Health Tips

Medicinal Herb Tulsi and its benefits

 

1. Fever and common cold:

The tulsi medicinal uses begins with the ability of the leaves to cure many kinds of fever.

• Tender Tulsi leaves boiled in water acts as a preventive against malaria and dengue fever.

• In case of acute fever, a decoction of the leaves boiled with cardamom power in half a litre of water mixed with sugar and milk brings down the temperature.

Tulsi is also a good germicidal agent and a disinfectant that protects the human body from all types of viral infection.

2. Cough and Respiratory Problems:

Chewing Tulsi leaves also cures cough and flu. It helps to mobilize mucous in bronchitis and asthma attacks.  A decoction of leaves with honey and ginger is an effective remedy against bronchitis, asthma, influenza and cold. A decoction of leaves, cloves and common salt also relieves influenza.
Water boiled with basil leaves can be taken as a drink in case of sore throat. You can also gargle with this water to soothe sore throat. Tulsi is an important ingredient in the preparation of cough syrups and expectorant.

3. Kidney stone:

One of the tulsi plant uses is that its leaves have a strengthening effect on the kidneys. In case of renal stones, the consumption of juice of basil leaves mixed with honey help removes these stones through the urinary tract.  Tulsi being a detoxifying agent can help to reduce uric acid level which is the main reason behind kidney stones.

4. Heart disorder:

Basil is very beneficial in combating cardiac disease and the weakness resulting from it. It reduces blood cholesterol level. Tulsi also contains Vitamin C and other anti-oxidants such as Eugenol which protects the heart from harmful effects of free radicals. Tulsi can also reduce blood pressure and thus is useful for heart patients.

5. Children’s ailments:

• Common paediatric problems like cough, cold diarrhea and vomiting respond favourably to tulsi juice.

• Basil leaves taken with honey keeps chicken pox at bay.

• If a baby is given tulsi juice regularly before teething, it helps grow teeth easily without any of the usual teething troubles. Massaging the gums with a mixture of tulsi leaves and honey will also help.

• Giving children a mixture of tulsi juice and honey helps bring relief to cough and sore throat too.

• Warm tulsi juice gets rid of the worms in the stomach.

6. Teeth disorder:

The leaves are also useful in treating teeth disorders. Tulsi leaves dried and powdered can be used for brushing teeth. It can also be mixed with mustard oil and can be used as a tooth paste. It maintains the health of the gums and helps to counteract bad breath, pyorrhoea and other dental problems. This tooth paste can also be rubbed on the gums to hinder gum inflammation.
Tulsi is also used as a mouth wash to relieve tooth ache. Tulsi is an excellent mouth freshener and oral disinfectant and destroys 99% of germs and bacteria found in the mouth. These leaves are quite effective for several mouth infections like ulcer.

7. Headache:

Basil leaves are a good medicine for headache. Pounded leaves mixed with sandalwood paste can be applied on the forehead for relief from headache.

8. Eye disorder:

Basil juice is an effective remedy for sore eyes and night blindness, which is generally caused by lack of Vitamin A. Two drops of basil juice can work wonders for the eyes.  It soothes eyes and reduces stress. Also it can protect from conjunctivitis, boils and other problems of the eyes which are caused mainly due to bacterial and fungal infections by washing eyes with water soaked in tulsi leaves.

9. Stomach problems:

Several stomach problems like acidity, constipation and flatulence can also be cured with tulsi leaves. Tulsi supports digestive system and makes you feel less bloated and more comfortable. It also helps people suffering from vomiting and lack of appetite.

10. Diabetes:

Tulsi is one of the many herbs that help to control blood sugar level in a person. It reduces the blood sugar level by causing a sudden or drastic drop.

11. Pain relief:

Tulsi plant acts like a COX-2 inhibitor and benefits people with painful medical condition. Some Compounds found in tulsi helps to ease inflammatory and neurological pain and has no side effects whatsoever. Tulsi is also used in the treatment of ulcers, cuts and wounds because of its beneficial antiseptic and healing properties.

12. Anti-cancer:

Tulsi is anti-carcinogenic in nature and helps to treat some forms of cancer including breast cancer. Tulsi restricts the blood vessels that feed tumours. It also helps to inhibit the growth of oral cancer that it caused due to tobacco. But tulsi should not be used as a sole treatment of cancer however.

