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Author: ashamadhu

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Herbs Home Remedies

Ayurvedic Benefits of Rose Water

Since ages, elegant rose flowers has been a symbol of love, friendship and is one of the most popular flowers in the world. On one hand, people have always enjoyed its freshness and sweet aroma while on the other, ancient monks have always been plucking, grinding, juicing, drying and preserving the rose petals. It is because of its properties such as being a medicinal flower, it is anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-hemorrhagic in nature.

Roses have been largely used in Ayurvedic treatments. The cooling effect provided by this delicate flower results in the balancing of Sadhaka Pitta, that is, an emotion that governs feelings and its effect on the heart. This is probably the reason why rose has been closely associated with romance. It ideally balances the body and mind of an individual. Roses are also widely used in aromatherapy where spices are mixed with rose oil, water and rose paste to make a tonic that helps cure digestive imbalance and hormones. The outcomes of the therapy involve cooling effect along with moisturized and toned skin.

rose water

One of the multiple wonder products that rose provide us, is the rosewater. This little bottle of health and treatment can work wonders to help beat stress and depression as well as tackle various ailments. Rosewater is good for various parts of the body and perform specific functions in each of them. It is a fact that it improves the texture, complexion and glow of the skin. In a long run, rosewater can keep the skin under check and pacify recurrent eruptions. When consumed regularly with milk, it is known to drive the digestive flow inside the body perfectly and pacifies your Sadhaka Pitta all year long.

How to Prepare Rose Water?

Rosewater can either be prepared at home by a simple method or can be purchased by any of your nearby supermarket. It is a common household item and is always ready to use in a single go. An easy step by step method to prepare rose water is mentioned here which can help you prepare fresh rose water anywhere, anytime.

  1. Early morning, precisely after sunrise, pick some fresh roses or rose petals.
  2. Thoroughly wash the petals with clean water.
  3. Take a large pot and place the petal inside it along with distilled water.
  4. Pour water in the pot such that the petals are all soaked in it.
  5. Cover the pot with a lid and keep the flame low to boil the mixture.
  6. Let the water convert into steam until its color is that of the rose petals.
  7. Strain the water from the mixture and let it cool down.
  8. Store the rosewater in a container

Benefits of Rose Water

Rosewater is in fact a common household item that has many health benefits. Here is a list of how can rosewater help you to practice radiant and ailment-free lifestyle.

Skin

Rosewater provides a list of beauty regime for men and women. It provides stunning results for every skin type and helps eradicate bacterial infection. It is an amazing skin toner that gives a soothing effect on the skin and improve its appearance by making it radiant, smooth and free from acne. It helps regulate the pH balance of the skin and stimulate circulation in the body. It is proven to work adequately on wounds and can reduce the impact of sunburns.

Apply two or three rosewater drops on a cotton swab to remove dirt or make-up from the face and neck. You can use it every morning for a long-lasting radiant effect. You can also put a few drops of rose water in your bath tub or bathing water for a soothing and relaxing outcome. In order to cogently remove sun tan, add two drops of rose water and two drops of tomato juice in a cotton ball and apply it. You can wash it off after 15 minutes for best results.

Eyes

Rosewater is best known for removing dark circles while refreshing tired and stressed eyes. One should prefer smearing the eyes with rose water before sleeping for a long lasting effect. You can mix a tiny bit of sandalwood to it and apply it over the eyelids. Wash it off after 15 minutes in order to get fresh and sparkling eyes.

Hair

Rosewater is known for promoting hair growth and improves the blood circulation. We can use it in order to get rid of dandruff and inflammation on the scalp. You can also use it as a conditioner for dry and mismanaged tresses. Rosewater soothes the hair naturally, provides them a fresh scent and makes them strong and flexible.

Teeth

It can be surprising to many that rose water is widely used for treating dental problems. Inflammation in the gum can be eliminated with the help of this rose bi-product. You can get rid of bad odor and foul breath by rinsing every now and then with rose water to quickly get rid of it. Regular rinse with rosewater strengthens teeth and eradicates gum pain.

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Ayurved

Ayurvedic Enema with Vasti Therapy

An ancient methodology called Panchakarma has been an eternal part of Ayurveda. ‘Panch’ means five while ‘karma’ means procedure of performing an Ayurvedic treatment. There are more than 100 enemas to perform the Panchakarma. Vasti therapy in Panchakarma is to cure the ailment of the patient by eliminating the toxins and doshas from the body. It is performed using the medicated oils and liquids to expel the impurities out of the body through the intestinal tract by the means of the urethra, anus and vaginal passage. The medicated oils are administered into the body through the rectum by the means of an instrument known as vasthiyantra.

Benefits of Vasti Therapy

It is effective and capable of eradicating ailments such as kidney stones, heart pain, backache, vomiting, sexual disorders, constipation and chronic fever along with dealing with simpler troubles like the common cold. About 80% vata related disorders can be treated by the vasti therapy and the medicated enemas. This treatment is executed over a specific duration of time that can be for a week to a month. It is greatly efficient in treating the patients while providing them with comfort and a relaxing atmosphere.

