Wildturmeric

The first thing we reach out for when we have a headache is Vicks vaporub and all of us are so used to applying vicks vaporub for treating cold and headaches, that it is rare to find a home without a bottle of vicks vapor rub. I was the same too, I use to even pack a bottle or two for my son when he was leaving for his hostel. One fine day, I came across a journal that listed the potential side effects of using commercial Vicks vaporub, vicks vaporub actually increases the mucus production and causes respiratory discomfort. Also it has petrolatum as a base which does more harm than good. When I was searching for a natural replacement for vicks vaporub, I came across a product made by our local tribes people with beeswax and eucalyptus and I loved it to the core. It also gave me an idea to try my own homemade Vicks vaporub using beeswax and essential oils. It is so much easier to make and so pure that it can be used even for babies without any side effects. Most of the time, I make my own homemade Vicks vaporub and if I don't, I try to buy beeswax based vicks vaporub from local green shops. Though I mainly use Vicks for treating cold and headaches, I have also found many other wonderful uses for it and I wanted to share them with all of you. Homemade vicks vaporub has multiple uses at home, it can be used to ward off mosquitoes, treat toe nail infections, reduce stretch marks and much more. Below I have given the many different ways to use homemade vapor rub, try the ones that you like. You can find the link for making homemade vicks vaporub here. Though you can use commercial vicks vaporub too, I would suggest doing your own research about the pros and cons before using it. In my personal opinion, I would suggest not using commercial vicks vaporub for steaming and using it on the inhaler to ward of mosquitoes mentioned below...........

12 TOP BENEFITS & USES OF VICKS VAPORUB FOR COUGH, HEADACHE, ACNE, CHEST CONGESTION, COLD, LIPS & STRETCH MARKS

1. For Treating Toenail fungus:

This homemade vaporub is very effective for treating for treating toenail fungus effectively, the essential oils used in the recipe have anti fungal properties. For the remedy, soak your feet in vinegar foot soak and then apply this homemade vicks vapourub.

2. For Headache:

This homemade vicks vaporub is very effective for treating headaches. For treating headaches, take a little bit of homemade vicks vaporub and massage it gently on the forehead. A wonderful remedy for treating headache for both children and adults very safely.

3. For Chest Congestion & Cough:

For treating chest congestion, take homemade vicks vaporub and rub gently on the chest. Eucalyptus essential oil in the recipe helps rid of chest congestion and cough very effectively. Adding a tsp of homemade vicks vaporub and steaming also will greatly helps chest congestion and sinus infections.

4. For Toddlers and Babies:

This homemade vicks vaporub can be used safely for babies and toddlers. I have used unrefined coconut oil for making this vicks vaporub which is very very good for using it on babies skin. You can massage their chest and feet and after massaging the feet, put on socks to keep the feet warm during cold winter months. Whenever you are making vicks vaporub for treating toddlers and babies, try to use only unrefined oils for best results....

5. As A Mosquito Repellent:

Vicks vaporub can be used as a wonderful mosquito repellent too. For warding off mosquitoes, take little bit of the vicks vaporub in a diffuser. I use my cute little electric diffuser that I got the last time I was traveling. Just plug it in and switch on to get rid of the mosquitoes.

6. For Treating Dry Skin:

This homemade vicks vaporub is great for treating dry skin. If you run out of moisturizing cream and have this homemade vicks vaporub at home, it will be a good substitute. Especially if you make this vaporub with lavender essential oil like mentioned in the recipe, it will smell really good too..:)

7. For Treating Acne:

Vicks vaporub is a simple remedy for treating acne. If you break out and need a quick simple remedy, then just dab this homemade vicks vaporub on the spots. Eucalyptus essential oil is good remedy for treating acne and coconut oil is very very soothing too...

8. For Treating Achy Muscles:

Homemade vicks vaporub is great for treating sore muscles. For treating sore muscles, soak in warm Epsom Salt bath for a few minutes and then massage gently with this homemade vicks vaporub.

9. For Preventing Stretch Marks & Cellulite:

If you don't want to spend on expensive creams for preventing stretch marks, then try this homemade vicks vaporub. A gentle massage with this vaporub will keep the skin supple and prevent stretch marks. This vaporub can be used as a massage cream for getting rid of cellulite too..

10. For Treating Insect Bites:

If you find yourself with unbearable itchiness which is usually the case after being bitten by insects or bugs, then this homemade vicks vaporub will come in handy.

11. For Chapped Lips:

Another great use of this homemade vicks vaporub is for treating chapped lips, it great for using it for dry and chapped lips. If you don't have lip balm at hand, you can take little bit of this homemade vicks vaporub and massage it in the lips for soft, luscious lips....

12. For Cracked Heels:

This homemade vicks vaporub is very good for treating cracked heels. Unrefined coconut oil is very very good for treating cracked heels. Also when combined together with beeswax, it forms a protective coating on the feet and greatly prevents cracked heels.

I am a big fan of mint leaves and always grow fresh mint plant in small pots at home. Mint leaves are popularly called Pudina in Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi & Marathi, Pudhina ilai in Tamil, Pudina Akulu in Telugu, Pudina Elegalu in Kannada, Putina Ila in Malayalam and Phodina in Gujarati. I love to use this wonderful aromatic herb both in my cooking and for beauty purposes. Mint is one herb that has been used from ancient times both for medicinal and beauty purposes. There are many species of mint and we also get many hybrid varieties and they all belong to the genus Mentha. Regardless of the variety, all the species smell amazingly good and fresh. The botanical name of the type of mint found in India is called Mentha Arvensis. Since mint plant grows like weed and needs very little maintenance, it can be found easily all over the world. Mint have anti allergic, anti inflammatory, antioxidant, anti ulcer, anti bacterial, anti microbial, anti depressant, anti cancer, radio protective, analgesic and anti allergic properties.Nutritional Value:100 grams of mint contains around 48 calories, 200 mg of calcium, 15. 6 mg of iron, 27 mg of vitamin c and .26 gm of riboflavin. Mint leaves contains around 4.8 % protein, very tiny amount of fat, 2% fiber and 5.8 % carbohydrates. In addition to the vitamins mentioned, they also contain vitamin D and E. A volatile oil also is obtained by stem distilling mint leaves, it is called mint oil. Mint oil, like the fresh mint leaves have wonderful medicinal and beauty uses, it is especially used extensively in traditional medicines as a carminative. Here are some of the medicinal uses of mint leaves: 1. For Stomach Problems: Fresh mint leaves are full of antioxidants and has a soothing effect on the stomach and can be used as a remedy for stomach cramps, indigestion, ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome. Mint is also good appetizer, last week we had gone to a small place that serves good food. We were served fresh mint soup as an appetizer and I loved it to the core, I remember thinking what a wonderful appetizer mint is. Mint tea is one of the best remedies for indigestion, drink a cup of mint tea whenever you suffer from indigestion. 2. For Oral Problems: Mint extract is the number one ingredient used in toothpastes and mouth washes for it's wonderful refreshing taste and also due its anti bacterial properties. At home, I boil mint leaves with sea salt and use it as a mouthwash, works really well as a mouth wash. 3. For Glowing Skin: Mint is one the best herbs to use for skin care. It bleaches the skin naturally resulting in brighter skin instantly. It also fights of acne causing bacteria but when we apply fresh mint paste it causes burning sensation so if you have sensitive skin, please do patch test before applying it on the skin. 4. For Immunity: Mint leaves are packed full of nutrients and vitamins and also is rich in antioxidants. Regular intake of mint leaves will improve immunity greatly. 5. For Cough & Cold: Menthol found in the mint leaves helps open up nasal passages and it is also greatly comforting to drink mint tea when we have a cold or cough. 7. For Aches & Pain: Mint tea is also a good remedy for treating body ache, headache and since it has anti spasmodic properties, it also reduces menstrual pain. Along with the above uses, consuming mint also fights off fatigue and depression and improves our mood, prevents nausea, allergies and asthma. The best way to use mint is in it's fresh form, plucked fresh from the plant. But if you don't get fresh leaves, you can also try the dried leaves or the mint powder we get in the shops. You can also powder your own by shade drying the leaves and powdering in a dry mixer.In addition to the recipes given below, you can also chew on fresh mint leaves to prevent nausea and freshen up the breath. Also we can add fresh mint leaves to water to make mint water (pudina water). If you don't like to drink plain water try mint water, I am sure you will like it.Mint Leaves Side Effects: If you are allergic to mint consuming it can cause adverse reactions. Also make sure not to apply mint oil directly on the skin of infants and children and definitely never apply on the face as the strong smell can cause difficulty breathing. If you are suffering gall bladder and liver problems consult with your physician before taking mint tea on a regular basis.

7 Top Medicinal Uses & Benefits Of Mint (Pudina) Leaves For Skin, Hair & Health:

1. Pudina | Mint & Salt Tooth Powder:

This homemade salt and mint tooth powder recipe is excellent in preventing tooth decay and helps fight mouth odor very effectively. Mint has natural antibacterial properties and used as a tooth powder like this without any chemical additives, it is very effective. To make this homemade tooth powder, first collect fresh mint that are not sprayed with pesticides. Spread it on a plate and sun dry it still crisp. Take the common crystal salt that we use for cooking and powder it finely in a mortar and pestle. Once it is pounded well, add the dried mint leaves and pound every thing together till it becomes a fine powder. This powder can be stored for weeks in a glass bottle. To use, take the required amount of powder in a small cup. Wet your tooth brush in water and dip it in the powder and brush your mouth and rinse off. This powder whitens the teeth naturally and freshens your breath.

2. Pudina | Mint Tea For Cough, Cold & Acidity:

Mint tea is so refreshing and it also a wonderful remedy for so many ailments. It aids digestion, soothes irritated stomach and sore throat, reduces acidity, bloating, gasand menstrual pain and is also a good remedy for allergies and acne. To make the tea, take either fresh or dried leaves in a cup and pour boiling water on top and steep. You can sweeten with honey, if you prefer. This is the basic tea recipe, but you can modify it by including green tea, lemon, etc...

3. Mint | Pudina For Lips:

Mint is a very good dark lip lightener and is a great ingredient for applying on the lips. I like to mix fresh mint juice with pure honey for applying on the lips. For the remedy, extract fresh mint juice by grinding fresh mint leaves in dry mixer along with little water. For a tsp of the juice, add 1/4 tsp honey, mix well and apply on the lips.

4. Pudina | Mint Face Mask (Bleach) For Skin Whitening & Acne (Pimples)

Though I have tried many natural bleach recipes over the years, this recipe remains my favorite and I use it often on my face. This bleach has got only two ingredients- fresh mint leaves and fresh yogurt. This bleach removes dirt and grime on the skin and lightens the skin tone, if used regularly. A word of caution here: This mixture really burns once you apply it on the face but it really bleaches your skin. If you have a sensitive skin stay away from this natural bleach. Fresh mint leaves are excellent for bleaching the skin and yogurt actually reduces the burning sensation and conditions the skin. You can find the recipe with step by step pictures here.

5. Pudina | Mint Juice For Weight Loss & Glowing Skin:

Mint juice is one of the best refreshing juices we can have during hot summer months. It is packed with vitamins and minerals. I like to serve it before lunch or dinner, a healthy alternative to commercial juices. To make the juice, Take half a cup of fresh mint in the mixer along with a tsp of fresh lemon juice, 1/4'th tsp of black salt (kala namak) along with a cup of chilled water and blend. Strain and add honey to taste. This drink can be included in a weight loss diet.

6. Pudina | Mint & lemon Hair Pack For Dandruff:

Mint and lemon make a wonderful combination in getting rid of dandruff naturally. For the remedy, extract fresh mint juice by grinding fresh mint leaves along with little water. Strain and add equal quantities of lemon juice to it. Apply this mixture all over the scalp, wait for 10 minutes before washing it off.

7. Pudina | Mint Mouth Wash:

This mouth wash helps get rid of mouth odor very effectively. It can also be used as a gargle for treating sore throat. To make it, boil a cup of water along with a handful of mint leaves and 1/2 tsp of sea salt. Once the color of the water changes, switch off, let cool and strain.

The markets are flooded with diet pills and magic potions that promises us slim waist overnight. I was amazed to learn that the amount of money we spend on weight loss pills, books and supplements alone equals to millions of dollars every year. I am not an expert in nutrition but I wanted to share my experiences regarding diet pills and herbs that really do help with weight loss. A few months back, one of my friends mother went on a diet program that advised her to drink their supplement shakes twice a day instead of food. When I visited her, she was excited as she explained that she has already lost a few kilos and the supplement shakes she took made her feel fuller for longer periods of time. As usual when it comes to herbal powders, I am very very interested, when I went through the ingredient list, it contained caffeine, artificial colours, fragrances along with other names I couldn't pronounce. When I questioned her whether the shakes satisfied her as a food, she just replied that it did not but since she had already paid a lot for the products she was going to continue taking them. She was also not exercising as the program had promised her weight loss without exercise! What happened next really upset me, though she lost almost close to 10 kilos while taking the powders, she gained every single kilo back and some more. She just lost muscle mass as she was literally starving herself the whole time. Spending so much on fancy powders made her put on even more weight, just imagine the stress she must have gone through. If you are planning on taking diet pills and powders, make sure to get to know the ingredients and research well about the product. When we say weight loss, what we really mean is fat loss which only happens with regular exercise as it increases muscle mass and calorie controlled diet which helps shed excess fat. Certain herbs only speed the process, if we consume the herbs without regular exercise and a clean healthy diet, we will never reach our goals. The best herbs to take while trying to lose weight are the ones with wonderful anti obesity properties. Ingredients like horse gram, garlic, Malabar tamarind, ginger, etc helps speed up the fat burning process. If you are trying to lose weight and don't want to take diet supplements and artificial fat burners, try these 3 natural drink recipes. They are safe and in addition to aiding weight loss, they also improve immunity and are full of nutrients.....

