WINTER HAIR CARE TIPS

The winter may be that gorgeous season of breathtaking foggy mornings and chilly evenings. While cozy woollen clothes can protect your skin from this dry weather, they do nothing for your hair. If you have dry hair, this weather can further turn them brittle, lead to excessive dandruff and render them looking dull and lacklustre!

There is no doubt that the onset of cooler temperature brings a new set of challenges for your hair. Cool winds make hair brittle and dry. From split ends to fizzy hair, dry scalp skin to dandruff all marks a bad winter month. But not to worry, no matter what’s causing your hair woe, you can definitely take healthy replenishing steps

Get regular scalp massages:

Scalp massages improve the blood flow to the scalp and stimulate the sebum secretion.The best remedy for hair dryness is deep conditioning. Deep conditioning of hair prevents them from getting dry. For the best results, use jojoba oil for oiling your hair. Jojoba oil massage and adding jojoba oil in bath tub can do wonders on your hair. Homemade remedies like mixture of banana, 2 tbsp. of olive oil and yoghurt is applied on scalp to make them smooth and dandruff free. Applying banana with honey on scalp can also help in preventing drying up.

Don’t let dandruff stop you wearing black dress:

Do you fear wearing black because your dandruff might highlight? Dandruff leads to itchiness and dryness and to get the best results, take a bowl of coconut oil with lemon juice and warm it. Then apply it on your scalp and gently massage it. Keep it overnight and wash it in the morning with a mild shampoo.

Avoid taking hot shower/products:

Avoid taking hot shower or bathing in hot water. The generated heat can damage your hair. Instead use cool or Luke warm water while taking head bath. Same is with curling irons or blow dryers. Try limiting their usage or apply a hair spray before experimenting on your hair. The less you’ll deal with styling tools the better off you’ll be.

Regular trimming is must:

To get rid of parched ends, trimming after every two months is advisable and necessary. Also, toss all your toasty scarves, hats or caps to protect your hair from the cold and wind. Make sure the scarf, hat or cap is not so tight that it restricts blood circulation in your scalp.

Take good care of your hair accessories:

Inspect your hair care tools regularly. Haphazardly manufactured combs and brushes will damage the scalp and further disturb the natural smooth surface of hair.

Use these winter care tips to keep your tresses in great shape so that when spring rolls around, your hair will be ready to face warm weather in good health.



WINTER SKIN CARE TIPS

Winter not only takes away the sheen of the skin but also leaves one with depressing skin. People with dry skin have to be much more careful than people with other skin types. So here are some tips for radiant and flawless look. The good thing about these tips is that these are not complicated and are very easy to use. A little extra care can keep all your skin problems at bay.

Aloe Vera: It is not only a very good moisturizer but also a good anti oxidant. Its medicinal properties can also cure many skin problems. Aloe Vera gel is a must for winters.

Sunscreen: It is a myth that sunscreen protects you only from summers’ sun rays but it also protects one from invisible UV rays. Thus it should be used all 365 days. Even very small quantities of these rays can cause pigmentation, rashes in long run. So it is always better to carry sunscreen and never ever step out without sunscreen.

Moisturize: For regular clean ups, prefer hot milk over hot water. Use boiling milk for steam purpose rather than water. The lactic acid of milk unclogs the closed pores and leaves you with a soft skin. Regular use will prevent cracked and flaky skin and will give you a fresh look.

Aroma oils: Massage you body once a week before bathing with aroma oils. Do not use very hot water for bathing as hot water steals away the natural body oils. Use luke warm water for bathing and for washing hair.

Sugar and lemon: Add some sugar to lemon juice and use this mixture as a scrub. It will have a softening effect on your hands.

Body lotion: Every time after bathing, massage your body with body lotion.Use body wash over soaps: Body wash are gentler and are more hygienic to use as compared to soaps. Prefer body wash over soaps.

WORST MAKEUP MISTAKES OF WOMEN

Every girl is frenzied in her quest for beauty on a daily basis. Whether it is a regular day at office or an evening out with friends, perfect skin and hair is a bare necessity. In the pursuit of perfection, there are some common beauty blunders that you must avoid.

