Pigmentation , melasma on face

DEFINITION: Melasma is a type of pigmentation appearing as brownish patches on the forehead, cheeks under the bridge of the nose, near the jaws usually in a butterfly shape. It is a condition of the skin where the pigment, melanin is unevenly distributed in the skin.

CAUSES: Anyone from teenage to oldage can get pigmentation, melasma or chloasma. The main cause in women is harmonal imbalance and aggravates due to even little sun-exposure.
Many women get pigmentation marks in pregnancy, called mask of pregnancy; these fade away slowly. It may also occur when a woman is on birth control pills or after HRT.
Men may also suffer with this problem due to hereditary reasons or diabetes and it triggers with stress and overexposure in sun.

REMEDIES:
1. First and foremost consult a  doctor for the exact cause of melasma before going for any remedy.
2. Application of creams with Hydroquinone and Tretonoin. They contain bleaching agents which reduce the production of melanin, responsible for the brown colour of the skin. The results may start coming after 3-4 weeks. These can be irritable to the skin and can have adverse effects with the slightest increase in concentration. 
3. Laser treatment in removing brown pigment, melasma.
4. Use sun screen lotions daily.

HOME REMEDIES:
All Skin lightners like vinegar, lime, papaya(unripe) are useful remedies in the treatment of melasma. Although these things are very good for the entire face, but apply them only on the affected parts as a treatment. If any sort of irritation occurs by applying any of the products, discontinue its usage:
1. Mix equal parts of vinegar and water and clean the pigmented parts of the face. Vinegar has acetic acid which helps to burn old skin cells and form new light ones. Apple cider vinegar can be used.
2. An excellent remedy : Mix equal parts of vinegar and onion juice and apply with a cotton ball twice daily. Wash after some time, say 20 minutes,
3. Application of papaya juice or 'papaya + yoghurt' a wonderful remedy. This is an exfoliant too. Here also unripe papaya is used. Grate a piece of papaya, squeeze out the juice and mix with curd. Apply and wash with warm water after sometime. It will not be tedious if made into a habit.
4. Lemon slice(contains citric acid which lightens skin) can also be rubbed on the area twice daily.
5. Similarly, juice of mint leaves/onion juice/piece of raw papaya/aloe vera gel (massaged gently in circular motion for 15 minutes and left overnight)/turmeric+milk/milk+oatmeal(uncooked)/almond and honey paste /whichever suits your time and skin, can be massaged gently over the patches and washed after 20 minutes.
Stick to one or two remedies that suit the skin and be regular. Make it into a habit until the pigmentation disappears.
6. Kapalbhati pranayam is a great yogic breathing exercise which helps to fade away melasma completely. High BP and heart patients must do it slowly, otherwise there is no harm at all. Learn properly from an expert.

Protection from sun is extremely important. You will have to apply a sunscreen daily.
Drink plenty of water to flush off toxins.
Wash your face with mild soap and let dry it on its own.
Diet can also effect melasma. Consult your doctor about the intake of calcium/iron. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables will improve the skin overall.
Start the home remedies now and they will really work. The pigmentation is quite stubborn, so it takes time. Remember ROME was not built in a day.

Ginger + tulsi + pepper in tea = Relief from cough + cold + fever

A cup of tea/coffee made by adding crushed ginger, black peppercorns and leaves of tulsi (Holy basil) will cure and prevent cough, cold, sore-throat and fever.

Ginger has properties of ibuprofen and aspirin; is a remedy not only against cold and flu but also helps in muscle or body pain.

Tulsi, the most important medicinal herb is a preventive as well as cure for various ailments like cough, cold, fever, flu, kidney, heart, and skin problems.

Pepper, the king of spices is also anti-bacterial which not only prevents diseases, but aids digestion, improves appetite and soothes sore throat.


Try to be close to nature.

Switch to mobile blogging

shall I switch to mobile blogging? it is a bit discomfort to use, but I guess I will get used to it as I continue with it.

Mobile Blogging from here.

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPod touch]

Spinach forever!

I have put some spinach seeds in three of my pots. Within a few days, I have started plucking few leaves and using them in my day to day curries, soups, salads, snacks,(sandwiches, parathas, batters, doughs, koftas etc.etc.)  Even a tinge of green colour(coriander is not always available especially in summers) in the dish makes it appetizing, presentable and healthy. If I do not pluck leaves for a few days then I get a chance to make some palak paneer for my kids.

The fresh, green, organic spinach leaves not only provide me and my family with calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, manganese, protein, phosphorus, zinc, copper, folate, omega-3 fatty acids, dietary fibre, beta-cerotene and vitamins like K, E, C, B6 and A which not only improve eye sight, bone health, learning capacity, reduce migraine attacks, but are also a protection against osteoporosis, arthiritis, asthma, heart diseases, cancer etc.

