13 Natural & Cheaper Alternatives To Store-bought Face Packs

1. Multani Mitti Or Fuller's Earth

Multani Mitti cleanses your skin, absorbs oil, removes dirt and gives you an ideal skin. You can use multani mitti as a face pack or a toner. It helps to remove the acne scars and blemishes. It removes the dead skin and hence keeps the skin fresh and soft  . It also helps in good blood circulation. It can, therefore, be used to tackle most skin-related problems.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp multani mitti
• 1 tbsp gram flour
• 1 tbsp sandalwood powder
• 2 tbsp rose water

How to use

• Mix multani mitti, gram flour, sandalwood powder with rose water to form a paste.
• Clean your face, pat dry and apply the paste evenly on your face.
• Leave the paste to dry for about 10-15 minutes.
• Allow it to dry.
• Wash your face with cold water.
• Use this pack for 2-3 times a week and experience amazing results.

2. Aloe Vera

It contains antioxidants like vitamin A, C and E. It has healing properties that prevent the skin from radiation damage. It also has antiageing, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effects.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp aloe vera gel

How to use

• Clean your face with a face wash and pat dry.
• Apply aloe vera gel on your face and massage it gently for a few minutes.
• Allow it to stay overnight and then wash it off in the morning.
• Do it every night for desired results.

3. Neem Oil

Neem oil is rich in antioxidants, vitamin E and fatty acids. It is an oil that works wonders on your skin . It helps in treating acne and scars. It moisturises and heals your skin.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp of neem oil
• 1 cotton ball

How to use

• Soak the cotton ball in the neem oil.
• Wash your face and pat dry.
• Apply the neem oil using the cotton ball.
• Leave it on for 20 minutes.
• Rinse it off with warm water.
• Do this every day for desired results.

4. Sandalwood Oil

It helps you in preventing pimples, acne scars, blackheads, sun tanning and also moisturises your skin. If you have oily skin, sandalwood can be very helpful .

Ingredients

• 2 tsp of sandalwood powder
• 2-3 tsp of rose water

How to use

• Mix the sandalwood powder with the rose water and make a paste.
• Wash your face and pat dry.
• Apply the paste evenly on your face and neck.
• Leave it on for 10-15 minutes until it dries completely.
• Wash it off with normal water.
• Use this 1 to 2 times a week for desired results.

5. Almond Oil

Almond oil is packed with antioxidants such as vitamin E, and hence it helps in tackling the damage caused due to the UV rays. It is rich in vitamin A and helps in treating acne. It helps in removing tan and has healing properties that help in treating rashes. There are two types of almond oils - bitter almond oil and sweet almond oil. Make sure to use only the sweet almond oil on your face.

Ingredient

• A few drops of sweet almond oil

How to use

• Wash your face and pat dry.
• Take a few drops of almond oil in your palm.
• Rub the almond oil between your palms to warm it up.
• Gently apply the oil on your face and neck.
• Do this 3-4 times a week.

6. Moringa Powder

Moringa is a powerhouse of vitamins A, C and E. It is rich in antioxidants, amino acids and iron content that help in fighting acne, removing the toxins from your body.  It also helps in reducing the large pores.

Ingredients

• ½ tbsp moringa powder
• 1 tbsp honey
• ½ tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp rose water

How to use

• Mix all the ingredients in a bowl to get a thick paste.
• Wash your face and pat dry.
• Apply the paste on your face.
• Leave it on for 10 minutes.
• Rinse it off with lukewarm water.
• Pat your face dry.
• Moisturise your face.

7. Honey

Honey helps in treating acne, lightens the scars, exfoliates your skin and cleans the pores. It also has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiseptic and healing properties.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp honey
• ½ tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp sandalwood powder
• Rose water

How to use

• Mix honey, lemon juice and sandalwood powder in a bowl with rose water to make a paste.
• Wash off your face and pat dry.
• Apply the paste evenly to your face and neck.
• Leave the paste on for 10-15 minutes until it dries.
• Rinse it off with water.
• Use this for 2-3 times a week.

