Cure Skin Problems with Papaya!

In traditional medicine, papaya (Carica papaya) are considered to be anti-inflammatory, anti-parasitic and analgesic, and are used to treat infections. Fruits are spherical or pear-shaped having yellow skin when ripe. The flesh is bright orange, with small black seeds clustered in the center. The ripe fruit is juice and sweet that makes it delicious and extremely enjoyable! Though papaya is believed to be native to Southern Mexico and Central America, today it is cultivated extensively all over the tropical regions.

The fruit is low in calories (39 calories/100 g) and contains no cholesterol; however, is a rich source of antioxidant nutrients such as carotenes, vitamin C and flavonoids, the B vitamins, folate, pantothenic acid, minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and fiber. The milk like juice from unripe fruit called latex, contains the most concentration of an proteolytic enzyme called papain, other enzymes like peptides and chymopapain A and B that are useful in skin related problems. These nutrients also colon cancer, atherosclerosis, infections, colds and flu. The vitamin A, C and E content of papaya are said to offer protection against heart diseases.


Papaya has been proven natural remedy for various skin ailments. Pulp of ripe papaya fruit when applied topically over face helps get rid of acne as well as the ugly scars. Papaya fruit is not only beneficial in removing hyper-pigmentation, but its application is also found beneficial in removing tanning, sunburn and age spots. Topical application of a blend of papaya, yogurt and honey twice a week can give the desired results.

Owing to the high levels of alpha hydroxy acids and papain enzyme contained in the fruit, regular application of fruit pulp helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles off the skin. Eating ripe papaya regularly helps to have normal bowel movements, cures constipation and keeps a check on weight! This further improves the digestive system of our body and keeps skin glowing with health! The Kitchen Clinic: Cure Skin Problems with Papaya
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Weight loss with Kitchen Herbs

Losing weight can be a lot easier if you spice up your food. Spices not only make your food taste good, they are also known to aid fat burning, boost metabolism, help you stay healthy and fight off other health risks. Spices help stabilize blood sugar by controlling insulin levels in the body. When blood sugar is stable, you are more likely to burn fat and not store calories as excess weight. 

Spices are the best antioxidants and have powerful anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal properties. For all the good reasons for health, why not add these top five fat-burning spices to our diet and ramp up weight loss as well. In the following post, learn about the spices that have been known to help in weight loss and get you to your goal in a healthy and happy way.

Chillies: Eating chillies can make you lose weight by stimulating the metabolism, improving circulation and warming the body. Chillies in moderate quantities induce 'Thermogenesis' that promote sweating, which is a cooling mechanism of the body to combat heat.
Capsaicin, a component found in chillies, is responsible for this effect as it stimulates certain receptors in the central nervous system to create the heat producing effect. Additionally, chillies help relieve nerve pain and boost energy levels as well.

Cloves: Cloves are another one of the spices that have been appreciated for their help in speeding up metabolism and increasing weight loss. Clove consumption is said to increase glucose metabolism, thus lowering blood glucose levels, helping the body regulate insulin levels & in turn keeps diabetes at bay. Also, cloves have antibacterial, antifungal and antiseptic properties.
The active compounds in cloves, eugenol and isoeugenol, possess both anti-inflammatory as well as antioxidant properties. Furthermore, cloves help maintain cardiovascular health, improve blood circulation, relieves flatulence and indigestion. These are also known to boost energy level and relieve stress.


Cinnamon: This ancient spice has one of the highest antioxidant levels of any spice. A study published in Diabetes care (2003) showed that 1/4th tsp to 1 tsp daily of cinnamon helps metabolize sugar up to 20 times better than without cinnamon, hence boosting the body’s weight loss ability as well as controlling diabetes! Because cinnamon balances blood sugar levels it has the added advantage of stabilizing mood and energy levels as well as lowering LDL and triglyceride levels. (but remember, cinnamin contains coumarin, a chemical which can lead to liver damage if consumed in large amounts).

Turmeric: Turmeric is one of the popular spices of the Indian kitchens. It contains beta-carotene, an antioxidant that helps protect liver from free radical damage, while helping body metabolize fats by decreasing the fat storage rate in liver cells. Studies suggest that Curcumin, a yellow-orange pigment found in turmeric, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which helps protect the brain against damage, slows down the development of Alzheimer and Parkinson’s disease and prevents heart diseases.

Ginger: Research studies suggest that ginger has fat burning and metabolism accelerating properties which can burn the body fat. Also, this fat burning spice has been found to contain satiating properties that helps keep a check on over-eating! Ginger tends to increase the pH value of stomach acids, thus reducing the rates of gastric secretions and accelerating the activity of the enzymes necessary for digestion. Furthermore, ginger reduces triglyceride and cholesterol levels and thus helps in improving cardiovascular health. It elevates the levels of high density lipoproteins and lowers the risks of stroke and heart attack by improving the blood circulation.

Black pepper: The main component of black pepper, piperine, is said to boost fat metabolism by inhibiting differentiation of fat cells in the body. studies suggest that piperine has anti-obese properties and reduces triglyceride, total cholesterol, VLDL and LDL levels, and increases HDL cholerterol. These results also show that piperine can help in weight loss and management. This kitchen ingredient is also beneficial in diseases like cholera, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal problems. The Kitchen Clinic: Weight loss with Kitchen Herbs
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Hair care for Summer: Best Home Remedies for Your Hair

Hair care for Summer

The summers, apart from the incessant heat bring in its wake a host of hair problems. Heat from the sun degrades the protective protein in hair which oxidizes the color to a brassy hue, wipes out shine, and leaves hair brittle. On top of that, Ultra violet rays, dry wind and sweat can worsen the condition! But don't worry! We have some natural home made solutions for you!

Find in this post, some summer hair care remedies using all natural ingredients that would effectively defend hair in the hot weather. These home remedies would also help combat all the hair plights, provide protection from UV rays and make your hair look fabulous!

