Good for those trying to lose weight. Banana is one of the best fuels for the brain. They have a natural antacid effect. They reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.

Broccoli
one cup of chopped raw broccoli contains
Calories: 31
Protein: 2.57 g
Carbohydrates: 6.04 g
Fiber: 2.4 g
Calcium: 43 mg
Potassium: 288 mg
Vitamin C: 81.2
One of the most nutritious of all vegetables, Broccoli is high in vitamin C- contains 220% of the daily recommended value, high in folate, fiber, calcium, potassium, beta-carotene. Fat and cholesterol free , broccoli contains cancer fighting agents . Broccoli also helps regulate blood sugar and insulin.

Carrot
1 medium sized carrot contains
Calories 35
Carbohydrate 8 grams
Dietary Fiber 2 grams
Calcium 2 (% daily value)
Potassium 280 mg
Vitamin C 10 (% Daily Value )
Vitamin A 270 (% Daily Value )
Carrots contain a very large amount of vitamin A and they also contain falcarinol, which may prevent cancer.It is a good source of potassium, and contains vitamin B6, copper, folic acid, and magnesium. Carrot is a good brain food. Unlike most other vegetables, carrots are more nutritious when eaten cooked than eaten raw. Carrots are one of the best sources of carotene which is a strong antioxidant. the body converts it to vitamin A. Beta-carotene, found in Carrots, protects the body by decreasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, blindness and certain types of cancer. The deeper the orange color, the more beta-carotene in the Carrot.

Nutrition content in fruits and vegetables Part II

Sources:
USDA Nutrient Data Base for Standard Reference,
fatfreekitchen.com
Various Resources on Internet.

Steps Before applying makeup

2006-11-11T12:16:00.000-08:00

1. Cleansing

Start by applying cleansing milk on the face and neck with your fingers. Gently massage with your fingers in an outward and circular motion for a few seconds. Wipe off with a damp piece of cotton wool or splash water on your face. Pat dry with a clean towel to dry the face.

Caution

Never stretch or pull your skin while applying or removing the cleansing milk. Use the ringfinger to massage around the eyes. Move the ring finger from the inner corner of the eye to the outside and then under the eyebrows with extremely light and feathery strokes.

2. Toning

TO remove the greasiness which appears on the face after the use of cleansing milk, you definitely need to use a toner. Put a few drops of toner on a piece of cotton wool and apply it on the face and leave it on. It contracts muscles, refines (shrinks) pores, absorbs the oil and grease immediately, leaving behind a fresh, radiant skin. Use it to see the immediate difference it makes to your complexion.

Tip:

For extra oily skins, use astingent lotion instead of a toner. An astringent is a strongtoner which affectively removes excessive oiliness besides toning and refreshing the skin.

3. Moisturising

Finally use a moisturizer with your finger tips on your skin to make it soft, smooth and glowing. It also provides longer wear for make up. It takes care of your skin by not only putting back your skin lost moisture but also preventing further moisture loss. It also helps in the next application-THE FOUNDATION which spreads more easily if applied over the moisturizer, making foundation blend

Tip:

Remember to always use a sunscreen during the day on the top of the moisturizer. This will protect the skin from pollution, sun damage and dehydration

For a healthy, well preserved skin, follow the basic 3 minute skin care routine of cleansing, toning, and moisturizing also at the end of the day to remove dust and stalemake up.
So, remember to follow this routine twice a day-before make up and to remove make up at the end of the day.

Concealer

2006-11-05T15:18:00.000-08:00

A concealer is used to cover pimples, dark circles and other small blemishes visible on the skin. The right concealer can camouflage just about every imperfection and give you flawless skin.

Choosing a Concealer :Choose concealers that are one to two shades lighter than your skin tone. The main purpose is to make a darker spot blend into your complexion.To make sure that the color you are buying is right, try to test them out right at the store.

Use concealer with yellow undertones to hide dark circles. It will give you the most natural finish possible

Liquid concealer is highly recommended for dry skin and for concealing large areas like under-eye circles.

Solid concealer is commonly used to hide pimples, scars and bruises

Use concealer with blue or green undertones to conceal a ruddy skin tone

Concealers come in various forms like a squeezable tube or in a tube with a built-in brush-tipped wand applicator or an emollient-based, lightweight, creamy, discreetly opaque concealer or as a stick concealer which helps in direct on the spot application or a pencil-style concealer designed for instant, precise application

Applying a concealer:With liquid or solid foundation, best results are obtained by using concealer afterwards. When using a cream-to-powder foundation, concealer should go on first.
It is best to pick a concealer that has a wand; this will ensure accuracy when applying the concealer. Take the wand and sufficiently cover all areas of concern. Next, blend well with your fingers or a sponge. Cover the concealer with powder otherwise it will rub off by mid-day

Concealers are typically used in conjunction with foundation rather than by themselves for optimal effect

Recipe-Red Tomato Chutney

2006-11-02T13:44:00.000-08:00

Red Tomato Chutney

2 large red tomatoes
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1 teaspoon garlic
1/2 red onion
1/2 teaspoon chopped green chilli
2 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tbs. Jalapeno chilli peppers (optional)
finely chopped coriander/cilantro
Salt according to taste
A pinch of sugar

Place all ingredients, except the coriander, in a food processor and chop coarsely. Do not use a blender/liquidizer, that will make it too smooth. Sprinkle finely chopped cilantro over the chutney and serve with corn chips, tortillas or tandoori chicken