13. Stress reliever:

The anti-oxidants present in Tulsi help in balancing different processes of the body. Drinking Tulsi extract daily smoothes the nervous system and helps to relieve stress.

14. Lung disorder:

Several compounds present in tulsi like Vitamin C, camphene, Eugenol can cure lung congestion. They have proven to be effective in healing damage caused by smoking, tuberculosis etc.

15. Insect bite:

This herb also prevents insect stings and bites. A teaspoon of fresh juice should be applied on the affected areas and repeated after a few hours. A paste of fresh roots is also effective in case of bites of insects and leeches.
Apply a paste of Tulsi leaves and roots ground together on the sting of the scorpion. It will completely eliminate the effects of poison. Also in such cases, crushing a few leaves of Tulsi and mixing it with lemon helps too. Apply it on the area of the sting and it will cure the problem. The pain caused by the sting can be reduced by drinking Tulsi juice and also by applying it on the sting.

16. Helps to quit smoking:

Tulsi can also help you immensely if you are trying to quit smoking. It is more helpful than nicotine gums and candies which claim to keep you distracted from your need of smoking. Keep some fresh tulsi leaves in your pocket and munch whenever you feel the urge to smoke.  The tulsi juice will cool your throat just as the mint drops do and chewing will distract you. The anti-oxidant will actually help you to undo the damage done by years of smoking.

B. Skin care benefits of Tulsi:

Time and again, this wonder herb has proved itself to be one of the most essential ingredients used in herbal skin care products. The beauty benefits of tulsi plants are plenty. It helps in maintaining a healthy skin and shiny hair. Tulsi extracts make the most organic solution for your skin and hair problems. Tulsi is endowed with antiseptic and purifying qualities which help to prevent skin diseases. Some of them have been listed below.
17. Tulsi works very well on eczema, acne and pimples and many cosmetic companies use Tulsi as an ingredient in skin ointments due to its anti-bacterial properties. People suffering from scabies and eczema should drink Tulsi juice to help cure it.
18. Tulsi works great on the skin, whether you eat raw leaves or apply a paste to the face. When eaten raw, it purifies the blood from toxins and prevents appearance of acne and pimples. You can also make a toner by boiling Tulsi leaves in water. Let it cool for 15 minutes and then apply on the acne affected areas. This remedy will not only help eliminate pimples but will also impart an instant glow to the skin and will smooth the skin out completely.
19. Besan and tulsi paste face pack is a popular pack to get rid of scar marks and get a clean and even skin tone. Skin whitening effects of besan lightens the appearance of scars and black marks and Tulsi kills the bacteria that lead to acne.
20. Rubbing finely powdered dry tulsi on the face like a loose powder makes the face glow and removes dark spots from the face.
21. Tulsi leaves contain anti-bacterial and anti-fungal compounds. A paste made of Tulsi leaves along with sandalwood paste and rose water can be applied on the face as it helps to prevent inflammation.
22. The antioxidants present in Tulsi makes you look younger and fresher. Tulsi is very healthy for the skin. It works well as a skin and hair moisturizer too.
23. Skin with blemishes can also benefit from Tulsi leaves. Make a face pack using one egg white and Tulsi leaves paste. Then rub the mixture gently on the face particularly on the infected areas of the skin. Wash off the face pack after 20 minutes scrubbing it gently. The egg white used will tighten the pores while the tulsi paste will disinfect the skin and prevent infections which cause pimples and acne.
24. Using tulsi paste and lemon helps to cure ring worms.
25. Continued ingestion of powdered tulsi roots and leaves is believed to cure all skin diseases.
26. Another good remedy for treating all types of skin diseases is boiling tulsi in mustard oil till the oil turns black. Let it cool, then strain the oil and apply all over the body during winters. This promotes quick healing. Application of tulsi juice on the boils is beneficial and gives relief too.
27. Apply tulsi paste for relief from skin irritations caused due to plucking of the hair.
28. Dry tulsi leaves in a shade, add alum, grind and sieve well and store the powder in a clean glass bottle. Apply the powder on wounds and cuts. Pain due to burns can be alleviated by applying equal amounts of Tulsi juice and coconut oil mixed in it.
29. Rubbing tulsi leaves on areas that itch gives quick relief. Itching can also be soothed by applying a mixture of Tulsi and lemon juice.

