Wildturmeric

Gomphrena Globosa (botanical name) commonly called Globe Amaranth | Bachelors Button in English is an annual plant that produces beautiful flowers in purple, white and red. We call these beautiful flowers Vadamalli in Tamil and the purple variety is very commonly found here in Tamil Nadu. It is mainly used for stage decorations during marriagesand it is also widely used during Onam, the famous Kerala festival to decorate pookolam. Many think of it as an ornamental plant but it has wonderful medicinal uses and health benefits too. It is called Botam Phul in Bengali, Raktha Mallika in Sanskrit, Gul-e-Makhmal in Hindi, Ummigonde in Kannada and Vaadamalli in Malayalam. Here are some of the health benefits of Gomphrena Globosa: 1. Anti Bacterial Properties: It has wonderful anti bacterial properties. The whole plant methanol extract has been clinically proven to have anti bacterial properties against 5 "gram positive"bacteria that includes Bacillus Cereus and Staphylococcus Aureus. It has has anti bacterial properties against 8 "gram negative" bacteria that includes Escherichia Coli and Salmonella Typhi. 2. Anti Fungal Properties: the methanolic extract has has anti fungal properties against 3 fungal strains that includes Candida Albicans, Aspergillus Niger and Saccharomyces Cerevisiae. 3. Antioxidant Properties: The methanolic extract of the whole plant showed significant anti oxidant properties. Gomphrena globosa tea is very famous in many places and is consumed for it's wonderful antioxidant properties. 4. Detoxifying & Purifying Properties: Gomphrena globosa is truly a detoxifying herb and helps get rid of toxins and helps purify our body. 5. For Treating High Blood Pressure & Diabetes: It has been traditionally used for reducing high blood pressure and blood sugar levels and this use has been proven through clinical research. Apart from the above mentioned medicinal uses, it has been traditionally used for treating gall stones, nose bleed, cough and oliguria (low amount of urine production) but I couldn't find any research proving it and I also couldn't find the dosage for long term use. If you know, I will be happy if you can leave the information in the comment section below...

HOME REMEDIES USING GOMPHRENA GLOBOSA:

1.Gomphrena Globosa Tea:

To make the tea, boil water and add either fresh flowers or the dried ones and let them steep for a few minutes, strain and drink. If you prefer you can sweeten with honey too. This tea is full of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. It is very good for diabetics and pressure patients. It also has a calming effect and is wonderful in reducing stress.

2. Gomphrena Globosa For Wounds:

Since it has anti microbial properties, the whole plant can be ground and applied as a poultice. This poultice is very effective and helps heal wounds very quickly...

3. Gomphrena Globosa For Skin:

The tea or the infusion of the fresh flowers can be used just like rose water for skin care. Since it is rich in antioxidants it will greatly prevent skin ageing. You can use it to mix dry ingredients in face packs, can be used in creams and lotions too....