There are many types of vasti therapies, but it is broadly classified into three types – Kashaya vasti, Uttara vasti and Sneha vasti. The most practiced therapies are Kashaya vasti and Sneha vasti. Shiro vasti is also a popular form of performing the vasti treatment.

Kashaya Vasti

Kashaya vasti is a treatment in which harmful toxins and impure doshas are made to get out of the body in order to purify it from within. It is performed with a mixture of herbal paste, honey, rock-salt and Ayurvedic oils. This mix is well mixed until a homogeneous mixture is obtained. After filling the amalgam into a leather sac, it is wrapped and tied at the end of the vasti instrument or the vastiyantra. The body is massaged so that the abdomen of the patient is warmed up along with the oil massage on the anus and the nozzle of the vasti Yantra. The medicinal paste is introduced through the rectum of the patient. It is vital to note that the person undergoing the therapy must have had food the previous night. Then, the patient is made to lie on their back and relax. The patient’s abdomen is massaged further until there is an urge to go to the toilet. With proper bowel movements, the therapy is considered to be successful. After the therapy, the patient should take a bath and eat food.

Sneha Vasti

Sneha or medicated oil is an effective way of curing multifarious ailments. This oil enema is very useful in the cleaning of the colon and detoxification of the entire body. Diseases like rheumatism, lower backache, paralysis, constipation, gout and even paralysis can be capably cured using Sneha vasti. Sneha or sedated oil is administered into the body by the rectum with a slight pressure and gentle motion towards the vertical column. The enema should stay in the patient’s body for about 1-2 hours for proper completion of the therapy. If this happens, the patient should eat the next morning and fast for the night. It works wonders in cleansing the body of the toxins and doshas.

Shiro Vasti

One of the most special technique of external application of medicated oil is Shiro Vasti. It focusses on the direct application of oil to stimulate the central-most units of the body, that is, the head. The patient is made to sit on a stool, wearing a leather cap open from both the ends. Warm sedated oil is poured inside the cap which provides a sense of relief and makes the patient feel tranquil and stimulated. The oil is made to stay inside the cap for about 45 minutes for efficient treatment. The head is cleaned with cotton after the treatment is completed for the head. It is followed by the application of warm oil and herbal liquids on the head and the body, ending the therapy with a soothing lukewarm water bath.

Uttara Vasti

This kind of vasti treatment is competent in the eradication of primary infertility, bladder disorder, sexual problems and dysmenorrhea. It is performed in the similar way as the above therapies, but with specific herbal and medicated oils. In women, it is performed after the completion of the menstrual cycle. This is because the female genital tract is fairly more receptive at that point of time. In case of men, it is performed to eliminate the urethral disorders.

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Naturopathy

Five Holistic Ways to Stay Calm

While we all are busy in our lives, it is necessary to take regular breaks and replenish our energy to keep mind and body to work on their optimum levels. Ayurveda, which is recognised worldwide as the science of living, has been in existing since the last five centuries, providing us with everyday techniques to be fit and healthy.

Along with teaching human beings to be healthier and stronger by easy practices, Ayurveda educates us with plenty of ways to stay calm and composed. Looking at the current situation of the world, it is moving at a much faster pace than the earlier centuries, where patience and peace of mind are rare assets.

Here are a few easy methods suggested by the ancient text of Ayurveda, that can help you let off some steam, relax and be at ease with yourself and your surroundings. Always remember, a healthy mind resides in a healthy body.

Keeping Good Company

Loneliness results in anxiety and insecurity. Try your best to stay in the company of the people, who love you for who you are. But before anything else, love yourself as a person and know that you are exquisite and unique. Do not forget that no one can be ‘you’ better than yourself. So learn to love and embrace it.

Don’t just spend time with your family, but take appropriate steps to rekindle the relationships. For this to happen, you have to focus your energy, time and attention towards them.

Watch Yourself

Sometimes you might be in situations where you lose control of yourself and feel aggravated, pumped or just angry. This causes an irregular increase in the blood pressure, heart rate along with the muscle tension.

Slow and deep breathing can thoroughly help you to come out of such a situation with ease and provides a relaxing effect. Take a full breath of fresh air so that it reaches down your abdomen, which keep your metabolic rhythm steady and help to keep the pace easy. It is better to avoid breathing too fast, as it results in an unequal distribution of oxygen throughout your body. Medication and breathing exercises are good choices to keep the nerve in a good shape.

Regular Regime

The major signs of a disturbed mind can be determined by the sleeping pattern of a person. If you are relentless, suffer from insomnia and have uneasy sleepless nights, then, you need to follow these methods to have a peace of mind. Wake up each morning at the same time and try to sleep maximum by 10pm at night. This will make your sleeping pattern much more systematic in nature. You can also try to put some sesame oil on your feet and wear a sock before sleeping. It will prove helpful in providing you with a deep and healthy sleep.