8. Turmeric

Turmeric is a loaded with curcumin, a polyphenol which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It heals the wounds, treats acne and scars and has antiageing properties.  Yogurt helps in moisturising the skin and treats acne, blemishes and pigmentation.

Ingredients

• 1 tsp of turmeric powder
• 1 tbsp of yogurt
• 1 tsp of sandalwood powder
• 2 tsp of gram flour

How to use

• Mix all the four ingredients in a bowl to form a thick paste.
• Wash off your face and pat dry.
• Leave it on for about 15-20 minutes until it dries.
• Rinse it off with a mild face wash.

9. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is enriched with fatty acids, which help in nourishing your skin. It has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that help in dealing with acne. It moisturises and cleanses your skin. ^[5]

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp coconut oil
• 2-3 drops of tea tree oil

How to use

• Mix the coconut oil with tea tree oil in a bowl.
• Wash your face and pat dry.
• Apply a few drops of the oil mixture on your face before going to bed.
• Let it stay overnight.
• Rinse it off with water in the morning.
• Use this on alternate days.

10. Gram Flour

Gram flour is rich in nutrients and fatty acids. It helps in treating acne, blemishes and removing tan. It cleanses your skin, removes dead skin and exfoliates your skin. Lemon juice is rich in vitamin C and it helps in treating acne scars, blemishes and blackheads.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp gram flour
• A few drops of lemon juice
• 1 tbsp milk cream

How to use

• Mix the gram flour, milk cream and lemon juice in a bowl until you get a smooth paste.
• Wash your face and pat dry.
• Apply the paste evenly on your face and neck.
• Leave it on for 15-30 minutes until it dries completely.
• Rinse it off with lukewarm water.

11. Coffee

Coffee is rich in antioxidants that help in fighting acne and dark circles. It also has anti-inflammatory and antiageing properties.  It exfoliates your skin and protects the skin from sun damage. Coffee also facilitates blood circulation.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp coffee powder
• 1 tbsp raw honey
• 1 tbsp yogurt

How to use

• Mix coffee powder, honey and yogurt in a bowl to make a paste.
• Wash your face and pat dry.
• Apply the paste on your face and neck.
• Leave it on for 20 minutes.
• Rinse it off with normal water.
• Pat dry your face and apply some moisturiser.
• Use this once a week for the desired result.

12. Cinnamon

Cinnamon is enriched with antioxidants that help you fight acne. It also has antimicrobial, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Ingredients

• 1 tsp cinnamon powder
• 2 tsp honey

How to use

• Mix cinnamon powder and honey in a bowl to make a paste.
• Wash your face and pat dry.
• Apply the paste on your face.
• Leave it on for 10-15 minutes.
• Rinse it off with lukewarm water.
• Use this once a week.

Note: Cinnamon has the tendency to irritate the skin. So, if you have sensitive skin, please do a patch test of 24 hours or refrain from using this pack.

13. Tomato

Tomato has antioxidants that fight free radical damage. Tomato is also rich in vitamin C and potassium, that gives you a glowing skin. It also helps prevent acne, blackheads and whiteheads. It opens up your pores and is also a natural bleaching agent.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp tomato pulp
• 1 tsp honey

How to use

• Mix tomato pulp and honey in a bowl.
• Wash your face and pat dry.
• Apply the mixture on your face.
• Leave it on for 15 minutes until it dries.
• Rinse your face with lukewarm water.
• Use this twice a week.

Do try these home remedies and get clear and glowing skin in no time. These ingredients are completely free of chemicals and do not harm your skin in any way.

Turmeric Benefits For Youthful Skin & Great Hair

Turmeric is known as golden spice of India.Turmeric is very low in Cholesterol and Sodium. It is also a good source of Vitamin C and Magnesium, and a very good source of Dietary Fiber, Vitamin B6, Iron, Potassium and Manganese.It has been used by  Ayurvedic and Unani practitioners in India from time immemorial.It is an essential ingredient in curry powder and also used in mustard blends and relishes.Turmeric is popularly used in cosmetic industry for preparing herbal products.