C. Hair Care benefits of tulsi

Dry and damaged hair is often a cause of concern for beauties. Further high pollution in cities and several other factors combine to wreak havoc on our crowning glory and damage our hair to the very roots. It is highly important to keep ourselves hydrated and eat a balance diet to ward off hair problems.  Always rely on herbal products and homemade remedies for hair problems rather than using over the counter, chemical laden hair care products which do nothing but make the matter worse for us. Tulsi is a wonder herb which helps to achieve lustrous shiny and healthy hair.
30. One of the major causes of hair loss is dandruff and dry scalp. Add a small quantity of Tulsi oil to regular carrier oil like coconut oil and massage well on your scalp. Tulsi helps to improve the blood circulation and keeps your scalp cool reducing itchiness and dandruff and promotes hair growth. You can also apply tulsi paste which keeps the scalp, roots clean and keeps the dandruff at bay.
31. A paste of tulsi, hibiscus and neem leaves can be applied on the hair to keep it healthy and itch free.
32. Regular massage of tulsi oil in your scalp energizes you and your hair.
33. Tulsi has a complex constitution that includes immunity booster, adaptogens and anti-oxidants. Hence, tulsi juice when taken every week keeps our scalp healthy and hydrated.
Apart from all these benefits, it has been recently discovered that tulsi has environmental benefits too. Tulsi apparently gives out oxygen for 20 hours and ozone for 4 hours along with the formation of nascent oxygen which absorbs harmful gases like carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and sulphur dioxide from the environment.

Home Remedies For Cough

Cough is a very common health problem that every single person has experienced before. We start coughing to clear a blockage or irritant from the air passage. Whenever there is an obstruction in the throat or in the upper airways brain thinks it is happening due to a foreign element and by coughing it tries to remove that element. Cough can happen due to a number of reasons such as viral infection, common cold, flu, and smoking and due to some other health problems such as asthma, tuberculosis, lung cancer and so on.
Some of the symptoms of cough are itchy throat, chest pain, congestion and so on. Instead of using over-the-counter cough syrups, you can also try some natural treatments for cough using some of the easily available ingredients from your kitchen. 
Here are top 10 home remedies for Cough.

1. Garlic

   Garlic has both antibacterial and antimicrobial components that can help in the treatment of cough. Take two to three cloves of garlic and boil it in a cup of water and then add a spoon of oregano. When this herbal preparation comes to room temperature add some honey and drink it. This will help in your breathing and alleviating other symptoms of cough. Also when you eat a clove of crushed garlic mixed with a few drops of clove oil and some honey it will bring relief to the throat. If you love the taste of garlic in recipes, you can use garlic in your cooking.
   

2. Ginger

   Ginger is one of the most popular natural cures for cough. Take fresh ginger and make small slices and then crush it slightly before boiling it in a cup of water. When this herbal solution is consumed it will give you relief from sore throat, non-stop coughing and even congestion. You must drink this solution three to four times a day. You can also chew fresh raw ginger on and often to subsidize your cough symptoms.
   

3. Lemon

   Lemons can be used in a number of ways for curing cough as it reduces inflammation and delivers a dose of infection-fighting vitamin C. A very simple cough syrup can be made by adding two tablespoons of lemon juice and one tablespoon honey and heat this solution until warm. Drink this healthy syrup several times a day. You can also make your favorite tea by adding ginger, honey and lemon and drink it as often as you want. Another way to use lemon is to blend lemon juice with a little honey and a pinch of cayenne pepper and then swallow it.
   

4. Hot Milk with Honey

   When hot milk is taken with honey it can give relief from dry cough. The combination of warm milk and honey will also help in subsidizing the chest pain you may be experiencing due to continuous coughing. For better result, try to drink hot milk with honey before going to sleep. To get benefit from the analgesic properties of honey, you can take a teaspoon of plain honey on empty stomach. This will help in clearing the mucus and keeping your throat well soothed.
   