3 DIY Natural Homemade Weight Loss Fat Burner Drink Recipes (Remedies):

1. Horse Gram & Garlic Fat Cutter Drink:

This traditional drink made with horse gram and garlic is very famous in our place. In our village horse gram has always been recommended for people trying to lose weight. This traditional belief has been backed by research. Both horse gram and garlic have anti obesity properties. You can find the study that proves the anti obesity properties of horse gram here and the study that proves the anti obesity properties of garlic here. You can find the video link for the recipe here.

2. Ginger & Lemon Weight Loss Drink:

This natural ginger root water made by infusion method is made with fresh ginger root, lemon and pure honey. It greatly aids in weight loss by suppressing appetite and improving our metabolism. Ginger contains gingerol a wonderful compound with lot of medicinal properties. It suppresses appetite and increases metabolism, you can read the study that proves it here. You can find the link to the video recipe here.

3. Garcinia Cambogia (Malabar Tamarind) Fat Burner Drink:

Garcinia Cambodia also called as kudampuli has always been recommended for weight loss and garcinia supplements are sold everywhere but I would recommend making your own garcinia cambogia drink at home. To make the drink, wash kudampuli well in water to remove any dirt. Soak it in water for an hour or two, the color of the water would have changed.Dried kudampuli which is hard also will turn soft. Boil jaggery in water till it is dissolved and then strain to remove any dirt. Add the required amount of soaked kudampuli water to it and boil for a few seconds.Pound cardamom and dried ginger in a mortar and pestle coarsely. You can also grate in nutmeg if you like, I usually don't add nutmeg. Add the pounded mixture along with a pinch of salt and switch off. Strain and enjoy your drink.

We all know the health benefits of eating ripe papaya but many of us are not aware of the wonderful health benefits and medicinal uses of papaya seeds | paw paw seeds. In fact many think the seed are poisonous, papaya seeds are edible. Papaya seeds are one of the best home remedies for intestinal parasites and I have been aware of this use but I was quite surprised when I knew of it's other medicinal values. In India, papaya seeds are actually dried and used as an adulterant for black pepper as it is much cheaper than black pepper. When dried they look almost similar to black pepper. Though eating large quantities of papaya seeds is not good (though the correct safe dosage for humans is not determined, it has been proven to be toxic in very high doses for certain animals), consuming small quantities can be actually used as a remedy for certain ailments very effectively. Nutritional Value Of Papaya Seeds: They are a rich source of protein, fiber, fat and also calcium and phosphorus. Here are some of the medicinal uses of papaya seeds: 1. Papaya Seeds For Intestinal Worms: Papaya seeds have been traditionally used for treating intestinal worms. In countries like Nigeria, papaya seed juice juice is taken for treating intestinal worms with very good results. In some countries, few of the seeds are eaten along with the ripe papaya as a preventive measure for intestinal worms. Here is the study that proves anthelminthic properties of papaya seeds. 2. Papaya Seeds For Liver & Kidney Protecting Properties: Papaya seeds have both liver and kidney protecting properties. Papaya seeds is an effective and popular remedy for liver cirrhosis. You can read the study proving it's nephroprotective properties here. 3. Papaya Seeds For Cancer: Papaya seeds also have wonderful anti cancer properties that has been clinically proven. This is due to it's effective antioxidant properties. You can read the cancer protective properties of papaya seeds here. 4. Papaya Seeds As a Natural Contraceptive: Papaya seeds have anti fertility properties and is a very good natural contraceptive without having any side effects. While taking papaya seeds, there will be a reduction in sperm count. The anti fertility effects are dosage and duration dependent and zero fertility is observed in high dosages. But this effect is reversible within 30 to 45 days after stopping the consumption of papaya seeds. Here is the study proving this claim. 5. Papaya Seeds For Skin: Papaya seeds have wonderful skin benefits and especially it is known for it's wound healing properties.Traditionally papaya seed extract have been used for wound healing with good results. The decoction got by boiling the seeds in water is used to wash the wounds which results in very fast wound healing. This is due to it's wonderful antimicrobial properties. This traditional use also has been proven clinically, you can read the research here. Papaya seeds can be used in both skin and hair packs.Along with the above mentioned uses, papaya seeds also have anti ulcer properties. Raw papaya seeds have a fiery and spicy taste almost similar to black pepper and it is usually mixed along with honey and had. Below, I have given a simple methodthat will make consuming it easier if you dislike consuming the raw seeds. Use the powder for 2 to 3 days continuously few months once to get rid of intestinal worms. Where To Buy Papaya Seeds? I would suggest buying organic papaya and collecting the seeds yourself instead of buying it from the shops. Papaya Seeds Side Effects: If you are allergic to papain, please don't consume papaya seeds. Since it has anti fertility properties, if you are planning for pregnancy please don't consume it. Also pregnant women should not consume papaya seeds at all.....

HOW TO DRY PAPAYA SEEDS FOR EATING: RECIPE

METHOD:
1. Remove the papaya seeds and soak them in water for a few seconds to remove papaya flesh sticking to it completely. You can also select smaller variety papaya as their seeds tend to be much milder.

2. Gently spread the seeds on a cotton cloth to absorb all the moisture and then spread on a plate and sun dry till crisp covered with a thin mesh.

3. It should be sundried till crisp like this. You can store the dried seeds for future use.

4. Now take a tsp of the dried seeds and powder it finely in a mortar and pestle and we can consume it sprinkled over salad along with little sea salt. It can be used as a substitute for pepper. Consuming papaya seeds like this is easy. Also when starting off, start with 1/4 tsp and work your way up to 3/4'th to 1 tsp.

Since we do coconut farming and depend on it for our livelihood, I am very much interested in products got from coconut tree. When coconut sugar was first available in our local super market, I was quite excited and got a packet for using it daily instead of regular sugar. Coconut sugar is called by many names like coconut palm sugar, coconut blossom sugar, raw coconut palm sugar, coconut cane sugar, coconut brown sugar, coconut flower sugar and they all mean the same thing. And many confuse palm sugar with coconut palm sugar. Both are different and got from different trees, one from coconut tree and the other from palm tree. Coconut sugar tastes almost like palm jaggery but lot less sweeter than it. As more people are becoming aware of the side effects of eating regular refined white sugar, natural sugars like coconut sugar are getting popular. Once a product gets popular we also start getting confusing information about it. It is the same with coconut sugar too, some say it is the best but some say it is just a marketing hoax. From what I learnt after excessive research about coconut sugar, it is not a miracle ingredient like touted in some articles nor is it very bad. How Is Coconut Sugar Made? Coconut sugar is made by collecting coconut sap also called as neera from coconut trees which in turn is boiled to get rid of the water content resulting in coconut sugar. Nutrient Value Of Coconut Sugar: 100 grams of coconut sugar contains around 79 mg of phosphorus, 1030 mg of phosphorus, 29 mg of magnesium, 45 mg of sodium, 26 mg of sulfur, 2 mg of zinc, .1 mg of manganese, 2mg of iron, .23 gm of copper, .41 mg of thiamine and 23.4 mg of vitamin C. Glycemic Index Of Coconut Sugar: Coconut sugar has low glycemic index of 35. Where To Buy Coconut Sugar? We get coconut sugar in almost all the health food stores in India. You can also order it online. When buying coconut sugar make sure to buy pure organic coconut sugar. How Much Does Coconut Sugar Cost? It costs around 100 rupees for 250 grams. If you are used to white sugar, you might find the taste different and it takes some getting used to but if you are used to natural Indian sweeteners like palm jaggery or regular jaggery, then you will find coconut sugar some what similar but lot less sweeter. Can Diabetic Patients Consume Coconut Sugar? In my humble opinion, coconut sugar should be considered as a regular sweetener and should be avoided by diabetic patients as it has almost 40 % fructose......

THE BENEFITS OF COCONUT SUGAR:

1. Coconut Sugar Contains More Nutrients:

Compared to regular table sugar which does not have any nutrient value, coconut sugar does have many nutrients as mentioned above. In addition to the nutrients mentions above, coconut sugar also contains phytonutrients like polyphenols, flavonoids, etc. So if you have to choose between coconut sugar and regular table sugar, I would suggest definitely to go for coconut sugar.

2. Coconut Sugar Has Low GI:

Coconut sugar is reported to have a low GI 35 (but though I have mentioned 35, there is a lot of debate going on about the correct GI of coconut sugar, the range being mentioned from 35 to 54) when compared to table sugar which has a high GI of 70. Other natural sweeteners like honey has a GI of 50 to 55, maple syrup has a GI of 54 and black strap molasses about 55. If the GI of 35 which was determined by a study done in Philippines is true, coconut sugar does have a low GI compared to other sweeteners.

3. Coconut Sugar Is Least Processed:

When I saw a documentary a few years of how commercial table sugar is made, I was stunned at the amount of chemicals used for bleaching and getting the pure white colour of sugar that we all so love. Coconut sugar made traditionally has only two steps, the coconut sap is collected in bamboo containers or earthen pots (here in India, we commonly use earthen pots). Then it is boiled till thick in large vats using wooded fire. Once very very thick, it is let to cool and then rubbed to make it into sand consistency and then sieved to get fine coconut sugar. So even here coconut sugar definitely wins over table sugar.

THE CASE AGAINST COCONUT SUGAR:

4. Coconut Sugar Has High Amounts Of Fructose:

Excessive amount of fructose in our diet is very very dangerous as only our liver can metabolize fructose. High fructose diet increases LDL cholesterol, blood pressure, ages our skin and puts a lot of pressure on our body. Doctors and nutritionists advise us to avoid white sugar because it has about 50 % fructose along with providing empty calories with practically no nutrients. But unfortunately coconut sugar also has 40 % fructose so definitely it is no miracle food and we should definitely pay a close attention to how much we are consuming every day. It only reminds me of what my grandma is used to say often about everything, moderation is the key to happinessand it applies to consuming coconut sugar too.

5. Coconut Sugar Calories, Cost & Taste:

Coconut sugar has almost the same amount of calories (15 calories per teaspoon) like normal table sugar. Also like I mentioned above, consuming coconut sugar definitely takes some getting used to. I would suggest slowly replacing white sugar else with coconut sugar and give some time for your taste buds to get used to the new taste. Another concern about coconut sugar is the cost, a kilo of coconut sugar costs around 400 rupees while a kilo of table sugar costs around 45 rupees. I hope over time as coconut sugar gets mass produced the prices will go down and we will able to buy it regularly....

One of the most requested remedies in wildturmeric blog is natural and permanent ways to remove unwanted hair at home. I wanted to share the different options available and the different traditional Indian remedies that can be used for unwanted face and body hairremoval. From ancient times, women have used different natural methods to remove unwanted hair naturally and the choice of ingredients may vary from place to place but all these ancient remedies work. The few common questions we have regarding hair removal at home are: Can We Remove Unwanted Hair permanently At Home? Electrolysis is the only method that gives permanent results with just one use as it burns of the hair follicles completely and then there is laser hair removal which stops hair growth for a year or so but since at home hair removal treatments does not burn off hair follicles like electrolysis and laser, you will not see results instantly. But with everyday use of home remedies like bath powders, the hair gets scanty and over time hair regrowth stops and the results are then permanent. What Are The Methods Of Hair Removal At Home? There are 2 natural methods that are commonly used for hair removal at home, one is instant and the other takes months of regular use to see results. The first method for body hair removal is waxing, in which sugar is cooked to a thick syrup along with lemon juice and then it is applied to the skin and then a thick cloth is applied on top and is pulled apart in the opposite direction. Since the sugar syrup is very sticky, all the body hair sticks to it and when we pull apart, it removes the hair along with the sugar syrup too. This process is very very messy and painful, especially if you have coarse hair, I would suggest trying it once in a parlour to get an idea and then try it at home. I do sugar waxing regularly for my hands and legs, trust me, with regular use it gets easier and lot less messier. Also one best benefit of waxing is it leaves the skin smooth and it also exfoliates the skin really well. It also gives instant results and since it removes the hair from the roots, we can be hair free for at least 2 to 3 weeks and with regular use, the hair also starts getting scantier and scantier. Some women prefer shaving but shaving has to be done everyday and sometimes shaving also can result in cuts and bruises. The second natural method is using natural scrubs, when we use natural scrubs regularly it weakness the existing hair and over time it results in hair thinning. Here in India, we are encouraged to use bath powders from young age, bath powder is a natural but very gentle exfoliant. Bath powders does multiple things for our skin, it not only keeps the skin blemish free, it also reduces body hair growth over time. The most popular ingredients used traditionally for hair removal are turmeric, besan, nagarmotha (called korai kizhangu) in Tamil, alum and rice flour. Now lately corn flour, baking soda are also used popularly for natural hair removal. Some people complain that scrubs don't work for them even after using it for months together regularly, scrubs works best for people with thin, scanty hair. When we use scrubs regularly, thin, feeble hairs fall off fast whereas coarse hair takes very long time to fall off. This is the main reason that some people feel scrubs don't work for them. For people with coarse hair, I would suggest using both waxing and body scrubs regularly to see results. Also I get questions regularlyfrom men asking whetheringredients like turmeric, alum, etc, will result in hair removal for them, men have very thick and coarse hair compared to women and using natural scrubs will never result in hair removal...