Keep yourself accustomed with work along but don’t forget to squeeze in short breaks in the middle of the working hours. It is better to keep a daily routine of yoga and medication.

Eat a Light Diet

Ayurveda is based on the fact that you are what you eat. Thus, to apply that in daily life, eat foods that can help you stay calm and composed. One should try to choose food eatables that release stress relieving free radicals. Lightly cooked leafy green vegetables and fresh fruits such as pumpkin, watermelon, etc. are a great alternative to start with. Whole grains like oatmeal and barley are known to work from within and will end up making you feel light and energetic all through the day.

Grapes, blueberries, red berries, nuts, beans and fish are a bundle of high content antioxidants, along with being packed with different vital vitamins and minerals and should definitely make your diet plan every now and then. This would help to prevent many diseases and will keep your balance in check.

Stay Hydrated

One of the best ways to keep your mind and body to function well is by simply staying hydrated. It is highly advisable to drink 8 glasses of water every day in order to flush out the harmful toxins out of your body and keep the digestive metabolism working with ease. On the other hand, caffeine is a natural dehydrator and addictive in nature. Avoid intake of excess coffee or tea.

Try to replace these drinks with fresh juices, smoothies, herbal tea and coconut water. The given alternatives provide faster, stronger and a much longer lasting relief than the later options. They help to replenish the thirst and stave off the heat by producing a cooling effect.

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Ayurved

Tips for Living a Balanced Kapha Lifestyle

Ayurveda is an ancient art of staying in the best of health along with a daily regime of a balanced lifestyle. Established by Indian monks about 5,000-6,000 years back, it was discovered to teach people to preserve their health and make them physically, emotionally and spiritually strong. Ayurveda describes energy to be a building block of every individual and define it into three types; Vata, Kapha and Pitta Dosha.

Dosha’s are defined as the energy that a person possesses all three is different magnitude which determines their pattern of thinking, working and living. Ayurveda believes that each one of us has a different way of life and should understand our doshas and follow them rigorously for healthier and stabilized lifestyle. In this article, we will discuss about the people pursuing the kapha constitution of life, suitable diet for them and their favourable way of living.

Are you Kapha Dominant?

Kapha dosha has a quality which is reflected in the elements water and the earth. It is an energy which controls the growth of the body. It is the supplier of water throughout the body, resulting in moisturized skin and a well maintained immune system. People with a dominant kapha have heavy build physically along with oily skin type. They are easy going, stable and rational by nature and prefer warm and dry climates. When in balance, kapha gives rise to love and forgiveness emotionally.

In accordance with Ayurveda, increase in Kapha causes an increase in mucus build up, sluggish digestion, weight gain, water retention and procrastination with excessive sleep. An imbalanced kapha can lead to the sense of envy and insecurity in an individual. Thus, it is vital to keep a check on it and take proper care and precautions to keep Kapha in balanced level. Pacifying kapha can help you maintain a steady balance in your daily routine and there are techniques mentioned below that can help you attain so.

Kapha Diet Plan

You should avoid having a late breakfast and make sure that it is not heavy. Choose the ingredients that are light, spicy, warm and low fat diet. You can indulge in eating a number of boiled, steamed raw veggies. Have plenty of green vegetables on your menu. Grains such as oats, rye, millets, wheat bran and corn are advisable to consume as they are light and healthy. Spices are encouraged in the case of an out of balance kapha. Involve salt, garlic, black pepper, turmeric, cumin, cinnamon, basil, garlic, paprika and cloves in your diet for an increase in the intake of spices. Take butter free milk in the morning and replace the sugar with honey. Add a pinch of peppermint and cinnamon in your daily tea for further increased benefits. Avoid eating fish, sugarcane, coconut water, new rice, cold eatables and harmful habits such as overeating. To boost your internal metabolism, you can take 75 to 150 grams of Guggul in a day as it greatly helps to control kapha troubles.

Lifestyle Measures to Pacify Kapha

Ayurveda gives a properly aligned dietary regime for maintaining kapha. Poor circulation is a result of out of balance kapha. You can perform garshana, or dry body massage, which stimulates the body from within. To implement the massage correctly, raw silk gloves and loofah are used. This exercise improves the circulation in the body.

Physical exercise like jogging, hiking and biking does wonders to keep kapha in order. You can even learn a new form of martial art. Having an energetic lifestyle promotes lightening effect to your mind, body and soul altogether. Indulging into a habit of abhyanga or self-massaging with ½ or 1 cup of warm sesame oil, before taking a bath is also quite beneficial. Relaxation exercises such as yoga, meditation and listening to subtle music can steadily improve the state of kapha in your body.

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Home Remedies

Home Remedies to Cure Sensitive Teeth

Do you scream in pain each time you indulge in your favorite ice cream or take a sip of a hot cappuccino? If the answer is yes, then you might be suffering from the stinging teeth zing known as tooth sensitivity. And trust me, you are not alone. According to the statistics, about 70% of the people suffer from tooth sensitivity around the world.