Black cumin seed oil | Kalonji oil | Black seed oil has amazing healing properties and has been used from ancient times. Prophet Muhammad has stated that kalonji oil is cure for all diseases except death which by itself signifies it's medicinal importance. The botanical name of the plant producing the seeds is Nigella Saiva and it's important bio active compound is thymoquinone. Nigella Sativa is an annual flowering plant producing pale blue or white flowers and jet black seeds which are popularly called by many names like black cumin seeds | nigella seeds | black seeds | kalonji. The seeds are used to season curries and and is used to sprinkle over naan bread. The oil extracted by pressing the seeds is called kalonji oil and it has wonderful medicinal uses. Kalonji Oil Nutritional Value: Kalonji oil is rich in iron, calcium, magnesium, vitamins and several amino acids. It also contains a type of saponin called melathin. Medicinal Uses: 1. For Blood Pressure: Kalonji oil has been traditionally used as a remedy for people suffering from high blood pressure. When taken internally it lowers blood pressure, you can read the study that proves it here. 2. Kalonji Oil For Skin: Kalonji oil has anti microbial properties and treats all skin infections really well. It can be mixed with unrefined coconut oil in equal amounts and can be used as a massage oil for face and body. Regular use will greatly prevent acne resulting in glowing face. It can also be used to massage the feet to treat cracked heels and can be used as a home remedy for eczema and psoriasis 3. For Knee Pain: Kalonji oil has wonderful anti inflammatory properties and has been traditionally used as a massage oil for treating knee pain. This traditional use has also been backed by research, you can read it here. 4. Kalonji Oil Hair Growth: Kalonji oil has been used as a hair massage oil from ancient times for treating all scalp problems. It treats all scalp problems like dandruff really really well and helps regrow hair and especially the homemade kalonji hair oil recipe I have given below, if used regularly will greatly help. 5. Kalonji Oil For Cancer: Kalonji oil has anti cancer properties and has been proven to be very effective against pancreatic, cervical and lung cancer. Thymoquinone present in black seed oil is very effective against cancer cells. You can read the study that proves it here. 6. Kalonji Oil Improves Immunity: Kalonji oil improves immunity without doubt and will greatly prevent us from falling sick often. 7. Kalonji Oil And Weight Loss: Kalonji oil has been used as a remedy for obesity but I could only find one study and in the study people were given low calorie diets so it is not clear whether the weight loss is due to the diet or whether kalonji oil supplementation had an effect, you can read the study here. 6. Kalonji Oil For Preventing Kidney Stones: Kalonji oil has antilithiatic properties and if you are suffering from kidney stones, consuming kalonji oil will greatly help. You can read the study that proves it here. 7. Kalonji Oil For Digestion: Kalonji seeds have carminative properties and traditionally has been used for treating digestion related problems like gastritis and bloating. 8. Kalonji Oil For Diabetes: kalonji oil has also been used traditionally for treating diabetes and this has been backed by research. Kalonji oil does lower blood sugar levels and if you are on diabetic medications please keep a close watch over the blood sugar levels. 9. Kalonji Oil For Asthma: Kalonji has bronco dilatory properties and will greatly help asthma patients. To use, add few drops of kalonji oil to boiling water and inhale the fumes. 10. Kalonji Oil For LDL Cholesterol: Kalonji oil consumption reduce LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, you can read the study that proves it here.How To Take Kalonji Oil ? Kalonji oil can be mixed with hot water and had for all the above mentioned uses,honey also can be added to it. Dosage: 2 to 3 ml of kalonji oil daily is the general recommended dosage. Where To Buy Kalonji Oil: Kalonji Oil? Kalonji oil can be got from medical shops and it can also be ordered online.Kalonji Oil Side Effects: Kalonji oil is considered safe in normal dosage but it contains glucosides which is toxic above a certain dosage so never over consume or over use kalonji oil even externally for long duration's of time. Pregnant women should not consume kalonji oil..........

METHOD:

1. Heat 120 ml of unrefined coconut oil and 50 ml of extra virgin olive oil in an iron pan.

2. Once hot add 1 tbsp of crushed kalonji seeds.

3. Now add 1/4 cup of each fresh curry leaves and henna leaves to it, the oil will start spluttering. Continue boiling in medium high flame.

4. Once the spluttering sound stops which indicates that the water content has fully evaporated, switch off.

5. Let cool completely, strain and store in a glass bottle.

NOTES:

Curry leaves and henna leaves in this hair oil prevents hair fall.
Try to use pesticide free curry leaves.
Use this oil regularly for a few months, give a break of a month or two and start using again.

I love spinach and try to include it often in my diet and one of the ways I consume it is in the form of spinach juice. The scientific name of spinach is Spinacia Oleracea, it belongs to the Amaranthaceae family and genus Spinacia. 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 Juice Nutrition: Spinach juice is in vitamin A, B1, B2, B3, B6, B9 along with significant amounts of vitamin C, K and E. It is also rich in minerals like manganese, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc and sodium. Here are some of the health benefits of spinach juice: 1. Spinach juice Anti Cancer properties: Spinach juice is rich in flavonoids. Foods high in beta carotene and vitamin A like spinach juice reduces the risk of breast, prostate and colon cancers. 2. Spinach juice Antioxidant & Anti Inflammatory Properties:Raw spinach is full of antioxidants and consuming it regularly will help improve immunity. Spinach juice also reduces inflammation and is good to take while suffering from any kind of inflammation. 3. Spinach Juice For gastric Problems: Spinach juice is good for wound healing especially stomach ulcers. It also has a soothing effect on the stomach. You can read the study that proves it here. 4. Spinach Juice For Hair: I have been always been advised from my young age to consume spinach so I could have thick hair. Spinach juice is rich in vitamin B, C, E, magnesium, iron, calcium and omega 3 fatty acids all very essential for hair growth and for arresting hair loss. 5. For Skin: Spinach is rich in antioxidants and consuming spinach juice regularly will greatly prevent free radicals which is the main cause for premature skin ageing. Raw spinach juice both when taken internally and applied externally will help. To apply externally take 1 tbsp of besan and 1/4 tsp of turmeric powder in a bowl. Add enough spinach juice to form a paste and apply as a face pack. Regular use of this face pack will result in fair and glowing skin and will greatly prevent acne too. 7. For Eye Health: Spinach juice is rich in antioxidants that protects the eyes and especially lutein present in spinach juice prevents age related macular degeneration of the eyes. 7. Spinach For Weight Loss: Spinach juice is low in calories, fat and high in nutrients, perfect for including it in a weight loss diet. Spinach juice made with 100 gms of raw spinach has around 23 calories and less than .4 gm of fat.8. For Bone Health: Spinach is a good source of vitamin K which is essential for healthy bones. Regularly consuming spinach juice will ensure that we maintain our bone mass and to a great extent will prevent osteoporosis. 9. For Reducing Blood Pressure: Spinach juice is rich in nitrite and increase intake of nitrate rich food increases circulating nitrite and nitric oxide which results in reduction in blood pressure. You can read the research that supports this claim here. 10. Spinach Juice For Immunity: Since it is rich in vitamin C, it will help improve immunity and will greatly help prevent common health problems like cold and cough. Spinach juice can be consumed by diabetic patients and can be given even to children too but make sure to use organic spinach. Side Effects Of Spinach Juice: 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, lemon or orange like in the spinach juice recipe given below. 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....