Ditch Dryness

Do not apply makeup on dry and flaky skin. Putting on foundation over dry skin can genuinely be horrific. The foundation will colour the dry areas and make the face look blotted. Instead, exfoliate regularly, smoothen your face with a rich moisturizer everyday.

Foundation Force

Applying foundation lighter than the original skin tone in order to look fairer can actually make you look grey. Firstly, love your complexion and choose an appropriate colour of the foundation matching the skin tone. Blend it properly with a suitable lotion on the face and the neck. If you miss out on the neck, then you will end up looking two toned in photos.

Eerie Eye

We all want well-groomed eyebrows but make sure you take professional help to get the perfect shape and never tweeze too much. Get a very light concealer to hide your dark circles. Blend the concealer with the base colour and apply it under your eyes.
-Avoid red eye shadow as it can end up looking neon in pictures. Blend it with gold if required.
-Frosty shades like pink, blue can make it appear puffy and swollen up. Don’t wear the entire colour palette on your eyes since using more than three shades at a time is dreadful.
-Don’t clump the eyelashes with an old or too much of mascara.

Lip Love

Picking on lip colours in vogue not matching the skin tone is not right. In fact, doing anything to your face or body just because its cool is bad. Be choosy about the colours that go on your lips and the look.
-Putting a darker lip liner than the shade of the lipstick or harshly lining the lips looks awkwardly mature.
-Don’t try to plump up your lips to get a pout like Priyanka Chopra because you might end up missing it by a mile.

Glitter!

Glitter is not for anyone over 14 years old. Don’t confuse glitter with shimmer because picking on products that add mild shimmer to your look is okay! Also, when using shimmer, don’t use it on more than one area at a time. Shimmery eyes, sparkly cheeks or shiny lip-gloss, only one thing works at a time. Don’t go nuts with shimmer in the evenings and it’s a big no during the day.

If you haven’t done a professional makeup course or a little workshop on dos and don’ts of makeup, consider it now. There is nothing to fear at all because most women learn makeup with age. If you are guilty of any of the above blunders, fix it now!

FOODS THAT MAKE LOOK YOUNGER

What a world it would be, if one could live their entire lives without Botox and cosmetic surgeries and still look like they haven’t aged a day!

While such dreams can come true in a natural way.

1. Water

Since 70% of our body is made of water, it will be useless to harp on its importance. Nevertheless, an optimum intake of water will not only sustain physical functions but will also facilitate in keeping the follicular and cellular membranes moist and supple. Without water, our cellular structure will die and will result in dull, scaly and flaky skin. Drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day will keep age at bay.

2. Berries

If anything can provide the natural goodness of nutrients, packed in a deliciously sweet chamber of nectarine juices, it has to be berries. They are excellent dietary sources of vitamin A, C, and E and are packed to the core with essential antioxidants, to keep our skin glowing. An adequate intake releases the dietary antioxidants in the body to keep the blood free of impurities and increase nutrient absorption for comparatively stronger immunity. Apples, Pears, Apricots, blueberries, strawberries, green and black grapes are natural pills for agelessness.

3. Nuts

Nuts are a power-packed source of essential vitamins and mono-unsaturated fatty acids. These nutrients are vital to the reconstruction of damaged skin. They aid in the formation of a moist and fluid rich membrane that protects our skin from the natural aging process. With wrinkles at bay, the skin is left extremely radiant and blemish-free. With a variety of nuts like cashews, almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts and pecan nuts to choose from,healthy skin will now be a crunch away.

4. Green Leafy Vegetables

Not only are they a powerhouse of nutrients like Vitamins C, E and B12, but also contain healthy quantities of antioxidants and immunity-boosting compounds. These nutrients aid in the speedy repair of the natural process of wear and tear, remove the free radicals from the system and keep the blood clean. Including a healthy intake of spinach, broccoli, beans, roots and tubers will aid in reversing the lashes of time.

5. Whole Wheat

Not only are they excellent sources of dietary fibre, but are also storehouses of proteins, minerals and vitamins. These nutrients are primarily responsible for maintaining blood pressure and heart health, thereby resulting in good skin at the end of the day.