Spinach has not only added greenery to my garden, but also given me immense satisfaction that my family will not be deprived of the essential nutrients. Spinach is grown all the year round, why don't you try it too?

P.S. EAT EVERYTHING IN MODERATION AND STAY HEALTHY.

Treat under eye puffiness the natural way!

Puffiness and under eye bags can also age you as much as deep wrinkles around the eyes. Under eye puffiness is caused mainly due to the following reasons:
1.Water retention in the body.
2.Taking too many steroids.
3.Hereditary factors.
4.Growing age.
5.Lack of sleep.
6.Allergies.
5.Heart problems.
6.Using a very low pillow.

Reduce the puffiness by trying to follow as many below-mentioned ways as as possible:

1. Remain hydrated by drinking plenty of water. When enough water is not provided to the body, it starts retaining water as a defense mechanism, causing puffiness or bags under the eyes. Try drinking 4 glasses of water as you get up in the morning without brushing your teeth and the rest, throughout the day.
2. Press very gently the under-eye area with your ring finger(this finger gives the least pressure on the delicate eye area) as you get up in the morning.
3. Keep a set of six to eight spoons in the freezer and press gently the upper and lower eye puffiness with them or dip spoons in cold water and press gently.
4. Rinse used tea/chamomile/green tea bags in cold water and keep on the closed eyelids for 15 minutes daily. The tannin and caffeine present in tea help to reduce puffiness under the eyes. Tea bags can be stored in plastic bags in the refrigerator.
5. Cucumber or potato slices placed on the eyelids reduce swelling and puffiness.
6. Take two or one higher pillow to sleep if you have puffiness.
7. Do not drink much water just before bedtime.
8. If applying or massaging the under eye area with almond or any other cream, make it a point to wipe it off softly before sleeping.
9. Avoid oily, heavy and food especially in dinner.
10.Keep a gap of atleast 3 hours between dinner and sleep.
11.Try not to sleep on your stomach.
12.Have adequate sleep. Early to bed, early to rise as a right adage. The sleep before 12 in the night is very important; the ratio of sleep before and after 12 being 1:2.
Your eyes are the window to your soul! Take care of them in every respect.

Can you name the simple breathing exercise which has the following benefits?

1.Helps to improve memory.
2.Useful in acidity.
3.Helps to cure BP.
4.Cures disorders of kidneys.
5.If practised at bedtime helps to keep away nightmares and get a peaceful sleep.
6.Improves digestion.
7.Beneficial in migraine and headaches.
8.Helps to clear the respiratory system thus increasing immunity to allergies, cough, cold and other respiratory ailments.
9.Reduces wrinkles.
10.Reduces premature greying  and falling of hair.
11.Retards the process of ageying.
12.Gives natural glow to the face.

Yes! it is the "Udgeeth Pranayam".
This pranayam is very easy, anybody can learn and practice.
Method: Sit in any position with back straight. Inhale deeply and exhale slowly with the sound of O.........m. The exhalation takes 15 seconds(10 seconds for long OOOOOOOO and 5 seconds for small mmmm). This is one round. Practice 3 to 10 times daily and see the amazing results!
p.s. For the first time this technique can be learnt under the supervision of a yoga teacher/guru.

"SECRET TO A SLIM BODY" courtesy- Almonds

Almonds, like all other nuts contain monounsaturated fatty acids which not only provide us with proteins, calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, fibre etc. but also melt the tummy fat. They satiate the hunger and help to lose weight especially the accumulated fat around the stomach.

To prove the benefits of almonds, a study was conducted in California in which 65 women and men were given 70 almonds per day. After 6 months, there was a noticeable decrease in the waist of 14 % i.e. 7 inches.

A research in Spain also shows that foods with monounsaturated fatty acids are much healthier than foods with carbohydrates, because carbohydrates do the job of adding fat, whereas monounsaturated fatty acids reduce the tummy fat. So why not replace the fried snacks and sweets with almonds, cashew, pistachios and walnuts, which can be stored in containers in your refrigerator and eaten when you feel hungry. Having nuts instead of fried snacks is a way and secret to a healthy, slimmer body.

Secret of pot belly

A recent research has revealed that you can get a pot belly if your daily intake of Vitamin C and Calcium in the food is less.

According to the report, those who take less than 56 mg of Vitamin C (recommended Vitamin C is 75 mg per day), the chances of fat accumulation rises upto 131%. So take sufficient quantities of vit.c naturally through fruits and vegetables. Vitamin C is eliminated from the body in 12 hours, so maintain this vitamin by distributing your intake throughout the day.