1. Anti-Bacterial Agent:

              Turmeric paste is still used to heal small cuts and burns. 

2. Facial Hair Control:

               If applied daily, it has been seen that turmeric helps to slow the growth of facial hair which is a problem faced by many women. 

3. Anti-Aging:

           Haldi powder or paste if mixed with equal amounts of besan and raw milk makes a great exfoliate and makes skin glow. Use this pack before bathing. Haldi helps to keep the skin looking young and fresh. As it contains many antioxidants, it is great for aging skin. It helps stimulate new cell growth and help keep the skin’s elasticity intact.

4.Pigmentation Stretch Marks:

             If you have pigmentation and discoloration then using turmeric will surely help. Turmeric is said to lighten pigmentation and even out skin tone. Stretch marks often become a problem for ladies and a mixture of turmeric, besan, and raw milk/rose water/yogurt will help lighten the marks and even out the skin tone. The pack should be applied daily and kept until it dries completely.

5.Cracked Heels:

           Make a mixture of castor/coconut oil and add a bit of turmeric powder. Apply this on your cracked heels and areas where your skin has become excessively dry. It is heal the cracked heels faster,and it also helps to make the heels softer.

Amazing Health Benefits Of Bermuda Grass

In India, Bermuda Grass is considered as sacred plant, which has great significance in ayurveda because of its medicinal as well as clinical properties. Bermuda has lots of nutritional values. The Bermuda Grass is rich in calcium, phosphorous, potash, potassium, sodium, manganese, protein, enzymes, carbohydrate, fiber, flavonoids and alkaloids. Bermuda can be used in case of many diseases.

Bermuda Grass is beneficial to wounds, piles, eczema, urticaria, injuries, eye problems, skin rashes, indigestion, constipation, mental debility, diabetes, epilepsy, vaginal problems, menstrual problems, gynecological problems, Bermuda Grass is used to enhance immunity of the body. Walking on the Bermuda Grass is a great stress reliever

1. Menstrual Problems: 

It is suggested that to control heavy menstrual period, one has to take the juice of Bermuda Grass and honey 3-4 times a day.

2. Acidity: 

Bermuda Grass is good in curing of acidity. It increases the alkaline properties because of its alkaline nature and reduces acidity.

3. Controls Sugar: 

Bermuda Grass has hypoglycemic effect thus helpful in controlling of blood sugar levels and reduces fatigue.

4. Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome:

Bermuda Grass is a good herbal remedy for Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).

5. Cures Constipation:

Bermuda Grass is good for acidity and normal the bowel movement thereby beneficial for constipation. It promotes regular bowel movement.

6. Bleeding of gums: 

Bermuda Grass is effective in curing of oral related health problems.

7. Skin Rashes Cure:

The paste of Bermuda Grass juice and turmeric powder is good to cure skin problems such as skin rashes, itching, eczema, leprosy and scabies.

8. RBC: 

Bermuda Grass is good for anemic patient as it helps in the formation of red blood cells (RBC) due to adequate amount of chlorophyll.

9. Obesity: 

Bermuda Grass is good to control obesity and helps in weight loss.

10. Phlegm Removal: 

Bermuda Grass is good to prevent cold and helps to remove phlegm from the body.

11. Piles: 

Bermuda Grass effective in curing of piles and hemorrhoids. 

12. Prevents Cold: 

Make a decoction of Bermuda, chirreta, and vetiver.

13. Good for breast feeding and infants:

Bermuda Grass juice improves the quality and quantity of mother’s milk.

14. Boosts Heart Health:
Bermuda Grass acts as a powerful anti-arrhythmic agent and improves your cardiac function.

15. A Boost For Sex Life: 
Modern sex life is much affected by the fast routines and stress. This grass gives much relief from all these by improving sexual vigor and vitality.

7 days snacks plan for healthy body

The aim of the program is to gain a healthy body.The snacks plan for weight loss is not just to lose weight, but it is also a maintenance method for a slim and proportionate body. Along with these, it will help you practice eating vegetables, fruits and nuts. which will help to boost up the metabolic rate.  This snacks program has become
famous around the world. Every one is addicted to it, it actually works!

