Coconut oil – Body lotion and anti-dandruff agent

With its composition of medium chain fatty acids, coconut oil is extremely effective at keeping skin healthy and free from dryness and wrinkles. Use it alone or in combination with some other oil or herb, for your skin or also hair – coconut oil works equally well. Because of its ability to penetrate deep into the hair shaft and also the skin, this oil acts from deep within to ensure conditioning and moisturising effects that last for long. Coconut oil is also a source of antioxidants such as vitamin E and so, using it regularly can also help prevent those wrinkles that appear on the skin with ageing.

Henna – Hair dye

Hair dyes work their magic instantly and this is what makes it tempting to reach out for one when you need to hide your greys and look your best. But most synthetic hair dye products contain chemicals called secondary amines or tar derivatives that have been linked to cancer. Switch over to a natural hair dye used since times immemorial – henna. Combine with sesame oil and curry leaves, or mix with beetroot juice, or add into a mix of curd, lemon juice and tea – whatever the shade you desire, henna can help you get it and in the process, also keep your body cool.

Turmeric (haldi) and fruits – Rejuvenating face pack

If you don’t have the time or motivation to head to a beauty parlour, the easiest way to get glowing skin on-the-go is to use a face pack. However, a commercial face pack is quite likely to contain chemicals – preservatives at the very least – that may not be good for you in the long run. Instead, make use of simple ingredients in your kitchen to rejuvenate your skin and give it a soft glow. Mix in some turmeric powder with a little curd and apply on your face. Or, mash ripe papaya fruit into a rough pulp and apply – this will also help reduce the appearance of black spots on the skin.

Aloe vera – Dry skin moisturiser

Moisturising creams for dry skin generally contain ingredients such as petrolatum that tend to be contaminated with harmful chemicals. Instead of taking the risk of these being absorbed into the body through the skin, opt for one of nature’s best skin moisturisers and softeners – aloe vera. Simply make a cut on the fleshy leaves of aloe vera plant, collect the gel that oozes out and apply to your skin.

Garlic and sandalwood (chandan) – Anti-acne effects

A natural powerhouse of antioxidants, garlic helps purify blood and this gives the skin a distinct glow. However, it can also be used directly on the skin for instantaneous relief from pimples. Just peel out the outer covering over garlic clove and rub the clove over the area where the pimple has sprouted. An alternative way to use garlic is to grind a few cloves and make into a paste using some curd; this face pack is effective in reducing acne.

Sandalwood is another excellent alternative to anti-acne creams and also has a moisturising effect. Mix a few drops of sandalwood oil with almond oil and massage this into the skin. Or you can add a few drops of the oil into boiling water and inhale the steam.

Make a paste by using one cup of curd, half a teaspoon of turmeric, a pinch of sandalwood powder and one teaspoon of sugar. Massage the paste on your face with gentle circular movements, leave on for half a minute and then remove by rinsing the face with cool water and pat dry.

Soapnuts (reetha) and shikakai – Gentle cleansing shampoo

Shampoos available in the market make use of chemicals such as sodium lauryl sulfate to produce foam that can cleanse dirt and grease from hair. But along with this, they also remove all oil from the scalp that is so essential to nourish your hair. A natural alternative that avoids such damage is soapnut or reetha in combination with shikakai. Mix equal quantities of soapnut and shikakai powders and make into a paste with warm water; wash hair using this paste. If you find your hair feels a bit too dry with this 1:1 proportion, experiment with lesser quantity of soapnut powder.

Pomegranate seeds (anar ke dane) – Natural lip colour

Exposure to the sun, smoking, dehydration and too much caffeine can turn darken your lips. But dark lips may also be a result of using lipstick daily for a prolonged time. The chemicals in it can cause this and you’ll need more lipstick to hide the darkness… the cycle goes on! Break this cycle and get back the natural pink of your lips with a scrub made from pomegranate seeds. Crush pomegranate seeds and mix in some milk cream; apply to your lips every day and your lips will be naturally red and full. You can also combine crushed pomegranate seeds with sugar and olive oil and use this paste to gently scrub your lips.