METHOD:

1. Take spinach and coriander leaves, wash and drain excess water.

2. Fry cumin seeds and peppercorns in a dry pan till they change color and give out a nice aroma.

3. Now powder them both in a mortar and pestle.

4. Take the coriander and spinach in a mixer, add in powdered cumin and peppercorns along with a dash of lemon juice.

5. Finally add in enough water or coconut water and grind to a smooth mixture and strain. Your wonderful spinach juice is ready...

NOTES:

Since we add lemon juice in this recipe, it will help with iron absorption too.
I add coriander leaves as it gives a nice flavor to the juice, you can substitute it with mint leaves too...
Drink this juice immediately and if you make it with coconut water, it will increase the taste and nutrient value of this spinach juice.

Makhana | Phool Makhana is the Hindi word for fox nut also called as gorgon nut. It is got from a type of lily plant whose botanical name is Euryale Ferox. The plant produces large leaves that have a unique quilted texture by which we can recognize it anywhere and purple flowers that has sharp spines at the base, you can find the plant commonly in ponds. This plant is usually found in Northern India especially Bihar and other north eastern states. It is also used in other countries like Japan, China and Korea. Roasted makhana is called Thamarai Vithai in Tamil, Makhana in Bengali & Gujarati and Melluni Padmanu in Telugu. To prepare makhana, the seeds of the makhana plant are collected from the ponds, sun dried and then roasted in thick cast iron pan with continuous stirring and once a popping sound is heard they are taken out and hit with a hammer to remove the outer shell and the roasted kernel pops out in expanded form. The popped seeds are called makhana, they are then packaged and sold. Makhana Nutrition: 100 grams of makhana contains 328 calories, 79 grams of carbohydrates, 9.6 grams of protein (makhana is rich in 16 types of amino acids), .1 gram of fat, .002 gms of calcium and .9 g of phosphorus and .0014 g of iron. Here are some of the health benefits of makhana: 1. Makhana For Weight Loss: Makhana is high in fiber and low in fat and is wonderful as a snack for people trying to lose weight. When including in weight loss diet, try to reduce the amount of ghee while roasting to a bare minimum to reduce the over all caloric value of the dish. 2. Makhana Antioxidant Properties: Makhana is rich in antioxidants and consuming it regularly will prevent premature ageing of our skin and hair. 3. Makhana For Diabetics: Makhana has low glycemic index and any food that is high in nutrients and has a low GI is ideal for diabetic patients. 3. Makhana For Pregnancy: Makhana has a soothing effect on the body and can be given to pregnant women, it can be given to them in the form of kheer or as roasted snack in the evening times. 4. Makhana Is Gluten Free: For people who are on gluten free diets, makhana is a great natural ingredient to include in their diets. It is also has very low amount of fats compared to nuts and since it is rich in fiber will prevent constipation too. 5. Makhana Anti Inflammatory Properties: Makhana has wonderful anti inflammatory properties and will be greatly beneficial for people suffering from arthritis. 6. Makhana For High Blood Pressure: Makhana helps regulate blood pressure, it is rich in magnesium and potassium and low in sodium making it a perfect food for pressure patients. Just make sure not to add salt after roasting, instead add powdered herbs to give it a nice flavor. 7. Wonderful Vegan Protein Source: Makhana is rich in protein, and can be taken as a snack by everyone including kids, older people and pregnant women. At home, I love to make roasted makhana and I use a small amount of ghee for frying it to give it a nice flavor. I have given the recipe for it below, you can modify and prepare it according to individual needs by substituting or reducing ghee and including or excluding salt. Side Effects: Makhana has no side effects but if you eat too much, it can cause bloating sensation....

METHOD:
1. Heat 11/2 tsp of ghee in a pan and let it melt. Once melted add in 1 cup of makhana.