INSTANT HAIR REMOVAL METHOD:

1. Homemade Sugar Wax Recipe:

This tried and tested homemade sugar wax recipe for hair removal is easy. You can find the recipe for making sugar wax here. The ingredients are just lemon juice, water and sugar, though you can buy ready made sugar wax easily I prefer to make it on my own for the simple reason that it is even more messy and hard to transfer the wax from the tin to the heater. Always remember to pull the cloth quickly in the opposite direction and make sure to check the temperature of the heat each time before applying on the skin, I have burnt myself quite often in the beginning....:(

UBTAN (BATH POWDERS FOR HAIR REMOVAL)

Homemade bath powders are called ubtan in Hindi, Kuliyal Podi in Tamil and in India each home will have their own bath powder recipe. The most common ingredients found in bath powders are rose petals, wild turmeric, regular turmeric sandalwood powder, vetiver, avarampoo, gram dal and green gram dal powder. Homemade ubtan not only keeps the skin blemish free and fragrant, regular use will greatly reduce body hair growth. I have three recipes for making ubtan at home, all the three recipes work if used regularly....

2. Rose Petal Bath Powder:

This bath powder has green gram dal, wild turmeric, white turmeric, poolan kilangu and dried rose petals. Rose petals reduces wrinkles and prevents the skin from sun damage and also reduces body hair growth. Wild turmeric is called "kasturi manjal" in Tamil and it is very fragrant than normal turmeric. We use kasturi manjal for most of our skin preparations, as it reduces blemishes and pimples. Green gram dal is a very good natural body cleaner and it keeps our body cool. White turmeric (Zedoary) is called "Poolan kilangu" in Tamil. It helps in healing any damage to the skin and prevents infections. You can find the recipe for it here.

3. Avarampoo Bath Powder:

This face wash powder has got 6 amazing ingredients - avarampoo, bengal gram dal, urad dal, kasthuri manjal, vetiver and organic rose petals. Bengal gram dal and urad dal are amazing cleansers, vetiver is a natural coolant and prevents boils on the skin, avarampoo and kasthuri manjal prevents infections in the skin. This powder is also very very fragrant and is wonderful for all types of skin. This powder can be safely used on young kids too. You can find the recipe for it here...

4. Sandalwood Bath Powder:

This sandalwood bath powder if used regularlygradually reduces hair growth. This fragrant instant bath powder has 5 ingredients- Gram flour, green gram flour, wild turmeric, rose petal powder and sandalwood powder. This bath powder like the rest of the two bath powders mentioned above should be used regularly for reducing body hair growth and works best for people with scanty hair. You can find the link to the video recipehere.

BODY SCRUBS FOR HAIR REMOVAL:

Like bath powders, body scrubs also work well for removing body hair. And some of the most commonly used ingredients for body hair removal are alum, baking soda, rice flour, gram flour, turmeric, etc. Though bath powders can be used for months together without any problems certain scrubs used for hair removal like baking soda scrub should not be used regularly by people with dry and sensitive skin as it can cause intense dryness and irritation.

5. Alum & Rose Water For Hair Removal:

Alum and rose water is a very popular scrub used for hair removal by our ancestors. Alum refers to potash alum that is also very popularly called shaving alum. Barbers use alum stone to rub it in the cheeks of men after shaving. Since it has antiseptic properties, it heals wounds and scars caused by shaving. Alum powder mixed with rose water and used as scrub helps remove fine hair from the skin really well. But one big problem with this method is alum is quite drying so I would always suggest using a moisturizer after using the scrub. For the scrub take alum powder in a bowl, mix in pure homemade rose water and use it as a scrub...

6. Baking Soda & Turmeric For Hair Removal:

Baking soda and turmeric is an other popular scrub used for hair removal. This scrub is a wonderful exfoliant and leaves the skin blemish free in addition to removing unwanted hair. But like with alum and rose water remedy, this scrub is quite drying and I would suggest using moisturizer afterwards. Also if you have very sensitive skin, I would suggest doing a patch test before using it. You can find the video recipe here.

We all want long, thick and healthy hair and in my personal opinion we can achieve it if we follow the hair care regimen of our grandmothers. We call these tips patti vaithiyam for hair growth in Tamil and if we follow these simple tips we will get thick, long hair very fast. Our grandmas led stress free lives, never ever ate junk food, used homemade products for hair care and also they never used chemical treatments on their hair. I have always wanted to record the hair care regimen of my elders for a long time and finally I have managed to do it now :). My husband's late grandmother who lived to ripe old age of 97, was an authority in home remedies. Even now we still talk often about the way she used to miraculously help everyone with home remedies. She used to be very particular about her hair care regimen even in her last days. Even though it was difficult for her as she got older, she used to always insist on having oil bath on Fridays and Tuesdays. She always used to oil her hair with pure homemade oils and I have never seen her use commercial shampoos, she always used Arappu powder for her hair wash. Now sadly all these traditions are changing, most of us hate oiling our hair, we don't have time for leisurely stress relieving oil baths, we eat processed food and we always live in a constant state of stress, no wonder we all have so many hair problems. If we follow the simple but time honored traditions of our grand mothers, all of us will have thick, long hair. Below, I have tried to record all the traditional remedies used for long hair growth, hope you will find it useful....

10 Top Natural Tips For Growing Long Hair Fast - A Complete Guide!:

1. Oil Hair Regularly Using Homemade Hair Oils:

Oiling hair does multiple things, it conditions and strengthens the hair really well and prevents dryness and split ends. Also in hot country like India, regular oiling of hair keeps the body cool. I would also suggest making your own hair oil at home, it is very easy to make and we also know for 100 % sure that it does not have any synthetic fragrance or color. I have never bought hair oils from shops even once, I enjoy making my own hair oil from scratch using pure, organic ingredients. Try these tried and tested curry leaf oil,amla oil, bhringraj oilrecipes at home.

2. Don't Use Chemical Treatments Often:

Chemical treatments weakens our hair and leaves it dry and brittle. I remember one of my friends who had beautiful thick hair suffer from intense hair loss after perming her hair, it distressed her to no end and in spite of using conditioners her hair still remained dry and brittle. If you want to do a chemical treatment on your hair, take time to get to know about it fully before getting it done and try not to do it often as it will definitely damage the hair. Also if there are followuptreatments that has to be done at home like using a strengthening conditioner after doing chemical treatments, do them without fail.

3. Eat Healthy Home Cooked Meals:

When I travel, I start longing for simple home cooked meals within a day. Traditional food cooked at home with love and pure unrefined ingredients will not only nourish our hair and skin, it will nourish the soul too. My grandma hated eating outside and even snacks were always made at home. If we eat traditional home cooked meals that are rich in proteins and other vital nutrients, we will rarely develop any deficiencies which is one of the main reasons for hair fall....

4. Trim Hair Regularly:

When we start growing our hair long, the first thing that we need to do is regularly trim it. Trimming hair regularly removes split ends. Especially, if you are using heat daily for hair styling or if you have done chemical treatments on your hair, you will find your hair developing split ends. Regular trimming along with regular oiling of hair will greatly prevent split ends.

5. Use Natural Hair Wash Treatments:

I was regularly making my homemade shampoos and soaps at home for fun a few years back and I understand too well the amount of chemical used in commercial shampoos. Natural hair wash treatments takes some getting used too, they will not lather like our regular store bought shampoos and they might not smell good but they do clean the hair well and does not strip the hair off it's natural oils. The first choice for natural hair wash treatments is arappu powder, you can read about it here. I also have a recipe for making natural herbal shampoo at home, you can find it here.

6. Use Homemade Hair Masks Regularly:

An other tradition that was regularly followed is using hair masks, hair masks were used as a remedy for treating dandruff, split ends, dry hair and itchiness. In olden days, when cooker was not available, rice was always made in pots and the rice water was drained everyday. The rice water was always used for making hair packs, it used to be mixed with ingredients like amla, shikakai and applied on the hair. At home, I regularly use fenugreek hair mask. You can also tryegg and olive oil hair mask, avocado hair mask,amla hair mask at home that we have been using for a long time.

7. Reduce Stress:

Reducing stress is the most difficult part for all of us, we all live in a constant state of stress. Even children go through a lot of stress as we expect them to excel in everything. Stress is one of the major reason for hair loss. Though it is next to impossible to lead stress free lives given our hectic schedules, we can take some time to follow traditions like oil bath, regular hair massage that greatly reduces stress. Always make some time for yourself even if it is just a few minutes per day. Just few minutes of massaging our scalp with a good homemade hair oil, hobbies that relax us, reading a good book, listening to soothing music, spending time with our loved ones, spending time in nature will all reduce stress greatly.

8. Have Oil Bath Weekly Twice:

Traditionally, women have oil bath on Tuesdays and Fridays and men have their oil bath on Saturdays & Wednesdays. Oil Bath is a tradition that has been followed from ancient times and in my humble opinion we should honor these age old traditions. Oil bath does multiple things, it reduces stress, strengthens the hair, cools the body, increases blood circulation in the scalp resulting in reduction in hair fall and it also prevents split ends. I am a great fan of oil bath and if you experience the joy of having oil bath at least once in life then you will understand why I am going on and on about oil bath....:). You can find the recipe for oil bath here.

9. Dry Your Hair Naturally:
:
This is also an other tradition that we should try to follow, our elders never used dryers to dry their hair. Hair dryers dry out our hair and is also one of the major reasons for developing split ends. I know it is very hard to dry the hair naturally especially if we have hair wash in the morning before going to work but it is so worth it. My grandma, when she has her oil bath and if she is in a hurry to go some where, will dry her hair under the early morning sun which is also a good tip that we can follow...

10. Condition Hair Regularly:

Condition hair regularly, regularly conditioning hair prevents tangling and split ends. Especially as our hair grows longer, we experience tangling very often which also leads to hair fall. Conditioning our hair regularly after hair wash greatly prevents that. If you don't want to use store bought conditioners, there are good homemade hair conditioner that work really well. Try this rice water hair rinserecipe that we make at home regularly, it conditions hair really well..........

I love lemon water, it is an amazing drink that is so very refreshing especially if had along with honey. It is also an amazing remedy for indigestion and nausea and I often make it at home. When I make lemon water at home, I like to add fresh ginger to it, adding ginger not only gives it a nice taste but has wonderful health benefits as well. Here are some of the health benefits of drinking lemon water: 1. Lemon Water For Digestion: I can confidently say that this lemon water is a very very good remedy for indigestion. I have used it plenty of times as a remedy for indigestion and it always works. 2. Lemon Water is Hydrating: Starting a day by drinking water is one advise that I have been hearing from my young age and adding lemon to it only increases the benefits. Drinking water first thing in the morning hydrates our body after 7 to 8 hours of sleep. Drinking plain water in the morning can be difficult for some people, for them adding a bit of lemon and ginger can make it easier to drink. 3. Lemon Water For Liver Detox: Drinking plenty of water in any form helps flush out the toxins from the body and helps liver function at it's best. 4. Lemon Water Improves Immunity: Our body uses antioxidants rich vitamins to boost immunity and vitamin C tops that list. Since lemons are rich in vitamin C, drinking lemon water helps improve immunity 5. Reduces Inflammation: Lemon juice has wonderful anti inflammatory properties and drinking lemon water can prevent and treat inflammations really really well. 6. Helps Ward Off Cold: Lemon juice is rich in vitamin C, it help increases immunity which in turn prevents common illness like cold and flu. 7. Freshens Our Breath: Lemon juice freshens our breath really well. Especially if you are suffering from bad breath, drinking lemon water can help. Since lemon water freshens our breath, it also greatly helps with nausea. 8. Lemon Water For Weight Loss: Drinking adequate amounts of water and keeping our body hydrated can greatly aids in weight loss and lemon water does just that. But it is not a miracle drink that will aid drastic weight loss. For permanent weight loss, it has to be accompanied withregular exercise and calorie controlled healthy diet. Sweetened lemon water has around 40 calories for every 100 ml and can be included in a diet plan.9. Lemon Water For Healthy Skin and Hair: Any food that keeps the digestion in peak health, is rich in vitamin C, helps remove toxins and keeps the body hydrated will also keep our hair and skin in peak health and lemon water does just that. 10. Lemon Water Improves Our Mood: Any citrus scent will uplift our mood andenergize us. Since I suffer from travel sickness, I prefer to carry a fresh lemon with me and whenever I smell it, I feel energized. Drinking lemon water also does the same thing. Lemon Water Side Effects: Though I love lemon water and was having it for a few days regularly in the morning in empty stomach, I started having slight stomach irritation as lemon is highly acidic. If you find yourself getting stomach irritation, drink lemon water in between meals like I do. Also drinking of too much acidic drinks like lemon water can erode the enamel of our teeth so have it in moderation.....

HOW TO MAKE LEMON WATER AT HOME: LEMON WATER RECIPE

METHOD:

1. Wash and grate a small piece of fresh ginger root after peeling off the skin.

2. Wash and then a cut a fresh lemon into thin slices.

3. Take the grated ginger and cut lemon in a bowl, add hot water to it. Mix well with a spoon and let the water infuse.

4. Strain and add honey to taste. Also add a tiny pinch of salt, it will enhance the taste. Your lemon water is ready!

NOTES:

You can have this lemon water either hot or cold. I like it cold during hot summer months.
You can make a big batch and store in the refrigerator.
Here in India, the lemon we get normally is more sharp and acidic, so if you are finding it difficult to drink in the empty stomach, drink only in between meals....