6. Green Tea

Green tea is nature’s elixir to immortality. With powerful antioxidant content, it can reverse the effect of wrinkles, just like magic. Drinking two cups of green tea daily will result in a powerful immune system, improved blood circulation and glowing skin.

7. Fish

The essential oils contained in fishes help in maintaining and renewing the elasticity of skin. Fishes are extremely rich sources of Omega-3. A regular intake of fish will replenish the protein required to maintain healthy hair and skin. Taking cod and halibut liver oil supplements will be a good alternative to fish intake, as well.

HOW TO STAND OUT IN A CROWD

Have good posture

Experts say that first impressions are based on 60 per cent non-verbal communication and 40 per cent verbal, which means that you’re being judged mostly before you even open your mouth – no pressure. To make your 60 per cent count, you need to have good posture. When was the last time you noticed the person who shuffled into the room looking shy and coy? Did it make you want to talk to them? If you were an employer, would you give them a job? No? Shocker. Shuffling in with slumped shoulders and your head hanging down will make you look like you don’t want to speak to anyone and doesn’t make people feel like they can approach you. Instead, walk tall with your shoulders back and your head held high.

Walk with purpose

Along with posture comes walking with a purpose; there’s no point holding your head high if you’re going to dawdle over to the bar looking worried and lost. Walk as though you’re going somewhere specific. Even if you don’t have a clue where you’re walking to, just pretend you do. Maybe aim more towards the bar than the toilets though – you’re trying to look confident, not like you’re on a desperate mission to get to the bathroom because you have an upset stomach.  Walk in like you mean business, and people will notice you.

Look the part

Trendsetters rarely go undetected so wear something that stands out. This isn’t to say that you should revamp your style completely; go for something you feel confident in but add a flash of colour or a quirky accessory to make yourself stand out. Look through magazines for inspiration; if you flick through the pages of a fashion magazine and see someone that stands out for their style (in a good way, of course) try to incorporate an element of their style into your own.

Be approachable and approach people

There’s no point looking the part with posture, confidence and style if you’re going to team these positive attributes with a bad attitude and a glum face. No one likes the cocky guy who walks in like he owns the place. Instead, approach people and make sure you look approachable, make eye contact and smile. Ask people questions about themselves to show that you’re interested even if you couldn’t care less about where they work or what they’re doing at the weekend – these people will want to talk to you again in the future.

Have a passion

When speaking to people – whether that is in a bar or in a job interview – evoke people’s interest in you by being passionate about your chosen subject. Talking about how nice the weather is can be a good conversation starter when you’re trying to break the ice, but it gets pretty bland after about 30 seconds. Instead, ask people what they’re interested in and show your passion for your hobbies too. This doesn’t mean pretending that you love rugby when you’re into ballet, but if you can show a particular passion for ballet, then go for it. Showing that you have a passion for something makes people interested in you because you’re inspiring – you have things to talk about and knowledge to share with others.

Don’t be swayed by other people

People who really stand out are those who don’t simply smile and nod along when something is said that they don’t agree with. You shouldn’t change your opinion purposely to stand out, but if your thoughts genuinely diverge from everyone else’s, say it. Don’t force your opinions on other people because this will make you unpopular but don’t be afraid to express your views either. If you have a good reason for thinking differently, you’ll stand out for your honesty and innovative thinking. Rather than saying, for example, “no that’s not how it should be” say “ that’s an interesting way to look at it. I’ve never thought of it like that before” and then say your opinion. Having your own thoughts and being honest will make you stand out from the people who simply smile and nod along.

Believe in yourself

Above all, believe in yourself. To stand out from a crowd, you must believe that you are someone worth being around. Once you have conquered the fear of being the centre of attention, you’ve got the key to standing out in a crowd. There is only one of you in the whole wide world, so look good, stand tall, be confident and friendly and you’re sure to stand out from the rest . As the saying goes “you never get a second chance to make a first impression” so make that first impression a good one – go you!