2. Start frying in low to medium flame, stirring constantly.

3. After a few minutes, the seeds will change color. The whole process has to be done patiently in low to medium flame.

4. Once the seeds change color, add in required amount of chilli powder and salt. If the makhana looks dry, the chilli powder will not stick to makhana so add tiny bit of ghee while adding the chilli powder and mix well.

5. Finally fry some fresh curry leaves till crisp, add to the makhana and serve as an evening snack...

NOTES:

These taste wonderful and is a perfect as a evening snack.
Roasting it in medium flame makes it brown evenly and gives it a nice crunch.
Don't roast too much, it has to change color slightly
Makhana can be added to kheer or in gravies too

Millets have been used in Tamil Nadu from ancient times and varagu called kodo millet in English is one the of the most common millets used. It's usage dates back more than 3000 years and has been recorded in ancient texts and poems. The botanical name of kodo millet is called Paspalum Scrobiculatom and it is called Koden in Hindi, Varagu in Tamil, Arikelu in Telugu, Koovaragu in Malayalam and Arka in Kannada. Kodo millet like other millets have wonderful uses and it will do us plenty of good if we include it our diet regularly. Kodo Millet | Varagu Rice Nutrition: 100 grams of dry grain has around 353 calories. It is a nutrient rich grain and 100 grams of dry grain has around 8.3 grams of protein, 65 grams of carbohydrates, 1.4 grams of fat, 5.2 grams of fiber, 35 mgs of calcium, 188 mgs of phosphorus, 1.7 mgs of iron and .15 mgs of thiamin and 2 mgs of niacin. Here are some of the benefits of kodo millet | varagu rice: 1. High Protein Content: Than relying on protein powders which are filled with color and preservatives, it is good to get our protein requirements naturally. If you are a vegetarian, millets are a great way to get your proteins, 100 grams of varagu has around 8.3 grams of protein. 2. Good For Diabetics: Varagu is rich in fiber and therefore it does not cause drastic spikes of our blood sugar levels making it very good food for diabetic patients. You can read the study that supports this claim here. 3. For Weight Loss: Kodo millet is low in fat, high in fiber and keeps us satiated for a very long time which make it an ideal weight loss food. 4. Gluten Free: Kodo millet is gluten free and it is a great substitute for people who are on gluten free diet. Kodo millet cooks faster, takes on flavors well and tastes wonderful if prepared properly. 5. For Wound Healing: The paste got by mixing kodo millet and water when applied as a poultice on the wounds accelerates wound healing. You can read the study that supports this claim here. Varagu also has a soothing effect on both the stomach and mind. Varagu is rich in phenolic and flavonoid content which suggest the presence of bioactive compounds. Bioactive compounds are powerful antioxidants that protect our body from cancer, premature ageing and oxidative stress. Since kodo millet is rich in fiber, it will greatly help prevent constipation too. At home we use millets regularly and I make a simple veg pulao (recipe below) with varagu that everyone in my family likes. It is so easy and quick and also very filling and nutritious. Even my son who is a bit fussy enjoys it, I would kindly suggest including varagu in the diet of children as early as possible. Regular use will keep them healthy and strong.........

METHOD:
1. Take all the required ingredients.

2. Wash varagu twice and soak for 10 minutes.

3. Heat a tbsp of coconut oil in a pan. Add in mustard seeds, 1 cinnamon stick and 2 cloves.

4. Once the mustard splutters, add in the onions, veggies and green chillies. Once fried, finally add in the mint leaves.

5. Add in water it the ratio of 1: 2 and let it come to boil. Add in the required amount of salt.

6. Once it comes to boil, drain the water and add in the soaked varagu rice and 1 tsp ghee. I usually take the mixture in a pressure cooker, keep it in full flame for 1 whistle and in lowest flame for 5 minutes and switch off.

7. Your delicious varagu rice is ready!

NOTES:

Serve this rice hot with cool curd pachadi
For me 1: 2 ratio of rice to water is perfect, you can decrease or increase it according to your preference.
You can also make pongal and dosai with varagu rice..

Kalonji seeds also called as Nigella seeds | Black Cumin | Black Seeds in English are very popular in India as they have been used from ancient times to treat many diseases. They are used in cooking to season certain dishes in India so it is a well known spice. They look almost like our black sesame seeds but kalonji seeds are more intensively black and the seeds are slightly oval. 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. Kalonji oil extracted from the seeds also have wonderful medicinal uses and health benefits, especially they are well known for their hair benefits. Kalonji oil when applied on the hair have these benefits: 1. Massaging with kalonji oil improves blood circulation in the scalp and improved blood circulation helps with hair regrowth. 2. It treats almost all the scalp problems like dandruff, itchiness, etc as it has wonderful anti bacterial properties. 3. Kalonji oil has been considered a good remedy for treating bald spots and to use take little bit of the oil and massage on the bald spots 4. It also conditions the hair and scalp really well and regular use will greatly prevent hair dryness. 5. Kalonji oil when used along with herbs like mentioned below will greatly help treat and prevent grey hair. We get kalonji oil in the markets and they are usually made by drying and then pressing the seeds. You can buy that oil and use it daily for massaging the hair or you can also mix it with any unrefined oil in equal proportions and use it for promoting hair growth. But I like to make an infused hair oil (recipe below) with kalonji seeds and herbs and they work really well for promoting hair growth. Kalonji Oil Side Effects: Kalonji oil is considered safe in normal dosage but it contains glucosides which is toxic above a certain dosage so never over use kalonji oil even externally for long duration's of time. I would suggest using for 2 to 3 months and then give a break of a month before starting again....