Home Remedies for Hair Care:

  • Soak fuller’s earth in water overnight. Add 2 tablespoonful of curd to it to make a paste. Apply this mixture to your scalp and hair. Wash with water after an hour to attain soft, shiny and healthy hair.
  • For keeping your hair moisturized and protected from sun rays, combine equal parts of aloe vera gel and olive oil. Apply the mixture gently to the scalp and hair. Leave it for up to 30 minutes and rinse it out.
  • Take a ripe papaya and blend it in the mixer. Mix a cup of yogurt to it and apply thoroughly through scalp and hair. Wash after half an hour with water.
  • Take equal proportions of powdered Amla, Reetha and Henna and add water to make a paste. Leave this mixture overnight. Next morning, mix 2 tablespoon curd to the paste and apply over scalp and hair. Leave it on for an hour. Rinse hair with a mild shampoo afterwards. This is one of the best conditioner for heat affected hair.
  • Take egg yolk in a bowl and whip it well. Add honey and stir it well to make a thick liquid. Apply the mixture onto your scalp and hair and let it sit for up to 30 minutes. This remedy would make your hair soft and bouncy.
  • Almond oil can also be used to treat dry and damaged hair. Take some almond oil in a bowl and heat it gently. Massage the lukewarm oil to the scalp and hair. Leave it for 30 minutes and then rinse normally with shampoo.
  • Mash a ripe banana and mix a tablespoon of honey to make a paste. This is one of the beneficial remedies to treat sun affected hair.
  • Soak fenugreek (methi) seeds overnight and grind the same next morning. Mix a spoonful of curd to make a paste. Massage this paste gently on scalp and hair. Rinse with a mild shampoo after 20-30 minutes.
Hair Care Tips for Summer:

  • The most effective remedy for health hair is eating healthy diet including green vegetables and fresh fruits.
  • As hair is made of protein, your diet should include plenty of natural meat, fish, and dairy products.
  • Drink plenty of water (3-4 liters/ day) to keep your hair and skin hydrated.
  • When you go out in the sun, remember to wear a hat, cap or scarf, slightly loose enough to allow scalp circulation, to protect your hair against the damaging effects of the sun.
  • Avoid maximum ray damage by minimizing bare head exposure to the sun between 10 am - 3 pm, when the sun's rays are the strongest.
  • Avoid hot water hair wash, as the heat can damage your hair. Use cool water instead.
  • Avoid using blow-dryer or hot rollers, instead allow your hair to dry by itself. These artificial techniques make hair brittle and dry. If you have no time to let your hair air dry, then use blow-dryer sparingly and make sure you use a warm setting instead of a hot setting.
  • Try using mild and moisturizing shampoo during summer, rather than the normal shampoo that you use during other times, as former is much gentle on your hair. 
Herbal Beautyholics: Hair care for Summer: Best Home Remedies for Your ...:
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Juice cleanses, charcoal supplements and foot patches – is detoxing worth the hype?

Katie Edwards, The Conversation and Dan Baumgardt, University of Bristol

January arrives with a familiar hangover. Too much food. Too much drink. Too much screen time. And suddenly social media is full of green juices, charcoal supplements, foot patches and seven-day “liver resets”, all promising to purge the body of mysterious toxins and return it to a purer state.

In the first episode of Strange Health, a new visualised podcast from The Conversation, hosts Katie Edwards and Dan Baumgardt put detox culture under the microscope and ask a simple question: do we actually need to detox at all?

Strange Health explores the weird, surprising and sometimes alarming things our bodies do. Each episode takes a popular health or wellness trend, viral claim or bodily mystery and examines what the evidence really says, with help from researchers who study this stuff for a living.

Katie Edwards, a health and medicine editor at The Conversation and Dan Baumgardt, a GP and lecturer in health and life sciences at the University of Bristol share a longstanding fascination with the body’s improbabilities and limits, plus a healthy scepticism for claims that sound too good to be true.

This opening episode dives straight into detoxing. From juice cleanses and detox teas to charcoal pills, foot pads and coffee enemas, Katie and Dan watch, wince and occasionally laugh their way through some of the internet’s most popular detox trends. Along the way, they ask what these products claim to remove, how they supposedly work, and why feeling worse is often reframed online as a sign that a detox is “working”.

The episode also features an interview with Trish Lalor, a liver expert from the University of Birmingham, whose message is refreshingly blunt. “Your body is really set up to do it by itself,” she explains. The liver, working alongside the kidneys and gut, already detoxifies the body around the clock. For most healthy people, Lalor says, there is no need for extreme interventions or pricey supplements.

That does not mean everything labelled “detox” is harmless. Lalor explains where certain ingredients can help, where they make little difference and where they can cause real damage if misused.

Real detoxing looks less like a sachet or a foot patch and more like hydration, fibre, rest, moderation and giving your liver time to do the job it already does remarkably well. If you’re buying detox patches and supplements then it’s probably your wallet that is about to be cleansed, not your liver.


Strange Health is hosted by Katie Edwards and Dan Baumgardt. The executive producer is Gemma Ware, with video and sound editing by Sikander Khan. Artwork by Alice Mason.

Dan and Katie talk about two social media clips in this episode, one from 30.forever on TikTok and one from velvelle_store on Instagram.

Listen to Strange Health via any of the apps listed above, download it directly via our RSS feed or find out how else to listen here. A transcript is available via the Apple Podcasts or Spotify apps.The Conversation

Katie Edwards, Commissioning Editor, Health + Medicine and Host of Strange Health podcast, The Conversation and Dan Baumgardt, Senior Lecturer, School of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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Weight Loss Tips ...


In the era of commercialization, we find various weight loss pills, anti-cellulite products and expensive fitness gadgets popping up on the internet and television screens, but these can only cause frustration and may prove detrimental to our health. Natural herbal remedies are safe and promising in reducing weight.

Eat a Balanced Diet

A balanced diet and any form of exercise plays a vital role in reducing as well as maintaining a normal weight. One should eat a diet good in green vegetables and fresh fruits. Some of the fat burning spices such as black pepper, long pepper, mustard, ginger, cinnamon and cayenne should be added to the meals or used in preparations.

Fish like tuna & salmonare high in Lectin, a protein, which helps improve metabolism and aids fat loss. Reduce the intake of salt & carbohydrate rich, high calorie foods (eg. rice, potatoes). Having vegetable soup or eating papaya at dinner time is helpful in reducing weight. Eating a cabbage salad also helps reduce weight as tartaric acid, an ingredient in the vegetable is known to inhibit conversion of dietary sugar to fat.

Follow any Form of Exercise Regularly

Along with diet, regular exercise is quite beneficial. Brisk walk, skipping a rope, jogging, aerobics, yoga and pranayam (yogic breathing exercises) are among few exercises that can be of help to attain a healthy weight. Also, one should eat slowly as it satisfies hunger with less food, thereby reducing calorie intake. Drink plenty of water (3-4 litres/ day) as it has no calories and reduces hunger.