Most of the people avoid the pain and start using the other ‘normal teeth’ for eating leading the situation to the worst aftermath. Tooth sensitivity, as the name suggests, is a situation where our teeth become sensitive to mild temperatures readily. It is the sudden pain that occurs while consuming hot or cold beverages or eatables. The pain is like a sudden tickle or sting and should never be avoided.

One should always make sure that all their teeth are healthy and strong. You should a dentist at regular time intervals to get your teeth checked so that they stay in good shape.

Reasons for Tooth Sensitivity

There can be various reasons for the tooth to turn hypersensitive. Using a hard bristled toothbrush, tooth decay, receding gum and worn out tooth enamel can all result in sensitive teeth. Improper way and overzealous way of brushing is the leading cause of receding of gum. Hard brushing depletes the outer layer of the teeth, known as the pulp, and reaches to the sensitive nerves in the enamel, giving rise to penetrating pain when hot or cold food is eaten. This is a problem that also comes with ageing as the pulp is gradually worn out.

Unhealthy eating habits such as consumption of too many sweets, chocolates, ice creams and candies along with a large intake of carbonated drinks can lead to tooth decay which is a major reason of tooth sensitivity.

Luckily, there are multiple natural and herbal ways to treat sensitive teeth. These simple and easy remedies can save your trip to your local dentist and provide you with relief from the sharp and sudden tooth aches. Although if you do not find these ways effective, then your problem might be severe and it is advisable to see a dentist for a thorough examination.

Cinnamon

It is considered to be one of the best remedies for sensitive teeth. It is beneficial to consume it along with clove as it kills the bacteria in the mouth much faster.

Take a few cinnamon & clove and boil them in water. Use this water to gargle at least twice a day. You can also take two or three grams of cinnamon bark every day for healthy teeth. It is also an efficient pain killer.

Thyme

Adding thyme to your regular tea cup can work wonders for sensitive teeth. Thyme not only improves the immune system but is actually known to deplete tooth hypersensitivity. It ends up giving you a fresher breath and destroys the harmful bacteria and germs that are accumulated inside the teeth.

Salt

Unlike futile claims made by popular toothpaste brand, nothing works better than raw crystalline kitchen salt.

Take a glass of lukewarm water and mix two tablespoons of salt in it. Rinse your mouth with this solution two times a day. One can be in the morning and the other before going to bed and you can say goodbye to bleeding gums and tooth decay. It helps the teeth fight against sensitivity by making it stronger from within.

Aloe Vera

Generally recognized to do wonders to damaged hair, aloe Vera can tame burns and wounds in addition to keeping gum inflammation in check. Applying aloe vera a couple of times in a day on the areas of sensitive tooth can help you find relief from the stinging tooth ache much easily.

Mustard oil and Rock salt

Mustard oil, a common household item, is rich in vitamins and have anti-oxidant properties. This is the reason it is largely used to cure gum problems. Rock salt cleans the dirt accumulated inside the teeth and prevents tooth decay.

To prepare an amalgam mix one tablespoon of mustard oil and one tablespoon of rock salt and mix it thoroughly. Use your index finger to apply this mixture on your teeth and massage it gently. Keep it on for five minutes and rinse your mouth with water. This technique also gives you white and shining teeth.

Neem Stem

People since ancient times have been utilizing the antiseptic and antibiotic properties of neem. To reap the benefits of the wonder plant, chew a small stem of Neem each day. It keeps your teeth free from multiple mouth diseases, strengthens the teeth against sensitivity and prevent oral odor.

Pepper

It is a strong tool against sensitive tooth troubles. Mix a pinch of pepper along with ¼ tablespoon of clove oil and apply it on your teeth daily. It provides immediate relief to sensitive teeth and even reduces the ill effects of prolonged hypersensitivity.

Eat Right

Maintain a balanced diet and increase the intake of calcium. Dairy products like cheese, milk and yogurt are a good source of calcium and vitamins. Eat fresh and dried fruits to keep your body full of vitamins and nutrients desired to fight sensitive teeth.

Take on your usual sweet cravings and replace it with healthy eating habits. This might not only help you keep a check on your tooth sensitivity but also your weight. Sugary food items reach the bottom of the teeth quicker and elevate the pain. It is much wiser to avoid them whenever possible to get robust teeth.

Categories
Home Remedies

Natural Home Remedies to Treat Sore Muscles

Zealous and hardworking people try and keep their best foot forward in every field they work in but there is one thing that they wish they could avoid. That is, unwanted and painful cramps at the end of a busy day. Rushing to the office, a casual jog in the park or by getting the garden done, physical work throughout the day often leaves us with body cramps and muscular pain.