METHOD:

1. Heat 120 ml of unrefined coconut oil and 50 ml of extra virgin olive oil in an iron pan.

2. Once hot add 1 tbsp of crushed kalonji seeds.

3. Now add 1/4 cup of each fresh curry leaves and henna leaves to it, the oil will start spluttering. Continue boiling in medium high flame.

4. Once the spluttering sound stops which indicates that the water content has fully evaporated, switch off.

5. Let cool completely, strain and store in a glass bottle.

NOTES:

Curry leaves and henna leaves in this hair oil prevents hair fall.
Try to use pesticide free curry leaves.
Use this oil regularly for a few months, give a break of a month or two and start using again.

I have a great fondness for sabja seeds and when our local departmental store started selling chia seeds, I immediately bought and started using it regularly like sabja seeds. Though both sabja and chia look the same when they swell up and almost have the same nutritional profile, I was curious to see how different chia seeds tasted from sabja seeds. Surprisingly I liked chia seeds better than sabja seeds, because the pudding which I usually make with sabja seeds was more creamy when I made it with chia seeds. Chia seeds also have wonderful health benefits and medicinal uses like sabja seeds. The plant that produces chia seeds are called Salvia Hispanica and it is native to Mexico. Chia seeds are oval shaped and mottle colored. Chia seeds have an amazing ability to absorb water that is almost 10 to 12 times it's weight and they also develop a gelatinous coating like sabja seeds. Chia seeds are called Chiya Beej in Hindi, Chiya Vithaikal in Tamil, Chia Bijagalu in Kannada, Chia Ginjalu in Telugu, Chia Bija in Punjabi and Gujarati and Chia Bi in Marathi. Chia Seeds Nutrition: 100 grams of chia seeds have around 486 calories, 17 grams of protein, 34 grams of fiber, 31 grams of fat and 42 grams of carbohydrate. It is rich in vitamins and minerals like iron, vitamin A, calcium, magnesium and vitamin C. Here are the health benefits of chia seeds: 1. Chia Seeds for Weight Loss: Chia seeds digest slowly and also since it soaks up so much water, it keeps us fuller for really long periods of time. I remember having the pudding mentioned below the first time in between meals and not feeling hungry at all even past my usual lunch time. 2. Chia Seeds For Skin: Chia seeds are rich in antioxidants and foods rich in antioxidants prevents premature skin ageing as they fight off the free radicals very effectively. 3. Chia seeds For Diabetes: Chia seeds are very good for diabetic patients as they help regulate blood sugar levels. Consuming chia seeds for breakfast is one good way to ensure that there will be steady release of blood sugar levels. 4. Chia Seeds For hair: Chia seeds are very rich in protein, 17 grams for every 100 grams. Any food that is rich in antioxidants and nutrients particularly protein is very very good for hair growth. 5. A Good Egg Substitute: Chia seeds which are gelled by soaking it in water are a good replacement for egg. Chia seeds have a neutral taste and so can be used in any recipe that calls for egg. 6. Chia Seeds For People On a Gluten Free Diet: Chia seeds are gluten free, high in nutrients and very filling making it an amazing ingredient to include in gluten free diets. 7. Rich Source Of Omega 3 Fatty Acids: Chia seeds are an amazing source of omega 3 fatty acids but remember like most plant sources of omega 3 fatty acids, it is in the form of alpha linolenic acid and it has to be converted into active forms (EPA &DHA) so our bodies can use it. So though it is high in omega 3 fatty acids, it is still not wise to rely on it solely. 8. Chia Seeds For PCOS: Like mentioned above chia seeds are rich in omega 3 fatty acids and any food that is high in omega 3 fatty acids is good for people suffering from PCOS. 9. Chia Seeds For Heart Health:Since chia seeds are rich in antioxidants it reduces oxidative stress and inflammation and also lowers cholesterol levels making it a wonderful heart healthy food. 10. Chia Seeds For Sports: Chia has been used as a source for sustained energy by runners and warriors form ancient times and instead of relying on sugary energy drinks, we can consume chia pudding before long runs to energize us throughout the run. Chia Seeds Side Effects: Like any other seed, some people might be allergic to chia seeds. Also consuming raw chia seeds on it's own can cause esophageal blockage for some people. And avoid consuming too much chia seeds as it can lead to bloating and chia seeds contains a compound called phytate which might interfere with nutrient absorption if had in excess. Where Do You Buy Chia Seeds? Chia seeds can be ordered online and in India it is sold in most health food stores. 100 grams costs around 180 rupees. How Much Chia Seeds To Take in A Day? I would suggest starting with a teaspoon of chia seeds and slowly increasing it to 1 to 1.5 tablespoon. How To Eat Chia Seeds? Chia seeds can be had whole, powdered or soaked in water.