Herbal Remedies for Weight Loss


Along with a balanced diet and regular exercise regime, do try some of these natural herbal remedies for controlling weight in a healthy manner, that too, without any side effects.
  • Squeeze a lemon in a glass of bitter gourd juice and have it every morning.
  • Boil about 10 gm of triphala (a combination of equal amount of Amla, Harra & Beheda powder in a glass of water for 10 minutes. Consume it warm in the morning.
  • Consuming 2 cups of Green tea is also believed to shed excess fat.
  • To keep a check on weight, soak a few leaves of Indian plum/ Jamun overnight. Discard the leaves & drink water in the morning on an empty stomach.
  • Take ½ tsp of guggal powder, a tsp of ginger rhizome powder and mix in honey to make it into a paste. Administer it once a day to lose weight.
  • Mix in a glass of lukewarm water, a tsp of honey with ½ tsp lemon juice. Drink it every morning and evening to lose weight.
  • Pound a ginger rhizome & boil the same in water. Add to it, ½ tsp lemon juice and 1/4th tsp black pepper powder. Have it when hot.
  • Having a tomato or two in morning is said to be beneficial in reducing weight.
  • Remember Folks, losing weight isn't a mysterious process… it’s a matter of burning more calories than we eat! So get going! All the best! The Slimming Furnace: Best Weight Loss Tips Ever!
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Rubia cordifolia: The Herb of Medicinal Value!

Rubia cordifolia: The Herb of Medicinal Value

Manjistha or the Rubia cordifolia, of family Rubiaceae is a herbaceous perennial climber, found throughout Asiatic & African regions of the world. It is considered to be one of the most valuable herbs in Ayurveda and has been largely used by physicians since ancient times for the maintenance of general health. This is also commonly known as Indian Madder.

In regions of Asia, Africa & Europe, Rubia was an economically important source of a red pigment called Alizarin, that gives its red color to a textile dye known as Rose Madder. It was also used as a colourant, especially for paint, called as Madder lake.

Rubia is bitter, astringent and sweet in taste, pungent in the post digestive effect and has hot potency. It has been used in tuberculosis and intestinal ulcer and is recommended by Ayurvedic physicians as a blood purifier for skin diseases and to improve the complexion. The herb is useful in treating skin related problems. The roots of Rubia are widely used in treating pimples, reducing wrinkles, improving complexion, treating burns, healing injuries and lessening inflammations.

The Herb: Rubia cordifolia

The roots of Rubia are said to be alternative, anodyne, antiphlogistic, antitussive, astringent, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, styptic, tonic, and vulnerary. They are used to lower blood pressure, as well as internally in the treatment of abnormally uterine bleeding; internal and external hemorrhage; bronchitis; rheumatism, stones in the kidney and bladder, and gall, dysentery, and so on. The roots and fruit are used in treating paralysis and conditions of ulcer. The stem is used in treating cobra bite and scorpion sting. It is used in the treatment of liver fluke, dysentery, maggots & intestinal worms in animals.
Roots of Rubia cordifolia

The roots contain resinous and extractive matter, gum, sugar, coloring matter, the salt of the pigment being a red crystalline principle purpurine. The yellow glucoside manjistin and a xanthine are also present, besides garancin and orange red alizarin. Anthroquinones pentacyclic triterpenes, quinines, cyclic hexapeptides and diethylesters are also reported. Other compounds isolated are xantho-purpurin, glucose, sucrose and ruberythric acid. Alizarin, purpurin, purpurin carbohydrate, quinizarine and christofin isolated from roots. Antitumor cyclic hexapeptides – RA-V and RA-VII – isolated from roots. HerbHealtH: Rubia cordifolia: The Herb of Medicinal Value!
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Traditional Herbal Remedies to Quit Smoking!

Quit Smoking!

Smoking is one of the toughest addictions affecting the overall health of a smoker & is known to cause cancer, heart and other respiratory diseases. Though quitting smoking requires more than just will power for most smokers, but once done, has immediate & long-term benefits.

Traditional home remedies are natural & non-addictive as these to help give up smoking by soothing stressed nervous system & to adjust with the life without nicotine. Try some of such time tested home remedies that would prove beneficial in quitting smoking and give you a healthy physical, mental and social being.

Quit Smoking for Health & Well being!

  • Take 25g of aniseed and caraway seeds each & soak in lemon juice. Mix black salt to taste & let the mixture dry in shade. Now, roast the mixture and let it cool. Take about ½ tsp of the formulation to overcome the desire to consume tobacco.
  • Take betel leaf and wrap in it a tsp of fennel seeds & a clove bud. Chew it after meals to prevent you from wanting to light up another cigarette. This remedy would also help improve digestion.
  • Cut ginger rhizome in small thin pieces & to it, add lemon juice, common salt, black salt, a pinch of asafetida, roasted cumin seeds & black pepper. Mix all the ingredients well and put it to dry in shade. This preparation can be taken to curb the urge to smoke.
  • Drinking a glass of sugarcane juice with lemon juice & black salt is helpful in withdrawing from nicotine addiction.
  • Boil and cut ½ kg of Indian gooseberry fruits into small pieces. Add rock salt, common salt, powdered black pepper, and about 200g of sugar. Mix well & dry the preparation in shade. To overcome the desire to smoke, have a piece or two of the same.
  • Sucking a piece of lemon with rock salt creates a sour taste in the mouth and helps in killing the urge to smoke.
  • Consuming pineapple fruit slices with black salt also effectively helps in curbing the strong urge.
  • Chewing mulethi roots not only reduce the smoking urge, but also help clear the throat & comfort food passage.
  • Chewing ½ tsp of fried aniseed is also useful in controlling the smoking urge, especially after meals.
Include Fresh Fruits & Vegetables in Your Diet!

Eating fresh fruits and vegetables such as oranges, grapes, tomatoes, peppers, broccoli, avocados and wheat germ are good sources of Vitamins C and E. These are powerful antioxidants that help combat free radicals and fight the carcinogens found in smoke. Include in diet, foods rich in beta carotene & B vitamins (found in yellow fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meat & fish). Avoid intake of alcohol, coffee and tea. Indulge in regular physical activities that would keep a check on the weight as well as help reduce craving to smoke. Yogic exercises such as Pranayam (regulated breathing), ustrasana (camel pose), dhanurasana (bow pose) & Savasana (corpse pose) can effectively check thought patterns connected to smoking cessation. Learn the technique of mental relaxation in stressful situations. Spend time with family and friends and seek their support. This may support your decision to give up the deadly habit of smoking successfully. HerbHealtH: Traditional Herbal Remedies to Quit Smoking!
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Healing Potential of Picrorhiza kurroa (Kutki)

Healing Potential of Picrorhiza kurroa (Kutki)

Picrorhiza kurroa (family Scrophulariaceae, common name Picrorhiza, Katuka, Kutka, kutki) is one of the oldest medicinal plants found in the Himalayas. Since time immemorial, this perennial herb has been used in Ayurveda for treating diseases caused by kapha and pitta, and is valued for its hepatoprotective properties. In small doses, it helps in curing loss of appetite, liver diseases, jaundice, bronchial asthma, bile disorders and weakness. In larger doses, it is useful as an antioxidant, antibacterial, anticholestatic, antiallergic, antiperiodic, cathartic, laxative, and to treat abdominal diseases, adiposity and related disorders.