Sore muscles are a result of over exertion of the muscles and joints. In such a scenario, the muscles harden and hinders the blood circulation inside the body. As a result, there is an excessive formation of lactic acid, which does not allow nutrients to reach the necessary body parts. The more the amount of lactic acid produced, more stiff and stretched is the muscle, resulting soreness and pain. These cramps can last for few seconds to days depending on how fast the muscles recover and how well are they treated. Usually, muscles rebuild themselves and become stronger with regular physical activity. If they don’t, there are some easy home remedies to follow that can allow you to quickly curb the sore muscles.

Heat and Cold Treatment

Tested with time and again, heat and cold treatments are one of the most familiar methods in the Indian household to treat sore muscles. As we know, heat allows the muscles to expand, giving it enough space for smooth blood circulation. This allows the pain to subdue and the muscles to relax while decreasing the amount of stiffness in it. You must keep in mind that this method should not be practiced every single day as it can turn into making you feel sluggish. For the heat treatment, you can use heating pads that usually come with a Velcro strip and wrap it around the paining muscles. This can greatly help you relieve the pain while you complete the important work side by side.

Always keep a vital fact in mind. Heat treatment is only for sore muscles, not for the sprained or strained ones. In the latter case, it is advisable to adapt the cold treatment. Cold compression helps to reduce the inflammation in the affected area rapidly. Ice packs are to be kept over the sore area for about 20 minutes to provide a soothing effect and to ease the trouble.

Ayurvedic Massaging

sore-muscle

Since the ancient times, massaging has been a simple and effective way in curbing problems related to the body parts. For sore muscles, Ayurvedic massages by using balms and ointments can pose a great relief from ache and inflammation. If you do not have an Ayurvedic ointment, no worries. You can easily prepare one from using the ingredients common in every kitchen.

To make your own rub, put a one tablespoon of each of the following; lavender, rosemary, camphor, ginger, chamomile, Calendula, eucalyptus and wintergreen in a non-metallic double boiler vessel. Make sure that the vessel is not made of any metal or else the components might react to it and get spoiled. Each of the added herbs are soothing and highly effective for muscular aches. Lavender, rosemary and camphor are responsible for the increase of blood circulation and are considered to be external tonics. Ginger, chamomile and Calendula work as an anti-inflammatory agents which subsides the pain and reduces swelling. Eucalyptus and wintergreen provide an irritating sensation as it stimulates the muscles and flush out the lactic acid. These ingredients make the best home-made rub for the treatment of cramps. Massage the ointment in the direction of the cramp and it will melt the pain away. It easily removes the knot and provides relief to the area.

Easy to perform Acupressure

If you think that acupressure can only be practiced in expensive spas and beauty parlors, think again. Even you can apply the pressure on your body part with correct technique and fetch instant relief. To do so, you must follow these techniques. Put your fingers on the affected area and start by pressing it against the paining area. The pressure should be enough for you to see a white mark on your skin made by your fingers or fist. Keep the pressure on for about 45 seconds. It may hurt you at first, but you will soon realize that it is beneficial for the releasing of pain and tension from the muscle and will provide relief like massages do. If the pain is in a hard to reach spot, lie down, preferably on a hard surface. Take a tennis ball and keep it where you identify the affected area which can be your shoulders, neck, upper or lower back. Lie down for about 1 to 5 minutes. You will gradually experience the comfort and the muscular pain subsiding.

Magic of Epsom Salt

Magnesium is a powerful tool against muscular and joint aches. It is known for inducing relaxation, calms down the nervous system, brings down the blood pressure and cures body pain. Epsom salt, which is actually made up of magnesium sulfate can work wonders to curb sore muscles. To obtain relief, dissolve 1 or 2 cups of Epsom salt in warm water. Make sure that the water is not hot, but warm as warm water can help your skin to retain its softness and does not make it dry. You can either take a bath or soak the mixture for about 12 minutes a few times in a week to relax the torn muscles. The body absorbs the magnesium in the water and promotes healthy treatment of the painful area by decreasing the swelling.

Natural Supplements

It is always better to avoid artificial supplements when you have a variety of natural options to provide you with equal relief and soothing effect for sore cramps. Food sources such as molasses, spinach, black beans, Swiss chard, cocoa powder, pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, cashews and almonds are rich in magnesium. 1 tablespoon of molasses with your regular coffee in a day can even treat chronic muscle pain effectively. Fruits like banana and cheery, contain high amounts of potassium and magnesium. These natural muscle relaxants can make you fit and healthy while empowering you with the necessary supplies to fight against tension knotted joints and tight muscles.

Apple Cider Vinegar or ACV is also potent against leg cramps and sore muscles. Just mix 1 or 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in water and drink it in the morning. For a tastier drink, you can add 1 tablespoon of honey and a sprinkle of fresh mint to the glass of water containing the apple cider vinegar and thoroughly mix the ingredients. Also, you can rub the vinegar directly to the simulated area for quick results.