5. Turmeric

   Turmeric, one of the most common herbs available in kitchen has therapeutic effect on cough particularly the dry one. The simplest way to use turmeric for cough relief is to add one teaspoon of turmeric powder and one teaspoon of carom seeds in a cup of water and boil it till the volume of the water becomes half. Add some honey and have this herbal solution two to three times a day. Another way to use turmeric is to roast the turmeric root and then grind it to make a smooth powder. Take this powder twice a day after mixing it with water and honey.
   

6. Grapes

   Grapes can help in improving the condition of your lungs and bringing relief from cough symptoms. The effective expectorant property of grapes will help in releasing the mucus from the affected parts of respiratory organs. You can eat grapes in its natural form or make some fresh grape juice. Try to make grape juice at home and drink it after adding some honey to it. Grape juice with a spoonful of honey will be relieving as well as effective also.
   

7. Cayenne

   Cayenne helps in reducing the pain in chest that mostly happens due to continuous coughing. At the same time cayenne is warming and stimulating, and this is a good remedy for those suffering from cold and cough. You can make a healthy syrup for cough by mixing one fourth teaspoon of cayenne pepper, one forth teaspoon of ground ginger, one tablespoon of honey, one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and two tablespoon of water. Drink this syrup two to three times a day.
   

8. Carrot Juice

   Carrot has got the goodness of many vitamins and nutrients that can help in getting relief from various symptoms of cough. Make fresh juice of four to five carrots and then add some water to dilute the juice. Drink this juice three to four times a day to get relief from cough. You can also add a teaspoon of raw honey to a glass of carrot juice and drink it several times a day.
   

9. Almonds

   Almonds due to its nutritional properties play a proactive role in the healing of cough symptoms. Soak five to six almonds in water for eight to ten hours. Then make a smooth paste out of soaked almonds. In this paste add a teaspoon of butter and eat it three to four times a day to get relief from various symptoms of cough.
   

10. Onion

    One of the simplest home remedy for cough is to cut onions as the strong vapor of the onion can help in stopping cough. You can make a cough syrup from baked onion juice, comfrey tea and honey and drink it daily to get relief from dry cough. Another home remedy for cough is to add half a teaspoon of onion juice with one teaspoon of pure honey and when this herbal solution is taken at least twice a day, it gives relief from cough and help in soothing your throat.
    

Benefits of Banana and Apple

Benefits of Almond

1.  They reduce heart attack risk.
Those who consume nuts five times a week have about a 50 percent reduction in risk of heart attack according to the Loma Linda School of Public Health.
2.  They lower ‘bad’ cholesterol.
Almonds added to the diet have a favorable effect on blood cholesterol levels, according to a clinical study by Dr. Gene Spiller, Director of the Health Research and Studies Center, Inc.

3.  They protects artery walls from damage.
It was found that the flavonoids in almond skins work in synergy with the vitamin E, thus reducing the risk of heart disease (Research at Tufts University).

4.  Almonds help build strong bones and teeth.
The phosphorus in almonds helps make this possible.

5.  They provide healthy fats and aid in weight loss:

• Although nuts are high in fat, frequent nut eaters are thinner on average than those who almost never consume nuts. (Data from the Nurses’ Health Study)
• Those who ate nuts at least two times per week were 31 percent less likely to gain weight than were those who never or seldom ate them in a study involving 8865 adults. (WHFood’s article on almonds)

6.  Almonds lower the rise in blood sugar and insulin after meals.

7.  They help provide good brain function.
Almonds contain riboflavin and L-carnitine, nutrients that boost brain activity and may also reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

8.  They nourish the nervous system.
According to Ayurveda, almonds help increase high intellectual level and longevity.
9.  They alkalize the body.
Almonds are the only nut and one of the few proteins that are alkaline forming.  When your body is not alkaline enough, you risk osteoporosis, poor immune function, low energy and weight gain.

BENEFITS OF SAFFRON

Scrub

• Saffron is a boon for coarse skin. It is also to enhance the texture. This creamed milk, mixed with rose water and sandalwood powder on your face glow comes from scrubbing and retain natural moisture.

Toner

• Saffron brings to tighten the skin, it also helps to create smooth and shiny. It is used as cleansers and toners. Is an excellent herb for the skin. It improves skin texture. Skin Hydrating Toner can make saffron mixed with rose water. It was found in cleansers can make hot milk and yogurt.