The leaf, bark and the underground parts of Picrorhiza, mainly rhizomes are widely used in the treatment of the health ailments. The root of this plant is rich in glucosides including kitkin and picrorhizin, cucurbitacin, D-mannitol, benetic acid, kutkisterol, vanillic acid and some steroids. P. kurroa also contains apocynin, a powerful anti-inflammatory agent, which helps reduce platelet aggregation.

Picrorhiza kurroa

Experimental studies have revealed the cytotoxic role of curcubitacins (found in the plant) having antitumor activity. It is also said to reduce blood cholesterol levels and the coagulation time. Furthermore studies of plant rhizome, is shown to improve the immunity of the body, as well as known to have a specific action against the parasite Leishmania, which causes the disease called leishmaniasis.

The plant is also used in treating abdominal pain, stomach disorders, anemia, and for promoting bile secretion. It is helpful in acute viral hepatitis, as immune-modulator, and in treating fever and allergies. Other instances of use include vitiligo, skin disorders, infections, scorpion stings, chronic diarrhea, epilepsy, malaria and rheumatoid arthritis. The plant and its formulations are widely used in treating epidemic jaundice, HerbHealtH: Healing Potential of Picrorhiza kurroa (Kutki)
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Herbal Remedies for Hair related Problems!

Try Herbal Remedies for Hair related Problems!

Today’s chaotic lifestyle, improper diet, high stress levels and lack of exercise leads to various hair related problems such as dandruff, dry hair, graying of hair, hair fall and split ends. But don't you think that beautiful, lustrous hair equally boosts up beauty & confidence just like our healthy glowing skin? Then why do we find excuses and ignore this asset of beauty that also reflects our overall health? Find in this article some of the simple home remedies with natural ingredients that will bring back damaged hair to life.
  • Mix almond oil and castor oil in equal amounts & warm it. Massaging the same into scalp once a week, would be a helpful remedy in case of Hair fall/ loss.
  • For softening hair, soak fuller’s earth in water overnight. Mix into it 2 tbsp of curd and a few drops of lemon juice. Apply this paste over scalp and hair, leave for an hour & wash off with water.
  • Take 3 tbsp of clarified butter and heat it. Mix into it a tsp of finely powdered almonds. Massaging the scalp with the same will strengthen hair roots and impart them a natural luster.
  • Regular massage with mustard, coconut or almond oil for 15 min twice weekly would strengthen hair. Following massage, go for a “steam-towel-wrap” for 10-15 minutes. hair massage is also beneficial in cases of hair fall.For treating dandruff, soak fenugreek seeds overnight. Prepare a paste by grinding them. Now, boil neem leaves in water & strain. Add fenugreek seeds paste to the same & apply on the scalp. Leave for 20 min and wash off with water.
  • To treat Dandruff, mix a cup of curd & a tsp of lemon juice. Apply it on scalp, leave it on for 20 min & rinse off with lukewarm water. The same formulation can be used as a natural conditioner for hair.
  • Mix a tsp of lemon juice in 2 tbsp of mustard oil & apply over the scalp. Rinse off with a mild shampoo. Follow this treatment twice a week for curing dandruff.
  • Take 3 tbsp of coconut oil and warm it lightly. To it, add a tsp of camphor & massage the scalp. This is another effective remedy for treating dandruff.
Eat Nutritious Diet for Healthy Hair

Other than these natural remedies, one must eat a balanced diet that includes green leafy vegetables, fruits, milk and milk products, sprouts and whole grains. One must not ignore maintaining hygiene and brushing hair daily with a comb with widely spaced teeth. Avoid combing hair when wet. Avoid the use of dryers, synthetic hair colors and dyes. Follow regular exercise regime and meditation to remain healthy and stress-free. Visit 'Herbal Beautyholics' blog for more articles on Health and beauty at http://herbalbeautyholics.blogspot.in/ HerbHealtH: Herbal Remedies for Hair related Problems!
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Natural Folk Remedies with Sesame/Sesame Oil

Health Benefits of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

Sesame (Sesamum indicum Linn) or Til, is an annual erect hairy herb cultivated in all tropical and sub-tropical countries of the world. India, Indonesia, China, Burma, Sudan, Ethiopia, Venezuela & Mexico are the main countries growing it. The parts of the herb used for medicinal purposes are the seed, oil and the whole plant. Sesame is high in Vitamin, B1, B6, E & K and also contains good amounts of proteins, carbohydrates, and minerals such as magnesium, manganese, copper, calcium, iron and zinc. The oil contains oleic acid, linoleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, and the glycosides, namely, sesamin and the sesamolin.

Eating Sesame Seeds is Good for Health!

Medicinal uses of Sesame
  • To cure arthritis: Take 500 g of sesame oil in a bottle and to it mix 20 g of camphor and fix the cap tightly. Keep the bottle in sunlight so that the camphor dissolves well in the oil. Apply this mixture twice daily at the site of pain.
  • For swelling- For relief from swelling in any part of the body, mix ginger powder into sesame oil and massage over the area.
  • For constipation: Taking a tbsp of sesame oil with 1/4th ginger juice at bed time is said to loosen the bowels. Its oil is a known mild laxative.
  • To relieve headache: Rubbing warm sesame oil on the forehead relieves headache.
  • For healthy Hair: Eating 3-4 tsp of sesame seeds every morning provides nourishment to the hair.
  • For dandruff: Massage the oil into the scalp and leave it overnight. This treatment not only cures itching scalp, but also helps get rid of dandruff.
  • Skin Care: Massaging the skin gently with sesame oil has multiple benefits. Sesame oil being rich in antioxidants and vitamin E, works as a moisturizer, as anti-aging cream, and a treatment for skin diseases, such as eczema and psoriasis. Gentle oil massage also helps to sooth sunburn, minor burns and helps in the healing process.
  • Scabies: Application of paste of turmeric prepared in sesame (Sesamum indicum) oil on the infected areas cures scabies.
  • To gain weight: Daily consumption of sesame seeds helps in gaining weight because of its high calorific contents.
  • Chest congestion: To treat chest congestion, warm 2 tbsp of sesame oil with a pinch of black salt and massage onto the chest followed by a eucalyptus steam inhalation.
Castor Oil is Beneficial as a Massage Oil!