Categories
Home Remedies

Got Wrinkles? Blame your bad habits

With old age comes two W’s into the picture; Wisdom and Wrinkles. While everyone accepts the wisdom with open arms, wrinkle are the signs of ageing that each one of us despises. Yes, it is true that you cannot reverse back time and turn youthful again, but there are certain measures that you may pursue in order to delay the formation of these fine lines of ageing on our faces. Certain habits result in premature ageing and wrinkles. Avoiding these can benefit the skin and help you to look younger, longer. Below are given multiple ways in which your skin is effected throughout the day and what can you do in order to keep it healthy and glowing.

Sun Exposure

If you ditch your sunscreen lotion every now and then, then you might as well prepare yourself to face wrinkles at a much younger age. Dermatologists have confirmed that sun exposure is one of the most prominent reasons of wrinkling on the face and the body. Our skin contains collagen, which breaks down within a few minutes of sun exposure and gives rise to fine lines and wrinkles. It is really vital to protect your skin against the scorching heat so that it stays healthy.

Obviously, one cannot completely avoid getting out in the sun, but there are certain steps that should be followed. Always wear sunscreen having sun protection factor (more than 15) whenever stepping out in the sun. Your hands and face get the maximum exposure so make sure you apply sunscreen on them properly.

Sleeping Pattern

Sleep of at least 6 to 7 hours a day is beneficial for your mind and body. It may come as a surprise, but your sleeping position defines the wrinkles on your face. Banging your head against the pillow each night can cause permanent creases with time. Sleeping on one side and on your belly puts your face against the pillow, no matter how soft the pillow is, results in strained and stretched skin.

The alternative is to usually try to sleep on your back. Tummy and side sleeping should be avoided. You may also use a satin pillowcase which can reduce the effect of strain on your skin while taking a nap.

Smoking Cigarettes

Along with various fatal ills of smoking, you might add premature skin darkening and ageing to it. Smoking is not only a common cause of cancer and lung disorders, it also leads to the development of wrinkles in people as young as 20. It gives rise to coarse skin along with uneven texture, making it appear dull and pale. The chemicals that are present in cigarette smokes depletes the skin fiber and gives visible fine lines near the mouth.

To get rid of early signs of ageing, it is much better if you put an end to smoking. It improves the overall health of an individual while decreasing the chances of premature ageing.

Excess Alcohol

All types of alcohol dehydrate the skin. Having drink excessive alcohol makes the skin, frail and makes it lose its elasticity. Alcohol is quite responsible for the depletion of Vitamin A in the body which is an essential nutrient in the making of collagen which produce smooth, supple and elastic skin. Vitamin A is a vital antioxidant and a prerequisite in the regeneration of new cells in our body. Drinking of alcoholic beverages has a massive adverse effect on the levels of vitamin A supply.

It is advisable to not drink alcohol for a younger looking and healthy skin. Skin lacking hydration clearly indicates the symptoms of ageing and wrinkles. One should make sure that it stays hydrated, elastic and soft.

Removal of Makeup

After a long day of hectic schedule, most women prefer to sleep in bed without removing the makeup on their faces. If you follow this lousy regime, break it as soon as possible. Wearing makeup throughout the day results in the accumulation of harmful free radicals, dirt and environmental pollutants on the face. It chokes the skin pores and is like you put a dirty blanket on it, not allowing the skin to breathe freely and break down the collagen.

Always remove your makeup before going to bed. Pamper your skin with cleansing, exfoliating and moisturizing. Clean your skin by removing the filth by using a mild cleanser and apply a moisturizer. Sleeping with clean skin gives fresh, glowing and happy skin in the morning.

Healthy Diet

Appropriate to say, ‘You are what you eat’ has never been truer than this scenario. Eating a well maintained nourished diet can do wonders for your skin. Green leafy vegetables along with juicy fruits have the perfect ingredients to support the smoothness, liveliness and soft skin texture. They provide you with a bundle of antioxidants that promote the formation of collagen and keep your skin and body healthy. Refined sugar gets stuck to the protein beneath your skin and makes it look puffed and contoured with fine lines. Decreasing the intake of refined sugar also works well for blooming skin.

Categories
Ayurved

Abhyanga: Mind, Body and Soul Rejuvenator

People spend money on several holiday trips in India and abroad in order to get their minds off for some time. They believe that leaving behind the hectic schedules of their life can help them find a balance and bring the spark back in their life. While, this might be partially true, there is an ancient Ayurvedic way to rejuvenate your body each time you wake up in the morning and it refreshes the body like nothing else. Such a beautiful and soothing experience is that of the Abhyanga.

The Art of Self Nurture

abhyanga

Abhyanga is a Sanskrit name for an ancient Ayurvedic ritual. This serene ritual involves massaging the entire body with warm oil, generally medicated, from head to toe in order to bring peace and tranquility. Not only this, Abhyanga results in multifarious benefits to your body. It is re-energizing along with being recharging you from inside out. This is possible because it does two things simultaneously. First, it absorbs multiple nutrients from the oil deep inside the skin of your body. Second, it continuously eliminates the coagulated toxins that reside within you. It brings down the doshas, rejuvenate skin, soothes the skin and curtail the ageing process. The entire method is time tested and has absolutely no side effects.

