Common Cold - Home Remedies

The winter season brings with itself a host of health problems - from common cold, cough, blocked nose, chest congestion to fevers. It is neither possible nor feasible to run to a doctor every time a member of the family succumbs to any of these winter related problems. You may find the solution in your kitchen cabinet itself, in the form of effective herbs and spices used in everyday cooking.

Home Remedies:

1. Garlic:

- Boil four to five chopped garlic cloves in a cup of water and add one teaspoon of honey. Drink it two to three times a day.

- You can also eat raw garlic or use a few drops of garlic oil in your food and drinks.

Garlic’s antibacterial and antiviral properties can be very helpful in getting rid of cold symptoms.Garlic is good for the immune system and helps open up respiratory passages, and also helps flush toxins out of your body.

2. Honey:

- The simplest home remedy is to consume a mixture of one teaspoon of lemon juice and two teaspoons of honey. Take it every two hours to get immense relief from your cold and sore throat.

- If you prefer, you can simply swallow a spoonful of raw honey.

3. Ginger:
- Eat raw ginger or drink ginger tea several times a day. For enhance the effectiveness of ginger tea, add a lemon juice and honey to it. 

- You can also make a paste of ginger, cloves and salt and eat one-half teaspoon of it two times a day.

-  For a runny nose, mix equal amounts of dry ginger powder, clarified butter (ghee) and jaggery (gur), a natural sweetener. Consume this mixture daily in the morning on an empty stomach.

4. Chicken Soup:

Chicken soup has many essential nutrients and vitamins that help treat common cold symptoms. The high antioxidant properties in chicken soup speed up the healing process.

5. Red Onion:

- Slice two to three red onions horizontally. Put one slice of onion in a bowl and add raw honey. Repeat the process until the bowl is full.

- Cover the bowl and leave it for 12 to 15 hours. When you open the bowl, there will be thick liquid like syrup.

- Drink a spoonful of the syrup several times a day to get relief from sore throats and other symptoms of a cold

6. Pepper:

- If you are suffering from a runny nose, put pepper on your food when you eat a meal. You can also gargle with a teaspoon of black pepper mixed in a glass of warm water.

- If you cannot eat or drink pepper, you can still benefit from smelling pepper throughout the day.

7. Green tea:

Green tea compounds not only help protect tissues from infection and boost immune response to infectious agents, but some also directly kill certain bacteria, viruses and fungi. That doesn’t mean that drinking green tea will protect you from all the viruses that can cause upper respiratory infections, but it could reduce the strength and duration of symptoms, and might be able to directly combat some of the causative agents.

8. Milk:

Milk, when combined with turmeric and ginger powder, helps treat coughing as well as other symptoms of a cold, like body aches and a headache. 

Contrary to the popular misconception, milk does not increase mucus production.

- Boil milk and add one-half teaspoon of turmeric power and one-half tablespoon of ginger powder (you can also use fresh ginger).

- Allow the milk to cool to room temperature so that you can drink it without burning your mouth. Try to drink it two times a day and especially before going to sleep.

9 . Cinnamon:

- Mix a tablespoon of powdered cinnamon and two cloves in a glass of boiling water water and allow it to simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Strain and drink it while it is still warm. For best results, you can add some honey as well. Drink this tea one to three times a day.

- If you prefer, you can simply consume a few drops of cinnamon bark oil with honey.

10. Tulsi:

- Chewing tulsi leaves relieves cold and flu.Water boiled with basil leaves can be taken as drink in case of sore throat. This water can also be used as a gargle.

- Add tulsi, ginger and black pepper while preparing your tea. These three ingredients play an important role in fighting a common cold and cough.

11. Flaxseeds:

Boil flaxseeds until it thickens and strain it. Add a few drops of lime juice and honey. Consume the mixture for cold and cough relief.

12. Carrot juice:

It is not a common home remedy to fight a cold and cough, but carrot juice helps to fight a cough. It may be unconventional but it makes an interesting drink. Drink it to prevent cough and reap the benefits of carrot juice.