Study says that Calcium taken less than 398 mg increases the chances of accumulating fat around stomach to 30%(recommended calcium per day is 1000mg in the age group 19-50 and 1200mg in the age group 50-70 years). If calcium intake is lower than recommended, it not only leads to thinning of bones and osteoporosis, but also increases the fat around the tummy.

It is a fact that sufficient amounts of Vitamin C and Calcium in the body do not allow the fat to accumulate in the mid section.

Your neighbour's baby can also help you lose weight!

A research shows that carrying a baby in your arms and strolling for an hour can burn 243 calories. So if you are really serious about losing weight, spend sometime with naughty babies/kids atleast for sometime; and get refreshed too with their innocent smiles.

Some connectivity somewhere!

Applying mustard oil in the navel for a few days will not only soften the cracked lips, but also get rid of itching in the eyes.

Have you noticed your belly bulging of late?

Then it is time you check out the following:
1. Have you been sleeping on your stomach? Sleep on your back instead or on your left!

2.Are you having dinner late in the night? Give a gap of 3 hrs between your dinner and sleep.

3.Have you been taking heavy dinner? Eat like a pauper!

4.Do you starve when you are busy and hog when idle? Do the opposite!(Do not starve literally).

5.Have you been snacking more on fried and junk food? Replace with nuts sprouts, salads and healthy snacks.

6.Have you stopped drinking enough water? Drink plenty of the magical liquid between meals.

7.Have you forgotten or do not have the time to chew food? Chew it well for it to get digested properly.

8.Have you been skipping breakfast? Break that 8-hour fast to stay trim!

Home Spa: Rose petal mist

The hot and cold water therapy for hair has already been mentioned to increase blood circulation and strengthen hair. The hot and cold therapy for the face is beneficial too.

In a bowl, bring some water to a boil. Remove from fire and put some fresh rose petals in it. Steam your face for 5 minutes with this fragrant water by covering your head with a towel. Now splash cool water on your face. Apply moisturiser.
This simple procedure unclogs the pores, removes impurities and improves blood circulation, thus refreshing and renewing the face. Soothes your senses too!

p.s. Rose water is made at home in a similar way, with rose petals put in hot water and covered with lid till it gets cool. It is strained and filled in a sterlized bottle and refrigerated. But this does not last long.

The Amazing Cucumber

This information was in The New York Times several weeks ago as part of their "Spotlight on the Home" series that highlighted creative and fanciful ways to solve common problems.

1. Cucumbers contain most of the vitamins you need every day, just one cucumber contains Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium and Zinc.

2. Feeling tired in the afternoon? Put down the caffeinated soda and pick up a cucumber. Cucumbers are a good source of B Vitamins and Carbohydrates that can provide that quick pick-me-up that can last for hours.

3. Tired of your bathroom mirror fogging up after a shower? Try rubbing a cucumber slice along the mirror. It will eliminate the fog and provide a soothing, spa-like fragrance.

4. Are grubs and slugs ruining your planting beds? Place a few slices in a small pie tin, and your garden will be free of pests all season long. The chemicals in the cucumber react with the aluminum to give off a scent which is undetectable to humans but drives garden pests crazy and makes them flee the area.

5. Looking for a fast and easy way to remove cellulite before going out or to the pool? Try rubbing a slice or two of cucumbers along your problem area for a few minutes. The photo-chemicals in the cucumber cause the collagen in your skin to tighten, firming up the outer layer and reducing the visibility of cellulite. Works great on wrinkles too!!!

6. Want to avoid a hangover or terrible headache? Eat a few cucumber slices before going to bed and wake up refreshed and headache free. Cucumbers contain enough sugar, B vitamins and electrolytes to replenish essential nutrients the body lost, keeping everything in equilibrium, avoiding both a hangover and headache!!

7. Looking to fight off that afternoon or evening snacking binge? Cucumbers have been used for centuries and were often used by European trappers, traders and explorers for quick meals to thwart off starvation.

8. Have an important meeting or job interview and you realize that you don't have enough time to polish your shoes? Rub a freshly cut cucumber over the shoe; its chemicals will provide a quick and durable shine that not only looks great but also repels water.

9. Out of WD-40 and need to fix a squeaky hinge? Take a cucumber slice and rub it along the problematic hinge, and voilà, the squeak is gone!

10. Stressed out and don't have time for massage, facial or visit to the spa? Cut up an entire cucumber and place it in a boiling pot of water. The chemicals and nutrients from the cucumber will react with the boiling water and be released in the steam, creating a soothing, relaxing aroma that has been shown to reduce stress in new mothers and in college students during final exams.