It is also very essential that you drink up to 10 glasses of water everyday.Water will be your main source of energy for the whole day. It will also boost your metabolism and remove the unwanted pounds from the body, naturally.

Here is what you have to do for the 7 days of your snacks Plan.

S.NO	SUNDAY	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY
1	Apple	Banana	Plum	Pine Apple	Pomegranate	Guava	Water Melon
2	Groundnut	Cashew	Pista	Badam	Dates	Raisin	Avacado
3	Lemon Juice	Grape Juice	Sappota Juice	Amla Juice	Papaya Juice	Orange Juice	Sweet Lime Juice
4	Vegetable Soup	Mushroom Soup	Tomato Soup	Butter Milk	Badam Milk	Oats Soup	Beetroot Soup
5	Sprouted Channa	Sprouted Green Gram	Sprouted Peas	Sprouted Cow Peas	Sprouted Groundnut	Sprouted Maize	Sprouted Wheat

1. SUNDAY:

     Apple, Groundnut, Lemon Juice, Vegetable Soup, Sprouted Channa

2. MONDAY:

      Banana, Cashew, Grape Juice, Mushroom Soup, Sprouted Green Gram

3. TUESDAY:

      Plum, Pista, Sappota Juice, Tomato Soup, Sprouted Peas

4. WEDNESDAY:

       Pine Apple, Badam, Amla Juice, Butter Milk, Sprouted Cow Peas

5. THURSDAY:

       Pomegranate, Dates, Papaya Juice, Badam Milk, Sprouted Groundnut

6. FRIDAY:

       Guava, Raisin, Orange Juice, Oats Soup, Sprouted Maize

7. SATURDAY:

       Water Melon, Avacado, Sweet Lime Juice, Beetroot Soup, Sprouted Wheat

8 Best Natural Herbal Cough Remedies

Coughing is one of the most common health problems. A cough is a symptom of an irritated throat. The cause could be any number of things. Common causes of a cough include: allergies, flu or cold virus, sinus infection, sinus drainage, or a chronic condition like bronchitis or emphysema. While you may need alternate herbs to get to the source of the cough, several can soothe the symptom.Here is given a list of some of the most effective home remedies to treat cold and cough.

1.black pepper tea

To make the tea, place 1 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper and 2 tablespoons of honey in a cup. Fill with boiling water and let steep, covered, for 15 minutes. Strain and sip as needed. 

2.warm milk

a cup of hot milk sweetened with honey to cure cough

3.Turmeric

Heat half a cup of water in a boiling pot. Add one teaspoon turmeric powder, and one teaspoon black pepper. You may also add cinnamon sticks. Boil this for about two to three minutes. Add one tablespoon of honey. Drink this daily until the condition improves.

4.Ginger

To chew fresh raw ginger on and off throughout the day to reduce your cough.

5.Lemon

A simple cough syrup can be made by combining two tablespoons of lemon juice and one tablespoon of honey. Drink this healthy syrup several times a day

6.Garlic

Boil two to three cloves of garlic in a cup of water and add a teaspoon of oregano. Allow it to cool to room temperature, add some honey and drink it. This will help your breathing and alleviate other cough symptoms

7.Tulsi :

Take the juice of ginger, crush tulsi leaves to it and add honey. Consume it to get relief from a cough.

8.warm water :

Drink luke warm water to fight a common cold, cough and sore throat. Drinking warm water reduces the inflammation in the throat. Plus, water helps replenish the fluids in the body and washes out the infection.

16 Ways to Increase Hemoglobin Levels Naturally

Hemoglobin is an iron-rich protein present in red blood cells. This protein is responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body.Its main function is to transport oxygen from the lungs to the body’s tissues, so that living cells can perform properly. Hemoglobin also helps carry carbon dioxide away from the cells and transport it back to the lungs.

The normal level of haemoglobin in blood is 14-18 mg/dl for men and 12-16 mg/dl for women.