Whether it is a skin lightening cream, a hair dye, moisturiser, body lotion or any other cosmetic you need, there is a natural alternative available that is free from harmful chemicals, make use of them. 

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Amla or Gooseberry

The Indian gooseberry or amla is known as one of the richest sources of vitamin C. What is less well-known is its ability to keep the liver functioning at optimal levels. This herb has been used extensively in Ayurveda for treatment of a sluggish liver; now researchers are finding in laboratory studies that extracts from amla have liver-protective function. However, there is no clear indication of whether it is useful to treat hepatitis B infection. Amla is one of the important components in Chyawanpraash that has immunity boosting, digestive and liver-protective action. The best way to consume it is raw as small pieces in your salad or by making a raitha with grated amla and curd.

Jethimad or Licorice

People with non- alcoholic fatty liver disease show increased levels of the transaminase enzymes called ALT and AST. Studies have found that the use of licorice (Jethimad or Mulhati in Hindi) extracts led to reduced concentrations of these enzymes indicating that licorice has beneficial effects on the liver. Although licorice is more well-known for its sweet taste and anti-ulcer action, it has been used in Ayurvedic remedies to cure liver ailments. Licorice is available at stores selling Indian medicinal herbs; get the root, powder it at home and make a tea by pouring boiling water into the powder, steeping for a few minutes and then straining the liquid.

Amrith or Guduchi

Yet another herb that Ayurveda considers to have rejuvenating properties, Amrith is commonly grown in many kitchen gardens. It is said to have the ability to clear toxins from the liver as well as strengthen its functioning; more importantly, it does not cause any significant complications even on using long-term. However, Ayurvedic physicians warn that using this herb can precipitate a liver crisis if the patient has a large amount of toxins in the liver; therefore, it is best to use this only under an Ayurvedic practitioner’s guidance.

Haldi or Turmeric

Full of valuable antioxidants, turmeric is an important herb that improves liver health. No wonder then that people in Asian countries use it so extensively in their cooking. Now, it is being recognized even in western countries for its liver-protective value. Some studies have also found that the antiviral action of turmeric is effective in preventing the multiplication of the viruses causing hepatitis B and C. The easiest way to take turmeric is to include it in your cooking; you can also make it a practice to drink a little turmeric-flavoured milk on a regular basis to get its benefits.

Flaxseeds

Certain receptor sites normally bind hormones and keep them circulating in the blood. This puts a strain on the liver which has to filter out these excess hormones. Studies have found that the phytoconstituents in flaxseeds have the capacity to bind with such receptor sites and this prevents hormonal binding, and this means less work for the liver. Just sprinkling a few crushed or whole flaxseeds on your toast, salad or cereals can help you make use of their liver-protective effect.

Vegetables

Certain vegetables contain ingredients that help the liver secrete greater concentrations of important enzymes; in turn, these enzymes help to excrete potential carcinogens (cancer-causing substances) from the body. Beet, cabbage, carrot, broccoli, onion and garlic are important vegetables with such an action. Broccoli, onion and garlic are believed to provide sulfur to the body; this helps in the detoxification reactions the liver carries out and prevents damage to the liver.

Along with the use of these natural remedies, it is also important to avoid foods that cause damage to the liver. If you eat foods that are highly processed with a large number of additives, or if you take too many medications, your liver has to work overtime to tackle this greater chemical load and this can cause damage. Food that is rich in hydrogenated oil, high fructose corn syrup, artificial sweetening agents and alcohol are some of the other substances that can put a greater load on your liver. Along with consuming of liver-protective herbs, it is also important to make sure you avoid the foods that cause it harm.

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Yoghurt or dahi

Yoghurt is easily available in most homes and apart from eating it, you can also make use of it in homemade hair and face packs. It can do wonders for your hair and skin. Mix a tablespoon of dahi with honey and lemon juice and apply it on your face and neck. Keep it for 15 minutes before washing it off with water. This will not only cleanse your skin, but will also make it glowing. This pack is good for skin brightening as well.