11. Just finish a business lunch and realize you don't have gum or mints? Take a slice of cucumber and press it to the roof of your mouth with your tongue for 30 seconds to eliminate bad breath. The phytochemcials will kill the bacteria in your mouth responsible for causing bad breath.

12. Looking for a 'green' way to clean your faucets, sinks or stainless steel? Take a slice of cucumber and rub it on the surface you want to clean. Not only will it remove years of tarnish and bring back the shine, but it won't leave streaks and won't harm you fingers or fingernails while you clean.

13. Using a pen and made a mistake? Take the outside of the cucumber and slowly use it to erase the pen writing. Also works great on crayons and markers that the kids have used to decorate the walls!!

We are bombing our bodies with 515 chemicals everyday

According to a latest research by Bionsen, a UK-based natural deodorant company, we are the "hosts" of 515 chemicals in our grooming and make up everyday. These are lethal chemicals present in most of our favourite cosmetics and have an adverse effect on our our skin and body. The chemicals are used in producing cosmetics to increase their shelf life. We are inducting in our bodies, cocktails of industrially produced dangerous chemicals which are also present in our household cleaners. Eg. Parabens and Methyleparabens, the most commonly used preservatives lead to serious health problems, are found in 16,000 products including our moisturisers and toothpastes.

Our shampoos contains an average number of 15 chemicals(most worrying chemicals: Sodium Lauryl Sulphate, Tetrasodium and Propylene Glycol: possible side-effects may be irritation, possible eye damage), foundation -24(allergies, disruption of immune system, links to cancer), lipstick-33(again allergies and links to cancer), deodorant-15(most worrying: Isopropyl, Myristate, 'Parfum'; possible side effects: irritation of eyes, skin and lungs, dizziness, headaches and respiratory problems), body lotions-32, (most worrying chemicals are methyleparaben, propylparaben etc.; side-effects: harmonal disruption, Nail varnish-31(fertility issues), Perfume-250 (most-worrying Benzaldehyde; possible side effects: irritation to mouth, throat & eyes, nausea, linked to kidney damage), Fake tan-22 (harmonal disruption, rashes), Hairspray -11 (most worrying: Octinoxate, Isophthalates; side effects: Allergies, irritation to eyes, nose and throat, harmone disruption, blusher, eye shadow and many more.....

We go for chemical and ready-made cosmetics because in the 24/7 world, we do not have time for natural products. But we cannot overlook the above mentioned side effects of cosmetics of even big companies. We cannot totally avoid the make-up, skin and hair care products but can reduce to some extent by going for natural cosmetics. Home-made cosmetics created from natureal ingredients are more effective, cheaper and do not have any adverse affect on the skin.

There are innumerable home remedies from our food basket, but following are some tried n tested, easy-to-do, instant to little tedious home remedies that can knock off a few years your age if followed from a few to many, regularly:

CLEANSER

1.Take a few drops of gulab jal (rose water) in a cotton swab and wipe your face as you get up in the morning or any time during the day.

Cut some square pieces from a cotton roll or make cotton balls or take the readymade cotton balls and put them in a small airtight container/box with gulab jal sprinkled. Keep the box in your purse/bag, on your dressing table or in the refrigerator(in summers). Use these wipes to clean your face, neck, ears and elbows after you return home or any time during the day or before retiring to bed. Rose water, whether it is home made or "Gulabari" from Dabur India has the properties of cleansing, toning and moisturising and suits all skin types.

2. Clean your face and neck with raw milk on a cotton wool when you get up and go for your morning tea in the kitchen. This will not take more than a minute, and you have avoided a chemical cleanser once. You can use your favourite cleanser when you have your bath.

3. When you eat an apple, apply the inside of the peel on the skin for a cleansed skin.

4. Oats/barley are real good for the skin. Keep a box of oats/barley(powder available in the market) and a small bowl in your bathroom shelf. Make a paste with water, wait for a second for it to become soft and apply gently. Let it remain on your face and neck until you finish your bath and then rinse. It can be applied all over your body too. There can be variations:

i) A drop or two of gulab jal can be added for more refreshing skin.

ii) For dry skin or in winters, add a drop of olive or almond oil and/or honey as your time permits

iii)For oily skin or in summers, little curds/lemon juice can be added.

5. Cleansing lotion: Stir 1/4 tsp. of lime juice + 1 tsp. of milk + 1 tsp.cucumber juice. Apply and leave for 15-20 minutes. Then wash off. This lotion cleanses and purifies the pores of the skin.