Anti-Aging Lotion

• Age saffron proves effective for reducing scars. Even the stains - removes stains. It is also an effective skin Lightner. It brings the skin tone as well as the tension. Prepare a paste mixed with saffron and honey and apply on the face. After 20 minutes, wash face with clean water. Keep in mind that small quantities of saffron is enough.

Lightning Skin Mask

• 2-3 saffron threads,

• 1 pinch sugar,

• 1 t-spoon milk,

• 1 t-spoon of water

• and 2-3 drops of olive oil,

• coconut oil or bike.

• 1 t spoon saffron Soak overnight in water.

 Then the milk, add sugar and coconut oil. Soak a piece of bread slices in the mixture and then lightly clean hands Issechehra. Wash after 15 minutes. It pops up dark circles under eyes tinge to refine and lifeless face fills with life. The Nourishing Mask increases blood circulation and brighten.

Gloing Mask

• ·         1 T spoon Cirunji to face illumination and 3-4 saffron threads Soak overnight in 2 tbsp milk. Prepare a paste by grinding it in the morning and put on the face. After 10-15 minutes, wash the face with warm water and mild.

• ·         2-3 saffron threads, +1 t-spoon sandalwood paste with milk powder to 2 tbsp.

 Apply it on the face. Rotating the symmetry drying hands, wash with cold water, wipe face and pats on the tissue paper. Apply the pack on wet skin.

Facial Massage Oil

A few threads of saffron+ olive oil,+almond oil or coconut oil

to massage into the skin soft roundness of the face together - stays soft and patinated.

AMAZING RESULTS OF HOMEMADE INGREDIENTS

many natural and low-cost ingredients found right in your kitchen cupboard that produces amazing results and often work better than the expensive brands.

• HOMEMADE INGREDIENTS FOR BODY

Brown Sugar Lemony Body Scrub

This particular scrub has lemon, which works as a natural disinfectant. It will open up and cleanse clogged pores. The oils from the mixture will leave you with soft, healthy glowing skin.

• 1 cup brown sugar

• 1/2 cup sea salt

• 2 tbsp coconut oil or olive oil

• 1 tbsp of honey

• 2 tbsp of freshly squeezed lemon juice

• 1 tbsp of your favorite essential oil (I recommend bergamot for energy, eucalyptus or spearmint for stress relief and lavender or jasmine for something more relaxing.)

Mix all the ingredients in a bowl until it turns into a paste. Apply to moist skin in circular motion using your fingertips to help skin cells slough off faster. Rinse off with warm water. Apply your favorite moisturizer. Results: smooth, soft glowing skin.

Milk Foot Soak

• Add 4 cups of warmed whole milk

•  2 tablespoons of Epsom Salt

•  6 drops of your favorite essential oil such as lemon, sandalwood or lavender to warm footbath.

• Soak for 20 minutes.

Use the Brown Sugar Lemony Body Scrub to remove dead skin on feet.

Coffee Scrub

Coffee contains Magnesium and Vitamin E. It also acts as an antibacterial, exfoliating and stimulating agent. Brew a fresh pot of coffee.

•  3 tablespoons of the fresh grounds

•  1 tablespoon of salt and mix in a bowl.

• Scrub mixture over body within 20 minutes of brewing before oxidation occurs.

• FOR HAIR

Avocado Conditioning Mask

Mash an avocado (two for long hair) in a bowl with a fork until it is a thick, rich paste.
Add a couple of drops of your favorite essential oil for fragrance (optional.)
Spread the paste on the hair from the root to the ends.
 Leave on for 20 minutes; then shampoo out and rinse out.
Results: shiny, smooth stronger, moisturized hair and added vitality to dull, dry hair.
Olive Oil Deep Hair Conditioning Mask

This is an excellent treatment if you swim in a chlorinated pool on a regular basis.
 Beat two eggs (three for long hair)
 and add in three tablespoons of olive oil.
 Add your favorite essential oils for fragrance (optional.)
Apply a liberal amount to hair from root to tip. Wrap hair in warm towel and rest for about 30 minutes. After you rinse, you will notice how soft, shiny and manageable your hair will be. Do once a month (twice for dry hair).

