Weight Maintenance Tips

Every people dreams to get a good figure. So to reduce their growing weight they take care of every small thing. But it is very important to maintain normal weight after the weight loss. Let us know about some tips to maintain weight:-
Fruits, vegetables, beans and beans are low in fat and rich in carbohydrates. These are very important for good health. Do not use excess oil, ghee or butter to prepare them.

Eat more grain as they are low in fat and they contain more carbohydrates.

Use processed foods such as chapattis instead of bread, etc. You can also stuff vegetable in chapatti.  They are nutritious. Avoid biscuits and other high fat foods.

Other food items that can be used in order to maintain weight are fruits, soup and salad. Jelly, jam, cream or cheese, butter are harmful in terms of health as Carbohydrate level is much higher.

Uneven eating habits also affect your weight. Focus only on eating food while eating, just eat, and avoid doing something else. Do not read, work or see TV. Avoid eating after fights or depression. While eating avoid fights because in these situations you tend to eat more.

Some helpful tips in maintaining weight:-
Reduce the amount of fat in your diet but do not disappear it completely from your diet. 15% of total calories of should be in your diet. Cookies, baked foods, chips, etc. are very high in fat content.

Reduce the amount of food that contains sugar. Avoid sugar from chocolate, candy, cookies and white or table sugar. Rather intake complex carbohydrate-rich food.

Avoid repetitive food. Instead use different types of food so you can get all the nutrients.

Do not skip meals. Eat four or five times a day but in small amounts.

Use high fiber rich diet (30 to 40 grams). Fiber increases the amount of food and protects from diseases. Fiber slows down the digestive process which helps to maintain insulin levels and it helps to convert food into energy than fat.

Increase your physical activity by the help of aerobics exercises such as jogging, walking, cycling and swimming, etc. Go on long walks and exercise at least 30 minutes, as well as bring a change in diet.

Neem Leaf : Multiple Uses

Neem is known for being a highly medicinal and remedial tree. Its a massive flowering shade tree belonging to the mahogany family. Each and every part of neem tree is a benefactor to mankind in one or the other way. Only the neem leaves in itself comprise of more than 100 active ingredients which can also be grounded into powder or cured into tea.

Below mentioned are few of the multiple uses of neem leaves:

Neem Leaf as Insecticide
Neem leaf is an amazing insecticide. The best way to use it is by putting fresh neem leaves in books, cabinets, beds etc. this helps in keeping the insects out. These can also be laid around the garden to safeguard crops from insects.


Neem Leaves for Diabetes
Neem leaves can control the blood sugar effectively by approximately 45%. Also, these leaves are helpful in increasing the oxidation of red blood cells. Its tea form is instrumental in curing pneumonia and gout.

Malaria Protection
As per the American Journal of Therapeutics, neem leaf and its extracts fight against malaria carrying mosquitoes for upto 12 hours. Its usage as a mosquito repellent is quite popular in tropical African and Asian countries.

Neem Leaves for Blood Pressure
Neem leaf has good amount of antihistamine properties which help in dilating the blood vessels and reducing the blood pressure levels.

Neem Leaves for Arthritis
The pain and inflammation associated with Arthiritis can be cured well with the help of neem leaves. Certain properties of neem leaves also help in alleviating rheumatism.

Benefits of Neem

Benefits Of Neem

The benefits and value of neem tree and all its parts, does not require any introduction, its uses in curing and preventing many diseases not only in humans but also in animals have been known to mankind for long. It is also used to protect plants from pests and insects, neem is also used to stimulate the growth of plants as it is considered to be a natural manure without any toxic effects.

Neem Uses and Benefits

Neem needs no introduction in today's world. A very famous herb of India with worldwide fame and having magical properties known for its miraculous medicinal values from past 5000 years. Neem is known as free tree of India as it is found almost everywhere in India. It is considered as a magic tree, which has properties that not only relieves but also cures from illness.

Margosa tree attains a maximum height of 40 to 50 fts. It is an evergreen tree whose branches spread all over. It is a very densely crowned tree, which may reach to a diameter of 30 to 40 fts. The trunk is relatively straight. Bark is thick and rough with whitish to reddish brown in appearance.

Benefits of the Neem Tree

Neem or Azadirachta Indica is a large, evergreen tree and has strong health maintaining properties. It has been used as a tonic and astringent that promotes wound healing. Neem's traditional use is based on its detoxifying benefits that help maintain healthy circulatory, digestive, respiratory and urinary systems.

Natural Treatment 

Psoriasis, Eczema & Acne

All the parts of the plant and active principles and extracts possess a lot of significant pharmacological properties. Neem is bitter and alterative. It is used as a poultice in boils, is antiseptic, demulcent, a tonic in catarrhal affections, stomachic, stimulant. It is useful in snake bite, scorpion sting, hypoglycemic.