6. Lime juice/vinegar mixed with water is excellent as a cleansing lotion for oily skin.

If you make it a habit of using natural products, even the tedious ones may become simple if you are determined to make your skin look young and attractive.

TONER

Its gulab jal again, use the rose water wipes/balls as used for cleansing.

ASTRINGENT

1. A slice of tomato or cucumber has astringent properties and can be instantly applied all over your face (except the eye area).

2. In a tbsp. of tomato juice, add a couple of drops of lime juice/curd/fuller's earth and apply on our face, wash after sometime - effective for shrinking enlarged pores.

3. Buttermilk applied on face and neck with a cotton swab daily reduces or closes over-sized pores.Leave for 15 min. and wash off. Again this can be applied for a few minutes, while you prepare for your bath( just to save time).

REFRESHER

1. Refreshing mist: Store rose water in a plastic spray bottle, and spray your face and neck at the end of a long day-it, revitilizes your spirits. Can be kept in the fridge for a cool mist.

2. The rose water swabs/wipes from your bag/fridge will do the job any time.

MOISTURIZER/NOURISHING /ANTI-AGEING/PACKS

1. A drop or two of olive/almond/rose water in the last few rinses of your bath can moisturize your body in seconds.

2. Pluck and apply the gel/pulp from the aloe vera leaf on your face and hands anytime,(wash after sometime) to get a soft and refreshed skin. Aloe vera is colourless, odourless and has magical effects on the skin. It makes face glow instantly. Suits all skin types and even reduces acne/pimples. Aloe vera plant can be grown even in a small pot.

3. Anti-wrinkle cream: If you have time of just a minute before your bath, then applying fresh cream is the best option for a soft, smooth, purified, wrinkle-free face.

4. Dip a piece of cotton wool in milk and pat all over your face. Wash off after 15 minutes for a soft and smooth skin.

Cleopatra, the queen of Egypt used to bathe in milk for that extreme beauty. The lactic acid in milk contains alpha-hydroxy acid which, not only hydrates and nourishes the skin but also aids in regeneration of cells to get a younger, fresher skin.

5. Little salt added in milk - for a petal soft skin.

6. Juice of cabbage can reduce wrinkles and delay ageying.

7. Honey is a natural moisturizer. Apply it all over your face and neck and rinse after sometime.

If you have an oily skin, add a few drops of lime juice/curds. If having dry skin, mix little ripe banana, it tightens your skin too.

8. To remove roughness from the skin and make it petal soft: Add a few drops of carrot juice to 1/4th tsp. of melted honey and apply on the rough skin. After 15 minutes, remove with cotton wool soaked in water to which a little sodium-bi-carbonate has been added. The result will be too good to be true.

9. Milk mixed with melted butter softens the dry skin.

10. Laugh, and not frown to keep wrinkles at bay.

EYE CARE

You cannot completely erase the fine lines, but can reduce the appearance and delay them from forming.

1. Apply almond or olive oil and gently massage with your ring finger(this finger gives the lightest pressure on the delicate eye area) and leave for 10 minutes till you u get ready for the bath. Before going to bed also you can apply, but dab softly with a wet cotton wool before sleeping (if you do not remove and sleep you may get puffiness under the eyes).

2. Fresh cream is again the best option for fine lines and crow's feet. You do not have to spare special or extra time, just a tint with the ring finger, massage for a second and leave till you prepare for the bath. You will not smell the cream because you are applying prior to your bath.

3. Keep half a dozen spoons in your freezer. Keep one by one under your eyes to get rid of puffiness under the eyes.

4. Keep swabs of cotton dipped in rose water on your eyes for tired eyes and to get a refreshed look.

5. Grated raw potatoes, tied in a gauze, also makes a good compress for crow's feet and puffiness.

6. For dark circles, intake of 8-10 glasses of water helps.

SCRUB

1. In South India, people finish their meal with curd and rice, imagine how cool it is for the body and system. It is good for the skin too. Exfoliate your skin by making a scrub of rice powder (available with the grocer's) and curd. This scrub is useful in removing blackheads too.

2. Suji (semolina) with milk/curd/rose water (according to season and your skin type) also makes a good scrub. Soak it in a bowl for 1-2 minutes and then use.

3. Lather up your face with a face wash, add half a tbsp. of sugar granules and massage very gently, rinse off.

FAIRNESS & SUNBURNS

1. A pinch of bicarbonate of soda in a little milk acts as a mild bleach.

2. Whitening pack: Mix 2 tbsp. of curd+3 drops of lemon juice+a pinch of turmeric(+2tbsp.besan optional).

3. Soak a very small piece of lemon in 2 tbsp. of milk for a few minutes. Apply the milk on face after straining.

4. Similarly soak some pieces of cucumber in milk for few hours and apply the milk on sunburns.

Cucumber juice, potato juice, vinegar, curds, buttermilk and lime are skin whiteners as well as sunburn aids, these are good for oily skin because they have a drying effect; for a dry skin a drop of almond/olive oil/cream can be mixed or a nourishing cream can be applied afterwards.