Through research, it is also evident that sesame seeds oil is also beneficial in the treatment of diabetes, migraines and HerbHealtH: Natural Folk Remedies with Sesame/Sesame Oil
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Love is good for health

By Cena, Although it sounds funny or weird, studies and experiments have demonstrated a closerelationship between health and love. It has been shown that the bonds offriendship, love and affection, enhance health and happiness. Some of the benefits of love on health are: improving attention, motivation and memory. There is a significant reduction in anxiety, stress and depression. Strengthens the immune system, dispels wrinkles and low levels of hypertension. Here are some findings that relate to health and love: 

  • (1) Strengthens the immune system. Biochemical reactions experienced by the body of a person when being in love help improve health and help to "strengthen the immune system," according to experts. With love our quality of life is better and tend to get sick less, and that negative feelings are outweighed by the positive and our body works better. 
  • (2) Influences on the rapid recovery. We have seen that sick people who have someone to love them and watch for them, have a faster recovery than patients who have no affection from anyone. (3) Improves quality of life. We are more likely to get sick and depressed when we have problems and we are alone. However, the love we prolong life. Being loved makes problems feel lighter with the support of others.  
  • (4) Energy and stress. According to experts, the emotional well it feels like to be able to give love and helping others makes people feel more energy and fighting stress. 
  • (5) A feeling of great comfort. From the endocrinological point of view, love brings change for the better. As Jesus says Dr. Rocca, Ricardo Palma Clinic, "the first thing you are beta releases endorphins that trigger when you're in love, and are responsible for the feeling of great comfort.  (6) Love rejuvenates. "The hormones, the nervous system and skin, forming a narrow triangle, so the separation of estrogen in women improves hair, nails, skin," says Sandro Tucto dermatologist. 
  • (7) Fewer doctor visits. Another study found that couples who have spent more time together, make fewer doctor visits. The psychiatrist Enrique Galli said that "stable relationships get colds less than singles, while elderly couples suffer less pain than the lonely elderly. This is due to segregation of hormones that allow for greater resistance to pain. " 
  • (8) Making love, health benefits. Keeping sexually active and safe, influences our physical and emotional state is very important to our overall health. It is scientifically proven that people who frequently make love, get sick less and are happier. The list of health benefits that are attributed to sex as therapeutic activity include: well-being, improves self-esteem, makes you look younger, is a natural pain reliever, improves interpersonal relationships, reduces snoring, strengthens immune system, increases energy, relieves symptoms of depression, anxiety and psychosomatic disorders. So now you know, since love helps heal, self-medication is recommended a good dose of love every day to live healthy and happy. Source: Forum Human HealthImage: flickr.com
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Natural Herbal Remedies for High Blood Pressure!

Beat Hypertension with Healthy Lifestyle & Natural Herbal Remedies!

High blood pressure (Hypertension) is a medical condition in which the arterial blood pressure is elevated. Due to this the heart has to work harder than normal to circulate blood through the blood vessels. The more blood your heart pumps and the narrower your arteries, the higher your blood pressure. It is said to be present if it is persistently above 140/90 mmHg.
The common factors that lead to high blood pressure are chaotic lifestyle, lack of physical activity, obesity, tobacco consumption, excessive alcohol intake, prolonged periods of stress and anxiety, excessive sodium and/or low potassium intake in the diet, or a family history of high blood pressure. Hypertension can also be caused by kidney disease, hormonal disorders, thyroid disease, adrenal gland disease, and the use of oral contraceptives.
Learn in this article about some the time-tested natural remedies that can be used efficiently and safely to treat hypertension well!
  • Prepare a mixture of powdered fennel seeds along with cumin seeds. Add sugar to taste & administer a tsp to lower blood pressure.
  • Having a tsp of powdered fenugreek seeds with water empty stomach in the morning is said to be beneficial in curing high blood pressure.
  • Prepare a mixture of powdered melon seeds and dried poppy (Khaskhas) seeds in equal proportions. Have a tsp of the mixture with water twice daily.
  • Roast a few garlic cloves in a tbsp of clarified butter. Take about 2g of the same twice daily. Also, a paste of garlic cloves taken with butter milk is said to be helpful in keeping a check on hypertension.
  • Consuming fresh basil and neem leaves on an empty stomach everyday is helpful in controlling hypertension.
  • To treat hypertension, have about ½ tsp of powdered Rauvolfia serpentina roots thrice daily with water or milk.
  • Another useful remedy for high BP is to prepare a decoction of the arjuna bark in water & administer 25-30 ml twice daily.
  • Drinking a cup of fresh orange juice twice a day is effective for patients suffering from hypertension.
  • Extract juice from 30-35 curry leaves. Strain and mix the same in a cup of water. Add ½ tsp of lemon juice to taste. Have it empty stomach every morning.
  • Prepare a mixture of a tsp of ginger juice with powdered cumin seeds & honey. Take it twice daily.
  • To control high blood pressure, take 2 tbsp of onion juice with honey daily.
Eat Healthy, Stay Healthy!

Those suffering from high blood pressure must cut down on diet rich in salt and sugar content, trans-fatty acids & hydrogenated oils. Excessive consumption of fatty dairy products, deep fried foods & sweets should be controlled. Consume foods high in green vegetables and fresh fruits, & minerals such as potassium, magnesium, calcium, etc.

Regular exercises like brisk walking or yogic breathing exercises should be made a part of life to control the disease. Patient should reduce tobacco and alcohol intake to lower blood pressure levels. One must take adequate sleep & make it a habit to manage day-to-day stress levels & avoid anxiety and anger. HerbHealtH: Natural Herbal Remedies for High Blood Pressure!
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Herbal Remedies for Wrinkles

Treat Wrinkles with Herbal Remedies

Skin wrinkles typically show up as we age! With aging process, the skin cells divide more slowly, and the dermis (inner layer of the skin) begins to thin. With aging, skin also loses its elasticity, is less able to retain moisture, oil-secreting glands are less efficient and the skin is slower to heal. Elastin, and the collagen fibers (the major structural proteins in the skin), loosen and unravel, causing depressions on the skin surface. All these factors contribute to the appearance of wrinkles.

Unhealthy living, pollution, prolonged periods of stress & anxiety, inadequate sleep, improper diet and lack of exercise further, can lead to premature signs of aging, the first being the wrinkles with a dull skin! To combat the problem of wrinkles, all you need to do is afford some time and use natural ingredients easily available in our kitchens.