For silky and shiny locks, take one cup of yoghurt (you can change the quantity according to the length of your tresses) and add an egg yolk to it. Mix it well and apply to on your hair. Keep it for at least 20 minutes and then wash it with cold water which will help get rid of the smell.  

Milk

Milk is another common ingredient found in Indian kitchens. A quick and easy face pack is to mix milk with turmeric (haldi) and apply it on your face and neck. This will make your skin glowing and is often applied on a bride-to-be before the upcoming nuptials. Mix some sandalwood (chandan) in the paste for better results.

You can make a hydrating mask for your hair using milk and honey. Apply it on your hair and then put on a shower cap. Keep it for 20 minutes and then shampoo your hair.

Sugar

Sugar, found in almost all households, can be used to make a body and face scrub. You will need – olive oil, lemon juice and honey apart from granulated sugar. Mix all of these together and apply it on problem areas like knees, elbows, and nail cuticles. It will make them softer after regular use. 

Turmeric or haldi

Haldi is used extensively in Indian cooking but can also be used in different ways – as face and body packs etc. You can apply turmeric powder mixed with coconut oil on cracked heels before taking a shower for healing cracks. You can also use it on burns for quick relief due to its antiseptic properties. Mix some aloe vera gel in it for better relief.

Fruits

Get a fruit facial at home without having to cough up enormous amounts of money. You can mash a banana and add some lemon juice and honey to it and apply on your face. This is good for ageing skin as it helps reduce wrinkles and lines. Another good option is orange peel. You can either rub it directly on your skin till it turns black to get a glow; or use it in a powder form. Add milk to the powder and use it as natural bleach. If you suffer from dandruff, apply some tomato juice mixed with camphor (kapoor) to your scalp. Let it stay for 30 minutes before you shampoo your hair.

Sea salt

Sea salt is a great, natural exfoliator for your skin. Make sure the salt block you use doesn’t have sharp edges. Now gently rub it on your skin to get rid of dead skin cells. Or add it to the bucket of water you bathe in for smoother skin. You can also soak your feet in water containing sea salt for some time to get a natural mini-pedicure. Sea salt not only improves your skin, it also keeps ageing signs at bay and eliminates toxins.  

Gram flour or besan

Besan has been used for its skin benefits for a long time now. It is one of gradma’s favourite ingredients to solve your beauty problems. For a blemish-free skin, mix besan with haldi, milk and lemon juice. Apply this paste on your face. Let it dry and then wash it with water. If you have oily skin, mix it with curd and apply it on your skin.

Lentils or daal

Lentils are a common kitchen ingredient in every Indian home and now you can use it to make scrubs and packs apart from eating them. Red lentil or masoor ki daal makes an excellent scrub. First, grind it into a fine powder and then mix it with either honey or milk. Apply it before taking a bath and keep it for 15 minutes before washing it off. Another option is using moong ki daal. You need to keep it under the sun for a day before you can make the paste. Next, add rice (about one-fourth of the daal) and grind it. Add haldi and milk to it and make a thick paste. Apply it on your face and body for glowing and blemish-free skin.

Ginger or adrak

Ginger is a popular ingredient used in many dishes. Now try a foot bath to reap in its benefits. Grate some ginger and add mustard powder to it. Now mix it with lukewarm water and soak your feet in it. This will prove to be very relaxing. Try this before you go to bed and enjoy a good night’s sleep after this ritual. Ginger also helps in getting rid of dandruff. Add some essential oil and lemon juice to ground ginger and apply it on your scalp. Keep for some time and then wash with water.

Tea and coffee

Morning and evening tea or coffee sessions are a popular ritual in Indian homes. Here are ways you can use it to beautify yourself. Wrap used teabags in a packet and refrigerate them. Put it on your eyelids for 15 minutes whenever you have tired eyes. This will be very relaxing for your eyes and also help get rid of the puffiness.