DRY SKIN CARE IN WINTER WITH PAPAYA

With your skin constantly losing its moisture in winter season, exfoliating it is a good way to keep it looking great.

Papaya is considered a wonderful wholesome fruit as it meets with some of our most essential vitamins, minerals and protein needs. Both ripe and raw papaya can be used to rejuvenate the skin. Ripe papaya is excellent for exfoliation of the skin and brings about newer looking skin and generally suits all skin types. 

Glow Skin:1/2 cup ripe papaya pulp, 4 tsps orange juice, 4 tsps carrot juice, 1 tsp honey or glycerin. Mix the above ingredients and apply or massage the pack all over the face and neck.

Skin Rejuvenation:1/2 cup ripe papaya pulp, 1/4 cup coconut milk, 1/4 cup of oat flakes. Run the mixture on your face and neck gently for about 5 minutes. Wash off with milk and water and notice the glow for yourself.

Regular applications of the above two-treatments can do wonders to the face.

DRY SKIN CARE IN WINTER

As winter sets in and sweaters and blankets come out, dry skin and chapped lips start cracking the surface of your skin. 

The popular solution is cold cream and moisturizer. But are these the only cosmetic options? We soak in the facts on ways to fight dry skin and what is the root cause of dry skin. 

Causes of Dry Skin:

Dry skin signifies that the water in skin dries up at a faster pace. The reason skin dry out in the winter is because there is less humidity in the air, more extreme weather conditions, and indoor heating. Even people who don’t normally have dry skin can experience problems in the winter.

When your skin is dry it can drain out the oils and nutrients. Dry skin makes skin vulnerable. Low temperatures and cool winds suck the moisture from your skin, leaving you with dry and itchy skin and sometimes it even flakes.

The barrier that prevents dry skin is the outer-most layer called the stratum corneum.

The stratum corneum protect underlying tissue from drying out. When this layer loses its integrity due to drying conditions, it can no longer hold in moisture and the result is dry, even flaky skin.

Why is it important to avoid dry skin? 
Not only does a dry skin cause topical issue like eczema, the winter rash, and dry burns, but it also leads to a host of other germ-related diseases. How does this work? Bacteria germs are attracted to dry surfaces and when your skin is dry, you tend to pick up germs from places like common workstations, public loos, door knobs, etc. Therefore, treating dry skin is of utmost importance to avoid winter discomfort. 

A common misconception is the way we bath in the winters: Opt for lukewarm shower instead of a steamy hot bath. Hot water may make you feel better during the winters but it can wash out the natural oil from your skin. 

Here are a few tips to prevent dry skin during the Winter:

-Reduce the heat of your showers or baths – using hot water can actually dry your skin out as it removes the natural protective oils from your skin.

-Replace soaps and detergents with soap-free cleansers. In the winter, replace light weight shower gels with one that contains built-in cream or oil.

-Moisturize more. You may find that a light-weight body lotion works well in the Spring and Summer but when winter arrives, your skin needs change. Use products that are oil-based and that can add that protective layer to the skin. Moisturize after every shower and between hand washings.

-Protect your lips! Lips don’t contain oil glands so they need moisture applied often, especially in winter. Use lip balms with a sunscreen to keep lips protected and moist.

-Protect your face. Even though the sun isn’t out as much, you should still be using a moisturizer with a sunscreen. In addition, use a cream versus a lotion to add more moisture. Using a night cream is essential in the winter to help keep your skin hydrated.

-Keep your skin hydrated by drinking water. Water will build your body's natural moisture.

-Exfoliate less, especially if you have skin that is extremely dry or inflamed. Use a finer scrub that gently removes dead skin from the face no more than twice a week. Exfoliate the body once a week.

-Treat the feet. Because our feet are covered with socks doesn’t mean they don’t dry out. Keep them exfoliated – at least once a week. Then treat them with a mask and an intense moisturizer. Cover them with socks at night and wake up with gorgeous feet.

-Foods with essential fatty acids, good cholesterol, flavonoids, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals are important for maintaining skin's elasticity through collagen production. Whole grain products, vegetables, fish, lean meats, and egg yolks protect and nourish the skin.