In Tamil Nadu Babool | Babul | Kikar | Karuvelam tree is very common and especially you will find babul tree very commonly in almost all the villages. The tree is native to Africa, Middle East and India and grows wild. The botanical name of babul tree is called Vachellia Nilotica (formerly Acacia Nilotica | Acacia Arabica). The tree belongs to the genus Vachellia and since it is found in plenty along the Nile river, it was given the species name of Nilotica. The tree grows to a height of 15 to 20 meters and has thorns on it's branches and produces yellow flowers with spherical heads, has dark bark and long constricted pods that almost look like a necklace. The tree yields a gum calledGum Arabic and so it is also popularly called Gum Arabic tree in English, some other common English names for it are Egyptian Thorn tree, Prickly Acacia and Sant Tree. It is very popularly called Karuvela Maram in Tamil, Karuvolam in Malayalam, Babul | Kikar | Babool | Keekar in Hindi, Nalla Tumma in Telugu, Babla in Bengali, Baval in Gujarati, Gobli Mara in Kannada, Babhul in Marathi. Babul tree has been used for medicinal purposes from ancient times. The leaves, bark, seeds and the gum are used for medicinal purposes and here in India babul is well known for it's amazing use in treating gum problems. Chemical Constituents : Leaves and flowers contain tannin, bark contain tannin and other polyphenolic compounds, fruits contain gallic acid. Babul Tree Medicinal Properties: Anti Fungal & Anti Viral Properties: Babul has wonderful anti viral and anti fungal properties. Both the methanolic and water extract showed strong anti fungal and anti viral properties. Anti Diarrhoeal Properties: Traditionally the bark extract of the plant is used for treating diarrhea and it has been proven through clinical research. Both chloroform and ethanolic bark extracts inhibits Escherichia Coli very effectively. Antioxidant Properties: Babul tree is rich in polyphenols which are known to exhibit strong antioxidant properties and can help prevent diseases caused due to oxidative stress. Anti Bacterial & Anti Malarial Properties: Babul tree has been clinically proven to have antibacterial properties especially against 3 of the common ones (Escherichia Coli, Staphylococcus Aureus and Salmonella Typhi). The root extract showed effective anti malarial properties. Analgesic, Anthelmintic & Anti-inflammatory Properties: Babul tree has wonderful pain relieving, inflammation reducing and parasite expelling properties. In addition, it has anti spasmodic, anti mutagenic, anti plasmodial, anti hypertensive, anti diabetic and very interestingly it also has galactagogue properties (increases breast milk). Side Effects: Babul has abortifacient and anti fertility properties (you can find the study that proves it here) so pregnant women should never consume babul extracts. Also since it has anti diabetic properties, diabetic patients should be cautious as it will lower blood sugar levels.....

5 Top Medicinal Uses& Health Benefits Of Babool(Babul) | Acacia Arabica (Kikar Tree) | Karuvela Maram:

1. Homemade Babool Tooth Powder:

This homemade babul tooth powder made using babul powder, baking soda and salt will prevent and treat plaque and tartar from teeth. It is also very very easy to make at home. You can find the recipe for the tooth powder here.

2. Babul Leaf Paste For Wounds:

Babul leaf paste heals wounds and traditionally the leaves are ground in a mortar and pestle and applied as a poultice. Works really well....

3. Babul For Diarrhea:

Babul has wonderful anti diarrhea properties. For the remedy, take a small piece of the bark of babul and boil in a cup of water till it reduces in half and strain. Take around 30 to 45 ml of the decoction to stop diarrhea.

4. Babul Leaf Rinse For Eyes:

Babul leaves decoction when used as an eyewash reduces watering of eyes also called Epiphora. It also reduces, redness and swelling. For the remedy, boil a handful of fresh babul leaves in 2 cups of water till it reduces in half and strain. Use it as an eyewash...

5. Babul Bark Tooth Brush:

Like neem, babul sticks can also be used as a tooth brush. For using it as a tooth brush, break a small tender branch of babul. Be careful while breaking as it is filled with thorns. Use the branch to brush your teeth. Brushing with babul stick will keep the teeth and gums healthy...

A few dear readers of wildturmeric blog were asking me effective and natural tips for weight loss and I wanted to share the weight loss advice that I have been getting from my elders from my young age. I know many of you would be wondering about the title, the word patti vaithiyam is a Tamil word for grandmas remedy and patti vaithiyam for weight loss means grandmas tips for weight loss. These tips truly are advise that I have been hearing from my grandmothers from my young age and so I wanted to name it so. Few years before my grandma passed away, I was reading out loud a column written by a famous nutritionist regarding weight loss to my grandma. After hearing it for some time, my grandma slowly shook her head and said unbelievably,"But these are advise every elders in the family normally give!". Yes it was, almost every weight loss tip the nutritionist gave were the ones that I have been hearing from my grandmother all my life. Nowadays we see attractive advertisements like "Lose 10 kg in 2 months with no exercise". When we lose more than 1/2 to a kilo a week, all we are losing is precious muscle especially if we don't exercise. As a person who loves herbs, I can confidently say that there is no herb that will magically melt the fat away. Yes, some herbs do help improve metabolism and thereby aid weight loss but only if accompanied by healthy diet and regular exercise. That is why many people get disappointed when they go on these unrealistic programs. Please be very very careful and research well before following any diet especially ones that are too restrictive and ones that uses ingredients that you are not used to. Also be wary of consuming large quantities of only certain ingredients which is popularly promoted for drastic weight loss nowadays. Drastic weight loss will cause more harm than good, you will be left with sagging skin, excess body fat and low body muscle. You will never hear such quick fixes if you listened to the advise of our elders. Their advise for attaining healthy weight has stood the test of time and will never harm us. Though you will not see drastic weight loss immediately, you will see results over time and the results will be permanent. Also weight loss is effortless when we follow these timeless advises and in my humble opinion, weight loss should happen naturally and effortlessly without us losing our sleep for it. These tips will not only aid weight loss, it will also improve our health greatly......

10 Top Patti Vaithiyam Tips For Weight Loss From Tamil Nadu:

1. Eat a Healthy Breakfast:

Staying in empty stomach in the morning for long periods of time is always frowned upon by my elders. If you go to any home in our village, you will always be offered some thing to eat if they come to know that you have not had breakfast along with a kind advice that you should not remain in empty stomach for so long. I find eating fresh and wholesome traditional breakfast in the morning keeps me energized and prevents me from snacking in between which is one of the main reasons for piling on unnecessary pounds.

2. Eat Wholesome Foods Cooked At Home:

This is an other other habit that my grandma always insisted that we follow. You will be surprised if I tell you that I have never seen my grandma eat out in the hotels even once. When we were younger and were traveling, we used to take a cook along and cook on the way. We never used to get any stomach problems at all even when we were traveling for days together. When she got older and stopped traveling, she used to take home cooked meals with her for her day trips outside. Home cooked meals made the traditional way are full of fiber, low in fat and high in nutrition. Traditional home cooked meals will also keep one satiated for a very long time which is the main key for effortless weight loss.

3. Drink Plenty Of Water:

Drinking plenty of water keeps our metabolism going and also flushes our system of toxins. I never used to drink water regularly and till today, I struggle with drinking sufficient water. But whenever I drink plenty of water throughout the day, I feel energetic and never ever have false hunger pangs. My grandma always used to advise that since we are spending so much time outside, we should make double sure that we drink plenty of water. Please try your best to drink plenty of water throughout the day without fail and you will start seeing positive difference very soon.

4. Include Metabolism Boosting Ingredients in Your Diet:

Certain ingredients boosts our metabolism and aids weight loss naturally. The 2 most common ingredients recommended for boosting metabolism are horse gram and kudampuli and you can read how to use them for aiding weight loss here and here. Here in my place, we make horse gram mash and rasam for lunch often as every one in my family love it. For people trying to lose weight, it is always recommend for lunch at least two times a week. An other ingredient that aids natural weight loss is turmeric tea, apart from adding turmeric in daily cooking, drinking it the form of tea also boosts metabolism. In both the pictures, you can see horse gram, kudampuli (black elongated one in the picture and turmeric), all three ingredients used for weight loss.

5. Never Eat or Limit Processed Foods To a Bare Minimum:

This is an other advise that I have been hearing from my young age. I am smiling as I am writing this because even yesterday, my son wanted a prepackaged cocoa milk from the market. After reading the ingredients in the back of the pack, I showed him the list of artificial flavorings, preservatives and added color (even for a cocoa drink which indicates how much low amount of cocoa is really in there) mentioned in the pack. To my great joy he asked me to make it at home. As promised, I made him chocolate milkshake at home with organic grass fed cows milk and good dark cocoa and he really did like it a lot. Many prepackaged foods says on the label that it contains no fat and that they are low in calories but to make it taste good so many harmful ingredients and chemicals are added which does so much harm to our body. Eating them on a daily basis are one of the main reasons for weight gain, also they usually never satisfy us leading us to eat more of it again and again.

6. Get Regular Daily Exercise:

Getting some form of exercise will improve metabolism and our mood, motivate us to eat healthy and also improve the blood circulation. When we were younger, we were always encouraged to play outside every single day. We children used to gather in a common place and spend our time playing for hours together. Elders used to go of to the farm everyday and they usually will be back only in the evenings. Even lunch will be sent to the farm and women used to do all the household work. Doing some form of exercise that we love consistently everyday will lead to healthy weight loss. Please be careful before following any diet plan that says weight loss without exercise. The sooner we accept that there is no short cut to permanent weight loss, the faster we will start exercising and eating healthy.

7. Eat When Hungry:

This is an other habit my grandma followed all her life, she remained slim all her life without much of an effort. If for whatever reason, she was not hungry she will not eat at all however delicious the food. All my elders follow a ritual before eating, they always said their prayers before eating, sat cross legged and had freshly prepared home cooked food once hungry. Daily following this single tip alone will help in weight loss greatly. Try your best to eat only when hungry for a few days and over time it will become a life long habit.

8. Focus On The Quality Rather Than Calories:

Of course our elders didn't know anything about calories which is a good thing because eating a food based on calories alone is not a good thing. I have heard many of my family members claim after a long travel that they were longing to get back home for a simple homemade curd rice. That is because all homemade foods are prepared with not only fresh ingredients but also with lot of love and in my humble opinion that can be never measured with numbers. When I was a beginner cook 20 years back, my aunt used to say to add a dash of love in every recipe. Traditional recipes prepared at home will not only result in weight loss, it will also give us a strong healthy body. Always focus on the quality and the way it is prepared rather than how many calories are in the dish.

9. Sleep And Rest Well:

This is an other advise that I have been hearing from my young age. Few years back when television was not widely available, the whole village will got to sleep by 9'o clock. When I was newly married, villagers used to gather after a long day of work and sing devotional songs and then go to sleep. It used to be so peaceful to listen to the songs before going to sleep. Back then only few houses had televisions and also there were only very few television programs. But now everything has changed, we watch television programs till late in the light and wake up groggy due to lack of sleep. Sleep deprivation has been proven again and again to be one of the main reasons for weight gain as our metabolism slows down and we also make very bad food choices. When sleep deprived, we always tend to opt for caffeine or high sugary foods so please try your best to get good nights rest...

10. Reduce Stress:

Stress is one of the main culprits for weight gain. Stress not only results in weight gain, it also reduces immunity resulting in frequent health problems. That is why when we are stressed, we get common illnesses like cold and cough very very often. When we are stressed the first thing that affects us is our relationship with food, we either over eat or under eat. Both over eating and under eating leads to weight gain. When we under eat our meals we always reach out for high fat sugary snacks and caffeine to get going. Taking time to spend some time with people we love, doing hobbies that relax us, listening to good music, reading great books, spending time in nature will all relax us. Also traditional practices like oil bath and body massage will greatly reduce stress, if done regularly.....