Let’s try out some of the natural remedies for managing wrinkles -
  • Take egg white and to it mix 2 tsp of glycerin and rose water. Apply the mixture on skin to get rid of wrinkles.
  • Take glycerin, lemon juice and rose water in equal amounts and apply this natural moisturizing lotion regularly before retiring to bed. It is beneficial in preventing early aging of the skin.
  • Mix a tbsp of cabbage juice to 1/2 tsp of yogurt & a tsp of honey. Apply the mixture over face & neck. Wash off as the pack dries.
  • Take 2 tsp of barley flour and make a paste with curd and a tbsp of tomato juice. Apply the same on face and neck and let it dry. Rinse and pat dry.
  • Apply a paste of rice flour with milk on the wrinkle prone skin for 15-20 min; rinse off with water. Follow this skin remedy thrice weekly.
  • Prepare a paste of apple with milk. Massage the same all over face and neck. Leave it for 15 min and wash off.
  • Add some milk to a tbsp of powdered almond & make it into a paste. Apply this as a pack over the face and the neck. Wash off as it dries.
Though these simple Natural remedies are an effective solution to skin wrinkles, taking adequate sleep, managing day to day stress, eating a balanced diet, avoiding smoking and alcohol consumption can be of great help in managing wrinkles. Generous intake of fruits, green vegetables, grains, cereals, milk and milk products is equally important. Drinking 3 to 4 liters of water daily flushes out wastes and other harmful substances out of the body, and thus helps maintain a well hydrated, healthy skin. Following regular exercise and meditation also play a pivotal role in imparting a glowing wrinkle free skin. Herbal Beautyholics: Herbal Remedies for Wrinkles
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Say Goodbye to Wrinkles with the Power of Moringa


By Bharat Gatha: You are not the only one who wants to look perfect with glowing skiing, and charming shine this festive season. Of course, we are in an era where makeup trends are getting viral, and no doubt that they can enhance your features, but a solid skincare routine is the real game-changer.

If you are feeling confident in your bare skin, it is priceless. It can save you lot of money and expenses you are planning to spend on makeup, or in parlour. One secret weapon gaining popularity in skincare is moringa.

It is also called the ‘miracle tree,’ moringa is packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and nutrients. This powerhouse ingredient is becoming a staple for beauty enthusiasts, with the moringa products market set to hit USD 19.28 billion by 2030.
Why Moringa?

Moringa has been used from a long time for its nutritional and medicinal benefits in native Africa and Asia. Its rich blend of Vitamins A, C, and E, along with amino acids and minerals, makes it a super antioxidant.

As reported by Times of India news source, Dr. Blossom Kochhar a beauty expert said about Moringa therepy, “Aging causes our skin to lose moisture and natural oils, which can lead to even early aging signs. Dry skin often lacks the hydration needed to maintain elasticity and suppleness, leading to a rough texture and fine lines. Moringa oil, extracted from the seeds of the moringa tree, is an excellent natural moisturiser that deeply nourishes the skin. Moringa oil is rich in oleic acid, which penetrates into the skin’s surface and provides long-lasting hydration without clogging pores. This combination of hydration and nourishment helps to plump the skin, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and preventing dryness from contributing to premature aging.”

Know how Moringa can helps your skin:

1. Remove Wrinkles with Antioxidants

Free radicals cause premature aging, wrinkles and dull skin. Vitamin C and E of Moringa combat these free radicals, slowing down skin aging. By using this continuously your skin will stays firm, healthy, and youthful.

2. Boosts Collagen for Firmer Skin

Collagen keeps your skin elastic and firm. As we age, collagen levels drop, leading to saggy skin. Moringa boosts collagen production, thanks to its high Vitamin C content, giving you smoother, more elastic skin.

3. Hydrates and Nourishes

Dry skin shows signs of ageing faster. Moringa oil, extracted from its seeds, deeply moisturizes without clogging pores. Rich in oleic acid, it locks in moisture, leaving your skin plump and youthful.


4. Detoxes and Revitalizes

Daily exposure to pollutants clogs pores and speeds up ageing. Moringa detoxifies your skin, removing impurities and restoring a healthy glow. It promotes blood circulation, helping skin cells regenerate and repair.

5. Soothes Inflammation and Repairs Skin

Inflammation breaks down collagen and elastin, leading to aging. Moringa’s anti-inflammatory properties calm irritated skin and repair damage, making it perfect for sensitive or mature skin.Incorporating moringa into your routine can transform your skin. From fighting wrinkles to keeping your skin hydrated and healthy, this miracle tree has it all. Say Goodbye to Wrinkles with the Power of Moringa
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Home Remedies for Pigmentation, Dark Skin

Skin pigmentation is referred to as change in the color of skin, both lightening and darkening, due to various external and internal factors. The skin color is attributed to various pigments like melanin and carotene.

Pigmentation of the skin causes are primarily over exposure to sunlight and heat, allergies, medication and hereditary factors. The darkening of the skin may not necessarily be permanent at times. There are several conditions that could cause your skin to get darker for a certain period. For example, most women see changes in the tone of their skin during the course of pregnancy. However, after childbirth, the color of the skin usually returns to normal. Similarly, darkening of the skin because of hormonal imbalances or other short term conditions is also temporary. The color of the skin returns to normal once the condition is resolved.


Fortunately, dark skin is not usually a symptom of a life-threatening health problem. However, in case there are other accompanying symptoms like fatigue, weakness, spells of depression or loss of appetite in addition to hyperpigmentation, it could be an indication of an underlying health condition that requires immediate medical attention. Once you’ve ruled out any possible health concerns, you can always opt for any of the home remedies given below to relieve skin pigmentation.
  • Mix one teaspoon of milk powder, a teaspoon of lemon juice, a teaspoon of honey and half a teaspoon of almond oil, to make a thick paste. Apply this on to the skin and keep it on for around 15 to 20 minutes, before rinsing it off with cold water. This not only helps reduce the effects of tanning and skin blemishes, but also gives your skin a natural radiance
  • Add some plain oatmeal to unflavored yogurt and apply the mixture on to the affected skin. After around 20 minutes, wash the mixture off your skin with cold water. Some tomato juice could also be added to this mixture to increase its effectiveness
  • Potato has natural bleaching properties, which is why it is excellent for lightening patches and blemishes as well as darkened skin. Cut a potato into thin slices and place them on the affected area for 20 to 30 minutes.
  • Take a bowl of plain, unflavored yogurt and add a few grated dry orange peels to it. This paste is very effective in getting rid of a tan and should be kept on to the skin for at least 15 minutes, after application.
  • Mint works wonders in lightening the skin tone and therefore, the paste of freshly ground mint leaves should be applied on to the skin for around 15 to 20 minutes, before being rinsed off.
  • Apply vinegar diluted in equal quantity of water. Vinegar is chemically acetic acid, which is capable of lightening and brightening the skin. It is a toner that is recommended to be used for pigmentation treatment.
  • Another useful home remedy for skin pigmentation treatment is to apply onion juice on your skin. You can extract the juice of onion by sieving blended onion in cheese cloth. Mix the onion extract in apple cider vinegar and apply it on your skin to relieve skin pigmentation problems. Alternatively, you can dip onion slice in vinegar and apply on the affected area.
  • Lemon juice also helps in pigmentation removal by reviving the skin.
  • Another treatment for pigmentation of the skin is to apply raw potato extract. You can grate potato and apply it on skin to lighten your skin color.
  • One of the pigmentation removal home remedies is to apply mashed strawberry on your face for 15 minutes and then wash it off.
  • An effective remedy to cure pigmentation of the skin during pregnancy is to apply a paste of gram flour, turmeric powder, cream, and lemon juice. You may also add rose water to the blend for better result.
  • You can also apply a paste of dry orange peel powder and milk for 20 minutes and then wash it off. It will help cleanse and lighten your skin.
  • Another effective remedy to cure skin pigmentation is to apply a blend of lemon juice and cucumber juice.
  • Application of a paste of green papaya also helps cure skin pigmentation. It contains an enzyme papain, which exfoliates and cleanses the skin, thereby relieving skin pigmentation.
  • Application of a pack of ground almonds soaked in water and milk or cream also helps relieve skin pigmentation.
In addition to the remedies for dark skin mentioned above, you also need to get an adequate amount of sleep, rest and exercise a day, as they all play an important role in keeping your skin healthy. Unhealthy practices like smoking and the use of illegal drugs should be strictly avoided.