Natural bleach: Apply sandalwood paste(soothing)+drops of lemon juice(skin lightener)+turmeric(antiseptic)+aloevera(glowing effect).

ANTI- ACNE

1. Grind in mortar n pestle the leaves of fresh mint/neem/tulsi(basil) according to the availability and apply the juice. Wash after 10 minutes.

2. Boil a few leaves of neem, cool and apply with cotton on pimples/acne. You can also freeze the neem extract in ice tray and it can be used any time. This water or cubes can be mixed in bath water for an anti-bacterial and refreshing bath especially in summers and rains.

3. Apply a pinch of turmeric in a tsp. of curds. Wash after some time.

LIP BALM

1. By applying mustard oil or desi ghee on your navel before going to bed and before bath in the morning, you can make your lips soft naturally and reduce the application of a readymade balm. When applied twice daily, over a period of time see a noticeable softness.

2. Pluck and apply the gel/pulp of aloe vera on your lips to remove the tan.

3. Apply fresh cream on cracked lips.

4. Use a scrub of 2 pinches of sugar with 2 drops of olive or almond oil on lips.

5. For chapped lips, mix one tsp. of honey to a few drops of rose water. Apply before retiring at night.

ANTI-MARKS, STRETCH MARKS

1. Cut a piece of potato, rub it on your face and leave it on for 2-3 mintes. Wash off. Good remedy for blemishes.

2. Pour orange juice in ice tray and freeze. Use these cubes on your face. Orange juice contains Vitamin C which helps in erasing spots and marks.

3 .To remove blemishes, soak 1/2 tsp of red gram overnight, grind and apply the pack for a markfree radiant skin.

4. For light stretch marks on legs and hips: Drink 12-15 glasses of water and 3 glasses of buttermilk(diluted with more water) daily. Apply 1tsp.til (sesame) oil+ 1/2 tsp. olive oil and massage --this gives equal benefits of anti-stretch mark cream. Patience is required in both --cream as well as natural remedy.

Remember, "ROME WAS NOT BUILT IN A DAY".

DEODORANT

1. Adding drops of eude-cologne/lemon/rose water/neem water/vinegar to your bath water makes the bath refreshing; does the job of a deo.

2. Your sweat will not smell when you keep your stomach problems away.

3. If diluted vinegar/radish/turnips tops are rubbed under the armpits as well as eaten regularly, perspiration odour will dimnish.

HAIR CONDITIONER

1. Drops/spoons of lime/vinegar/milk/used, rinsed and strained tea leaves in the mug for a last rinse will give an extra sheen and bounce to the hair.

2. Oil hair before shampoo, hot towel treatment can be given.

3. Henna is a good conditioner too.

4. Sprinkle cornflour on your hair and then brush the hair when you don't have time to wash hair before a party. Cornflour absorbs the grease from the scalp.

ANTI-DANDRUFF

1. Very few people know that the extra water that is drained from cooked rice is an excellent remedy for dandruff. Cool the water, apply on scalp, leave it on hair for sometime before washing it off.

2. Apply lemon juice on the scalp before washing hair.

3. Mix equal parts of water and vinegar and apply to the scalp, before shampoo.

4. Apply curds mixed with little methi(fenugreek powder available with the grocer's). Leave it on scalp for 20 min. and shampoo.

SHIKAKAI SHAMPOO

Take 200 gms. each of Shikakai leaves, Reetha powder and Olive powder, little orange peel (optional). Soak them in water over-night and boil. Strain when cool. This makes your hair shiny and strong.

HAND CARE

1. Rub your hands with mustard oil and then wash with soap. It will not only remove filth, also make them super soft. Keep a small bottle of mustard oil near your wash basin.

2. Keep lemon handy in the kitchen as it acts as a whitener, softener and nail cleaner. Rub lemon halves over hands and elbows every time you get a chance.

3. Rub your hands with potato slice n lemon for removing stains.

4. Equal amount of vinegar n lime juice massaged on hands acts as whitener.

5. Rubbing sugar/salt with water/vegetable oil/lime on rough hands and elbows helps to soften.

MOUTH WASH

1. Rose water, used as mouth wash, cleans the mouth and lends fragrance.

2. Whenever you get a chance, pluck and chew a guava leaf. Rinse mouth. Best option for mouth freshener  and sparkling teeth! A few leaves can be plucked and stored in a polythene bag in the refrigerator.
3. Tender neem leaves can also be chewed, neem is bitter but it purifies the blood.