Amaranth is one of the oldest grains in the world, and it is a must know grain not only because it is ancient but because it offers a lot of health benefits. Amaranth is actually a pseudo grain that means though it has all the nutrients like a grain, it is actually a seed of amaranth plant. Amaranth was cultivated by aztecs who lived from 14th to 16th centuries and it made up of 80 % of their diet. Amaranth was not only their staple diet, they also used it in religious ceremonies. The word Amaranth refers to all the plants belonging to the genus Amaranthus that has around 70 species. We call amaranth plant Chaulai in Hindi and the seeds are called Rajgira | Ramdana in Hindi and Marathi, Rajgaro in Gujarati, Mulai Keerai (plant name) in Tamil (if it matures, it is called Thandu Keerai) and the amaranth seeds are called Keerai Vithai in Tamil. Amranth Leaves are called Thotakura in Telugu and the seeds are called Thotakura Ginjalu, Cheera in Malayalam (plant name), and Harive in Kannada (plant name). Here at home, we make a stir fry and mash with the leaves and stem of the plant. Lately, I have started using amaranth seeds in my cooking and I have gotten really creative with it and so far, I have tried amaranth bars, amaranth pudding and a stir fry. I first came across amaranth seeds a few months back attractively packed in my local super market. When I looked at the nutritional information at the back of the pack, I was very much impressed. I immediately bought a pack for cooking it at home, though I struggled to cook it perfectly (especially popping the seeds without burning) in the beginning, over time I learnt to cook it perfectly. I also did a lot of research about the health benefits and medicinal uses of this wonderful seed. Nutritional value: 100 grams of amaranth seeds contain around 367 calories, 66 grams carbohydrates, 13.44 grams of protein, 5.3 grams fat, 4 grams of fiber and 303 mg of calcium. It is rich in minerals like manganese, phosphorus, iron, copper, magnesium, selenium, potassium, sodium and zinc. It is also rich vitamin B6, B9, B2, B3, Vitamin E and thiamine. Amaranth Health Benefits & Medicinal Uses: 1. High Protein: The first thing I noticed when I read the label at the back of the pack is it's high protein content, 100 grams contain astonishingly almost 14 grams of protein! Especially for people who are on a vegan diet, consuming amaranth will greatly help meet their daily protein requirements easily. 2. Lowers Cholesterol: Amaranth has wonderful cholesterol lowering properties. Amaranth has been proven to reduce LDL cholesterol significantly, you can read the study that proves it here. Any food that is rich in fiber helps lower cholesterol, fiber binds with the cholesterol and helps excrete it naturally. 100 grams of amaranth has around 4 grams of fiber, people with high cholesterol levels can include amaranth in their diet regularly. 3. Good For Diabetes: Any food that keeps the blood sugar levels stable is very good for diabetes and amaranth does just that. Also amaranth is rich in manganese and diabetics usually tend to have low amount of manganese, so amaranth is a wonderful ingredient for diabetic patients to include in their diet. 4. Amaranth Antioxidant Properties: Amaranth has both anti oxidant and anti inflammatory properties making it a miracle grain. Consuming amaranth regularly will keep us in peak health. 5. Amaranth For Weight Loss: Amaranth keeps us full for long periods of time and is a perfect weight loss food. The last time I had a bowl of amaranth pudding, I didn't feel hungry at all for a very long time. 100 grams of amaranth has around 367 calories but it will be hard to consume even 50 grams at a time as it fill us up so quickly in addition to keeping us fuller for longer periods of time. 6. Amaranth For Bone Health: Amaranth is rich in calcium, 100 grams of amaranth has around 303 mg of calcium! Since calcium is very crucial for bone health, consuming amaranth regularly will help us have strong bones. 7. Amaranth is Gluten Free: Amaranth is gluten free and for people who are allergic to gluten, amaranth is a wonderful choice to include in the daily diet. 8. Amaranth For Hair & Skin: Amaranth is rich in vitamin, minerals and proteins making it a perfect skin and hair food. Amaranth especially contains lysine which is essential for hair growth. 9. Amaranth During Fasting & Pregnancy: Traditionally in India, amaranth is had during fasting in the form of roti. As it is gluten free, high in protein and nutrients, it will keep one from getting tired during the fast. Amranth is also rich in iron that is why pregnant women are advised to include amaranth in their diet. Amaranth also can be included in children's diet regularly 10. Amaranth Greens: Like the seeds, the amaranth leaves also have wonderful nutritive value. It is rich in calcium, beta carotene, magnesium, potassium, folate, vitamin B, K and C. Amaranth leaf is a wonderful body coolant too. Where To Buy Amaranth Seeds? Amaranth is sold in all the departmental stores, 500 grams costs approximately around 150 rupees. Amaranth greens can be got easily from local shops that sell greens. We also get amaranth flour | rajgira atta but it is not commonly available here in South India. If you want to to make amaranth flour at home, dry the seeds for an hour or two in hot sunlight and grind in an dry mixer jar to get fine powder. Amaranth Recipes | Rajgira Recipes: Traditionally here in India, rajgira is used to make ladoos (using the same method for bars but instead of chocolate using jaggery syrup), rajgira kheer, roti (a mixture of rajgira flour and boiled potato), chikki, puri and rajgira sheera | halwa. Along with the traditional recipes using either popped amaranth, cooked amaranth and amaranth flour, try the recipes I have given below too....

HOW TO POP AMARANTH SEEDS AT HOME EASILY:

1. The secret to popping amaranth is that the pan should be hot. The seeds should pop immediately when you add the seeds to the pan. The white colored ones are the ones that popped immediately upon adding.

2. The second important thing is to pop only a tablespoon at a time, since the seeds are very small they tend to burn very very quickly if you add large batches. Once you add the seeds, close the pan with a lid and swirl it around so the heat gets distributed evenly so the rest of the seeds that haven't popped also pop.

3. Once you have popped all the seeds, it will look something like this, smaller version of puffed rice. Also, in my personal experience, few seeds don't pop at all and I just sieve the popped seeds in a large hole strainer and they just fall off...

AMARANTH (RAJGIRA) RECIPES:

1. Amaranth Bars:

This is my own recipe and it came out so delicious. For the bars, for a cup of amaranth, use a cup of chocolate chips. First pop the amaranth using the method above and add 2 tbsp of finely cut pistachios to it. Melt the chocolate along with a tsp of butter, once fully melted, let cool a bit and then add the popped amaranth and mix well. Line a square tin with cling film and press the mixture firmly and leave it in the refrigerator to firm up and then slice. This is a high protein snack that is wonderful for children...

2. Amaranth Pudding:

This is also an other recipe that I tried on my own and it came out delicious. For the pudding, soak 1 cup amaranth seeds overnight in a cup of water. The next day, add a cup of milk to it, close the lid and cook till it is fully cooked. Open the lid, add a tbsp of cocoa powder, 1/4 tsp of cinnamon powder and enough raw sugar | brown sugar to sweeten. Add a few drops of vanilla too. Let the mixture thicken and then switch off. Pour into individual cups and chill in the refrigerator, you can either serve it plain or topped with fruits of your choice. A very healthy high protein dessert, for vegan version, use coconut milk instead of plain milk...

Sage is a wonderful herb that has been used from ancient times and it has been used in both cooking and as a medicine. Sage has positive effect on our nervous system and has been used traditionally to improve memory and externally it is used to treat ulcer and wounds. Sage tea made by steeping the leaves in hot water is very popular throughout the world and has wonderful health benefits. The botanical name of sage is Salvia Officinalis, the word salvia means to be saved in Latin and even the botanical name shows how effectively it was used as a medicine from ancient times. It belongs to the mint family (Lamiaceae) like most other famous herbs like rosemary, thyme and oregano. The plant grows about 2 feet tall and the flowers are either lavender, pink, purple or white colored and have a pleasant smell.The leaves are greyish green colored, the whole plant has a unique and strong smell due to the presence of volatile oils. Sage is called Common Sage, Culinary Sage and Garden Sage in English, Sefakuss | Salvia in Hindi, Bui Tulasi in Bengali, Dharba in Telugu, Sathi in Punjabi, Kamarkas in Marathi, Salvi Tulasi in Malayalam and Salvi Tulsi in Tamil (I am not 100 % sure of the Indian names for sage). As a person who loves herbs, I am always on the look out for trying new herbs and a year or so back, the department store I regularly visit in my nearby city started selling fresh sage leaves regularly. Since I was already aware of the benefits of sage tea, I regularly started buying the sage leaves for making the tea. I have to tell you that fresh sage tea is wonderfully calming and if you are under a lot of stress, I would highly recommend it. Nutritional benefits: Sage is rich in vitamins like folates, niacin, vitamin A, C, E, K and riboflavin. It is also rich in minerals like calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese and zinc. It also contains phytonutrients like carotenes. The volatile oil distilled from sage is called sage essential oil, it also has all the benefits mentioned below. Here are some of the wonderful medicinal uses of sage: 1. Anti Inflammatory Properties: Sage has wonderful anti inflammatory properties and has been especially used for treating inflammations of the throat if used in the form of gargle. Sage tea if used as a gargle is very effective for treating throat inflammations. You can read about the anti inflammatory properties here. 2. Sage For Memory: Another wonderful use of sage is it's ability to increase brain function and memory. Regular intake of sage tea helps improve memory greatly, you can read the research that supports this claim here. 3. Sage For Reducing Hot Flushes in Menopausal Women: Sage has been used as a remedy for hot flushes for a long time and this traditional remedy has been backed by research and you can read the research here. Though sage tincture was used in the research, sage tea also gives the same benefits. 4. Sage For Hair: Sage is amazing for hair, it stimulates new hair growth, prevents premature greying and makes the hair more manageable. I love to use sage extract in my homemade shampoo. You can find the recipe for it below. 5. Sage For Diabetes: Sage tea is a wonderful remedy for people who are at higher risk of getting type 2 diabetes mellitus. Regularly consuming sage for a period of 2 weeks lowered the risk of getting type 2 diabetes greatly as it helps lower the plasma glucose, you can read the study here. 6. Sage For Improving Our Mood: Drinking a cup of sage tea relaxes us and improves our mood greatly and I can guarantee that it does. It reduces anxiety and stress greatly, if you are under a lot of stress try a cup of sage tea for a few days. 7. Sage For Dental plaque: Since sage has anti bacterial properties, if used as a mouth wash treats and prevents dental plaque so very effectively. Next time you make sage tea, reserve some for gargling before adding any sweeteners, such a cheap and effective remedy for preventing dental plaque! You can read the study that proves this claim here. 8. Antioxidant Properties: Sage has wonderful antioxidant properties and drinking a cup of a wonderfully fragrant sage tea will prevent diseases caused due to oxidative stress like neuro degenerative disorders, cancer, etc. 9. Sage For Sweating: Since it has anti bacterial properties, sage extract when used in deodorant formulations work really well in eliminating bacteria and it also greatly reduces excessive sweating. Next time you make any homemade deodorant, try adding sage extract to it to improve the efficiency. You can read the study that supports this claim here. 10. Sage For Skin: Sage is wonderful for using in skin care too, sage tea can be used as a toner. For a simple homemade toner, mix sage tea with apple cider vinegar. Since sage has anti inflammatory properties, it will reduce puffiness and acne very effectively. Sage infused oil has amazing healing properties and can heal scars if used on a regular basis. All you have to do to make sage infused oil is to bruise the leaves and add it to a pure unrefined carrier and heat it under direct sunlight until the oil is infused with sage. Side Effects: Sage should not be consumed in large doses, sage contains a toxic substance called thujone and if taken in large quantities can cause bad side effects. Though there is no clinical study to prove it, sage is said to reduce breast milk due to thujone present in it so it is best to practice caution and not consume sage tea in large doses regularly when feeding and while pregnant. Also it might interfere with certain medications and if you are on certain medications and planning on taking sage tea daily, please mention it to your physician. Where to Buy Sage Leaves? Some departmental stores in big cities stock fresh sage leaves, please ask for it in the herb section. Dried sage is easily available everywhere, you also get sage tablets, sage tincture and sage tea bags too....

5 Top Hair, Skin & Health Benefits of Sage:

1. Sage & Oatmeal Bath:

Fresh sage leaves mixed with oatmeal and tied into a bath bag is a great bath recipe that leaves the skin soft, smooth and hydrated. For the bath, mix 1/4 cup of oatmeal with 1/4 cup of fresh sage leaves and take in a thin muslin cloth. Tie into a bundle and drop into the bath water, the water will turn cloudy and will taken on the smell of sage. Soak in it and enjoy your bath.....

2. Sage Tea:

To make sage tea, boil a cup of water and once it comes to a rolling boil, add a handful of sage leaves and boil till the color of the tea turns golden yellow color. Switch off and strain. You can sweeten with honey if you prefer. This simple decoction can reduce stress, hot flushes, improve memory, treat indigestion, prevent type 2 diabetes and inflammation!

3. Sage Shampoo:

I love to add fresh sage extract to my homemade shampoo. Sage extract prevents hair loss, stimulates new hair growth and also it greatly prevents premature greying of the hair. Though I prefer arappu for hair wash, I do like to try new recipes and especially it is a great fun to make herbal shampoos that foams and I do that by adding liquid Castile soap with a natural herb extract like sage. You can see the full recipe here.

4. Sage Mouth Rinse:

For the mouth rinse take a handful of sage leaves and boil in a cup of water till the color of the water changes and strain. Add in 1 tbsp of apple cider vinegar and a teaspoon of honey and mix well. The color will turn from yellow to transparent, use this mixture as a gargle for treating sore throat.

5. Sage Poultice:

Since sage has anti bacterial properties, if applied as a poultice treats small wounds and bruises really well. For the remedy, take some fresh leaves in a bowl, add little bit of boiling water to it and let it rest for a few minutes. Then grind to a paste in a mortar and pestle till smooth and apply as a poultice on the affected area.