Make Neem Your Safety Net

Medicinal Usages

The twig of this tree is largely used as a tooth brush in different regions of India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. It is an oldest tradition used effectively in dental care. The oil extracted from the seeds and kernel of the Neem tree is used in the manufacturing of cosmetics such as soaps, shampoos, balms, and creams. It has the potentiality to use as a great carbon dioxide sink.

Horticulture Usages

This tree offers a great resource for environment-friendly biopesticides. Limonoids found in the leaves, seeds and bark are used as an effective insect-growth controlling substance. The uniqueness lies with its ability to alter the life-processing behavior of the insect in such a fashion that the insect becomes unable to feed, breed or undergo through metamorphosis process.

Neem fruits, seeds, oil, leaves, bark and roots have such uses as general antiseptics, antimicrobials, treatment of urinary disorders, diarrhoea, fever and bronchitis, skin diseases, septic sores, infected burns, hypertension and inflammatory diseases.

Ayurvedic Tea Recipes for Various Health Benefits

Ayurveda has always given highest importance to right food according to one's body constitution. As such, one should always eat food according to the dosha of his her body- vata, pitta or kapha. Ayurveda has also advocated certain diets that are beneficial to achieve overall health. It gives many recipes for specific problems such asAyurvedic Detoxifying Recipes or Ayurvedic Recipes for weight loss etc. There are also many drinks that help maintaining health. One of such drinks is the tea, which when prepared with different herbs and spices give different benefits for health. Some of such ayurvedic tea recipes are described here.

Ayurvedic Tea for Digestion: Take 1 tsp each of cumin, coriander seeds, and fennel seeds. Also take 3 cups of water and honey. Boil water and after removing from flame, soak the ingredients, except honey, in it for about 5 minutes. Strain and add honey to make it sweet.

Soothing Tulsi Tea: Take 50 gm Tulsi, 7.5 gm Dalchini, 5 gmBrahmi, 15 gm Banafsha, 25 gm Saunf, 15 gm Iliachi dana, 25 gm each of Lalchandan and Kali Mirch. Ground them and boil the mixture in water.

Banafsha Tea for Cough and Cold: Take 60 gm Banafsha, 15 gm Kulanjan, and 20 gm Mulathi. Ground them and boil the mixture in water. Add one drop each of peppermint and eucalyptus oil.

Jushanda Tea for Relief in Asthma: Take 30 gm Mulathi, 15 gm Somavali, 25 gm Vasaka, and 2 gm Naushadar. Ground them and boil the mixture in water.

Herbal Diuretic Tea: Take 26 gm Hauber, 24 gm Gokshru, 25 gm Varun, and 25 gm Punernava. Ground them and boil the mixture in water. It is a diuretic agent which increases the volume of urine excreted and prevents the formation of stone and also dissolves the kidney stone.

Anti-oxidant Keshar and Green Tea: Take 5 gm Jaiphal, 4 gm Javitri, 50 gm Dalchini, 1 gm Keshar, and 40 gm Ashwagandha. Ground them and boil the mixture in water. For anti-oxidant green tea recipe, add 10 gm green tea leaves, and 1 gm each of Dalchini and Iliachi with sugar (as per taste) in water. Boil to get the tea.

Herbal Laxative Tea: Take 90 gm Senna, and 10 gm Dhania. Ground them and boil the mixture in water. It helps in relieving constipation.

Vata Dosha Tea Recipe: Take 1/4 teaspoon each of freshly grated ginger, ground cardamom, cinnamon, ajwan seeds and 1 cup water. Mix all the ingredients. Boil the water and add the herb mixture to it. Steep for 5 minutes. Strain and then serve. It balances the vata dosha.

Pitta Dosha Tea Recipe: Take 1/4 teaspoon each of cumin seeds, coriander, fennel, fresh cilantro, rose petals, and 1 cup water. Mix all the ingredients. Boil the water and add the herb mixture to it. Steep for 5 minutes. Strain and then serve. It balances the pitta dosha.

Kapha Dosha Tea Recipe: Take 1/4 teaspoon each of dry ginger, dill seed, fenugreek seed, 1 clove , and 1 cup water. Mix all the ingredients. Boil the water and add the herb mixture to it. Steep for 5 minutes. Strain and then serve. It balances the kapha dosha.

Green Tea: A Dietary Supplement Against Aging

Green tea is rich in antioxidants, which prevent our bodies’ cells from damage due to oxidation. The process is not very different from preventing your car from being rusted.

Fast realizing the increasing knowledge of public about the many health benefits of antioxidants as they are being published, the marketers of cold drinks have begun promoting green tea drinks flavored with fruit juices. Apple, lemon, strawberry, peach, and pomegranate, you name it and it’s out there for sale.
Green Tea is often consumed as a dietary supplement. A dietary supplement refers to vitamins, minerals, herbal supplements and other substances (e.g weight loss supplement) meant to improve your diet. Green tea comprises EGCG or the epigallocatechin gallate that makes the tea power packed with the advantages of antioxidants.