4. Aniseeds(sauf)/cardamom can be chewed after meals.

FACE PRIMER

Rub ice cubes on your face before applying make up and, the make up will last longer. It also improves blood circulation and makes the skin healthy.

NIGHT CREAM

1. Before retiring to bed, mix a few drops of lime in a spoon of milk(if you have an oily skin) or in a spoon of cream (if dry). Gently massage it well on your face and neck. Rinse off.Your complexion will become clear in a few days.

A good diet, a daily regime of Yoga/exercise/physical activity and your confidence will bring out your natural glow, beauty and radiance.

Make use of ice trays in more interesting ways.........

* Ice trays with lids can be used to keep precious and delicate jewellery pieces like ear-rings, pendants, finger rings, chains etc. in different compartments. Cut and place small square pieces of paper napkin or tissue before putting the items. This way your jewellery will neither get scratched nor mixed and easier to choose as they are placed in different compartments.

*Make tomato puree, pour in ice trays and freeze. Twist and use the pieces in curries when required. Green chillies can also be minced alongwith the tomatoes.

*Similarly store, ginger paste, ginger-garlic paste and onion paste in ice trays in the refrigerator.

*Make cubes of lime juice and use them in a refreshing drink with water, salt, pepper with or without sugar/honey.

*In a small ice tray store orange juice in your freezer and use these cubes on your face for a rejuvenating skin. Orange juice contains Vitamin C, erases spots and marks.

*Simple ice cubes or drops of rose water-mixed ice cubes, rubbed on your face before make up will help the make-up last longer, improves blood circulation and makes skin healthy.

*Boil a few leaves of neem, strain, pour the extract in ice tray and freeze. Rub the cubes gently on pimples/acne. These neem cubes can mixed in bath water/as last rinses for anti-bacterial and refreshing bath in summers and rains.

Make ur voice sweet and mesmerising

For speakers,aspiring radio jockeys and orators

1. Try to make/develop an imaginary, funny story on ur own. Now repeat this story in front of the mirror until u hear it clearly, precisely and confidently.

2. Practice this voice exercise: Press a pencil or cork between your teeth and read a newspaper loudly. While doing this try to read the words as clearly as possible.

3. Another exercise is to read the English newspaper without the consonants. For instance, the title"Stress can also make you fat" can be read out and heard as "e a aw o ae u a". You are making only the sound of vowels. This exercise will improve the pronunciation and build confidence.

4. Practice making sounds of different characters of cartoon books or comics and read them out before a mirror and then to the kids.

5. To make your speech interesting, or to draw attention of audience back, bring ups and downs in your voice (going on and on in the same, low tone may make the audience bored). Bring excitement, enthusiasm, joy and surprise in your voice to keep the atmosphere healthy.

6. Practice reading out a recipe book before a mirror using your lips and mouth until your voice becomes stable and mesmerising.

Its logic again!

In India, Hindus worship the Holy Tulsi and water the plant daily. But on Sundays, mostly North Indians neither touch the tulsi plant to pluck leaves nor water it. The logic behind is - giving rest to the plant for a day for its proper growth.

Mother nature has provided us this medicinal plant with bountiful and miraculous benefits: curing cough, cold, skin diseases etc...I have already mentioned in my earlier post titled "H1N1 excellent advice".

Source:Our elders

Moisturize your body in seconds!

Moisturizing your body is very essential especially in winters. You massage your body with oil pre-bath or apply body lotion post bath. But as the winter days are short and you are in a hurry for your routines, add 2-3 drops of olive or almond oil in half or one-fourth bucket of water and finish your bath with it. The oil will form a thin film all over your body thus moisturising and conditioning it. Softly pat dry the body with towel.

In summers, drops of rose-water or eude-cologne can be added to give you a refreshing bath.

Apple and pear body shapes-compared

Apple shaped body

1.The fat is distributed in the upper body above the waist.

2.Apples have large amounts of deep fat stored around the waist/abdomen(surrounding the internal organs) called visceral fat.

3.There is no defined waist.

4.There is relatively higher level of androgen present in apples and rectangles therefore, more of a masculine bone structure.

5.Eat fiber filled foods which keep sugar, cholostrol, heart problems at bay.

6.Because large amount of fat is around the tummy, regular exercise and diet control is a must to avoid any type of problems or diseases.

7.Apples become rectangles when they lose weight, they cannot become pears.

Pear shaped body

1. The fat is distributed in the lower body below the waist.

2.Most fat is stored in the hips, buttocks and thighs called subcutaneous fat(under the skin).
3.The waist is defined.