-Reduce your intake of coffee and alcohol; these two affect and cause dry skin quite adversely. Smoking is a common culprit behind pre-maturely ageing skin, dryness and general hormonal imbalances that affect skin's texture. Avoid it, to maintain smooth skin.

-Use a humidifier. A humidifier adds moisture to the air and aids in your skin retaining moisture. Place them throughout the house and especially in the bedroom. Humidifiers control the moisture in the air. It would work great during winter. By humidifying the air, they prevent environmental drying agents.

-Avoid using products that contain alcohol like toners or astringents. Look for an alcohol-free alternative or skip them altogether. Many experts claim that toners are no longer necessary.

HOME REMEDIES FOR WINTER ALLERGIES

Winter allergies  and infections tend to take a toll on most people’s health. Coughs, sneeze, running nose, water eyes, flu, colds, and sinusitis become very common problems, which last for many days thus making one’s life miserable. People that live in places which experience severe winters, generally are susceptible to chilblains, hypothermia and frostbite if in case they do not take precautions to protect themselves from this kind of weather. People that suffer circulatory disorders and rheumatoid arthritis generally tend to find their symptoms getting aggravated. On account of a lack of sunlight our immune system generally tends to suffer during the winters. As opposed to popular beliefs, flu, sinusitis, coughs and cold are not a result of dipping temperature, but rather an outcome infections.of a slackened immunity, which tends to make people vulnerable to all these allergies and infections.

What causes winter allergies?

Symptoms of winter allergies may mimic signs of colds and flu. Winter allergy symptoms include sneezing, coughing, stuffy nose, runny nose and generalized malaise. In the cold months of the year, you may not be exposed to pollen, but you may be exposed to other triggers. In the wintertime we are often exposed to mold and dust mites. Dust mites are microscopic spider-like creatures that live off our dead skin cells. They are found in our beds, on our pillow cases and floating in the air on dust particles.

Mold is often found where it is dark and damp. We might find mold growing under the sink, or down in the basement of our homes. Spores get released into the air and when we breathe them into our lungs, they often set off an allergic response from our immune system.

Home Remedies For Winter Allergies

Here are a few cures and home remedies to treat various kinds of winter ailments.

To 2 cups of water add half a teaspoon each of marshmallow and Echinacea root. Let the water simmer for a few minutes on a low flame. After about 15 minutes take the mixture off the flame and then add ¼ teaspoon of ginger rhizome, ½ a teaspoon peppermint leaves and 1 teaspoon of chamomile flowers. Place this mixture over a low flame again and let it simmer for an additional 15 minutes. Once the solution has cooled strain it into a glass and consume its contents. This decoction if had once a day will help fight all kinds of winter skin allergies.

Mix together equal proportions of lime juice, water and poppy seeds (crushed). This mixture can also be used as a topical application for skin allergies. A diet that consists of only juices and accompanied with some herbs such as, rose hips and Acerola cherry, will help in boosting the immune system and hence will prevent various kinds of winter ailments. Breathing exercises help in providing an ample amount of oxygen to one’s body, this in turn helps in flushing out unwanted toxins from the body. Practicing deep breathing for about 10 minutes a day will be beneficial. Steam inhalations that are infused with a few drops of eucalyptus oil are an excellent way of opening up blocked sinuses. Finally, the body’s digestive capabilities tend to be at their peak during the winters, thus one can consume rich foods with substantial ease. Energy and nutritious rich foods should be had in order to store energy.

Here are some more winter herbal remedies that will help reduce winter allergy symptoms. Green tea, chamomile tea, grape seed extract, raw honey, and ginger are used by many people who are sensitive to first and second generation antihistamines.

Green Tea:

Everyone knows that green tea is a good calming agent, but many people are finding out that green tea works great as an antihistamine, and doesn't give you the side effects that antihistamines are noted for.

Chamomile Tea:

Chamomile tea also has a calming effect, and is a natural antihistamine. However, if you are allergic to ragweed, you should not drink chamomile tea. If you like honey, you can sweeten the tea with it.