Natural Blonde Highlights

For natural blonde highlights that are worthy of the finest salons,
 add 1/4-cup lemon juice to 3/4-cup water and rinse your hair with the mixture.
Lemon juice acts as natural bleach. Apply a small amount of leave-in conditioner to hair to moisturize. Sit in the sun until your hair dries. Remember to moisturize with sunscreen before lying out. To maximize the effect, repeat once daily for up to a week.

• HOMEMADE INGREDIENTS FOR TEETH

Strawberry Bleach Mask

Celebrities, such as Catherine Zeta-Jones, swear by this. This natural mixture will remove any stains and discoloration on your teeth. Crush one ripe strawberry and mix 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. Apply the mixture on teeth with toothbrush and let it set for 5 minutes; then brush with your regular toothpaste. Repeat once a week.

• HOMEMADE INGREDIENTS FOR FACE

Honey Oats Face Scrub

Combine 1 tablespoon honey,
1 tablespoon finely ground almonds,
2 tablespoons dry oatmeal
 and some lemon juice or yogurt to a enjoyable and exfoliating facial scrub
 Massage mixture gently onto face; then rinse with warm water. Use favorite moisturizer afterward.

Yogurt & Honey Mask

Mix 1-part plain yogurt and 1-part honey and apply to clean, moist face. Let it set for 10-15 minutes and rinse well with warm water. The mixture moisturizes, hydrates and soothes the skin. Honey can be used as a minor acne treatment.

Banana Facial Cream

Mash 1/2 of a ripe banana until creamy. Apply on face and leave for 15-20 minutes. Rinse with warm water and cold water to close pores. Pat dry.

Homemade Shampoo and conditioner

Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse
apple cider vinegar  is helpful to bring the hair back into balance after an alkaline solution has come into contact with the hair and will shut the cuticle back down. Repeated use of ACV rinses can be drying, so limit use to once or twice per month at most:

Combine:

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 cup warm water

Pour the mixture over the hair after cleansing (do not rinse out), then condition as usual. Any lingering smell will dissipate as the hair dries.

Baking Soda Clarification
With some silicone-based products, clarification must be done to remove the product that builds up over time on the hair shaft. Rather than resort to sulfate-based shampoos to remove this build-up, which can damage and dry the hair, a baking soda cleanse is preferable:

Combine:

1 tablespoon baking soda
3 tablespoons curly-friendly conditioner

Apply mixture to the scalp and massage firmly, then continue to massage the mixture down the hair shaft to the ends. Work into hair well. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and follow immediately with an apple cider vinegar rinse.

Note: you must follow any baking soda cleanse with an apple cider vinegar rinse. Baking soda is alkaline—meaning it will raise your cuticle and open up your hair shaft. The apple cider vinegar is acidic and will close your cuticle back down. If you don't follow the cleanse with an ACV rinse, you'll be leaving your hair shaft open and setting yourself up for more frizz than you'd probably like.

Chlorine Buster
It is always a good idea to rinse your hair with plain water prior to entering any swimming pool to prevent chlorine water from penetrating into your hair shaft; however, this remedy will help reverse any chlorine damage to unprotected hair.

Combine:

1 egg, beaten
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup pureed, peeled cucumber

Massage well into hair from scalp to ends, then cover with a plastic processing cap. Process for 30 minutes hour at room temperature, then cleanse hair with a non-sulfate based cleanser.

Deep Conditioning Treatment

No time for a deep conditioning treatment? Right before you go to sleep, rake a good deep moisture treatment through your slightly damp curls. Cover your hair completely with a plastic processing cap and/or a satin sleep bonnet and go to sleep (throw a towel over your pillowcase for extra protection). In the morning, rinse out the treatment, then scrunch in your styling products, style and go. Voilà! A deep conditioning treatment that doesn't take hours from your day!

Essential Oil Blend for Hair Growth
Please note there is no guarantee this oil will stimulate hair growth in every individual. However, researchers from the Aberdeen Royal Infirmary in Scotland published a study of 86 individuals who used this oil for seven months and reported 44% of people in the treatment group had new hair growth compared to only 15% in the control group.