4.Lesser levels of androgen therefore, more of a feminine bone structure.

5.Must eat low fat foods. Pear fat cells are 'magnet cells', the bottom part attracts all the fat you consume.

6.Physical activity is necessary for everyone to keep healthy.

7.Pears remain pears only when they lose weight(top smaller than bottom). They can become apples when they put on too much weight.

What shape is your body?

IT DOES NOT MATTER WHAT YOUR BODY SHAPE IS, KEEPING IT TONED AND FIRM IS ALL THAT MATTERS
The female body frame falls in the following categories:
* 'A', pear, bell or spoon shape: In this type, the upper part of the body is noticeably smaller than the bottom part i.e. hips and thighs are heavy and become more bulky when the body puts on weight. Pears have a defined waist. The extra fat is stored below the waist.
Dhanurasana, Shalabhasana, Padachalanasana and Bhujangasanas are helpful in reducing(upto some extent) the bottom and toning up the chest and shoulders.
*'H', straight, banana, or rectangular frame: This is the athlete type without curves having the bust, waist, hips equal. Here the waist measurement may be less than 9 inches smaller than bust or hips. The legs and arms are proportionally thin.When weight is put on, it is distributed throughout the body including the face. There is very little waist definition.
Katichakrasana, Trikonasana can help to reduce waist to bring a shape to the body.

*'V', cone or inverted triangle shaped: Here, the upper part of the body is larger than the lower part. The person has wide shoulders and bust, bottom and legs are slim. The waist may be defined. When cones put on weight they may become apples.

*Apple shaped: This frame has upper part larger than the lower body. The extra body fat is stored in the upper half (around the middle section i.e. chest, waist and abdomn) and face. There is no waist definition.

The belly fat can be reduced by practising Naukasana & its variations and Utanapadasana. Try to reduce the overall weight and always try to stand tall.Walking and swimming will help reduce weight. Avoid over-eating. Over-eating stretches the muscles of the abdomn and makes them loose and saggy, it is then difficult to train the stomach muscles.

YOU CANNOT CHANGE THE BONE SRUCTURE YOU ARE BORN WITH AS IT CAN BE GENETIC, BUT WITH SENSIBLE DIET, REGULAR EXERCISE AND STRESS-CONTROL TECHNIQUES(the high levels of cortisol tend to accumulate fat around the stomach) YOU CAN MAKE YOUR BODY BEAUTIFUL. LOVE YOUR BODY AND TAKE CARE OF IT.

*Scale or ruler shape: Chest,waist, bottom are all of the same measurement. The person is thin and lean. When the body puts on weight the ruler becomes 'H'.
A protien-filled diet and any exercise- P.T., yoga, jogging, brisk walking will help to tone the body.
*'8' or hourglass figure: This is said to be the ideal figure of a woman, the waist is clearly defined, app.10 inches smaller than chest and hips(are equal). If weight is put on in this figure, it is distributed proportionally especially in the bust and hips area.
A simple regime of exercise and mindful eating can maintain this figure.

Sambhar tastes like Udupi's

I have been preparing sambhar from many sambhar powders- Eastern, Madras sambhar, Everest, Ramdev, powder brought from the mills of south, home-made masala. All make very good sambhar, but the sambhar made from the MDH sambhar powder tastes just like the sambhar of Krishnasagar or the chain of Udupi restaurants. Arhar or Toor dal alongwith vegetables and the right amount of tamarind gives me the similar taste.

Hot and cold treatment to strengthen hair

I have found that rinsing my hair after shampoo with hot and cold water alternately has made my hair stronger.

Giving alternate hot and cold water rinses, increase the blood circulation of the scalp making the hair follicles active and strong. Do this four or five times ending up with cold water because cold water closes the pores.

Tea lovers : be happy!

We all know that "A cup of tea a day keeps the dentist away".
According to the latest research, drinking 6-8 cups a day can offer you significant benefits. The caffeine in tea helps fight heart disease, leading to lower risk of heart attack and stroke. It also improves brain power, making drinkers feel more alert and cheerful. It also increases longevity.

If you like green tea, it is more beneficial and can help you lose weight too.

The antioxidants (called flavonoids) present in green tea help manage the level of free radicals present in the body. (Free radicals are certain molecules produced by the body due to aging, pollution, poor diet, unhealthy lifestyle and damage cells and tissues if they increase).

So cheers! have your cups of tea without any guilt!

p.s.1. Do not have tea with meals- the body absorbs less iron from the meal due to the presence of tanin in tea.

2. Tea can never harm you if a glass of water is taken before having tea.