13. Amla:

Amla is a strong immunomodulator (agents that alter the immune response by suppression or enhancement) and protects from the onset of many diseases if taken regularly. It ensures the proper functioning of the liver and improves blood circulation.

14. Mint:

Mint (pudina) leaves and ginger boiled in water is an effective remedy for cough and cold. 

These home remedies should give you some relief from the symptoms of a common cold. But if the cold lasts longer than two weeks, you should consult a physician.
Herbal remedies can be used in addition to the medicines prescribed by the doctor. Avoid cold drinks, ice- cream, fried food and milk products.

Stay Healthy,

Common Cold and Cough - Causes And Remedies

Cold and Cough does not spare anyone.Winter comes and despite your best efforts, you catch a cold. 

What causes the common cold?

Although more than 100 viruses can cause a common cold, the rhinovirus is the most common culprit, and it's highly contagious.

The rhinovirus gets into the cells lining your nose and starts reproducing. it is not cold weather that causes a cold, but the fact that cold weather causes people to congregate together indoors, which makes transmission of the virus easier.

The virus generally moves from someone else's hands to your hands (either directly or through some intermediate surface like a door knob), and from your hands into your nose or eyes. The virus can spread through droplets in the air when someone who is sick coughs, sneezes or talks.

Your body reacts to the presence of the virus with its immune system. In the case of a cold, the immune system opens up blood vessels through inflammation and also increases mucus secretions. These two processes give you the runny nose and the stuffy feeling.

The irritation caused by the virus and all of the fluid causes sneezing. If the virus makes it into the cells lining the lungs, then they start producing fluid and mucus as well, which produces the cough.

As the immune system gears up over several days and fights the virus, the mucus thickens and changes color with dead cells. Eventually, the immune system eliminates the virus completely and you are well again!

Here are some cold remedy tips to help you feel better:

1. Drink plenty of fluids to help break up your congestion. Drinking water or juice will prevent dehydration and keep your throat moist.  Include fluids such as water, sports drinks, herbal teas, fruit drinks, or ginger ale. Your mother's vegi soup might help too! 

Limit: cold drinks, coffee, and other drinks with caffeine because it acts like a diuretic and may dehydrate you.

2. Inhale steam to ease your congestion and drippy nose. Hold your head over a pot of boiling water and breathe through your nose. Be careful. If the steam burns your nose, breathe in more slowly. You can buy a humidifier.

3. Blow your nose often, but do it the proper way. It's important to blow your nose regularly when you have a cold rather than sniffling mucus back into your head. But when you blow hard, pressure can carry germ-carrying phlegm back into your ear passages, causing earache.

4. Stay warm and rested. Staying warm and resting when you first come down with a cold or the flu helps your body direct its energy toward the immune battle. This battle taxes the body. So give it a little help by lying down under a blanket to stay warm if necessary.

5. Drink hot liquids.Hot liquids relieve nasal congestion, prevent dehydration, and soothe the uncomfortably inflamed membranes that line your nose and throat.

6. Take a steamy shower. Steamy showers moisturize your nasal passages and relax you. If you're dizzy from the flu, run a steamy shower while you sit on a chair nearby and take a sponge bath.

7. Gargle with warm salt water. Gargling can moisten a sore or scratchy throat and bring temporary relief.

Stay Healthy,

Tea with Milk OR without Milk....?

Tea has many active ingredients that affect our health. It is particularly rich in antioxidants and vitamins. It is found to improve our immune system, to control blood sugar levels, reduce damage to cells and prevent cardiovascular diseases.

Prepare tea that is of good medicinal value

1. Place some water in a pot to boil.

2. After water boils, remove the pot from the stove.

3. Add tea leaves into the water. As a guide,add teaspoon of leaves in approximately 4 cups of water.

4. Cover the pot for 2-3 mins.

5. Filter leaves and serve.

What Is...?