Ginger:

Ginger is another natural antihistamine. It is a spice that is used in many different recipes. Ginger should be purchased in root form and not in the powdered form. You should grind it up yourself, put it in a cup and make tea out of it with boiling water.

Grape seed extract:

Grape seed extract is good to take when you have allergy symptoms in the winter time and all year long. Grape seed extract, like red wine, contains flavonoids. Flavoinoids are helpful in alleviating allergy symptoms.

Raw honey:

Raw honey is honey that has not been pasteurized. The heat in pasteurization kills off some of the properties that are beneficial to allergy sufferers. Raw honey, preferably from your general location is very good to help desensitize you from the effects of the different kinds of pollens in the area in which you live.

Raw honey is a natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agent. I know raw honey works, because I have allergic asthma. When my rescue inhaler doesn't help take the asthma symptoms away, honey calms my coughing and wheezing right away.

Read about following article:

Home Remedies For Whooping Cough

Home Remedies For Cold, Cough & flu

HOME REMEDIES FOR WHOOPING COUGH

Whooping cough is medically known as pertussis. Whooping cough is a severe, hacking cough that is followed by a high-pitched intake of breath, which sounds like a 'whoop'. Whooping cough is a contagious condition that involves an infection of one’s respiratory tract or system.Though it starts as cold, whooping cough eventually turns into a serious ailment. The disease is more common amongst children and teenagers, though others might also get affected by it. Highly contagious in nature, whooping cough, at times, makes it difficult for the affected child to eat, drink or breathe.

The bacterial infection in lungs, caused by bacterium Bordetella pertussis, is called whooping cough. A contagious disease, it leads to severe coughing, which may or may not be accompanied by vomiting and perspiration. Some of the common symptoms of whooping cough are sore throat, mild dry cough, sneezing, tears, tiredness, loss of appetite, night cough, vomiting, retching, nosebleeds and diarrhea. Though it starts with a mild cough, whooping cough develops into severe coughing, if not treated on time. Whooping cough can, however, be treated with home remedies as well.

The initial signs and symptoms of this condition are quite similar to that of the common cold. Sneezing, a runny nose, low fever and a mild cough are some of the symptoms of this condition.

Causes of Whooping Cough

• Bronco-pneumonia
• Infection of middle ear
• Convulsions
• Micro-organisms Bordetella pertussis and Bordetella parapertussis
• Through tiny drops of fluid, from an infected person's nose or mouth.

Symptoms of Whooping Cough

• Cold
• Mild cough
• Mild fever
• Night cough
• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Sore throat
• Tears while coughing
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Low-grade fever
• Tiredness

Home Remedies:

There are several home remedies however that can help in treating this condition.

Ginger is considered to be one of the best remedies for treating this condition. Grate a piece of ginger and then extract the juice from the shavings. Simultaneously you will need to boil a cup of water (250 ml) and then add a teaspoon of fenugreek seeds to the boiling water. Let the two simmer for a while on a low flame, till the quantity of water is reduced to half. Once the decoction cools add a teaspoon of the ginger juice and honey to it and stir. This mixture should be sipped on slowly. It will help in gaining relief from the cough.

Mix a teaspoon each of honey and freshly extracted  radish juice. Add a dash of rock salt and mix all the ingredients well. This concoction should be had three times day to help reduce symptoms. Another effective remedy involves the use of almond oil. About 5-6 drops of the oil have to be mixed with 10 drops of ginger juice and onion juice. This mixture has to be consumed three times in a day. Garlic syrup is also recommended for this condition. Half a teaspoon of the syrup has to be had 2-3 times’ a day in order to treat the illness. It should be had more often, if in case the coughing spells tend to get more violent and frequent. Roast 2-3 cloves and then grind them into a fine powder. This should then be added to a teaspoon of powdered milk or sugar. A dash of this mixture if had 3-4 times a day will also help in treating this condition.