CHIA SEED PUDDING THAT I MAKE AT HOME REGULARLY:

1. Take 1 tbsp of chia seeds in a bowl.

2. Boil 125 ml of milk and add the hot milk to the chia seeds and mix well. Sweeten with honey according to your taste. Mix well else it will form lumps.

3. Add in cut mango pieces or any fruit of your choice, I prefer mangoes or berries.

4. Close with a lid and refrigerate for 3 hours and the chia seed pudding will thicken to a perfect consistency.

NOTES:

I used 1/4 cup ripe mangoes, you can increase or decrease it according to your preference.
I didn't add any sweetener as the mangoes were very very sweet.
I have used grass fed, organic whole milk from our farm for this recipe which made this pudding taste creamy and rich.

We have jamun tree in our farm and all of us love to snack on jamun fruits. The botanical name of jamun tree is called Syzygium Cumini. It is an evergreen tree that can live more than 100 years. Jamun tree is native to India and you can find it plenty here in Tamil Nadu. The fruits are greatly loved and cherished in India and it is called Naval Pazham in Tamil, Jamun in Hindi, Java Plum | Black Plum in English, Neredu Pandu in Telugu, Naaval Pazham in Malayalam, Nerale Hannu in Kannada, Jambu in Gujarati and Jambhul in Marathi. We have two types of jamun, one is big and oval (the one shown in the picture), it is much sweeter and much preferred, we call it samba naga palam. The other is much smaller and round and it is not as sweet and spoils quickly too. Jamun Nutrition: 100 grams of the fruit has around 62 calories, 14 gm of carbohydrate, 0.9 gm fiber, 0.7 gm protein, 0.3 gm fat, 15mg of calcium, 15 mg of phosphorus, 1.2 mg of iron, 18 mg of vitamin C and small amounts of vitamin B. Chemical Composition: The fruits are rich in glucose, fructose, mallic acid and anthocyanin and the seeds are rich in flavonoids. Jamun has many health benefits and medicinal uses but it is mainly known for it's anti diabetic properties. Almost all the parts of the jamun tree has anti diabetic properties. The leaf extract, bark extract, seeds and the fruit all have been proven to possess anti diabetic properties. Here are some of the health benefits and medicinal uses of jamun: 1. Jamun for Diabetics: Both jamun fruit and the seed powder have anti diabetic properties. The seed powder is excellent for reducing the blood sugar levels and you can read the study that proves it here. 2. Jamun Seeds Anti Ulcer Properties: The seeds have anti ulcer properties and the water extract of the seeds or the seed powder can be taken for treating ulcers. 3. Jamun Leaves Anti Allergy: The leaf extract has anti allergy properties and if you have the tree at home, the leaf extract can be given to immediately bring down allergies. You can read the study that proves it here. 4. Jamun Fruits Antioxidant Properties: Jamun fruits have wonderful anti oxidant properties. The ripe fruits tastes wonderful. Here at home, we love to mix the fruits with a bit of chilli powder and salt, tastes divine! Even pregnant women can consume jamun fruit in moderation. 5. Jamun Leaves Anti Hypertensive Properties: Jamun leaves have significant anti hypertensive properties and the leaf extract got by boiling the leaves in water reduces blood pressure levels. You can read the study that proves it here. 6. Jamun For Diarrhea: Jamun has wonderful anti diarrheal properties making it a very handy medicine for treating diarrhea. 7. Anti Cancer Properties: Consuming jamun extract during cancer therapy helps reduce the side effects associated with the therapy. 8. Anti Plaque: Since it has wonderful anti bacterial properties, the leaf decoction can be used as a gargle to treat dental problems like mouth odor, plaque, etc. 9. For Anemia: The fruits are rich in vitamin C and consuming foods rich in vitamin c helps with effective iron absorption. For women who are deficient in iron consuming jamun fruits will greatly help with iron absorption. 10. Anti Pyretic Properties: The seed extract has anti pyretic (fever reducing properties) and since it also has anti viral properties, the seed powder can be taken for treating viral fevers very effectively. We get fresh jamun, jamun juice and jamun seed powder in the markets. I would suggest making your own jamun juice at home for best results as the juice we get from the markets are loaded with sugar and preservatives. Dosage: Jamun seed powder can be taken in the dosage of 2 to 5 grams for treating diarrhea and stomach ulcers. Side Effects: jamun has very very low toxicity and rarely causes any side effects if had in moderation. But over consumption can cause bloating. Jamun fruit is to be sold cheaply everywhere when I was younger but now it is very expensive to buy in the markets, one kilo costs around 220 rupees as the trees are not cultivated much....