Which oil should you choose?

The self-oil massage or Abhyanga enhances your endurance and energy and allow you to work on your optimum level. It strengthens the mind and body, resulting in the enrichment of your soul. Oils that are used in performing the Abhyanga varies from person, season and dosha or defect from which you suffer. It is quite simple to find out what oil would suit you.

Vata Dosha

It is found in a person if they have dry skin and generally feel cold. Such people usually suffer from fear, nervousness, insomnia and anxiety. To make sure that vata dosha leaves your body, Abhyanga should be performed daily by using the king of oils, that is, sesame oil. You can also use almond oil for the purpose. It would bring the balance back by gradually diminishing the negatives. Ashwagadha oil is better suited for the people who feel exhausted most times of the day. It increases stamina and strength of one’s internal organs.

Pitta Dosha

Short tempered and frustrated people usually feel warm and uneasy. They experience inflammation, which shows that they suffer from pitta dosha. To perform Abhyanga, cooler oils such as sunflower oil or coconut oil are to be used. These provide the body with specific, concentrated coolness and calms your mind. Along with daily morning Abhyanga, one might apply these oil on the scalp and the tips of their feet at night. This results in comfortable sleep overnight.

Kapha Dosha

Overweight individuals who are lazy and sluggish, have the deposits of toxins in different parts of their body and suffer from kapha dosha. It is vital that you toxins leave your body as soon as possible so that fresh energy and regulated blood circulation replaces them. Warm sesame, mustard or olive oil is best for this body type. It is rejuvenating and goes deep within the skin by slow massaging with immediate release of toxins, resulting in purification of your body.

Benefits of Abhyanga

  1. Drastically slows down the ageing process.
  2. Pacifies multiple Doshas in your body.
  3. Results in better and deeper sleep at night.
  4. Improve your vision.
  5. Makes hair stronger, thicker and silky.
  6. Softens and nourishes skin, reduces wrinkles and blemishes.
  7. Lubricates the joints and increases blood circulation.
  8. Imparts firmness to the limbs and tones the muscles.
  9. Calms down the nerves of an individual.
  10. Strengthens body’s endurance and tolerance.
  11. Eliminates impurities and toxins efficiently.
  12. Improves mental alertness, stamina and performance.
  13. Aiding in detoxification from deep within.
  14. Stimulates internal organs of the body.
  15. Stiffness and fatigue are removed.

Steps to follow to perform Abhyanga

  1. Warm ¼ cup of oil at a comfortable temperature. The temperature should not be very hot. You can use small pot, crack pot, plastic flip flop or a squeeze bottle for easy use. The bottle can be placed in a hot water pan for the oil to be hot at the desired temperature.
  2. The room should be warm and ventilated. You can sit or stand while performing Abhyanga.
  3. Start by putting some warm oil on the crown of your head and gently message it in by making circular motions. Massage your scalp lightly with warm oil for about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Slowly come down to the temple, cheek and the entire face. Put the oil and massage in the similar fashion as before. Do not forget the ear lobes as they are vital re-energizing points present at their end. Use finger tips or cotton ball to apply oil at the ear canal opening.
  5. Now massage the oil to the limbs in straight up and down strokes and the joints with circular strokes. Remember that the massage should always be directed towards the heart.
  6. The chest and abdomen should be massaged in the same way, clockwise in circular motion. The abdomen should follow the path of the large intestine by going right, downwards, left and then upwards and so on.
  7. Always end the Abhyanga by massaging your feet for a couple of minutes. The feet have some important and revitalizing points which can provide the maximum relaxing effect.

The warm water bath puts a refreshing end to Abhyanga exercise. Apply a gentle soap while bathing and make sure you don’t scrub harshly. After the bath its best to pat dry yourself. You can also keep a special towel for Abhyanga as the towel would eventually contain an oil accumulation. You can wash this towel later with baking soda and vinegar.

In this fast moving life, one might inculcate Abhyanga as a way of life as it benefits the mind, body and soul of an individual. It revitalizes and energizes our body to relax and calm while working at its peak performance when required. It is a wonderful combination leading to balanced, happy lifestyle and must be practiced daily so as to reap its benefits.

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Home Remedies

Ayurvedic Home Remedies for Arthritis

Each one of us plan for our lives after retirement to fulfill our wishes, which we could not do before. We save and stabilize our finances accordingly and hope to stay in the best of health. But one cannot ignore the fact that with aging comes physical complications. Gradually, we realize that our body is not as fit as it was when we were young. Diseases and physical exhaustion haunt us.

Arthritis is one such disease that affects people who are usually above 40 years of age. Unfortunately, it has also been found in kids and teens these days. Arthritis causes constriction and burden on body parts mainly joints and restricts the patient from physical activity. But do not worry. With proper care, attention and care, we can stay healthy and nothing can spoil the days to come.