Few More Home Remedy For Whooping Cough

• One of most effective home remedies for whooping cough would be to have a cup of grape juice, mixed with a tsp of honey, on a daily basis.
• Roast and powder the root of turmeric. Take 3 grams of this powder, along with milk, two times a day.
• Soak 7 almonds in water, overnight. In the morning, remove the brown skin and pound the almonds, to form a paste. Now, add 20 grams each of butter and sugar. Consume the paste two times a day, in the morning and evening.
• Finely chop an onion and extract its juice. Mix 1 tsp of this juice with 1 tsp of honey and keep it aside. Consume it after four to five hours.
• Cut a small slice of ginger and dip it in some rock salt and lemon juice. Store this in an airtight container. Lick this whenever the cough attacks.
• Crush a medium-sized onion and add the juice of one lemon to it. Now, pour a cup of boiling water over it and add a tsp of honey. Take this 2 to 3 times a day.
• Mix 2 grams of the pulp of the herb of belleric myrobalan, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp long pepper and 2 tsp honey. Have this mixture two times a day.
• Aniseed is helpful in treating whooping cough. Prepare a tea with it and have it 1-2 times in a day.
• Extract garlic juice and have a tsp of this, 2 to 3 times a day. This is an effective way to treat whooping cough.
• In a cup of water, add a tsp each of fenugreek seeds and fresh ginger, along with a dash of honey. Bring the water to a boil and allow it to cool. Strain the drink and consume it.
• Dry the herb of belleric myrobalan and cover it with wheat flour. Now, roast the herb and consume it.
• Grind 100 gm of raisins, with water. Add 100 gm of sugar to the paste. Once it forms a saucy consistency, preserve it. Have 20 grams of this mixture everyday, before going to bed.
• Mix 5-6 drops of almond oil and 10 drops each of ginger juice and onion oil. Have this mixture three times daily.
• Mix a tsp of fresh radish juice with equal quantity of honey. Add some rock salt and form syrup. Consume this every 8 hours.
•  Take a tbsp of carrot juice, mixed with some honey and warm water. This proves beneficial in treating whooping cough.

If none of these remedies seem to work and the condition appears to be getting worse, then consulting a physician is highly recommended.

HOME REMEDIES FOR COLD, COUGH & FLU

Winter infections and allergies tend to take a toll on most people’s health. Coughs, allergies, flu, colds, and sinusitis become very common occurrences, which last for days thus making one’s life miserable.

Home remedies can make in a snap help prevent seasonal colds or cure a stubborn case of the flu.Here are some home remedies:

Garlic tea immune enhancer

A well-known immune system strengthener, garlic shines as an antibacterial and antiviral herb for fighting colds, coughs and the flu. One of the best ways to take advantage of garlic's healing properties is by drinking fresh garlic tea. Sweetened with a little raw honey, it's delicious and helps to heal what ails you. Peel 2 to 3 cloves of fresh garlic and lightly crush them with the side of a wide knife blade. Add them to 2 cups of water and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer for another 15 minutes. Strain the garlic and allow the tea to cool to mouth temperature. Add raw honey, a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice. Drink as much as desired.

Mullein tea for coughs and congestion

Mullein tea is well-known for relieving chest congestion from coughs, colds and the flu. It acts as an expectorant, loosening trapped mucous and soothing sore throats. Make mullein tea by filling a tea ball or strainer with dried mullein herb and steeping in a cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Sweeten with raw honey and drink as needed to relieve symptoms.

Red onion and raw honey cough syrup

A wonderful home remedy for adults or kids suffering from a cough uses brown cane sugar, raw honey or stevia and red onions to make a soothing and tasty cough syrup. Wash, peel and slice the entire onion horizontally. Starting with the base of the onion, layer the slices in a bowl alternating with layers of raw honey or brown sugar. Stevia powder works well for this home remedy too; however, it is extremely sweet. Continue adding layers of onion and sweetener until the entire onion is reconstructed in the bowl. Cover and allow the sweetened onion to remain in the bowl on your counter for about 12-15 hours or overnight. The next day, there will be about a cup or more of sweet syrup in the bowl. The cough syrup contains a range of nutrients, vitamins and minerals from the onion and the honey to help fight infection and soothe sore throats and quiet a cough. Take a spoonful as needed. Has no onion-y taste.