4 TOP MEDICINAL USES OF JAMUN FRUITS | JAVA PLUM:

1. For Treating Ulcers & Reducing Blood Sugar Levels:

Take 5 to 6 fruits, remove the flesh and boil the seeds in 1/2 cup water till it reduces and drink once. The jamun seed powder sold in the markets can also be taken.

2. For Treating Diarrhea:

Take 5 to 6 fruits, remove the inner seeds and grind the flesh with 1/4 cup water and drink the juice.

3. For Treating Plaque:

Boil 3 to 4 large leaves of jamun tree in water, switch off strain and use it as a gargle.

4. For Increasing Immunity:

Consume ripe fruits during the season regularly. But have it in moderation. Store the left over fruits in the refrigerator.

Chamomile tea has amazing health benefits. When we went on a trip to Sri Lanka, I had the opportunity to taste different kinds of teas and one tea that became my all time favorite is chamomile. Though I had tasted chamomile tea before, drinking it regularly in Sri Lanka made me appreciate the wonderful healing properties of this amazing tea. It also tastes wonderful. Drinking chamomile tea is one of the best things to do if you are stressed or if you are unable to sleep, it really really relaxes a person so well. Nowadays when I don't get sleep, I just make myself a cup of chamomile tea and usually it makes me relax and helps me sleep. Here are some of the medicinal uses of chamomile tea: 1. Antioxidant Properties: Chamomile tea is full of antioxidants and drinking chamomile tea regularly helps improve immunity. 2. Chamomile Tea For Sleep: Chamomile tea is one of the best drinks to have before going to bed. Like mentioned before, I prefer to sip on unsweetened chamomile tea on days that I am stressed and don't get sleep. I usually feel relaxed within a short time after drinking chamomile tea and fall asleep very quickly. You can read the study that supports this claim here. 3. Chamomile Tea For Stress, Anxiety & Depression: Chamomile tea is one of the best remedies for treating anxiety and mild forms of depression, it greatly relaxes a person. You can read the study that proves it here. 4. Chamomile Tea Anti Inflammatory Properties: Chamomile tea has amazing anti inflammatory properties and and has been used from ancient times for it. It also has anti spasmodic properties and can be had when we are suffering from painful periods. 5. Chamomile Tea For Thyroid Cancer: Another interesting use of chamomile tea is it's amazing ability to reduce thyroid cancer. A study done in Greece has proven beyond doubt that chamomile tea greatly helps prevent thyroid cancer, you can read the study here. 6. Chamomile Tea For Diabetics: Chamomile tea is one of the best herbal teas diabetic patients can consume as it lowers blood sugar levels. It also has a protective effect and prevents diabetic complications. You can read the study that proves it here. 7. Chamomile Tea For Skin: Chamomile tea is very very soothing and can be used even on most sensitive skin. It can be used in face packs and scrubs. Since it has anti inflammatory properties, it is definitely one of the best ingredients for people with acne prone skin. 8. Chamomile Tea For Hair: Chamomile tea can be used to lighten hair very effectively at home without any damage. It is one of the best and safe alternatives for store bought hair lightening bleach. Chamomile Tea Side Effects: Chamomile tea is generally safe but if you are on any anti coagulant medications consult your physician before drinking it on a regular basis. Also if you are due for any surgery mention it to your physician and if you are pregnant never over consume chamomile tea. Where To Get Chamomile tea? In India, few years back, it was only sold in some shops but now you get chamomile tea bags in all the departmental stores. Dried chamomile flowers are not commonly found in India, my co sister got me the dried flowers when she was traveling abroad...

DIFFERENT WAYS OF PREPARING CHAMOMILE TEA AT HOME:

1. Chamomile Tea For Digestion:

Chamomile tea has a soothing effect on the stomach and can be had for improving digestion. I like to prepare it with fresh herbs. For the tea, boil a cup of water and add in the dried chamomile flowers and switch off. Now add few fresh mint leaves and honey to taste.

2. Chamomile Tea For Hair Lightening:

To make the chamomile hair lightener, boil water in a pan along with cinnamon sticks and pour over the chamomile tea bags. The chamomile tea should be really strong, now add the lemon juice and add a tiny bit of extra virgin olive oil. Pour this in a spray bottle and spray it all over the hair and dry the hair in the sun. You can find the recipe for chamomile hair lightener here.