If you wish to have healthy and glowing skin your first concern should be your fluid intake, as you need to drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water a day. This will flush out the toxins from your body and at the same time will hydrate your skin internally, keeping it soft and supple. This reduces the possibility of discoloration, but does not rule it out completely.

Do not over-expose your skin to the sun as this leads to secretion of melanin. While you go out in sun, apply sunscreen and cover your skin and face with a scarf or wear a hat.
Keep your skin clean at all times. A cleansed, toned, and moisturized skin is less likely to develop problems.

Avoid eating any foods that are heavy, oily or spicy. These foods are difficult to digest and therefore build up the waste in the body, leading to many health problems that can also affect the skin. If you are trying to improve your skin tone, it is important to stay away from chocolates, caffeinated, aerated and alcoholic drinks.

Instead, increase your consumption of foods that are high in vitamins, minerals and other nutrients as they improve the health of your body, as well as your skin. Make sure that you eat a lot of fresh fruits, vegetables, lean meat, dairy products, nuts, seeds, whole grains, cereals, beans and legumes. Health, Beauty And You: Home Remedies for Pigmentation, Dark Skin
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Treat Kidney Stones Naturally with Herbal Remedies!

The Kidney stones are one of the most common diseases that has risen in leaps over the last few years. The chaotic and sedentary lifestyle as well as unhealthy food habits can be sited as one of the most important aspects of kidney stone occurrences.

Natural Herbal Remedies for Stones

Drinking fresh pomegranate juice is said to be quite beneficial for those suffering from kidney stones.
  • Take about 20ml of Aloe vera juice twice daily on an empty stomach. This would be of help in flushing out liver of wastes.
  • Taking a tsp of fresh basil leaves juice with honey daily for up to 6 months is believed to induce stone expulsion from the urinary tract.
  • One of the beneficial remedy for stones is to pound papaya roots and extract the juice. Mix it with some water & drink the same in the morning on an empty stomach for few days.
  • Administering about 500g of dandelion roots twice daily may be beneficial in kidney stones as the roots are known to cleanse the kidneys well.
  • To treat kidney stones, coconut water may be taken thrice daily.
  • Pound a few leaves of patharchat (kidneywort) and take them twice daily with water.
  • Soak approx 50g of the horse gram in water overnight. In the morning, mash and drink it. Also, approx. 30 ml of the horse gram seeds decoction can be taken twice daily.
Eating habits or diet plays an important role in curing and preventing diseases like kidney stones! It is necessary to improve diet and substitute ordinary cooking fat with either Olive oil or Sunflower oil. Intake of fruits like Lemons, Oranges and Grapefruit should be included in the diet. The acids content in the fruits help in dissolving the stone naturally. Yoghurt and Cottage Cheese are also good for such conditions. Fatty foods with high calorie content should be avoided. Drinking plenty of water on a regular basis and consuming juices and soups helps in cleaning up the liver system.


Exercise is important for treating stones, as physical inactivity is one of the main causes of indigestion and eventually result in the formation of stones. Yogasana are also suggested for treating gall bladder stones as these asanas help in toning up the liver and gall bladder. These asanas include Sarvangasana, Paschimottasanana, Shalabhasana, Dhanurasana & Bhujangasana. Breathing exercises such as kapalbhati, Ujjayi and Anulom viloma can also help in getting rid of the symptoms.

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Never Too Late to Start Eating the MIND Diet That May Prevent Dementia: New Study of 90,000 People

Monika Grabkowska for Unsplash+

It’s never too late to start eating better to prevent dementia, according a new analysis of research involving 90,000 adults.

People over the age of 45 who followed a dietary pattern known as the MIND diet were “significantly” less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease or related forms of dementia, said the University of Hawaii scientists.

The MIND diet stands for Mediterranean Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay, and was developed by the late Martha Clare Morris, ScD, a Rush University nutritional epidemiologist. It combines the traditional Mediterranean diet with the blood pressure-lowering DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension).

It includes proven ‘brain-healthy’ foods such as leafy green vegetables, berries, nuts, fish, and olive oil.

The study found that the MIND diet had a stronger and more consistent risk reduction relationship with dementia than other ‘healthy’ diets for the majority of racial groups in the study.

Participants who improved their adherence to the diet the most over time showed the greatest pattern of risk reduction.

Overall, participants who scored higher for MIND adherence at the start of the study had a 9% lower risk of dementia, with an even greater reduction, of around 13%, among those who identified as African American, Latino or White.

The beneficial relationship was seen similarly among younger and older groups, which suggests that there are benefits to adopting the diet at any age.


DIET TO THE RESCUE: Type 2 Diabetes Patients Who Stick to Low-Carb Diet May Be Able to Stop Taking Medication: Study

“Our study findings confirm that healthy dietary patterns in mid to late life, and their improvement over time. may prevent Alzheimer’s and related dementias,” said Dr. Song-Yi Park, Associate Professor at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

“This suggests that it is never too late to adopt a healthy diet to prevent dementia.”

Dr. Park and her colleagues analyzed data from more than 90,000 American adults who provided information about their diet, starting in the 1990s.

Credit: Irina del

The participants were between 45- and 75-years-old at the outset, and more than 21,000 developed Alzheimer’s or related dementias in the years that followed.

The results also showed that people who improved their adherence to MIND over 10 years—including those who didn’t follow the diet closely at first—had a 25% lower risk of dementia compared to those whose adherence declined.

Dr. Park said that trend was consistent across different ages and racial groups.

However, the protective relationship between a healthy diet and dementia was not as apparent among Asian Americans and even less so for Native Hawaiians.

“A tailored approach may be needed when evaluating different subpopulations’ diet quality,” said Park, who added that further studies could help clarify those patterns.

Dr. Park presented the findings at the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition in Orlando, Florida, on June 2 Never Too Late to Start Eating the MIND Diet That May Prevent Dementia: New Study of 90,000 People
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Herbal Remedies for Muscle Cramps



Cramps can be caused due to overexertion, stress, dehydration, or sometimes when the affected part of the body has remained frozen in one position for a long time! Less common causes include diabetes, hypoglycemia, anemia, Parkinson's disease, thyroid & endocrine disorders, and use of some medications.