Coffee can be used as a natural dye to colour grey hair. You can also use it to add shine to your hair. Use a strong, fresh brew. Allow it to cool down and then apply it on your hair for 20 minutes. Cover your hair with a shower cap to avoid dripping. Now wash it with warm water and see the results. 

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Ageing

Turmeric is an excellent exfoliating agent and can help you defeat the signs of ageing. Take besan (gram flour) and turmeric powder in equal proportions and prepare a paste by adding water. You may alternatively prepare this paste in raw milk or even yoghurt. Apply it evenly on your body and leave it till it dries off. Wash it off with lukewarm water and scrub your face gently in circular motion. 

Wrinkles

You can use turmeric in combination with other ingredients to manage your wrinkle woes. Add raw milk and tomato juice to rice powder and turmeric powder. Apply the paste and let it stay until it dries. The lactic acid present in milk will help peel off the dead skin cells.

Acne

Not only does turmeric take care of scars and inflammation but also reduces oil secretion by sebaceous glands.

• To prepare a turmeric scrub, add a few drops of water and lemon juice to turmeric powder. Apply the paste on the acne and leave it for about 15 minutes. Gently scrub it off your face with plain water.
• You can also use turmeric and sandalwood mixture as an acne face pack and wash it off in approximately 10 minutes.
• For acne scars, dab a mixture of turmeric and plain water and leave it on the marks for 15 minutes.
• To control oil secretion, prepare a paste of sandalwood powder and ground turmeric with orange juice. Leave the paste on your face for 10 minutes and then wash it with lukewarm water. 

Stretch marks

A mixture of besan (gram flour) and turmeric in yoghurt/raw milk/water can help lighten stretch marks. 

Burns

In case you accidently burn your skin, you can turn to turmeric for quick relief owing to its antiseptic properties. Prepare a mixture of turmeric and aloe vera gel. Apply it on the burn and notice how it heals the wound in no time. 

Cracked heels

Apply a mixture of coconut oil/castor oil and turmeric powder on cracked heels preferably 15 minutes before you head to take a bath. It will help heal cracks.

These were some of the many skin benefits of turmeric that can give you flawless skin, the natural way.

Content sourced from BollywoodShaadis.com

Enjoyed reading this? Also read Top 12 unique uses of Vaseline

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“While surgery can relieve the pressure and prevent further injury, it can’t repair damage to the cells and nerve fibres. We wanted to explore whether dietary supplementation could help the spinal cord heal itself,” added Holly, according to an UCLA statement. The UCLA team studied two groups of rats with a condition that simulated cervical myelopathy — a progressive disorder that often occurs in people with spine-weakening conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis. 

This condition can lead to disabling neurological symptoms, such as difficulty in walking, neck and arm pain, hand numbness and weakness of the limbs. It is the most common cause of spine-related walking problems in people over 55 years. The first group was fed rat chow that mimicked a Western diet high in saturated fats and sugar. The second group consumed a standard diet supplemented with docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA and curcumin. A third set of rats received a standard rat diet and served as a dummy group.

DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid shown to repair damage to cell membranes. Curcumin is a strong antioxidant that previous studies have linked to tissue repair. Both reduce inflammation. ”Our findings suggest that diet can help minimize disease-related changes and repair damage to the spinal cord,” said Holly. 

Source: IANS

You are what you eat - an often heard but sporadically followed wisdom. A healthy body is the core foundation of an active mind and balanced emotional life. Amongst the factors that impact our physical health none is greater than food. Food gives us energy, strength and immunity - nourishes our body – to maintain all its miraculous systems in working order. 

Most US-based health information offers food choices that are not relevant in the Indian context. For example, blueberries and broccoli – both superfoods – are unfamiliar, unavailable or expensive for the average person in India. The best chance we have to adhering to healthy food choices is to find familiar, easily available and inexpensive foods that provide multiple health benefits.