As far as aging is concerned, many studies blame free radicals within our bodies as the ones responsible of it. Consequently, the higher the quantity of free radicals in your body, the faster you would age. Since the main job of antioxidants is to neutralize the free radicals their presence is supposed to slow down the rate of aging. Apart from green tea some common sources of antioxidants are apricots, broccoli, pumpkin, cantaloupes, spinach, sweet potatoes and tomatoes. So it makes good sense to supplement your diet with these as well.

However there’s a problem, and that is, once you drink the tea, 80 percent of its antioxidantcatechins are lost during digestion, making the mechanism highly inefficient. At the same time a tasty solution to this problem exists. Studies have found that when the tea is coupled with some specific foods, antioxidant absorption becomes a lot more efficient. Out of the edibles that make it so, lemon ranks first, followed by orange, lime and grapefruit juices. In fact lemon has been found to retain 80 percent of the catechins.

No magic potion is needed, even a simple herb such as green tea can go a long way to protect your body from the harmful effects of free radicals, and tastefully too!

Health Benefits Of Chocolate

Healthy chocolate sounds like a dream come true, but chocolate hasn’t gained the status of health food quite yet. Still, chocolate’s reputation is on the rise, as a growing number of studies suggest that it can be a heart-healthy choice.

Chocolate is good for your heart. A small bar of it every day can help keep your heart and cardiovascular system running well. Health benefits of chocolate are:

The smell of chocolate may increase theta brain waves, resulting in relaxation.

Studies have shown that consuming a small bar of dark chocolate everyday can reduce blood pressure in individuals with high blood pressure.

Regular chocolate eaters who had heart disease were less likely to die following a heart attack compared with the people who didn’t treat themselves to the dark and dreamy stuff.

Cacao, the source of chocolate, contains antibacterial agents that fight tooth decay. However, chocolate with high sugar content will negate this benefit. Dark chocolate contains significantly higher amounts of cacao and lower amounts of sugar than white chocolate, making it more healthful.

Dark chocolate has far more antioxidants than milk or white chocolate. These other two chocolates cannot make any health claims. Dark chocolate has 65 percent or higher cocoa content.

Chocolate also has not been proven to cause cavities or tooth decay. In fact, there are indications that the cocoa butter in the chocolate coats the teeth and may help protect them by preventing plaque from forming. The sugar in chocolate does contribute to cavities, but no more than the sugar in any other food.

Health Benefits of Tulsi

Tulsi is undoubtedly the best medicinal herb ever known. It has endless miraculous and medicinal values and is being worshipped in India since thousands of years.

Tulsi is considered to be an adaptive, balancing different processes in the body, and helpful for adapting to stress. Tulsi protects from nearly all sorts of infections from viruses, bacteria, fungi and protozoa. Marked by its strong aroma and astringent taste, it is regarded in ayurveda as a kind of elixir of life and believed to promote longevity.

The health benefits of Tulsi are as follows:

Respiratory problems

Holy Basil is very effective in treating cold and its related disorders. It is a boon for respiratory tract disorders. It helps in treating all the disorders that are related to our throat

Heart Diseases

Tulsi contains vitamin C and other anti oxidants, which protect the heart from harmful effects of free radicals.

Stress

Vitamin C and other anti oxidants in Tulsi, apart from repairing damages done by the free radicals, can minimize the stress induced by these oxidants. They soothe nerves, lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation and thus reduce stress.

Headaches

Tulsi is very helpful in relieving headaches and body pain. It has certain properties that helps in releasing spasm in the muscles hence is extremely helpful in relaxing the body.

Anti Ageing

Vitamin-C, A, Phytonutrients and the essential oils in it are excellent anti oxidants and protects the body from nearly all the damages caused by the free radicals. In traditional Indian medicine system called Ayurveda, it is considered as a tonic to retain youth and avoid aging.

Healing Power

The tulsi plant has many medicinal properties. The leaves are a nerve tonic and also sharpen memory. They promote the removal of the catarrhal matter and phlegm from the bronchial tube. The leaves strengthen the stomach and induce copious perspiration. The seed of the plant are mucilaginous.

Hot Yoga At Home

Practicing yoga at home has never been easier.  If you are a beginner to yoga or relatively new and want to establish an at home yoga practice, it is important to do some groundwork before jumping into the fray.  To prevent injury and maximize the power of your yogic experience, careful preparation and modest investments can make learning yoga at home viable, efficient, and fun.