Jujube fruit also called as Indian Dates, Chinese dates, Red Dates, Korean Dates is not a very common fruit sold in shops here in India but it is easily available if you look for it. It's botanical name is Ziziphus Jujuba and belongs to the Buckthorn family. There is a jujube tree in my parent's farm that produces ample fruits that are beautiful red color. Jujube fruit is popularly called Elantha Pazham | Elantha Palam in Tamil, Regi Pandu in Telugu, Baer in Urdu, Ber in Sindhi, Elantha pazham in Malayalam, Yelchi Hannu in Kannada, Kul in Bengali, Ber in Hindi, Bor in Gujarati and Marathi. I have very very fond childhood memories with jujube fruit. Here in Tamil Nadu, we make a wonderful sweet called Elantha Vadai with it. You will rarely find a person who does not love and cherish elantha vadai here in Tamil Nadu, I completely adore it. When I was little, we were not allowed to buy elantha vadai from the shops at all because usually most of the fruits have small worms and it has to be cleaned properly. My mom felt that store bought elantha vadai from local shops will not be cleaned properly of the worms. In our village we have only one small shop and it used to (even now it does) stock elanth vadai in small packets regularly. I was so fond of ilanthai vadai that I used to save my pocket money for sneaking to buy those packets without knowing to my parents. Once my mom found out that I was regularly buying elantha vadai from the shops, she started making them at home and I have to tell you elantha vadai made at home tastes divine and of course has wonderful health benefits. Jujube Nutrition: Jujube is rich in many nutrients, 100 grams around 79 calories, 0.2 grams of fat, 1.2 grams of protein and 20 grams of carbohydrates. It is especially rich in vitamin C, iron, calcium, vitamin B6 and magnesium. Here are the medicinal uses of jujube fruit: 1. Anti Cancer Properties: Can you believe this small fruits have amazing anti cancer properties! I love this amazing fruit mainly for it's taste but I love it even more now after getting to know how effective it is as an anti cancer food. Jujube fruits have bioactive compounds which has been clinically proven to have anti cancer properties and is being researched widely now. You can read the anti cancer properties here. 2. Prevents Neuro Toxicity: Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nervous damage that can occur for diabetic people. Diabetic neuropathy mainly affects nerves of the legs and feet causing intense pain. This amazing fruit has a protective effect and water extract prevents diabetic neuropathy, you can read the study that proves this claim here. 3. Anti Obesity: Jujube fruits also have noticeable anti obesity properties and it has been proven to have positive effect on serum lipid profile. Also this fruit is also well tolerated by most people, you can read the study that supports this claim here. 4. Antioxidant: This wonder fruit is very rich in antioxidants and thus greatly help protect us from free radicals which is the major reason premature ageing. Since it is so rich in antioxidants regular consumption will improve immunity. So happy to know consuming elantha vadai is so good :). 5. For Pediatric Infectious Diseases: Jujube fruits have wonderful anti microbial properties and has been clinically proven to help prevent infections in children. It is especially useful in children who are under going chemotherapy, as they have very low immunity who are under going chemotherapy and are susceptible to infections. It amazed me how a simple unassuming fruit can save so many young innocent children who are already going through very difficult time with cancer treatments from falling ill. You can read the study that proves ithere. Along with the above said medicinal uses, jujube fruit also treats constipation, reduces anxiety and improves digestion. Here in our place we mainly consume the fruit in the form of elantha vadai but in some countries jujube tea is famous, it is made by boiling the dried jujube fruit along with spices like ginger and cardamom. Jujube honey is an other famous preparation done in certain parts of the world. I have given the recipe for making elantha vadai | regi vadiyalu at home below. Jujube Side Effects: Jujube fruit has anti fertility properties and so I would suggest not consuming jujube fruit in excess when trying to conceive. I was having this fruit in moderation during pregnancy and would advice the same too...

METHOD:

1. Collect fresh fruits and wash it well under running water, drain the water completely and spread on a cloth to dry the fruits completely.

2. Split each fruit to see if there are any worms. The worms are small and white in color so you have to be patient and look carefully in each fruit. It is a long process but so worth it..:)

3. Mash the fruits with hands completely.

3. Take dried red chillies, asafoetida and salt in a mortar and pestle and pound it to get a coarse powder.

4. Take jaggery and pound it in a mortar and pestle to help mix easily....

5. Add the pounded red chilli mixture and jaggery to the mashed jujube fruit and mix really really well.

6. Make small balls, flatten it with hands and spread on a polythene sheet and sun dry till crisp.

NOTES:

The amount of jaggery, red chillies to be added is individual preference.
We do the whole process in a mortar and pestle.
Checking for worms is the most time consuming otherwise you can do this very healthy sweet fast.

Like many other greens, we consume spinach (palak) regularly at home and I love it a lot. The scientific name of spinach is Spinacia Oleracea, it belongs to the Amaranthaceae family and genus Spinacia. Spinach is said to have originated in Persia and then later spread to other countries and it is unknown how and when it was introduced to India but it is one of the most consumed greens here in India. We call it Palak in Hindi, Pasalai Keerai | Palak Keerai in Tamil, Palakura in Telugu, Vasala Cheera in Malayalam, Basale Soppu in Kannada, Palak in Punjabi and Palang Sag in Bengali. Spinach Nutrition: 100 grams of spinach has around 23 calories, 3.6 grams carbohydrates, 2.9 grams protein, 2.2 grams of fiber and 0.4 grams fat. It is rich in vitamin A, B1, B2, B3, B6, B9 along with significant amounts of vitamin C, K and E. It is rich in minerals like manganese, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc and sodium. There are many varieties of spinach and here in Tamil Nadu, the two common varieties are Kodi Pasalai (creeper) and Tharai Pasalai (one that grows in the ground). Here in Tamil Nadu we mainly make masiyal or stir fry out it. Since I love spinach very much, I have tried many dishes and some have become family favorites and I have given all the recipes below. If we know how to cook with spinach, it is very easy to incorporate it into our daily diet. Spinach has many health benefits and medicinal uses, it is also cheap and easily available everywhere. Here are some of the medicinal uses of spinach: 1. Anti Cancer properties: Spinach is rich in flavonoids and studies have shown that consuming flavanoid rich foods reduces the risk of ovarian cancer. Foods high in beta carotene and vitamin A like spinach reduces the risk of breast cancer when consumed regularly. Consuming spinach also reduces the risk of prostate and colon cancer too. 2. For Alzheimer: Diets rich in antioxidants, polyphenolic compounds, flavonoids and vitamins are essential for healthy brain and nuerocognitive function. Our humble spinach is rich in all the above mentioned nutrients making it an effective anti Alzheimer plant. Regular consumption of spinach will also reduce age related diseases greatly, you can read the study that proves it here. 3. Antioxidant & Anti inflammatory Properties: Now medical practitioners warn us regularly that most of the modern day diseases we are facing are due to stress. There has to be a balance between free radicals and antioxidants in our body else it will lead to a condition called oxidative stress. The only way to prevent oxidative stress is to eat antioxidant rich foods like spinach. Spinach has wonderful anti inflammatory properties too, it is a wonderful ingredient to have while we suffer from any inflammation. 4. For Reducing Blood Pressure: Increase intake of nitrate rich food increases circulating nitrite and nitric oxide which results in reduction in blood pressure. Green leafy vegetables like spinach are rich in nitrate and will lower blood pressure if consumed regularly. You can read the research that supports this claim here. 5. For Treating Ulcer: Spinach juice is very good for wound healing especially ulcers of the stomach. Most times when we are on antibiotics, we usually end up with stomach ulcers. Next time you are on antibiotics, try consuming spinach juice, it will greatly prevent stomach ulcers. You can read the study that proves it here. 6. For Eye Health: Spinach is rich in antioxidants that protect the eyes especially lutein. Lutein prevents age related macular degeneration of the eyes and spinach contains plenty of it. When I was young whenever I used to refuse to eat spinach I will always be advised that I will have a sharp eye sight if I consume spinach and how right my elders were! 7. For Bone Health: Spinach is a good source of vitamin K which is essential for the healthy bones. It is especially useful for us women, consuming leafy greens like spinach regularly will ensure that we maintain our bone mass and to a great extent will prevent osteoporosis. 8. For Treating Anemia: 100 grams of spinach have 2.71 mg of iron, almost 21 % of the recommended daily recommendation of iron for adults. However raw spinach contains iron inhibiting substance called oxalic acid so it is best to consume cooked spinach for treating anemia. If you are consuming raw spinach juice, I would suggest taking it along with iron absorption enhancers like amla or orange. 9. For Hair: I have been always advised from my young age to consume spinach so I could have thick hair. Spinach is rich in vitamin B, C, E, magnesium, iron, calcium and omega 3 fatty acid all very essential for promoting hair growth. 10. For Skin: Spinach is rich in antioxidants and consuming spinach regularly will greatly prevent free radicals which is the main cause for premature skin ageing. Since spinach is rich in vitamins especially vitamin A and vitamin C, it helps improve the skin tone and also helps in skin repair. Spinach can also be given to babies and since it low in calories and rich in nutrients can be included weight lossand body building diet too. SIDE EFFECTS OF SPINACH: Like mentioned before consuming raw spinach will hinder iron absorption. Also don't over consume spinach, it will lead to gas and bloating. Spinach is rich in purines and if you are suffering from gout and kidney stones avoid consuming spinach in large quantities. If you are taking anticoagulant medications, spinach might interfere with it....

5 TOP WAYS TO USE PALAK (SPINACH ) AT HOME:

1. SPINACH JUICE:

For making the spinach juice, take cumin seeds and peppercorns in pan and fry for a few seconds and powder in a blender. To make the juice, take fresh spinach leaves and fresh coriander leaves in a blender, add a squirt of lemon juice, powered cumin and pepper powder and enough coconut water to grind into a smooth juice. Since we are adding lemon juice, it will help with iron absorption too....

2. PALAK PANEER (SPINACH IN PANEER):

For making palak paneer, heat a teaspoon of oil and fry finely cut spinach (1 big bunch) and 2 green chillies till palak wilts, let cool and grind. In the same pan, heat an other teaspoon of oil and fry 3 garlic cloves, 2 big onion thinly sliced for a few seconds. Add 2 large tomatoes and fry till tomatoes turn mushy. Let cool and grind. In a pan heat a tablespoon of butter, add cumin seeds, add the ground tomato mixture along with a tablespoon of coriander powder, required amount of red chilli powder, salt and tiny pinch of sugar. Fry till butter oozes out, add in the palak mixture and cubed paneer. Boil a for a minute or two and switch off.

3. SPINACH DOSA:

For making palak dosa, heat sesame oil in a pan and fry finely cut garlic and green chillies. Add the washed and cut palak to it and fry till it wilts and switch off. Let cool and grind to a smooth puree and add to left over dosa batter and make dosas. You can add finely cut onion to the dosa batter too, goes really well with coconut chutney...

4. SPINACH SOUP:

This is my favorite spinach soup and it is so very easy to make at home. For making the soup, heat little butter in a pan. Add finely cut garlic (5 garlic pods) and fry for a few seconds, add in 1 finely cut big onion and fry till it turns translucent. Add in the finely cut spinach and fry till it wilts. switch off, let cool and grind to a smooth puree. Add a cup of milk to the ground mixture to thin it down and strain to get smooth mixture and set aside. Heat the mixture before serving, add required amount of salt and pepper and serve hot....

5. ALOO PALAK (SPINACH WITH POTATOES):

Wash, peel and boil potatoes till done but not mushy. Heat oil in a pan, add 1 cinnamon and 2 cloves. Add in a tablespoon of garlic paste and fry till the raw smell goes, add 2 thinly sliced onion and fry. Add in turmeric, coriander powder, red chilli powder and salt and fry in low flame for a few seconds. Add 1 finely cut tomato and fry till it turns mushy. Add in finely cut spinach and fry in low flame till it wilts. Add in the boiled potatoes and garam masala. Mix till everything is blended well and serve....

NOTES:

Try using fresh spinach for recipes for best taste and flavor.
For kids who make a great fuss eating spinach, spinach dosa is a great idea.
Along with the given recipes, we also make traditional pasalai keerai masilyal at home too...