Raw honey and lemon for sore throats

A mixture of fresh lemon juice and raw honey provides soothing relief for sore throats and helps stop the tickle that stimulates coughing. Raw honey -- with all its components including royal jelly, propolis and bee pollen -- is high in nutrients and enzymes which kill bacteria and viruses. The vitamin C and antioxidants found in fresh lemons boost the immune system, speeding healing. Together these two home remedies are a powerhouse for getting over a cold and sore throat. Mix the juice of 1/2 the lemon with 2 to 3 tablespoons of honey and sip throughout the day as needed.

Chicken soup antiviral

Chicken soup really does act to knock out a cold or the flu and hasten healing. Take advantage of the high antioxidant properties and nutrients found in organic vegetables and chicken. Although non-organic chicken soup may relieve some cold symptoms, it also supplies the body with pesticides, growth hormones, herbicides and antibiotics that are not recommended for well being. Go organic all the way and get well quickly.

FAT REDUCING INDIAN FOOD

You don't have to acquire a taste for olive oil, seaweed or soya to maintain a low-fat, healthy diet. Indian cuisine can be healthy too, if it's cooked with oil and ingredients that take care of your heart and health.

Ayurveda suggests you include all tastes — sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter and astringent — in at least one meal each day, to help balance unnatural cravings. Here are some foods that can help you lose weight and gain health:

Turmeric: Curcumin, the active component of turmeric, is an object of research owing to its properties that suggest they may help to turn off certain genes that cause scarring and enlargement of the heart. Regular intake may help reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or bad cholesterol and high blood pressure, increase blood circulation and prevent blood clotting, helping to prevent heart attack.

Cardamom: This is a thermogenic herb that increases metabolism and helps burn body fat. Cardamom is considered one of the best digestive aids and is believed to soothe the digestive system and help the body process other foods more efficiently.

Chillies: Foods containing chillies are said to be as foods that burn fat. Chillies contain capsaicin that helps in increasing the metabolism. Capsaicin is a thermogenic food, so it causes the body to burn calories for 20 minutes after you eat the chillies.

Curry leaves: Incorporating curry leaves into your daily diet can help you lose weight. These leaves flush out fat and toxins, reducing fat deposits that are stored in the body, as well as reducing bad cholesterol levels. If you are overweight, incorporate eight to 10 curry leaves into your diet daily. Chop them finely and mix them into a drink, or sprinkle them over a meal.

Garlic: An effective fat-burning food, garlic contains the sulphur compound allicin which has anti-bacterial effects and helps reduce cholesterol and unhealthy fats.

Mustard oil: This has low saturated fat compared to other cooking oils. It has fatty acid, oleic acid, erucic acid and linoleic acid. It contains antioxidants, essential vitamins and reduces cholesterol, which is good for the heart.

Cabbage: Raw or cooked cabbage inhibits the conversion of sugar and other carbohydrates into fat. Hence, it is of great value in weight reduction.

Moong Dal: The bean sprouts are rich in Vitamin A, B, C and E and many minerals, such as calcium, iron and potassium. It is recommended as a food replacement in many slimming programmes, as it has a very low fat content. It is a rich source of protein and fibre, which helps lower blood cholesterol level. The high fibre content yields complex carbohydrates, which aid digestion, are effective in stabilising blood sugar and prevent its rapid rise after meal consumption.

 

Honey: It is a home remedy for obesity. It mobilises the extra fat deposits in the body allowing it to be utilised as energy for normal functions. One should start with about 10 grams or a tablespoon, taken with hot water early in the morning.

Buttermilk: It is the somewhat sour, residual fluid that is left after butter is churned. The probiotic food contains just 2.2 grams of fat and about 99 calories, as compared to whole milk that contains 8.9 grams fat and 157 calories. Regular intake provides the body with all essential nutrients and does not add fats and calories to the body. It is thus helpful in weight loss.

Millets: Fibre-rich foods such as millets - jowar, bajra, ragi, etc - absorb cholesterol and help increase the secretion of the bile that emulsifies fats.

Cinnamon and Cloves: Used extensively in Indian cooking, the spices have been found to improve the function of insulin and to lower glucose, total cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides in people with type 2 diabetes.