There are a lot of benefits to doing yoga postures at home. You certainly don’t need to take yoga any further than that, but there is more information on these spiritual and healing aspects if the interest is there. Like anything, take what is appropriate for you, and leave the rest. If you are new to yoga, or just need some new apparel, you can use this coupon code from Patagonia to help you save!

What you need to get started with yoga at home

The best reason to start a home yoga practice is that you don’t need much to begin:

• Choose or create a quiet, uncluttered space in your home for your practice, and stock it with the essential basic yoga props mat, strap, blocks, blanket, bolster, etc. The space doesn’t have to be large, but it should be quiet, clean, open and sacred.
• Set realistic goals, starting out with small pockets of time (10-15 minutes).
• Your body knows what’s good for you and what’s not. Before you begin your practice, take a few minutes to sit or stand in stillness. Scan your body from your toes, up your legs to your knees and into your hips and lower back. Then scan up to your upper back, shoulders, arms, stomach and chest. Notice any sensations anywhere, ranging from simple sensations of energy to stronger ones of discomfort or pain. Stay tuned into those areas as you do your practice. If you feel increased pain or new pain be sure to back off and choose a different variation of the movement.
• Begin with basic yoga sequence and expand your practice as your skills improve.

Uttanasana

Brings energy to the head and respiratory area; helps clear the sinusesStand with your feet hip-width apart and rest your forearms on a chair seat. You can also place a blanket on the chair seat for extra padding. Hold two to five minutes.

Leg Yoga

The Leg to Side Pose is a part of Leg Yoga. It stretches your legs, waist and spine. It also helps reduce your belly’s fat. It stretches the back, shoulder and neck muscles.

Method: Lie down on your back. Stretch the arms out perpendicular to the torso with palms facing down. Then slowly raise your legs up perpendicular to the floor. Inhale and gradually brings your legs down close to the left arm. Twist the torso to the opposite side while keep your shoulders and arms on the floor. Turn your face to the right and exhale. Hold the position for 5-7 breathes and then release.

Weight Loss Tips

Tips for Easy and Fast Weight Loss:

Tip 1: Must drink minimum 8 glasses of water in a day.

Tip 2: Juices, cream, sugar in your coffee or tea all add up.

Tip 3: Water helps in reducing weight in effective manner.

Tip 4: Have 5 to 6 small meals or snacks in a day.

Tip 5: Make habit of walking. Walk for at least 45 minutes.

Tip 6: Eat more vegetables like zucchini, tomatoes.

Tip 7: Eat only when your stomach wants food.

Tip 8: Avoid package (processed) and convenient foods.

Tip 9: Take stairs instead of taking elevator. 

Tip 10: Eat fruit rather than juice, low in calories helps.

Tip 11: Eating whole foods will keep you satisfied for longer period of time than juice.

Tip 12: Eat equal portions of vegetables and grains at dinner. Prefer not eating with a large group.

Tip 13: After every 2 hours, get up and walk around the office or your home for 5 minutes.

Tip 15: A brisk five-minute walk after every two hours will your body active.

Popcorn for Good Health

Can you imagine a movie interval or cricket match without popcorn? When weather gets cool and you spend time watching movie or match on TV, then a tasty and yummy container of popcorn makes your entertainment double.

You love to eat popcorn and it is a favorite snack of many, but do you think is it healthy?

Many people think that popcorn is not a healthy treat but the fact is popcorn prepared without lots of butter and salt may not be so unhealthy at all.

Popcorn is a healthy whole grain and a best source of fiber. Popcorn is a very nutritious choice so long as you go natural. According to a study, people who eat popcorn consume 200% more whole grains and 20% more fiber than those who do not eat popcorn.

Popcorn can help to prevent cancer as research suggests. Popcorn is good healthy food which contains health-boosting antioxidants called polyphenols. It helps to reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer and other diseases.

Health benefits of popcorn:

• High in antioxidants
• Contains polyphenols that protect against cell damage
• Popcorn is whole grain similar to oatmeal and brown rice
• Popcorn is also a good source of fiber
• Popcorn without butter is low in calories
• The endosperm located in the center of popcorn contains nutritional carbohydrates, high energy proteins and healthy vitamins.

Hot, Fresh, Delicious popcorn is a healthy snack and better for your health. All popcorn fans who love to eat popcorn can gift a healthy popcorn box to their friends.

If you are planning to make a healthy birthday bash then popcorn can be a yummy treat for your crew.

So be ready to serve popcorn balls at your next party!!

Natural Beauty Tips for Girls

Wake Up Call

Make paste of honey and ginger and apply this paste on face every morning before brushing teeth. This will prevent wrinkles to a greater extent.

Rich Olive

Massage is very useful as it increases blood circulation and result in tightening of skin. Use olive oil to massage your skin daily. Remember to massage in anticlockwise

Ample Apple

Cut apple’s thin slices and rub it on affected area, wash with warm water after 10 min. It helps in controlling oily shine.