Combine:

3 drops cedarwood essential oil
3 drops lavender essential oil
3 drops lemon essential oil
3 drops rosemary essential oil
3 drops thyme essential oil
1/8 cup grapeseed oil
1/8 cup jojoba oil

Apply several drops of the mixture to areas of hair loss each night, massaging gently into the scalp for 3-5 minutes. Store oil tightly covered and keep away from heat and light.

Contraindications: avoid rosemary essential oil when pregnant. Cautions: citrus oils are photosensitive and should not be applied prior to sun exposure.

Hair Detangler
Well-moisturized curly hair is virtually tangle-free, but this recipe can help with the tangles while you are in your re-hydration process. You can keep this in a spray bottle and spray it on in the shower to help detangle your hair while cleansing and conditioning:

Combine:

1 teaspoon aloe vera gel
1/2 teaspoon grapefruit seed extract
2 drops grapefruit essential oil
2 drops glycerin
8 ounces purified water

Mix together in a spray bottle and keep in the shower. Spray lightly to help detangle hair.

Cautions: citrus oils are photosensitive and should not be applied prior to sun exposure.

Honey Hair Conditioner
Honey is a natural humectant that can help restore moisture to dry hair. The antibacterial properties of honey will release low levels of hydrogen peroxide and can lighten the hair, however, so be sure to warm the honey before use—heating it will negate the effects of the peroxide.

Combine:

1/2 cup honey, warmed in the microwave
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

Massage well into hair from scalp to ends, then cover with a plastic processing cap. Process for 30 minutes at room temperature, then cleanse hair with a non-sulfate cleanser. For added penetration, sit under a warm (not hot) dryer for 20 minutes.

Lavender Water Hair Spray
The benefits of lavender essential oil in hair care are many—it can help to disinfect your scalp and skin and it can be very effective on lice and lice eggs or nits. In addition, the scent of lavender has been shown to help reduce headaches, depression, anxiety and emotional stress.

Combine:

1 cup purified water
1/2 tablespoon curly-friendly conditioner or coconut oil
2 drops lavender essential oil

Combine in an 8 oz. spray bottle. Spray lightly on hair to refresh throughout the day. Shake well before each use.

Contraindications: low blood pressure, pregnancy prior to second trimester.

Oily Scalp Treatment
While most curly women suffer from dry scalp, curly men often do battle with oily hair and scalp conditions. Whether you are a girl or a guy with curls, the witch hazel in this remedy will act as an astringent and the mouthwash includes antiseptic properties to help with oil reduction.

Combine:

3 tablespoons witch hazel
3 tablespoons mouthwash

Apply with cotton pads (only to your scalp); do not rinse. Cleanse as usual.

Olive Oil Treatment
Olive oil is one of the healthiest natural ingredients for hair that is extremely dehydrated and brittle. Girls with curls who have coarse hair, who historically have the hardest time keeping moisture in their hair, can greatly benefit from the following deep treatment on a monthly or twice-a-month basis (although this treatment is beneficial for anyone with dry hair):

Warm:

1/4 cup olive oil

Massage well into hair from scalp to ends, then cover with a plastic processing cap. Process for 30 minutes at room temperature, then cleanse hair with a non-sulfate cleanser. For added penetration, sit under a warm (not hot) dryer for 20 minutes.

Tip: you can buy a can of olive oil cooking spray (such as Pam®) and use it to spray lightly on hair for shine and frizz control. Be judicious, as you do not want to make yourself oily from using too much. Keeping the spray can at least 10 inches from your hair while spraying will also help to ensure any propellants will dissipate before reaching your hair.

Protein Pack
Some girls with curls, especially those with fine hair, have a tendency to become too over-moisturized with emollients and need additional protein treatments to restore the health of their hair. This is also helpful for lightened (bleached) hair that has not been properly reconstructed after the chemical service:

Combine:

1 egg, beaten
1 tablespoon mayonnaise (the full fat kind, not the reduced fat)
2 teaspoons olive oil

Massage well into hair from scalp to ends, then cover with a plastic processing cap. Process for one hour at room temperature, then cleanse hair with a non-sulfate cleanser. For added penetration, sit under a warm (not hot) dryer for 30 minutes.