Tea is a type of herb, just as tulsi is a herb , that can be found on the mountains. It is well-known that when tulsi is boiled along with milk and sugar, it loses its value and goodness. In the same way, when we prepare tea with milk and sugar.Many of us acquired a habit to add a bit of milk to their regular cup of tea. It is a matter of taste, but scientists now say that that drop of milk can completely negate all the benefits tea can have on our health.

How...?

Milk proteins (caseins) can bind with the beneficial plant compounds known as flavonols in tea. (You may have heard these compounds referred to by specific names such as catechins.) And, according to some scientists, the binding may make it tough for the body to absorb the flavonols and get the health benefits.

To maximize the health benefits you get from tea, you’ll need to drink it without milk. Adding lemon appears to boost its antioxidant activity.

Tea Taken In Pure Form Serves As Vasodilator

Take for example the heart organ. It has four chambers. The muscles of the heart need blood to function properly. For the flow of blood to and from the heart, we need proper clear channels. If we have deposits in the arteries, the heart is unable to receive the full quantity of blood required. This condition is known as angina. When we take tea purely without any sugar and milk, it serves as a good vasodilator to clear the channels of the heart, preventing such problems from arising.

As well as, other ducts and channels of all the body systems are kept clear.

The Human Digestive System

Another example is that of the bile duct. The liver releases bile juice through the bile duct. If the dilation of the duct is reduced, the bile juice will begin to accumulate in the duct, forming bile stones. Tea, taken without sugar and milk, serves as a good vasodilator to clear this duct so that the bile content can easily flow into the duodenum and intestine.

Nature of Tea

When we take tea prepared without milk, sugar and without boiling the tea leaves in the water, the alkaline nature of the tea will keep the intestines in a healthy state.

In India you can find very strong tea with condensed milk on every street corners, as a "refreshments."  But,

if you do not want to spoil the benefits of your tea, try drinking it with honey and lemon.

And here's one idea:

If you prefer black tea with milk and sugar, drink it with breakfast. Then, later in the day, try to add in a cup of green tea -- nothing added.

Stay Healthy ,

Miracles of Aloe Vera gel in daily life

Aloe Vera is considered to be a miracle plant. Since, it contains phytochemicals and other nutrients which are beneficial for hair, health and skin. Aloe Vera extracts are also used in food and energy drinks.

Various studies have been conducted to examine the benefits of the aloe vera plant and it was found out that aloe vera does in fact have several properties that are effective in treating a variety of skin conditions.It is also said to be useful in treating wounds and burns, minor skin infections, cysts, diabetes, and elevated blood lipids in humans.

Rich Source Of Vitamins And Minerals:

Both the aloe vera juice and gel are power houses of antioxidants, antibiotics, work as stimulator of cell growth and have scar and pain inhibitor properties. They are rich in the following vitamins and minerals :

1. Calcium

2. Sodium

3. Iron

4. Potassium

5. Manganese

6. Zinc

7. Folic acid

8. Vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, C, E

9. Amino acids

The secret of the aloe vera plant is in the transparent, juicy substance contained in its long, thick skinned leaves--The Aloe Vera Gel.

You can get Aloe Veera Gel directly from the plant or near by stores.Because of its vast applications now a days you can get it very easily.

Here are some uses:

- As a face wash

• 1 Tbsp aloe vera gel
• 1 tsp almond milk
• 1 tsp lemon

Mix  three of them and let sit for a few minutes before rinsing. Since some minerals found in aloe are antibacterial, this face wash is ideal for sensitive skin

- As a soothing ice cube

Grab an ice cube tray, fill with aloe gel, and freeze. Pop them out and store in a freezer safe container. “These little frosty fellows are great after too much sun exposure, run-ins with your stove, bug bites, poison ivy, and even psoriasis."

- As a makeup remover

Squeeze a dollop of pure aloe gel onto a cotton ball and swipe away the day for a simple and effective alternative. 

- As a shaving cream

In-the-know beauty buffs swear by pure aloe as the perfect shaving cream: It’s antibacterial, which is great for nicks; it’s slippery, allowing for a nice close shave; and it moisturizes, too.