Healthy Haldi

Make a paste using Haldi (Turmeric) with a little raw milk and lemon juice. Apply it on the skin, it will help in removing a tan.

Sweet Honey

Prepare mixture of honey, lemon and vegetable oil. Apply this paste on dry skin and wash after 10-15 min. This mixture is a good moisturizer for dry skin.

Fruit Lunch

Make it a habit to add lots of fruits as part of your meals. Take fruits without adding any salt and sugar to it. Eat wide variety of fruits and vegetables, including dark green vegetables and feel the difference in your skin.

Ideal Drink

Make a habit of drinking 2 glass of water early in the morning. Drinking water early in the morning will bless you with shiny and healthy skin.

Utterly Buttery

Buttermilk is another proven recipe to fade the sun tan. Wash you face with Buttermilk regularly for a few days and you would notice the difference. Being a natural astringent, it tones the skin and is ideal for oily to combination skin.

Morning Buzz

Try to take food that contains more calories (as compare to night) in morning and noon. This way you might eat less in the evening. It gives more time and chance for burning the calories during day and noon.

Moisturizing

Applying moisturizer after a warm face wash or a warm shower is the best remedies for skin. Moisturizing helps to restore the oils that our skin has and helps to keep the skin hydrated.

Greedy Grapes

Add 3-4 tablespoons of oatmeal to the juice of a grapefruit. Mix to thick paste. Spread on face and leave on 15 minutes, remove with luke warm water. Get healthy and smooth skin quickly.

Summer Fruits For Good Health

Summer is upon us and with the warm weather comes a cornucopia of delightful fruits and vegetables that not only taste great but are excellent health boosters as well!

Try out juices of grapes, watermelon, banana, jack fruit, lemon and pineapple during summer. Consumption of fruits and juices reduces body heat and benefits in controlling body temperature. Fruits are packed with powerful antioxidants that can lower your risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes-related damage and even slow down the body’s natural aging process. The Many Health Benefits of Our Favorite Summer Fruits

Summer Fruits for Good Health
Watermelon

Watermelons are a significant source lycopene, a carotenoid only obtainable through diet, known to help prevent and treat many types of cancer, including prostate cancer.  A watermelon contains about 6% sugar and 92% water by weight making it a perfect snack for any outdoor summer activity due to its natural hydration. Watermelons are rich in electrolytes, sodium and potassium which are lost through perspiration.

Mango

Mangoes, though difficult to peel (see picture for easy slicing method), contain more beta-carotene than any other fruit, which helps to prevent cell damage leading to heart disease and stroke.  These multi colored fruits also contain high levels of fiber which help to control appetite and aid in metabolism. One cup of sliced mangoes supplies 25 percent of the needed daily value of vitamin A, important for the promotion of good eyesight.

Raspberries

One cup of raspberries has 64 calories and is a great source of fiber some of it soluble in the form of pectin, which helps lower cholesterol and an excellent source of vitamin C. The gorgeous red color is from anthocyanins, an antioxidant. Choose juicy-looking, brightly colored raspberries, as raspberries do not continue to ripen once picked.

Papaya

Papayas make for a great summer fruit as they can easily be added to your salads or eaten on their own with low-fat vanilla frozen yogurt for dessert. The nutritional highlight of papaya is its vitamin C content, providing over 300% of your daily need.

Headache Natural Home Remedies

Headache Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

What is a headache?
A Headache is defined as a pain in the head or upper neck. It is one of the most common locations of pain in the body and has many causes.

What are the Different Types of Headaches?
Common headache types are:

• Tension-Type Headache
• Migraine Headache
• Cluster Headache
• Hormone Headache

Tension Headache

-are the most common type of primary headache. Up to 90% of adults have had or will have tension headaches. Tension headaches occur more commonly among women than men.

Symptoms
pain description: dull pressure or tightness
location: both sides of head & sometimes neck
duration: 30min to a full week
frequency: infrequent to daily
other common symptoms: fatigue, sensation of a rigid band circling and pressing on the head.

Migraine Headache-

are the second most common type of primary headache. Migraine headaches affect children as well as adults. Before puberty, boys and girls are affected equally by migraine headaches, but after puberty, more women than men are affected. It is estimated that 6% of men and up to 18% of women will experience a migraine headache in their lifetime.

Symptoms
pain description: moderate to severe throbbing
location: 60% on one side, 40% on both sides
duration: four to seventy two hours
frequency: recurrent, with widely variable frequency
other common symptoms: nausea, vomiting, light, sound and smell sensitivity, increasing pain with routine physical activities.

Cluster Headache-

are a rare type of primary headache affecting 0.1% of the population (1 in a 1,000 people). It more commonly affects men in their late 20s though women and children can also suffer these types of headache.