Rosemary is a very aromatic evergreen shrub that has been in use from medieval times. I love all aromatic herbs and rosemary is no exception. I have always been mesmerised with herbs and aromatic herbs holds a special place in my heart because I find them greatly relaxing. The botanical name of rosemary is Rosmarinus Officinalis. Rosemary belongs to the family Lamiacea and genus Rosmarinus. It has needle shaped leaves and produces pink, white, purple or blue flowers that bloom in the month of May and June. It is generally found all over the Mediterranean and here in India it slowly getting available everywhere. The oil extracted from the leaves is called rosemary essential oil and it is widely used in perfumery and as a medicine. Rosemary is a restorative herb, it is a good medicine for treating cold, headache and general lethargy. It greatly improves memory, has a calming effect and is very good if we take it internally in the form of tea while suffering from depression and nervous tension. Rosemary Constituents: Rosemary contains many active constituents like flavonoids which are good in antioxidants, tannins (especially rosmaricine which helps reduce pain) and phenols (notably rosmarinic acid) helps fight off inflammation. Rosemary is called Rusmary in Hindi and it goes by the name rosemary in Tamil, Telugu and Bengali. Hera are some of the health benefits and medicinal uses of rosemary herb:1. Rosemary For Alzheimer's: Rosemary has always been used from time immemorial for improving memory and now it has been proven to greatly help patients who are suffering from Alzheimer's as it prevents neuronal cell death. You can read the study that supports this claim here. 2. Rosemary For Improving Memory & Cognitive Function: Cognitive decline is one of the major concerns as we age. Rosemary has been proven to reduce age related cognitive decline and internal consumption of rosemary showed good results and the effect increased with dosage. You can read the study that proves it here. 3. Rosemary For Cold Related Problems: Rosemary tea is great for taking while we suffer cold related problems like headaches, chest congestion, etc. The tea also can used as a mouth rinse for sore throat. 4. Rosemary For Cancer: Rosemary has cancer protective properties especially colorectal cancer. Intake of vegetables in the diet and certain plant extracts seems to help prevent colorectal cancer and rosemary is one among it. You can read the study that proves it here. 5. Rosemary Reduces Withdrawal Symptoms: Another very interesting use of rosemary is it reduces withdrawal symptoms especially for drug addictions. The main problem when people try to stop their drug addictions are the worst withdrawal symptoms which sends most back to using drugs again. Along with regular treatment taking rosemary has been clinically proven to reduce the symptoms greatly. You can read the study that proves it here. 6. Rosemary Anti Inflammatory Properties: Another medicinal use of rosemary that I greatly love is it's wonderful anti inflammatory properties especially it reduces acne inflammation. If you are suffering from acne and need a natural herb to reduce the inflammation, look no further than rosemary, it will reduce the inflammation really well. You can read the study that supports this claim here. 7. Rosemary For Hair: Rosemary has been used for centuries for hair care, it reduces dandruff and regular use greatly treats dandruff, grey hair and to a great extent prevents baldness. At home, I make a rinse with apple cider vinegar and rosemary (recipe below), wonderful for treating all scalp problems very effectively. 8. Rosemary For Stomach Related Problems: Rosemary is wonderful in treating all stomach related problems as rosemary extract increases the flow of bile which is essential for good digestion. Rosemary tea is a good remedy for indigestion, stomach cramps and bloating. 9. Rosemary Anti Microbial Properties: There is a reason why rosemary is included in disinfectants regularly, it is because of it's wonderful anti microbial properties. We can just boil rosemary in water and use the water as a disinfectant. We can also add a sprig of rosemary to white vinegar, let it steep and use it around the house mixed in water as a disinfectant.10. Rosemary For Skin: Rosemary when added to baths not only acts as a natural disinfectant, it also relaxes the mind. According to me, there is nothing more relaxing than a homemade bath with rosemary, milk powder and rose essential oil. Where to get rosemary plant? Rosemary plant can be easily got from any herb nursery, it is also quite cheap. Make sure to keep the plant in warm but sheltered place. Rosemary tea: Rosemary tea sachets are available in the market but it is not easily available in India. Rosemary tea can also be easily made at home with fresh or dried leaves. Rosemary Essential Oil: Rosemary essential oil can be easily ordered online but try to get from good brands. Rosemary Water: Rosemary water which is widely used as a disinfectant can be made easily by boiling the leaves in water. Rosemary Oil: Rosemary infused oil can be easily made at home, I have given the recipe for it below. Fresh rosemary can be shade dried and stored for future use. Rosemary Side Effects: The amount usually added to food will not cause any harm but if you are pregnant or breast feeding try not to take large doses of rosemary like in the form of rosemary tea regularly......

5 Top Uses Hair, Skin & Health Benefits Of Rosemary Herb:

1. Rosemary Oatmeal Bath:

If you are stressed out, I would greatly suggest treating yourself to this rosemary and oatmeal bath. The smell of fresh rosemary is absolutely relaxing. For the bath, take 1/4 cup of oatmeal in a cup, add 3 tbsp of finely cut rosemary to it and mix well. Tie this into a bundle using a muslin cloth and drop it in the bath water and your relaxing bath is ready. This bath also will leave your skin smooth and supple....

2. Homemade Rosemary Shampoo:

I love homemade shampoos not only because they are cost effective but because you can greatly customise it to your liking too. For instance, I tried a homemade shampoo with fresh sage leaves, you can use the same base and use rosemary instead, will work very very well in reducing dandruff, hair fall and itchiness. You can find the link for the recipe here.

3. Rosemary Tea:

To make rosemary tea, boil a cup of water and add a teaspoon a fresh rosemary. Let it steep, sweeten with honey and enjoy your rosemary tea. This tea has wonderful health benefits, it improves memory, reduces stomach cramps, inflammation and is also great for having while we suffer from cold and flu.

4. Rosemary Hair Rinse:

This rosemary hair rinse if used as a final hair rinse will leave your hair absolutely shiny and beautiful. For making the hair rinse, cut rosemary into fine pieces and place in a cup. Pour apple cider vineagr on top till the rosemary is fully immersed in the apple cider vineagr. Let it steep till for a few days, strain and use as a final hair rinse. To use, mix it with water in the ratio of 1: 3 and apply on shampooed hair. Wait for a few seconds and rinse with water....

5. Rosemary Massage Oil:

Since rosemary is so aromatic, it steeps so well, infusing any liquid with it's essence and aroma. This rosemary infused oil is so very easy to make, all you need is a sprig of rosemary, a cup of any unrefined oil and lot of patience. Take a sprig of rosemary, slightly bruise it and take in a dark bottle, pour unrefined oil of your choice on top till it is fully immersed. Wait patiently for 2 weeks for the oil to infuse in a dark place. This oil can be used as a massage oil, it will reduce inflammation, improve blood circulation and reduce skin infections....

Kalonji seeds also called as Nigella seeds | Black Cumin | Black Seedsin English are very popular in India asthey are used to season certain dishes. They look almost like our black sesame seeds but kalonji seeds are more intensively black and the seeds are slightly oval. Kalonji seeds are used in Unani, Siddha & Ayurvedic system of medicines and is quite popular throughout India. It is an annual flowering plant that produces delicate flowers and large fruits. It is native to North Africa, Southern Europe and Southern parts of Asia. Black seeds have been described in certain religious (Islam) texts like Quran as a miracle ingredient that cures everything except death, this itself signifies it's medicinal importance. The botanical name of kalonji seeds are Nigella Sativa and it belongs to the genus Nigella. It is called Karunjeerakam in Tamil, Karinjeerakam in Malayalam, Nalla Jeelakarra in Telugu, Krishna Jeerige in Kannada, Kalo Jira in Bengali and Kale Til in Marathi. Nutritional Information: 100 grams of kaloji seeds have around 345 calories, 15 grams of fat, 52 grams of carbohydrates, 40 grams of fiber and 16 grams of protein. It is rich in calcium, iron, vitamin C, magnesium and vitamin B6. CHEMCAL COMPOSITION: The wonderful healing powers of this plant is due to the presence of a bioactive compound called thymoquinone. They have a pungent bitter taste. In India kalonji seeds are used mostly in Northern Indian cuisine and very rarely in South India. It is one of the five spices used in Panch Phoran (meaning a blend of 5 spices) which is used to spice all the curries in Bengali cuisine. Since it looks very attractive kalonji seeds are usually sprinkled over breads like sesame seeds especially it is usually sprinkled over the Indian bread called Naan. At home, I have a small box of this wonderful seeds for sprinkling when I make naan bread at home. Kalonji seeds are in use for more than 2000 years so it has been widely used for medicinal purposes for a very long time. Both the oil and the seeds have been used for treating headache, deworming, cold related diseases and diarrhoea. It is also used for increasing immunity and breast milk production, liver tonic and for fighting off parasitic infections. In addition to below mentioned uses, kalonji also has a positive effect on our thyroid and patients suffering from thyroid problems will benefits consuming kalonji seeds. Nigella Seeds Dosage: The general dosage is around half tsp of the seed powder and the duration is around 2 months. SIDE EFFECTS: It has anti fertility properties so pregnant women should not consume it. It also reduces blood sugar levels and blood pressure so people taking blood pressure medications and diabetic medications should monitor their blood and pressure levels closely. It also has drug interactions so if you are on any long term medications please mention about taking kalonji seeds. Where to Get Kalonji? You get kalonji seeds in almost all the departmental stores in India. How To Make Kalonji Powder? To make kalonji powder, sun dry the seeds till crisp and powder in a dry mixer, sieve and store in an airtight box.

10 TOP MEDICNAL USE OF KALONJI (BLACK SEEDS)| NIGELLA SATIVA:

1. Kalonji Anti Bacterial Properties:
Kalonji seeds have wonderful antibacterial properties. In clinical research both ground kalonji seeds and the crude water extract like how we make an infusion at home with the seeds have shown anti bacterial properties. Especially the water extract showed inhibition of the growth of staphylococcus aureus very effectively. This is the reason that nigella sativa has been used for treating skin diseases very effectively. You can read the research proving the anti bacterial properties here.

2. Kalonji Anti Fungal Properties:
Kalonji seeds exhibit significant anti fungal properties too. Traditionally kalonji seeds and the oil have been used for external application in the form of poultice for treating fungal infection and this traditional use has been backed by research. You can read the study supporting this claim here. Two anti fungal defensins have also been isolated from kalonji seeds and they exhibit anti fungal activities against many fungal strains.

3. Anti Diabetic Properties:
Kalonji seeds have been traditionally recommended for type 2 diabetic patients as it was believed to reduce the blood sugar levels and this traditional belief is backed by research. Kalonji was given to 94 patients for a period of 90 days and the dosage was separated into 1mg, 2mg and 3 mg between patients. Patients who received 2mg showed the best results and 1 mg didn't give the desired results and also increasing it to 3mg didn't have any positive change. You can read the study that proves this claim here.

4. Kalonji Anti Oxidant & Anti Cancer Properties:
Another very significant benefit of this magical seed is it's amazing anti cancer properties. It protects us from so many cancers. Kalonji seeds have many active ingredients and especially TQ (thymoquinone) found in kalonji seeds have anti tumor, anti carcinogenic, anti mutagenic properties. The list of cancer it is effective against is impressive, it has a protective effect against breast cancer, blood cancer, colon cancer, pancreatic, lung, renal, prostate and renal cancer! You can read the study that proves it here.

5. Kalonji Analgesic &Anti Inflammatory Properties:
Kalonji seeds have been used traditionally for treating joint pain for a very long time. This is due to it's wonderful anti inflammatory and pain relieving (analgesic) properties. For treating inflammations kalonji oil is usually rubbed on the joints. We can also make an infused oil by heating the kalonji seeds with any unrefined oil and using it as a massage oil for external application.

6.Kalonji Anti Asthma Properties:
Kalonji has lung protective properties and is wonderful against fighting asthma. A study that was done on 29 patients proving this effect. They were divided into 2 groups of 15 and 14 each and one was the study group taking the kalonji supplements and the other was placebo (not given anything). Asthma severity, frequency and chest wheezing were measured and in each week the study group taking the kalonji extract improved greatly compared to placebo group who showed no improvement at all. Kalonji seeds also can be taken for treating cough and cold too.

7. Kalonji Nephro And Hepato Protective Properties:
Kalonji has both kidney and liver protective properties. Consuming kalonji seeds protects the liver tissue from toxic exposure to chemicals which is happening all around us all the time now. Kalonji seeds are also great for patients suffering from kidney disorders as it has protective effect and it also reduce serum urea and creatinine levels.

8. Kalonji For Weight Loss:
Kalonji seeds are very effective for weight loss too. Kalonji seeds has lipid lowering properties. Overweight individuals when they combine moderate exercisewith kalonji supplementation will get good results. To prove it's efficiency, 20 overweight women were divided into 2 groups. One group was given kalonji supplement and the other was not but both groups received moderate physical training. Though both groups had positive impacts on their health due to the physical training, the group the took kalonji seeds experienced higher reduction of LDL and increase in HDL. You can read the study here.

9. Kalonji For Hair:
Kalonji seeds have been used for hair treatment for centuries. It treats all scalp infections very effectively. Kalonji seeds are especially very effective in treating Telogen Effluvium which is characterized by diffused hair shedding. The main constituent of kalonji seeds, TQ has antioxidant and anti inflammatory properties and it greatly lowers the inflammation leading to hair loss....

10. Kalonji For Skin:
Kalonji seeds, due to it's amazing anti microbial properties and anti inflammatory properties reduces skin inflammation and treats many skin problems including psoriasis. Traditionally, for treating psoriasis the seed paste is applied on the affected area. This traditional method has been proven to be one of the non toxic and safe methods for treating psoriasis. You can read about it here.

Drinking carrot juice | gajar juice daily is one of the best things we can do to improve our hair, skin and health. Fresh carrot juice has amazing hair and skin benefits and I have seen the effects fresh carrot juice can have on hair and skin personally. Few years back, one of my cousins left abroad for 1 year study and when she came back we barely could recognize her. Due to the intense work load she had lost a lot of weight and her skin and hair was affected too. My grandma immediately suggested she drink carrot juice everyday and even I was pleasantly surprised at the positive change in her skin and hair in matter of just a few weeks of regularly consuming carrot juice. I also love to drink carrot juice and make it often at home, I have shared the carrot juice recipe that I make at home below. Carrot Juice Nutrition & Calories: 100ml of carrot juice has around 39 calories. It has around .2 grams of fat, 9 grams of carbohydrates and 1 gram of protein. It is very rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B6, magnesium and also has small amounts of calcium. Here are the health benefits of drinking carrot juice: 1. Carrot Juice For Immunity: Carrot juice is rich in antioxidants and drinking a glass of carrot juice is one of the best things we can do to improve our immunity. 2. Carrot Juice For Cardio Health: Carrot juice protects the cardio vascular system by increasing the antioxidant status and decreasing the free radicals. 3. Carrot Juice For Cancer: It has been proven again and again that consuming vegetables and fruits rich in antioxidants greatly reduces the risk of cancer. Since carrot juice is very rich in antioxidants, consuming it often will help prevent many types of cancer. You can also read the study that proves it here. 4. Carrot Juice For Eyes: I am sure you must heard many times when you were young to eat carrots so you can have sharp eyesight. When I was in hostel, my mom sent me a whole article about how eating carrots often improved eye health insisting that I include it often in my diet. It is because of the high amounts of vitamin A present in carrots. 5. Carrot juice For Hair: The carrot juice recipe given below is very rich in vitamin C as it contains both carrot and orange and greatly helps in iron absorption. Anemia is the leading cause of hair fall in women and drinking fresh, natural juices like this will greatly prevent anemia thus greatly reducing hair loss. 6. Carrot Juice For Smokers: Smoking cigarette increases free radicals and it also a carcinogen that is why smokers are especially asked to consume large amounts of vegetables and fruits rich in antioxidants. Carrot juice is so very high in antioxidants that it will counteract the bad effects of smoking to a certain extent by reducing oxidative stress. You can read the study that proves it here. 7. Carrot Juice For Skin: Drinking carrot juice has wonderful skin benefits and drinking carrot juice will result clear and glowing skin. Since carrot juice reduces free radicals it greatly prevents skin ageing and also it rich in all the nutrients essential for healthy glowing skin. You can also apply raw carrot juice externally on the skin mixed with turmeric and besan, it will help prevent acne and will result in fair glowing skin. 8. Carrot Juice For Weight Loss: Carrot juice is great to include in weight loss diet as it is low in calories (100 ml has only 39 calories), so packed with nutrients and also helps boost our metabolism. 9. Carrot Juice For Lactating Women: Consuming carrot juice improves the vitamin A status greatly in lactating women. Since our immunity is usually low due to lack of sleep and stress of looking after a new born child, including antioxidant rich carrot juice will greatly help. 10. Carrot Juice For Babies: Carrot juice can be given to babies, I was giving my son few teaspoons of carrot juice weekly twice after 6 months after the advice of my son's pediatrician regularly. But when giving it to children make sure to use organic carrots while juicing. Carrot Juice Side Effects: Don't overdose on carrot juice as it can lead to a condition called carotenosis wherein the skinstarts taking a slight orange tinge but it only happens with overdosing. If it happens simply reduce the amount of carrot juice you are consuming. Where To Buy Carrot Juice: Here in India we can get fresh carrot juice in most vegetable shops but I would suggest you make it at home for best results.