Muscle Cramps are the painful and spasmodic contractions of the muscles. Most often people get cramps in the calf muscles; however, one can also get them in thighs, feet or just about any muscle of the body.  

Try these effective herbal remedies to ease the muscular cramps:
  1. Take 5g of Withania somnifera (ashwagandha) roots powder with milk daily. This works as a nerve tonic & treats cramps.
  2. A massage with mustard oil on the affected part is beneficial to cure cramps.
  3. Before retiring to bed, drinking a glass of warm milk of with 1/4th tsp dried ginger powder and 1 tsp of turmeric powder is said to give relief from cramps.
  4. Prepare a mixture of wintergreen oil (1 tbsp) with 4 tbsp of vegetable oil and massage over the affected area to relieve pain & stimulate blood flow.
  5. Taking a tsp of castor oil with milk at bed time is another useful remedy for cramps.
  6. Massage sesame oil into the muscle cramp for relief.
  7. Boil 1 tsp of sesame seeds in milk and take it warm at bedtime.
  8. Applying a hot fomentation on the affected area with a bag of salt is also effective in providing relief from cramps.
  9. Taking a tsp of fennel seeds or carom seeds after meals with lukewarm water prevents the occurrence of cramps by stimulating digestion, and treating flatulence & bloating.
  10. Take a hot shower or apply an ice massage to the cramped muscle.

When we don't have enough fluid in our body system, it leads to an electrolytic imbalance that causes muscles to cramp up. Eating a diet rich in minerals like sodium, potassium and calcium regulate muscle contractions & help in curing cramps. Including Vitamin E rich food in the diet is said to improve blood flow through the arteries, and hence, treat cramps. Also, drink plenty of water daily to avoid dehydration. Stretching exercises of the limbs are beneficial. The Kitchen Clinic: Herbal Remedies for Muscle Cramps
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Skin and Hair Benefits of Carrots

Carrots (Daucus carota) are the root vegetables of the ‘Umbelliferae’ family, a term derived from the umbrella-like flower cluster on top of the plant. Carrots are usually orange in colour, though purple, red, white, and yellow varieties also exist. These delicious roots are loaded with vitamins, minerals and various other health-benefiting antioxidants.

Carrots are helpful in improving vision, aid cardio-vascular well being, prevent and cure certain types of cancers, boost immunity and improve digestion. In addition to this, carrots are also effective in the prevention and cure of various skin ailments. The antioxidants in this vegetable are supposed to treat skin problems like acne, dryness, wrinkles, rashes, dermatitis and other skin conditions.


Carrots are loaded with beta carotene that is subsequently converted into vitamin A, an essential nutrient for good vision. Vitamin A is an antioxidant that also protects the skin from sun damage and keeps skin hydrated. This vitamin attacks free radicals to prevent the signs of aging like wrinkles, blemishes, pigmentation and an uneven skin tone.

Carrots also contain Vitamin C that aids collagen production in the body. Collagen is a type of protein that is vital for the maintenance of skin elasticity. Further, it helps prevents wrinkles and keeps a check on the process of aging. The anti-inflammatory properties of the nutrient help to revitalize and tone the skin.


Topical application of carrot pulp is effective in treating blemishes and adding glow to the skin. You can prepare a moisturizing carrot facial mask at the comfort of your home. For this, grind the grated carrots to a smooth paste. Blend the paste well with milk cream and honey. Apply this carrot mask evenly over the skin. Let it sit on face for 15 minutes and wash off with cold water.

Carrots are also known to improve hair thickness, combat hair loss and promote growth as they offer vital vitamins to hair, making it stronger. Not just that, vitamin C and E in carrots is said to improve blood circulation in the scalp, thus preventing premature graying of the hair.

Now we have many healthy reasons to make carrots a regular part of our diet, and enjoy all the skin, hair and health benefits they have to offer.
Whether juiced, raw or cooked, carrots are a wonderfully healthy vegetable! Herbal Beautyholics: Skin and Hair Benefits of Carrots
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Health Benefits of Lemon!

Lemon (Citrus limon) is a short, bushy, aromatic shrub that has earned a reputation for its culinary, therapeutic as well as medicinal properties. It is known to improve the immune system by building up resistance against infection.

It is an effective remedy against various health ailments such as high blood pressure, varicose veins, inflammation, hemorrhoids, kidney stones, as a blood cleanser, diuretic and as appetizer. Lemon is a rich source of Vitamin C, that impart with its antioxidant properties. It also contains carbohydrates (11 g), proteins (1 g), fats, (0.9 g), vitamin C (39 mg), magnesium (373 mg), potassium (270 mg), calcium (70 mg), phosphorus (10 mg) and fibers (1.7 g).In this post, find out how lemon can be effectively used in treating and preventing common health ailments:

Lemon is a rich source of Vitamin C
  1. Herbal Remedies with LemonTo treat dandruff, add to a bowl of curd, a tsp of lemon juice & rub on the scalp. Rinse hair after an hour. Also, massaging the scalp with a few drops of lemon juice mixed in coconut oil treats dandruff well.
  2. An excellent poultice can be prepared by mixing a pinch of curcuma powder to a tsp of milk cream & 1/2 tsp lemon juice. Administration of the same would help ripen and heal blood boils without allowing them to become septic.
  3. For weight loss, add to a warm glass of water, a tsp of honey & lemon juice each. take this preparation early morning.
  4. To get rid of acne, prepare a paste by adding a tsp of Lemon juice to a spoonful of fuller’s earth & sandal wood powder each. let it dry and wash off after 20 minutes.
  5. To whiten teeth, rubbing a slice of lemon with a pinch of salt and baking soda helps attain the same.
  6. Drinking lemon in hot water with a teaspoon of honey is also an effective remedy against colds.
  7. To relieve indigestion and constipation, cut ginger into small pieces and dip it in a cup containing lemon juice. Add black salt and leave it for two hours. This preparation can be taken after meals to ease the problem.
  8. Squeeze lemon in a glass of lukewarm water and add a pinch of black salt. Have it twice daily to improve bowel movement.
  9. Lemon can also be used as a natural hair conditioner. Squeeze half a lemon in water and use the same to rinse hair after shampoo.
  10. For skin pigmentation, rubbing lemon peel over pigmented skin, such as ankle and knee, lightens the area.
  11. For the treatment of dehydration and diarrhea, lemon juice makes a good base for oral electrolyte solution.
  12. Lemon juice has astringent properties and is also used as a gargle for throat problems.
  13. To treat dark lips, apply a mixture of coconut oil and lemon before going to bed. HerbHealtH: Health Benefits of Lemon!
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