- As an exfoliator

Mix 1/2 cup of aloe with just enough brown sugar or baking soda to get a gritty (but not sharp) texture. Then rub it on your elbows, heels, arms, or wherever else needs softening in the shower.

- For bad breath

When bad breath hits, drink up to 1/4 cup pure aloe vera gel dissolved in a 1/2 cup of water or apple juice, Aloe vera contains an anti-inflammatory compound called B-sitosterol that soothes acid indigestion, a common cause of bad breath.

- As an eyebrow gel

Dip a clean mascara wand in some aloe vera gel and sweep over stray brows for serious stay-put power without getting hard or sticky.

- For dry, cracked feet

Mix together 1/2 cup oatmeal, 1/2 cup corn meal, 4 Tbsp aloe vera gel, and 1/2 cup unscented body lotion and rub all over tired feet until well exfoliated. Sit for 10 minutes, then rinse with warm water.

- As a personal hand sanitizer

Mix 1/2 cup aloe vera gel, 1/4 cup alcohol, and 20 drops of your favorite essential oil and pour into a spritz bottle. "The alcohol fights germs while the aloe soothes your skin."

- As a moisturizer:

Aloe moisturizes the skin without giving it a greasy feel, so it`s perfect for anyone with an oily skin complexion.Once applied, it releases natural vitamins and enzymes on the skin to produce a deep moisturizing effect that helps to treat and restore its pH balance.

For women who use mineral-based make-up, aloe vera acts as a moisturizer and is great for the face prior to the application to prevents skin drying. 

For men: Aloe vera gel can be used as an aftershave treatment as its healing properties can treat small cuts caused by shaving.

- Treats acne:

Aloe vera gel contains two hormones: Auxin and Gibberellins. These two hormones provide wound healing and anti-inflammatory properties that reduce skin inflammation. Giberellin in aloe vera acts as a growth hormone stimulating the growth of new cells. It allows the skin to heal quickly and naturally with minimal scarring. 

- Fights aging:

As we age, everyone begins to worry about the appearance of fine lines and the loss of elasticity in their skin. Aloe leaves contain a plethora of antioxidants including, beta carotene, vitamin C and E that can help improve the skin's natural firmness and keep the skin hydrated.

- Lip Care:

Heat a heaped teaspoon of petroleum jelly in a double boiler. After it melts, add half a teaspoon of fresh aloe vera gel and two drops of Vitamin E oil extracted from the capsule. Switch off the stove and blend this mixture well. Pour it in a tube or an old lip balm container when it is in the liquid state. Allow this lip balm to cool and thicken in refrigerator and start using it on your lips. This will cure dry and chapped lips very effectively than any other store bought lip balms.

Make aloe vera your daily companion to get a holistic health care at the comfort of your home. You don’t need to rely on harsh chemicals when you have a natural option to stay fit and look glamorous always.

Hope now you are going to make aloe vera a part of your daily life. Plant an aloe vera in your home today.

Stay Beautiful

Easy Face Mask Recipes With Honey - For Beautiful Skin

The benefits of honey go beyond its great taste. For thousands of years, honey has been recognized as one of the most natural home remedies to treat a wide range of ailments. and it makes an incredible mask for your skin all by itself. 

Beauty Benefits of Honey:

Its anti-bacterial and natural antioxidant qualities are particularly useful for the skin, and, when used with the other ingredients, can also be moisturizing and nourishing! For a powerful home beauty treatment for which you probably have all the ingredients in your kitchen already. 

Pick one that suits your skin type and you are on your way to discovering many benefits of honey for your skin! The steps and ingredients involved in each mask are so easy that you can prepare it in a few minutes. 

To prep your skin before any face mask, pour boiling hot water in a bowl and stand above it letting the steam open your pores.It will be more effective.

1. Simplest Face Mask With Just Honey
This is the simplest natural beauty recipe. It has only one ingredient - Raw honey.

It is so mild on the skin that most people especially those with sensitive skin can benefit from its gentle cleansing and purifying effects. Just apply a spoon of raw honey on the face as a mask and leave it for about 20 minutes. Rinse off. Repeat a few times a week.