METHOD:
1. Take rhe carrots, scrape the outer layer if you are not using organic carrots and cut into small pieces.

2. Peel an orange, separate the segments and remove the seeds.

3. Take the orange, carrots and a small piece of ginger root.

4. Grind in a blender without adding any water.

5. Strain and your wonderful antioxidant rich juice is ready....

NOTES:

Make sure to drink this immediately after making it
Try to use organic carrot for best results.
This drink also stimulates appetite...

Palm jaggery has amazing health benefits and medicinal uses. I love palm jaggery and always stock it at home. We call it Panai Karupatti | Panai Vellam in Tamil, Tale Bella in Kannada, Karipetti in Malayalam and Thatti Bellam in Telugu. I have a great fondness for coconut and palm trees as we depend on them for our livelihood. We always have palm trees in our farm and I have grown up eating their fruits in summer, in fact thinking back of the wonderful days where my sister and I used to sit in the backyard eating palm fruits clumsily always brings a smile to my face. In my humble opinion we should cherish our traditional practices and eating palm jaggery is one of it. Nutritional Value: Palm jaggery is rich in vitamins and minerals and especially it is rich in vitamin B, magnesium, potassium, iron, phosphorus, zinc and calcium. How is palm Jaggery made? If you get to know how palm jaggery is made, you will be amazed how simple and close to nature it is. To make palm jaggery, first a earthen pot is coated with slaked lime and then the sap is collected from the palm tree by cutting the tender most part and hanging the earthen pot to collect the sap fully. Slaked lime is coated to prevent the sap fermenting. The collected juice can also be drunk it is and is very very nutritious. Here in our place, we make a small boat shape with the palm leaves and use that to drink the sap fresh from the tree. The collected sap is then filtered and then boiled in huge vats till it thickens and then it is poured into moulds to set. Once set it is removed from the moulds and is ready for consumption. Health Benefits Of Palm Jaggery: 1. Palm Jaggery For Anemia: Most of us Indian women suffer from anemia and consuming white sugar only aggravates the condition. Palm jaggery is rich in iron and consuming it regularly will greatly ensure that we don't suffer from anemia. Since it is rich in iron it will greatly prevent hair loss caused due to anemia. 2. Palm Jaggery For Good Digestion: Here in our place, we make a wonderful tea (recipe below) out of palm jaggery and I love it. Whenever we make evening tiffin like bajji, we also serve palm jaggery tea made with palm jaggery, dried ginger and peppercorns to promote digestion. 3. Palm Jaggery For Energy: Palm jaggery is a wonderful energy booster for both adults and children alike. It is rich in vitamins and minerals like vitamin B, iron, calcium and keeps us energized. Encourage children to consume naturals sugar like palm jaggery instead of white sugar which is devoid of any nutrients from young age itself. It can also be given to infants and babies. 4. Palm Jaggery For Immunity: Palm jaggery is full of antioxidants and regular intake helps improve our immunity. Since it is rich in antioxidants consuming palm jaggery prevents free radicals which is the main reason for skin ageing. It is also a wonderful blood purifier. 5. Palm Jaggery For Breast Feeding & Pregnant Women: Here in our place it is a custom to take sweets and fruits for pregnant women. We usually make the sweets at home with either jaggery or palm jaggery. Pregnant and lactating women should try to avoid white sugar completely and instead replace with nutrient rich natural sugars like palm jaggery. Even women who are suffering from PCOS will benefits replacing white sugar with palm jaggery. 6. Palm Jaggery Has a Low Glycemic Index: Any ingredient that has a low glycemic index does not spike up our blood sugar levels and is considered the best. Palm jaggery has a low glycemic index compared to white sugar which has a high glycemic index of 61 and does not spike our blood sugar levels immediately. 7. Palm Jaggery For Common Ailments: Jaggery is generally used in remedies for treating cough and cold. Palm jaggery tea recipe I have given below is a very good remedy for cold and cough. It also treats hiccups and aids digestion. Since palm jaggery is rich in magnesium, it also has a soothing effect on our nervous system. Side Effects: Though palm jaggery is rich in nutrients and is a wonderful substitute for white sugar, we should remember that it is still a concentrated form of sugar. Diabetic patients should be cautious while consuming palm jaggery. Where do you get palm jaggery? Palm jaggery can be got from most departmental stores now and you can also order it online. The price varies between 550 to 600 per kg. Palm jaggery is expensive but I feel it so worth the effort considering the harm that white sugar does to our body. Also palm jaggery is usually made by local village people and by buying palm jaggery we are supporting them. The difference between palm jaggery and palm candy? Both are derived from the sap of palm tree and the difference is palm jaggery is poured into moulds whereas palm candy is poured into large plates, constantly stirred and dried to form small lumps. The temperature in the final stage for both may vary. Palm Jaggery also is considered more nutritious than cane jaggery....

METHOD:
1. Take dry ginger, pepper, long pepper and cardamom.

2. Crush them coarsely in a mortar and pestle.

3. Crush palm jaggery and boil with a cup of water. Once dissolved strain to remove any impurities and bring to boil again.

4. Now add the crushed ingredients and boil for a few seconds more and switch off.

5. Strain and your wonderful natural karupatti tea that is free of caffeine is ready...

NOTES:

This karupetti tea is usually served during cold months in the evening.
This karupetti tea is a good remedy for indigestion.
The amount of palm jaggery to be added is individual preference, add it according to the sweetness you prefer.
Since it does not have any caffeine, it can be given to young children too....
Palm jaggery has a unique sweet taste and it takes some getting used to but I love it as I am used to it from young....:)

Edible gum also called as Indian edible gum | ghatti gum is a natural resin got from axle wood tree. It has wonderful medicinal uses and health benefits. The botanical name of axle wood tree is called Anogelissus Latifolia. The tree is called Vellai Nakai | Vetkali in Tamil, Malakanniram | Vellanava in Malayalam, Shirimanu | Chiru Manu in Telugu, Dhau in Hindi, Daura | Dinkachee in Marathi, Dhava in Sanskrit and Bejalu | Dinduga in Kannada. The resin is yellowish orange colored and translucent and they are sold as small pieces. Many confuse gond with gond katira (Tragacanth Gum), both are different in fact they have opposite effects, gond gum is heat producing whereas gond katira cools the body (it swells up when soaked and is mixed with milk and had as a pudding). Edible gum is called Antu in Kannada, Gond in Hindi, Kothri in Bengali, Gondh in Tamil, Mazhkanhiram in Malayalam, Thumma Jiguru in Telugu, Gaundh in Rajasthan and Dink in Marathi. I have always been fascinated by herbs and natural resins and gond is no exception. Gondh is not used in South Indian cuisine but I make gond ladoo at home during winters, it is a wonderful healthy warming food, perfect for winters. In India gond is synonymous to Gond ke Ladoo (Rajasthan) | Antina Unde (Kannada) | Dinkachee Ladoo (Marathi) | Pregnancy Ladoo as it is mainly used for making ladoo in Indian homes (I have given the recipe below) and then the next way it is used is in the form of panjiri mixture (the ingredients used in both are almost same and in gond ladoo recipe, it is just shaped into balls). In both these recipes, gondh is mixed with whole wheat flour, sugar, ghee and nuts. To use, the resin is deep fried and when deep fried it turns magical. The resin puffs up and has a wonderful crunch to it and I love gondh laddu. Gondh Nutrition: Gondh is rich in calcium, magnesium and almost contains around 3 % of protein. Here are some of the health benefits of gondh gum: 1. Gondh Gum For Pregnant Women: Gond is very nourishing and gond ladoo is one of the healthy sweets given to pregnant women traditionally as it rich in calcium and protein. It helps one develop strong bones and prevent back pain. 2. Gondh For Winters: Gond is considered a warming food and is best taken during winters, it is especially useful for people living in very cold places. 3. Gondh For Cold & Cough: Gond improves immunity and if had during winter months will prevent from cold and cough. 4. Gondh For Energy: A single gond ke ladoo will provide enough energy that will last for hours. Since it is usually made with very nutrient dense ingredients like gond, whole wheat flour, ghee and nuts, it is a perfect energy food for kids. 5. Gondh For Lactating Mothers: Gondh ladoos are given to lactating mothers too as it is said to increase the production of breast milk. I couldn't find any research proving this claim but certainly this wonderful natural gum will only have positive effects on lactating mothers. Side Effects: Since gond is heat producing food, it is best had during winter months. Gond Ke ladoo especially when made with nuts and laods of ghee is rich in calories (One single ladoo has more than 200 calories depending on the amount of ghee and nuts used) so have it in moderation....

METHOD:

1.Measure out gond, wheat flour and sugar.

2. Heat ghee in a pan. Try not to use non stick pan.

3. Fry gond little by little in medium flame in ghee till it puffs up, strain and remove onto a plate.

4. Now let the puffed up gond cool and then crush it coarsely with your fingers.

5. Fry whole wheat flour in little ghee till turns color, don't let it burn.

6. Take the crushed gondh, fried whole wheat four, sugar, cardamom powder and nuts (I didn't use nuts) in a bowl.

7. Mix well till every thing is combined well.

8. Make small balls and your nutritious warming gond ke ladoos are ready...

NOTES:

Make sure to fry the gond in medium flame till the insides are cooked well.
Try using homemade ghee for best taste and flavor.
Adding nuts is optional, you can add your choice of nuts.

Amla also called as Indian gooseberry, Nellikai in Tamil, Amalaki in Sanskritis a wonderful ingredient to use for hair growth. It has been used in India from ancient times to stop hair fall, treat grey hair and promote hair growth. Here are the top 5 hair benefits and uses of Amla Powder: 1. Using amla in any form conditions the hair really well and greatly prevents split ends. 2. Amla is rich in antioxidants and it helps strengthens the hair follicles and greatly helps prevent hair loss. 3. Amla treats hair problems like dandruff and itchy scalp if used regularly. 4. Regular use of amla both internally and externally helps reverse grey hair. 5. Regular use of amla helps in hair regrowth. Since amla has got these amazing hair benefits, it will be a great loss if we don't use it in hair care. Amla can be used in either fresh form or in dried form. A common question that I get asked in the blog is whether fresh amlas can be substituted with dried amla powder. As many of you know I always go to great lengths to use only fresh produce that is free of pesticides for all my homemade preparations. I feel it gives the best results especially I feel homemade oils made with the fresh extracts are really effective. But powders can be substituted for fresh produce if you don't get it in your place and especially amla powder is equally effective like fresh amla. At home we make amla powder hair mask, this mask is very very effective in stimulating new hair growth and reversing grey hair black. This hair mask has got only 3 ingredients, fresh homemade yogurt, coconut oil and amla powder. We add coconut oil and yogurt as amla powder can be drying if used alone. How To Make Amla Powder At Home? We can easily make amla powder at home. To make amla powder, grate fresh amla finely, spread on a plate and sun dry till crisp covered with a thin mesh. We usually do this during hot summer months, once completely dry, powder it in a dry mixer while still crisp from sun drying. Where to Buy Amla Powder? You can also buy amla powder from the shops too. It is sold as nellikai powder in Tamil Nadu, amla powderin Northern India and Indian gooseberry powder abroad. When buying from the shops make sure to buy pure amla powder that does not have any additions to it....

METHOD:

1. Get all the ingredients ready...

2. Take amla powder in a bowl.

3. Add in homemade yogurt.

4. Add in virgin cold pressed coconut oil to it...

5. Mix well to form a smooth spreadable paste and use it as a hair pack..

NOTES:

Wait till the pack dries for about 15 to 20 minutes before washing it off..
Use this hair pack weekly twice for bet results.

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