Redirecting the food path

The environment today and our lifestyle choices, personal and professional, have us living at the mercy of our senses. Across socioeconomic groups, we eat not what is nourishing but what is readily available, cheaper, attractively packaged, and tasty – usually salty or sugary and creamy or fried. At different points in our lives attempts are made to follow the healthy diet path – mothers cajole or force, peers inspire, spouses coax and finally doctors dictate to us. However, most of us manage to escape the healthy diet road to cruise along the deliciously easy, fast, and (not always) cheap food highway.

Over the days and years malnourishment catches up in diverse forms of physical, mental and emotional disorders. So how do we correct the course? Ideally, we should abandon all unhealthy food and adopt an all-purpose healthy diet – easier said than done. Well, we begin by adding a few consistent good food habits to our daily meals – select a few food items that offer the body more than calories (energy), are readily available, affordable and easy to consume. Energy may be enough fuel for the body to keep going but the body needs carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and fiber to function optimally.

Fruits and vegetables give us vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber

The positives of a daily diet of fruits and vegetables overshadow any possible risks of pesticide exposure. Fruits and vegetables are critical sources of essential nutrients such as vitamin A (vision), vitamin B complex (metabolism), vitamin C (antioxidant, metabolism), vitamin K (blood clotting), iron (oxygen-carrier in blood), calcium (metabolism, teeth, bones), potassium (bones), manganese (bones), magnesium (metabolism), phosphorus (metabolism, teeth, bones) and zinc (immunity). They are also an excellent source of fiber (digestion) and antioxidants (disease prevention). Natural antioxidants are potent remedies to control environment and lifestyle induced illness – cancer, allergies, aging, heart, metabolic and brain disorders.

Take five, or more, daily

We list some foods that, when eaten regularly, will enhance your health and well-being. Besides health benefits, the food choices are based on year-round availability, relative affordability, and easy mode of consuming. Plus, they are low in saturated fat, sodium and calories with zero cholesterol.

Bananas, an ideal snack, are an excellent source of instant energy (105 calories), vitamins B6 and C, fiber, potassium and manganese. They require no preparation, just peel and eat the fruit. Make a sliced banana chaat with sprinkled chilli powder or blend the peeled fruit with milk for a protein-filled fruit smoothie.

Lemons, a permanent feature of detox diets, are a good source of fiber (if eaten whole), iron, potassium, vitamins B6 and C. Making lemonade out of lemons takes onlly a few minutes – wash lemons, slice into half, squeeze juice into a glass of water, and add sugar plus dash of salt or pepper. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is a zesty salad dressing or main dish garnish. Grow a container lemon tree in your balcony!

Beetroots, historically used as detoxifier and blood purifier, are noteworthy for vitamin C, magnesium, potassium, fiber and especially manganese. Slice, chop, grate or quarter peeled beetroots and cover with water plus lid to boil (10 minutes). Eat with salt, chaat masala or lemon juice with or without other vegetables. Slices can be grilled or used as sandwich fillings.

Cabbage, a curative powerhouse, offers abundant folate (brain development), manganese, fiber and vitamins B2, B6, C, and K. At 22 calories/cup, cabbage is included in many detox diets. Discard outer layers to lessen dirt and pesticide. Slice the cabbage, cook covered (10 minutes) with minimal water, sprinkle with spices or lemon dressing and enjoy. Alternatively, steam cabbage leaves in a covered vessel (3-5 minutes) to use as sandwich topping or make appetizer rolls with leftovers.

Carrots are an antioxidant-rich, invaluable source of vitamin A and fiber with only 30 calories/carrot. Great on-the-go snacks – peel, wash and eat raw. Slice, chop or grate them for a speedy salad or main dish sautéed with seasoning. Pureed carrots with ginger make a flavourful soup.

Spinach is a panacea of minerals and vitamins with negligible calories. Its offerings include iron, calcium, potassium, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, fiber and vitamins A, B1, B2, B6 and C. Further virtues include niacin (blood, brain and skin health) and zinc. Wash spinach leaves thoroughly, toss in a handful walnuts or almonds, add lemon juice or chilli sauce for a healthy salad. Boil and blend with curd for a dip or sauté with seasoning for a main dish.