2. For Normal Skin: Apple and Honey Mask

You will need:

1 Apple
2 Tablespoons Honey

Drop the apple pieces into a food processor and chop. Add honey and refrigerate for 10 minutes. Pat the mixture onto your face with a light tapping motion, tapping until the honey feels tacky. Leave it on for 30 minutes and then rinse.

3. For Dry Skin: Avocado & Honey Face Mask

You will need:

2 tablespoons of avocado flesh
2 tablespoons honey
1 egg yolk

To form this anti aging skin care face mask which also has a lightening effect, put all the ingredients in a blender, or mash by hand in a bowl. Use your fingers to spread the mask over your face and neck and leave it on for at least 30 minutes, preferably longer, before removing.

4. For Oily Skin: Honey-Papaya Mask

You will need:

1/3-cup cocoa
3 teaspoons of heavy cream
1/3-cup ripe papaya
1/4-cup honey and three teaspoons of oatmeal powder

Mix and apply on your face. After 10 minutes, wash your face with warm water. This anti aging skin care fask mask helps heal skin blemishes, nourishes, draws out impurities, balances your skin pH, and will leave your skin radiant and soft. Good for acne-prone skin.

5. For Oily Skin: Carrot Face Mask

You will need:

2-3 carrots
4 1/2 table spoons of honey

Cook the carrots and then mash them up. Mix the carrots with honey and refrigerate for 10 minutes. Apply gently to the skin and wait for ten minutes. Rinse off with cool water. Carrots are known to be rich in vitamin A and C. They are also rich in potassium. Vitamin A and C are antioxidants.Honey contains sugar,enzymes, minerals, vitamins and amino acids.

6. For Sensitive Skin: Banana and Honey Mask

You will need:

1/2 mashed banana
1/4 cup oatmeal, cooked with milk
1 egg
1/2 tablespoon honey

Mix ingredients together. Massage onto face in a slow, circular motion and leave for 15 minutes. Rinse with tepid water. Oatmeal is high in nourishing vitamins and minerals; it gently cleanses and heals skin. Bananas contain vitamin A; eggs contain lecithin, a natural skin emollient; and honey helps to maintain the skin's natural acid mantle.

7. For Sensitive Skin: Aloe Vera and Honey

You will need:

2 teaspoons raw honey

1 teaspoon aloe vera gel

Stir the aloe vera gel and honey together and apply over your face. Leave it on for about 10-20 minutes. Aloe soothes inflammation and calms your skin, perfect for those with sensitive, irritated skin.

8. For Acne-Prone Skin: Cinnamon and Honey

You will need:

3 teaspoons raw honey
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Mix honey and cinnamon together, and apply to your face. Leave the mask on for 10-30 minutes. The antibacterial properties of both honey and cinnamon are especially beneficial for acne-prone skin. 

(Cinnamon can occasionally be irritating if your skin is really sensitive, so you might want to do a patch test on the back of your hand first.)

9. For All Skin Types: Honey and Lavender 

You will need:
1 tablespoon raw honey
3 drops lavender essential oil

Mix the ingredients, dampen your face with warm water, and smooth on the honey and lavender mixture. Leave the mask on for 15 minutes. Then rinse off with warm water.

10. For Skin Lightening Effect (All Skin Types): Honey and Lemon

You will need:

1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon lemon juice

Mix the two ingredients and apply as a face mask. Rinse off after 20-30 mintues.

11. For clear skin:Tomato and Honey

Mix to make a thick paste. Apply this mixture on your skin and keep it for 15-20 minutes. Wash it off and moisturise for a clear skin.

12. To brighten and lighten your skin

You will need:

3 spoons of rose water 

¼ cup of honey 

apply it on your face for approximately 15 minutes. Wash it off later with cold water.

13.Honey and Milk

Honey and milk work wonders. To ease out fine lines and wrinkles, apply a paste of honey and milk or honey and curd on your skin. Keep it on for sometime before you wash off your face with lukewarm water.

Stay Healthy