Symptoms
pain description: sharp, boring, severe pain developing rapidly over minutes.
location: one sided, usually around or behind the eye
duration: 15 to 180 minutes
frequency: one or more daily during “clusters”
other common symptoms: nasal congestion, runny nostril, tearing on one side, redness of eye, a feeling of agitation.

What Causes Headache?

Headaches are caused due to imbalances & aggravation of three different doshas. Common causes are:
- Sinusitis, Hypertension, Fever
- Over work, Mental stress, Sleeplessness
- Constipation, Indigestion, Acidity
- Excessive consumption of tea, coffee, aspirin or nicotine is also known to contribute to headache
- Nervous weakness
- Anemia, Deficiency of oxygen in the blood
- Sitting too close to the television, Reading with insufficient light, Reading in a moving train or car.

Common Home Remedies for Headache

Take clove, cinnamon and almond in equal quantities (around 1 teaspoon each) and grind together with a little water to make a paste. Apply paste on the forehead. A paste made of sandalwood powder can also be applied on the forehead.

Henna: The flowers of henna have been found valuable in curing headaches caused by hot sun. The flowers should be rubbed in vinegar and applied over the forehead. This remedy will soon provide relief.

Cinnamon: Cinnamon is useful in headaches caused by exposure to cold air. A fine paste of this spice should be prepared by mixing it with water and it should be applied over the temples and forehead to obtain relief.

Marjoram: The herb marjoram is beneficial in the treatment of a nervous headache. An infusion of the leaves is taken as a tea in the treatment of this disorder.

Rosemary: The herb rosemary has been found valuable in headaches resulting from cold. A handful of this herb should be boiled in a litre of water and put in a mug. The head should be covered with a towel and the steam inhaled for as long as the patient can bear. This should be repeated till the headache is relieved.

Ghee: Take a few drops of ghee (clarified butter) on your palm. Mix 3 or 4 pieces of saffron in it, and rub it for two minutes. The saffron does not dissolve in the ghee, but its qualities are absorbed. Remove saffron and put two drops of this ghee in each nostril. · Dosage: Follow procedure twice a day.

Oil Massage: Oil massage on the scalp also relieves tension and headache. Sesame oil, almond oil, mustard oil or ghee (clarified butter) can be used for massage.

Enema: cleansing enema with water temperature at 37 degree C, a cold throat pack, frequent applications of towels wrung out from very hot water to the back of the neck , a cold compress at 4.4 degree C to 15.6 degree C applied to the head and face, or an alternate spinal compress. Hot fomentations over the abdominal region just before retiring relieve headaches caused by stomach and liver upsets.

Hot Foot Bath: Hot foot baths are also beneficial in the treatment of chronic headaches. The patient should keep his legs in a tub or bucket filled with hot water at a temperature of 40 degree C to 45 degree C for fifteen minutes every night before retiring. This treatment should be continued for two or three weeks.

Ice Packs: Apply an ice pack to the painful area of your head. Try placing it on your forehead, temples, or the back of your neck.

Accupressure: Apply gentle, steady rotating pressure to the painful area of your head with your index finger and/or thumb. Maintain pressure for seven to 15 seconds, then release. Repeat as needed.

Yogasanas: Yogic kriyas like jalneti and kunjal; pranayamas like anulomaviloma, shitali and sitkari; and asanas such as uttanpadasana, sarvangasana, paschimottanasana, halasana, and shavasana are also beneficial in the treatment of headaches.

Other useful tips to relieve headache

• Peppermint Tea can calm you and ease the pain
• Listen to relaxing music while you lie down
• B6 or B complex vitamins can prevent headaches or lessen their severity
• Chamomile tea can also calm you, so you can sleep which will help your headache

Common Cold Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Home Remedies

Common Cold Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Home Remedies

Introduction
A common cold, is an inflammation of the upper respiratory tract caused by infection with common cold viruses and occurs more often than any other disease. A person may suffer from a common fold several times in a year. A cold usually lasts from three to ten days. The patient feels miserable for the first three days or so. A common cold is caused by a variety of viral infections and it is the most common of all infections that we suffer from.

As per ayurveda, the aggravation of kapha due to the intake of cold food, drinks and fried stuff etc causes cough. Seasonal changes is also one of the reasons for cough Improper digestion of food transforms into a mucus toxin (Ama) and this circulates through the body and reaches the respiratory system, where it causes colds and coughs.

The common cold is highly contagious but those with a strong immunity have some protection against most outbreaks. This said, no matter how healthy you might be, you are likely to suffer a common cold from time to time. Generally the symptoms of a common cold infection appear within a day or two after exposure to the virus.