Home remedies for Toothache

Toothache can strike without warning and once it does, it just can’t be ignored. So, if you’re prepared to tackle this menace with homemade toothache remedy, you can be sure of a quick and effective relief.
 THERE ARE SOME HOME REMEDIES ARE GIVEN:

1.  ICE CUBE: Gently rubbing an ice cube in the area between the forefinger and the thumb for several minutes is an effective toothache remedy, as it eases toothache. It acts by overwhelming the pain impulses that usually travel along the nerve pathways. It has a 60 to 90% success rate. Ice placed directly on a throbbing tooth also helps ease the pain. 
   
2. clove of garlic:Placing a clove of garlic with little rock salt on the affected tooth helps relieve or even cure the pain.
3. Onion:Toothache pain is often allayed by placing a small piece of onion on the bad tooth or gum, since onion has antibacterial properties that kill the germs in the mouth
4. .Lime:This rich source of vitamin C prevents tooth decay and also provides toothache pain relief.
5. Wheat grass:The juice of wheat grass is an excellent mouthwash for tooth decay and a natural toothache remedy. It also draws out the toxins from the gums and checks bacterial growth.
6. Bay berry:This is an effective toothache natural cure. Applying a paste made from bay berry bark mixed with vinegar helps relieve the toothache.
7. Oil of clove:Clove oil, put directly onto the affected tooth or dabbed with a cotton ball on the decayed tooth, relieves toothache.
8. Pepper:A pinch of pepper powder mixed with common salt is an excellent cure. It’s especially effective against the increased sensitiveness of the teeth.
9. Oil of oregano:This is an effective remedy for toothache, because it displays antimicrobial activity against food-borne pathogens that cause tooth decay.
10. Salt:A salt water mouthwash gets rid of tooth infection and helps cure toothache. Thorough rinsing of the mouth with salt water is important.
11. Liquor:Good news for those who love their drinks! By squeezing a wad of cotton wool soaked in brandy against the affected tooth helps numb the pain. You can also make the gum numb by taking a swig of whiskey and holding it over the painful tooth.

Home Remedies for Thyroid

Hypothyroidism(Thyroid)

Definition

Hypothyroidism may be caused by problems within the thyroid gland that causes insufficient circulation of the thyroid hormone. Symptoms show a decrease in metabolism, with the slowing of mental and physical activity. Patients may experience a variety of differing symptoms such as sensitivity to cold, dryness of the skin, constipation, anorexia, anginal pain, anemia and disordered menstrual function.

Causes

The prime cause of Hypothyroidism is the deficiency of Iodine. In many cases, this disease is caused by pituitary or hypothalamic disease or certain medications.

Symptoms

The typical symptoms of Hypothyroidism are:

• High levels of lethargy

• Coldness in the hands and/or feet

• Frequent constipation

• Frequent headaches

• Dry skin

• Obesity is also sometimes related to thyroid dysfunction

HOME REMEDIES:

• Herbal tea with ginger

• Barley and oats

• Watercress with its enriched iodine content

• Regular consumption of water reed and lotus

• For patients afflicted with goiter, exhibiting swelling around their neck; dandelion leaves with a touch of clarified butter may be wrapped around the affected region.

• Application of watercress's paste on the enlarged neck is also an effective remedy.

• include in your diet sufficient helpings of egg yolks, yeast and offal on account of their heightened copper content.

• Those afflicted with 'hyperthyroidism' should go for food items whereby they can block or obstruct the hyper activity of the gland. Thus their diet should consist of items such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and kale. These vegetables contain in them the essential 'blockers' which obstruct the hyper functioning of thyroid glands.

• Latest scientific research conducted on the malfunctioning of thyroid reveals the significance of certain marine plants in respect of striking balance in endocrine function. Phytoplankton and lyceum berry have been found to be useful in restoring the much needed balance.

Diet and Lifestyle Advice

• Take adequate quantities of milk in your diet.

• Increase intake of rice, barley, Bengal gram, moong dal and cucumber.

• Coconut oil helps in improving body metabolism in thyroid patients.

• Avoid heavy and sour foods.

Some Home Remedies

• Mix equal quantities of long pepper (Pipali), black pepper and dry ginger powder. Consume half teaspoon twice a day with lukewarm water.

• Chew Licorice (mulethi) and Black Pepper in a 2:1 ratio three times a day.