Symptoms of Low Haemoglobin level and calcium deficiency:

• Extreme fatigue(tiredness)
• Bruising easily
• Fainting spells
• Lack of blood clotting
• Weak bones
• Sore tongue
• Lack of concentration

Here are the top 16 ways to increase your hemoglobin naturally

1.Sun-Dried Tomatoes:

                   100 g of sun-dried tomatoes can contain up to 9.1 mg of iron

2.Apricots, Dried

                  Every 100 g of dried apricots contain 6.3 mg of iron.

3.Raisins:

                  Every 100 g of raisins contain 3 mg of iron.

4.Persimmons:

                 Every 100 g of persimmons contain 2.5 mg of iron.

5.Mulberries:

                 Every 100 g of mulberries contain 1.7 mg of iron.

6.Dates:

                 Every 100 g of dates contain 1 mg of iron.

7.Currants:

                 Every 100 g of currants contain 1 mg of iron.

8.Prunes:

                 Every 100 g of prunes contain 0.9 mg of iron.

9.Pomegranate:

                Every 100 g of pomegranate contain 0.3 mg of iron.

10.Watermelon:

                 Every 100 g of watermelon contain 0.2 mg of iron.

11.Beetroots:

                 You can prepare a healthy juice with 1 medium-sized beetroot, 3 carrots and 1/2 of a sweet potato. Drink it once daily.

12.Yogurt:

               Yogurt is extremely rich in calcium. Due to its preparation process, this dietary staple contains more calcium than the milk, from which it is made. Global Health Body results say that, 8-ounce (250 grams) serving of low-fat yogurt provides a 42 percent of your daily calcium needs.

13.Broccoli:

                Broccoli contains 80mg of calcium. Broccoli isn’t only for bone-health; it is an excellent source of Vitamin C, fiber and nutrients. You can make use of broccoli in Pasta or in Salads.

14.Legumes:

                 All types of Legumes are best plant foods, enriched with iron. Legumes include soya nuts, red kidney beans, chickpeas, black-eyed peas, black beans, lentils, fava beans.

15.Vitamin C:

                 Eat foods rich in vitamin C like papaya, oranges, lemon, strawberries, bell peppers, broccoli, grapefruit, tomatoes and spinach.

16.Take Folic Acid:

                 Some good food sources of folic acid are green leafy vegetables, liver, rice, sprouts, dried beans, wheat germ, fortified cereals, peanuts, bananas, broccoli and liver.

Health Benefits Of Cowpeas

Black eyed pea also known as as cowpeas. It really is little gentle textured oval creamy white bean having a black eye. Cowpeas are rich in potassium with a good amount of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. It also has a small amount of iron, sodium, zinc, copper, manganese, and selenium.

Cowpeas are rich in vitamin A and C. It has a good amount of thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, and pantothenic acid. It also has a small amount of folate. 100 grams of Cowpeas have 44 calories. Pigeon peas, commonly known as red gram, toor, Congo peas or gunga peas are yellow-colored legumes. They are cooked and used as food in day to day life in a number of cultures.

1.     Maintains Standard Cholesterol Levels:
Cowpeas can keep our cholesterol level remarkably low. It is an excellent source of soluble dietary fiber and protein, which play significant role in decreasing the amount of bad cholesterol present in the plasma of our blood. They also contain steroid compounds called phytosterols. These are very effective in maintaining the standard cholesterol levels in our body.

2.     Rich anti-oxidants
This particular creamy white bean having a black eye is additionally recognized because of its function as high quality anti-oxidant. All of the types of cowpeas which include red, black and light brown ones, all are abundant with anti-oxidant qualities. The anti-oxidation property also guarantees curbing of the cancerous cells within the body.

3.     Controls Blood Cholesterol:
The glycemic index of cowpeas is also quite lower than many other foods. A number of researches have proved that low-glycemic-index-diet is extremely beneficial for our blood lipid profile. Hence, it is another way through which the beans can keep our blood cholesterol under control.

4.     Removes Free Radicals:
Cowpeas, especially the creamy white, light brown, black and red ones, are loaded with antioxidant agents – vitamin A and vitamin C. Therefore, consumption of these beans can help us get rid of detrimental free radicals, which can eventually stop the growth of cancerous cells.