Common Cold Symptoms

• Soreness of Throat, Congestion of Nasal Passages
• Running Nose, Sneezing, Headache, Chill
• Low fever with body pain, Lethargy, Insomnia
• Loss of appetite

Common Cold Home Remedies

Lemon: Lemon is beneficial in all types of cold with fever. Vitamin C-rich lemon juice increases body resistance, decreases toxicity and reduces the duration of the illness. One lemon should be diluted in a glass of warm water, and a teaspoon of honey should be added to it. This should be taken once or twice daily.

Garlic: Garlic soup is an old remedy to reduce the severity of a cold, and should be taken once daily. The soup can be prepared by boiling three or four cloves of chopped garlic in a cup of water. Garlic contains antiseptic and antispasmodic properties, besides several other medicinal virtues. The oil contained in this vegetable helps to open up the respiratory passages. In soup form, it flushes out all toxins from the system and thus helps bring down fever. Five drops of garlic oil combined with a teaspoon of onion juice, and diluted in a cup of water, should be drunk two to three times a day. This has also been found to be very effective in the treatment of common cold..

Ginger: Ginger is another excellent remedy for colds and coughs. About ten grams of ginger should be cut into small pieces and boiled in a cup of water. It should then be strained and half a teaspoon of sugar added to it. This decoction should be drunk when hot. Ginger tea, prepared by adding a few pieces of ginger into boiled water before adding the tea leaves, is also an effective remedy for colds and for fevers resulting from cold. It may be taken twice daily. Also take half a teaspoon of ginger juice with half a teaspoon of honey, three times a day (morning, noon and night). In winter, warm the mixture by mixing a teaspoon of warm water in it.

In cases of dry cough (especially during the night), peel a small piece of fresh ginger. Sprinkle some salt on it and chew.

Clove or Cardamoms or Raisins: In cases of sore throat, a clove or two cardamoms or a few raisins can be chewed. Gargling with warm salty water two to three times a day is also beneficial.

Turmeric: Turmeric is an effective remedy for colds and throat irritations. Half a teaspoon of fresh turmeric powder mixed in 30 ml of warm milk, and taken once or twice daily, is a useful prescription for these conditions. Turmeric powder should be put into a hot ladle. Milk should then be poured in it and boiled over a slow fire. This mixture should then be drunk by the patient. In case of a running cold, smoke from the burning turmeric should be inhaled. It will increase the discharge from the nose and provide quick relief.

Tamarind and Pepper: Tamarind-pepper rasam is also considered an effective home remedy for a cold in South India. Dilute 50 mg tamarind in 250 ml of water. Boil the diluted tamarind water for a few minutes with a teaspoon of hot clarified butter and half a teaspoon of black pepper powder. This steaming hot rasam has a flushing effect, and should be taken three times a day. As one takes it, the nose and eyes water and the nasal blockage is cleared.

Vitamin C: Regular intake of vitamin C-75 mg for adults and 35 mg for children-will prevent the common cold. If, however, a cold has already appeared, large doses of this vitamin will relieve the symptoms and shorten its duration. One to two grams (1000 mg to 2000 mg) per day is approximately the optimum amount of this vitamin for this purpose. Swallow one or two 500mg tablets of vitamin C at the appearance of the first sign of the cold and continue the treatment by taking one to two 500 mg tablets daily.

Home Remedies for Stuffy Nose

Inhale turmeric fumes, for this tie some turmeric in a clean cloth and light it. Boil some water and allow it to cool, now add ¼ teaspoon table salt to it. Put 2 to 3 drops of this solution in your both the nostrils before meals and going to bed. Mix natural apple cider vinegar and water in equal parts. Boil this solution in a pan, when the fumes rises lean over the pan and inhale the fumes. Prepare a solution using 4 drops of Lavender Essential Oil and Pine Essential Oil, 3 drops of Peppermint Essential Oil and 7 drops of Eucalyptus Essential Oil. Inhale vapors of this solution by putting it on a cotton ball or an aromatherapy diffuser.

Some important measures to treat Common Cold

• Abstain Solid Foods, Drink Fruit and Vegetable Juices
• Well-Balanced Diet of Seeds, Nuts
• Avoid Meat, Fish, Eggs and Starchy Foods
• Mild sunbath, fresh air, deep breathing, sound sleep etc
• The body should be kept warm - especially the feet, chest, throat and head. Sweating is very helpful.

Stress Herbs: Herbs that Reduce Stress & Anxiet

Stress Herbs: Herbs that Reduce Stress & Anxiety

Taking herbs for stress relief is one of the easiest, cheapest and healthiest ways to help your body and your mind in the fight against stress.

You can eat the herbs with your food, dried, fresh, in teas, stews, on pizzas, in salads, soups, curries and stir fries every day. There are also herbal supplements you can take in pill form available in the market.

Probably the nicest and most de-stressing way to get your anti-stress herbs is to grow them in a pot or in your garden. Then you also have a real connection with nature.