Reasons and Symptoms

Arthritis, an autoimmune disease, is affecting millions of people in our country. It can occur due to multifarious reasons. Tear and wear of tissues due to aging, tissue injury and parental genes can result in arthritis. Its symptoms include redness and inflammation in various parts of the body such as fingers, wrist, feet, ankles and joints which are connected by the tissues. If not treated in time, it can result in stiffening of the body parts, leading to deformation.

Effective Home Remedies to Curb Arthritis

  1. Take 1 teaspoon of triphala in 1 cup or ½ cup of warm water every night before sleeping. It can greatly help curb the pain and swelling of the joints.
  2. Guggul capsules and Punarnava Mandur tablets can help ease the trouble. These tablets are Ayurvedic and thus have absolutely no side effects.
  3. Take 1 cup of mustard oil and mix it with 10 gm of camphor. Heat the oil until camphor dissolves and apply the oil on the affected area. This reduces inflammation and stiffness while increasing the blood circulation.
  4. Potato consist of organic mineral salts and potassium, making it better to fight against arthritis. Slice a potato and keep it soaked in a glass of cold water overnight. Drink the water in the morning before a meal. It helps control the pain in the joints.
  5. A diet, rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin D, proteins and calcium are advised to put the pain to a minimum. Calcium makes the bones strong and resistant towards deformation. Drinking a lot of water keeps a check on the level of toxins in our body.
  6. Engaging in physical activities can keep both the body and mind fit. Swimming, jogging and cycling are some easy ways to do so.

These little recommendations can help heal arthritis steadily. Patients who follow these simple techniques can ease their suffering. If a healthy person feels redness and pain joints, do not ignore it as it can be a sign. Follow these easy and affordable remedies and be careful in future. It is always better to follow prevention than later search for a cure.

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Home Remedies

Ayurvedic Home Remedies for Eyelid Cysts

Eyelid Cysts is also known as Chalazion which is a small lump under the eyelid that is caused due to a block in the oil gland. These lumps can be formed on either upper or lower eyelid.

Swelling, discharge of water from eyes, pain, itching, redness, sensitive to lights, etc are some common symptoms of Eyelid Cysts. The causes for Eyelid Cysts are dust and dirt, poor hygiene, cosmetics, dirty contact lens, rubbing of eyes very often with dirty hands, or bacteria.

Eyes are the most sensitive and important part of the human body. It is very essential to maintain a good hygiene before touching eyes. Slightest irritation or infection in the eyes can lead to severe eye problems. It becomes necessary to treat these Eyelid Cysts as soon as it erupts as leaving it for long can cause problems in vision.eyelid cyst

There are some simple and easy to do remedies to treat Eyelid Cysts.

  • The best remedy that is readily available is water. Take some water and clean your eye, so all the dirt particles can be washed off. It is better to use cold water to clean or use warm compress for your eye.
  • Take some rose water and mix little honey. This is a very good remedy to treat Eyelid Cysts.
  • Take some cold milk and wash your eyes for a soothing effect. To help in healing the Cysts faster, try evaporated milk.
  • A few drops of breast milk is known to treat Eyelid Cysts.
  • Cut a few onions and take its juice. Pour the juice on the Eyelid for a quick treatment.
  • Take 300 ml water and add 2 tablespoon coriander seeds to it. Allow it to boil for 15-20 min. Strain the mixture and leave it to cool. Use this water to wash eyes twice a day.
  • A chemical content by name Tannin in tea is very good for relief from Eyelid Cysts. Take a tea bag and dip it in water. Remove it and press it on the eyelid, where Cysts is there. This can be repeated 5 times a day.
  • Take some fresh guava leaves and warm them up. Place it in a clean dry cloth and keep it on the Cysts for some time. This reduces the pain and redness in the eye.
  • Take some fresh acacia leaves and boil them in water. Dip a clean cloth in this water and use it as a warm compress over the Cysts.
  • Massage eye gently to reduce swelling and inflammation.
  • Eat a diet that is rich in omega 3 or flax seeds and lots of fruits and vegetables.
  • Take some turmeric and add it to milk. Drink once daily for effective result.
  • Take some fresh parsley leaves and brew it for 10 min in boiling water. Take a clean cloth and dip it in the water. Keep it over the affected area for 15 min.
  • Take some fresh garlic and extract the juice. Apply this juice over the affected area.
  • Take some potato and make it a paste. On a clean cloth spread the paste and apply it on the affected area to reduce swelling.
  • Take one clove and soak it in water. Apply this water on the affected area to reduce pain.

Maintaining a good hygiene for eyes, avoiding excess use of cosmetics, washing eyes with clean water, etc are some simple steps to follow to avoid Eyelid Cysts. Apart from the simple steps also try not to touch or burst the Cysts as it can spread the infection. As much as possible, avoid touching it with hands or rubbing it. Even after following one of the above steps Eyelid Cysts still persists, please consult a doctor for complete examination. Early detection and proper treatment is very important as it can lead to problems with vision.