5.     Regulates Blood Sugar Levels:
Being high in soluble fiber, cow pea works as a great solution for diabetic conditions. It can regulate our blood sugar levels and help us stay away from diabetes mellitus.

6.     Treats Cardiovascular Ailments:
The secondary metabolites flavonoids present in cow peas are also super effective in treating various cardiovascular issues. By including the veggie in your regular diet, you can easily cut down the risks of developing several heart diseases.

7.     Lignin Content Keeps Fatal Diseases Away:
Another good component found in cowpeas is lignin. It is basically a group of phytoestrogens that keep a number of fatal diseases like cancer (some specific types), stroke, hypertension, osteoporosis, etc. at bay.

8.     Treats Stomach and Pancreatic Problems:
Very few foods are capable of dealing with spleen, stomach and pancreas related problems like cowpeas. They can tone these organs properly and facilitates their functions. In addition, these beans can calm the working of bowel in your body.

9.     Cures Urination & Bowel Related Conditions:
Cowpeas are useful in eliminating urination problems, such as uneasiness or obstructions. Leucorrhea or abnormal vaginal discharge can also be cured by eating cowpeas regularly.

10.  Good for Weight Loss:
They are low-fat, low-calorie beans, which are extremely beneficial for weight loss. The sodium content of the vegetable is also very low. Moreover, cowpeas are absolutely cholesterol-free. All these make the item a great nutritious option for overweight people to shed off excess weight and slim down.

11.  Delays Signs of Aging:
As mentioned earlier, cowpeas are rich in antioxidants. They contain vitamin A and vitamin C, which are two most beneficial elements for our skin. Both of these can prevent our skin cells from getting damaged by free radicals. They can repair our skin and rejuvenate it accordingly. The anti-oxidative properties of cowpeas also remove various symptoms of ageing like wrinkles, spots, etc. As a result, we get smooth, healthy and glowing skin.

12.  Keeps Skin Healthy:
The high protein content of cowpeas is also very good for our skin. It accelerates the process of skin repair and helps in keeping it healthy.

13.  Offers Health & Shine to Hair:
Being an excellent source of antioxidants, cowpea is quite effective for our hair too. From maintaining the health of our tresses to make them shiny, these small beans can do almost each and everything.

14.  Fights Hair Loss:
Cowpeas work as a great solution for hair loss. If you are suffering from the problem of frequent hair loss, increasing the intake of cowpeas can help you fight against it significantly.

1   5.  Boosts Hair Growth:
With the help of cowpeas, you can also facilitate the growth of your hair to a great extent. The vegetable is high in protein, which is one of the most vital components of our hair. So, regular consumption of it can boost the amount of protein in our body and help our hair grow faster.

Cowpeas-Bobbarlu Used To Cure Diseases:

·      Skin

·      Hair

·      urination problems

·      Leucorrhea or abnormal vaginal discharge

·      diabetic

·      Cholesterol Levels

·      growth of cancerous cells

·      cancer (some specific types)

·      stroke

·      hypertension

·      osteoporosis

·      irritable bowel syndrome

·      depressive disorders

·      stomach

·      pancreas

·      spleen

Selection Tips for Cowpeas-Bobbarlu
Select dried black-eyed peas that are smooth skinned and creamy white. When buying black eyed peas, make sure they are free from pebbles and stones. Since they are dried, black eyed peas can store for up to one year.

Cooking Tips for Cowpeas-Bobbarlu
Soaking is not essential for black-eyed peas, but cooking time can be shortened if they get a quick soak in hot water (as opposed to a longer one in cold water, like other beans). Place dried peas in a pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil for 2-3 minutes. Remove pot from heat and allow to stand for 60-90 minutes. Drain water and replace with fresh, cold water for cooking – or if you skipped the hot-soaking step, just rinse and add cold water. Place on stove and bring to a boil in a pot with a lid. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer, tilting the lid slightly to allow steam to escape, and leave to cook for up to an hour, or until tender.