Here are herbs that have to be proven effective at reducing stress and anxiety:

Red Clover - Trifolium Pratense 
Red clover contains strong concentrations of natural plant estrogen called phytoestrogens. This is a hormone that occurs both in men and women, and recent studies have begun to suggest that additional estrogen can alleviate the symptoms of schizophrenia, which are not all that different from the symptoms experienced under very high stress.

Red clover also reduces cholesterol, acts on the arteries and the blood, and does lots of other good things for people who suffer from stress and could be considered candidates for a future heart attack.

Licorice Root
It contains a natural hormone alternative to cortisone, which can help the body handle stressful situations, and can help to normalize blood sugar levels as well as your adrenal glands, providing you with the energy necessary to deal with the stressful situation at hand. Some claim licorice stimulates cranial and cerebrospinal fluid, thereby calming the mind.
As a soothing tonic, drink it warm as in a tea.

Chamomile - Matricaria Chamomilla
The ancient Egyptians dedicated the chamomile herb to the sun because it cured so many things, including fever, aging, and the problems associated with overindulging in rich foods, drugs, and alcohol. In the middle ages, chamomile was the preferred remedy to stave off delirium tremens and to cure children of nightmares.

A lot of stress problems these days also have components of overindulgence and taking in too many substances of one kind, or the other - and we pay the price in physical stress on the body. The kind of long term stress that modern people experience is clearly a form of overheating the circuitry, so chamomile comes in handy there too. Proven to have a relaxing and restorative effect, a good all round anti-stress herbal remedy.

Passion flower
It is considered a mild sedative and can help promote sleep. Passion flower also treats anxiety, insomnia, depression and nervousness.

The parts of the passion flower plant that grow above the ground can be dried and steeped for tea. Otherwise, passion flower is available as a tincture, capsule and even as a juice.

Tarragon - Artemisia Dracunculus
With its name from the Arabic word "tarkhun", which means "little dragon", Tarragon is a fine herbal friend against stress. Amongst its many good qualities is pain relief, which leads to relaxation and feeling more peaceful without being tranquilized.

Tarragon promotes calmness, balance in appetite and it also contains minerals which can be in short supply in a modern industrial diet.

This herbal remedy has been used for thousands of years for calming hyperactive children - which makes it a very good herb for stress relief.

Kava Kava
A herb from the South Pacific, is a powerful muscle relaxer and analgesic. Kava Kava is also effective at treating depression and anxiety associated with menopause.

Kava Kava is very easily found as a capsule in the supplement section of any grocery store.

Dill - Anethum Graveolens
Does your stomach flip when you're stressed? One of the bad side effects of having too much adrenaline for too long in our systems is that our digestive system shuts down and starts working erratically. This is why highly stressed people get stomach ulcers.

Dill has been used since ancient times to soothe upset stomachs, relax the stomach, relieve digestion cramps so if you carry your stress in your stomach, Dill is the first choice of herb to help with stress.

The name dill is derived from the Saxon verb dilla, to lull, because of its tranquillizing properties, and its causing children to sleep. Perfect!

St. John’s Wort-Hypericum Formosum
It has been used medicinally since Hippocrates time. Even during the Renaissance and Victorian periods it was used for the treatment of mental disorders. Though it presents itself as an unassuming, flowering perennial, St. John’s Wort was shown to be more effective than Prozac, according to a recent study, in treating major depressive disorders.

St. John’s Wort is most often taken as a capsule or tablet. It is often combined with valerian root when insomnia or restlessness are accompanying symptoms.

Rosemary - Rosmarini Officinalis
Greek scholars used to wear rosemary in their hair to help them think clearly and study well - Rosemary has many beneficial effects on the mind, and the body.

As an anti-stress herb, Rosemary relaxes the muscles in the body and that's one of the most important things in the fight against stress which is always associated with tension. With more relaxation in the muscles, you get better blood flow into the brain and eyes as well, so that's where the mental clarity comes in as well.

Apart from all of that, Rosemary is stuffed with minerals and vitamins, and cheaply available everywhere, so if you can only afford one herb against stress, this might be it for you.

Lavender
This is the workhorse of herbs. It is effective at reducing irritability and anxiety, promoting relaxation, a sense of calm and sleep. It is also a powerful anti-bacterial agent, and can work to balance hormones and stimulate the immune system. All of that from one little herb.

While lavender can be consumed in a tea, it may work best as an essential oil that is breathed in by way of a diffuser or, in the case of stress and sleeplessness, an eye pillow.

Sage - Salvia Officinalis
This herb got its name from the Latin "salvare" - which means to save. Sage is a classic example of why herbs can score over man-made cocktails of chemicals, because as time goes by, research is discovering more and more benefits of this seemingly simple herb, which the ancients knew about all along.

Sage has been scientifically proven to enhance memory and clear the mind; it is also a powerful antioxidant, and many other things besides.