Peas and Beans are high protein and fiber foods

Green peas, a noteworthy protein source (8.6g), are available in frozen form year-round. A cup of peas, at 135 calories, has high fiber, manganese and vitamin C plus magnesium, niacin, phosphorus, vitamins A, B1, B6, and K. Frozen green peas are a quick and easy ingredient for a boiled salad or sautéed main dish. Peas, tofu and rice with seasoning create a delicious high-protein pulao.

Mung beans are a superb source of protein (14.2g) and fiber for only 212 calories/cup. They have appreciable amounts of magnesium and vitamin B1. Rinse mung beans before boiling in a pressure cooker (10 minutes). Add seasoning and eat with rice or puree to prepare a soup. Otherwise, cook mung beans and rice together to prepare khichdi – easy to digest, nutritious meal – suitable for all especially children or elderly.

Herbs and Spices in small doses go a long way in fortifying us against disease

Turmeric and ginger (fresh or powder) are a must-have – in cooked food or blended drinks. Turmeric provides antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant super-value while ginger has painkiller, digestive, decongestant and anti-inflammatory powers. Coriander and mint add aromatic natural flavours to all meals.

There are many such super-foods offering multiple health benefits – eat them daily in a way that preserves the food’s nutrients and discover better health for yourself. 

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The new findings suggest that curcumins may reduce such risks when added to traditional drug treatments. The results need to be confirmed through further research, said Wanwarang Wongcharoen from Chiang Mai University in Thailand, who led the study, the American Journal of Cardiology reported. Researchers at the Thai university studied 121 patients who had non-emergency bypass surgery between 2009 and 2011. Half the patients were given one-gram curcumin capsules to take four times a day, starting three days before their surgery and continuing for five days afterwards. The other half took the same number of drug-free placebo capsules.

The researchers found that during their post-bypass hospital stays, 13 percent of the patients who’d been taking curcumins had a heart attack, compared to 30 percent in the placebo group. After accounting for any initial pre-surgery differences, Wongcharoen and his colleagues calculated that people on curcumins had a 65 percent lower chance of heart attack.

“It’s very, very encouraging,” said Bharat Aggarwal of the study. Aggarwal works with the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, which studies the use of curcumins in cancer therapy, according to the Daily Mail. According to researchers, it is likely that the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin may have helped limit heart damage in the patients.

Source: IANS

The study led by Ina Caesar of Linkoping University (Sweden), indicates that it is the initial stages of fibril (threadlike fibre or filament, constituent of a cell) formation and fragments of the amyloid fibrils that are most toxic to nerve cells (neurons). 

For several years, curcumin has been studied as a possible drug candidate to combat Alzheimer’s disease, which is characterized by the accumulation of sticky amyloid-beta and Tau protein fibres, the journal Public Library of Science reports. 

Linkoping researchers wanted to investigate how the substance affected genetically engineered fruit flies, which developed evident Alzheimer’s symptoms. The fruit fly is increasingly used as a model for neurodegenerative diseases, according to a Linkoping statement. 

Five groups of diseased flies with different genetic manipulations were administered curcumin. They lived up to 75 percent longer and maintained their mobility longer than the sick flies that did not receive the substance. 

However, the scientists saw no decrease of amyloid in the brain or eyes. Curcumin did not dissolve the amyloid plaque (tangles of amyloid protein in nervous tissue); on the contrary it accelerated the formation of fibres by reducing the amount of their precursor forms, known as oligomers. 

“The results confirm our belief that it is the oligomers that are most harmful to the nerve cells,” says study co-author Per Hammarstrom, professor at Linkoping. 

“We now see that small molecules in an animal model can influence the amyloid form. To our knowledge the encapsulation of oligomers is a new and exciting treatment strategy,” he added.