3. Night Time Chamomile Tea For Good Sleep:

Take a chamomile tea bag in a cup. Boil a cup of water and once it comes to boil, pour over the tea bag and let it steep for 2 to 3 minutes and your night time drink is ready. It is best not to add any sweeteners before sleep, just sip on it and you will feel relaxed and ready to sleep in no time...

Masoor dal | Red lentil is one of my favorite dals that I completely love. In India, we use many varieties of dal in our cooking and red lentil is one among them. Red lentil is called Masoor Dal in Hindi, Mysore Paruppu in Tamil, Masur Dal in Gujarati and Marathi, Masoor Parippu in Malayalam, Masur Bele in Kannada and Misur Pappu in Telugu. Masoor dal is a highly nutritious dal that we should all try to incorporate in our daily diet often. It is a very soft dal that usually cooks very fast and needs no pre soaking. Masoor Dal Nutrition: 100 grams of masoor dal has around 345 calories, 2.2 grams of fat, 59 grams of carbohydrates and 25 grams of protein. It is also rich in vitamin C, iron, vitamin B6, magnesium and calcium. Consuming masoor dal have these following health benefits: 1. Like all pulses it is very rich in protein and regular consumption of plant protein is very essential for keeping our body in good health as it is low in fat unlike animal protein and full of fiber. 2. Masoor dal is very filling and a cup of masoor dal soup will keep us fuller for long periods of time. 3. Masoor dal is rich in fiber so it helps regulate our blood sugar levels and is very good for diabetic patients. 4. Masoor dal is not only good for internal consumption, it is great for skin care too. Using masoor dal on our skin as a face pack removes suntan, black spots, dark spots and also greatly helps prevent wrinkles if used along with eggs. 5. Since it is rich in fiber and low in fat, it greatly helps reduce cholesterol levels too. Masoor dal is not commonly used here in Tamil Nadu like in Northern India but we do use it a lot at home. My aunt used to sundry masoor dal mixed with beaten egg and then use it as a face pack. It is one of the most amazing face packs I have tried. We also make masoor dal soup and masoor dal curry for chapathi at home. I would suggest using masoor dal at home regularly to get all the wonderful benefits it offers. Masoor dal is found easily all over the world and it also stores well. At home I store masoor dal in an airtight box in the pantry after sun drying it well for a day and it lasts well for months together.........

3 Top Way to Use Masoor Dal For Health & Skin Care:

1. Masoor Dal Soup:

For the soup, take a cup of boiled masoor dal in a pan and heat in low flame. Add in 1/4 cup of homemade coconut milk to it and once warmed up add salt and pepper and serve hot. You can add veggies and herbs of your choice to the soup. I just had it plain...

2. Masoor Dal Face Pack:

For the face pack, break an egg, beat well and mix with masoor dal. Now spread on a plate and sun dry till crisp. Powder while still crisp from sun drying and then mix it with milk and use it as a face pack. you can find the instructions for it here.

3. Masoor Dal For Chapathi:

Boil a cup of masoor dal. Now in a pan heat coconut oil and add in ginger garlic paste. Once raw smell of ginger garlic paste goes, add in 1 finely cut onion. Next add in turmeric powder and chilli powder along with 2 finely cut tomatoes and saute till mushy. Now add the dal and salt. Once it thickens switch off. Now for the tadka, heat little ghee in a pan, add in cumin seeds, 1 red chilli broken and curry leaves and add to the dal. Serve hot along with fresh homemade rotis.

Aloe Vera gel has been used from ancient times for skin care and here in our village it is extensively used for skin care. We use it for treating burns, acne and for all kinds of inflammation. We have plenty of Aloe Vera plants growing in our farm and whenever we want we cut a leaf, extract the fresh gel and use it for remedies. Though we get many ready made Aloe Vera gel in the markets, I would suggest using fresh homemade Aloe Vera gel for best results. I do use store bought Aloe Vera gel but only for making creams as it has longer shelf life and it also gives perfect consistency to homemade creams. To make fresh Aloe Vera gel, cut a leaf from the plant and then wash the leaf thoroughly to get rid of the slimy green juice. Now remove the thorns on both sides of the leaf, cut in half and then scoop out the flesh. Your pure homemade Aloe Vera gel is ready. Applying Aloe Vera gel on the face have these following skin benefits: 1. Anti Bacterial Properties: Aloe Vera gel has anti bacterial properties making it very effective for treating all skin infections. 2. Aloe Vera Gel For Facial Wrinkles: Aloe Vera is amazing for treating wrinkles as it helps improve elasticity both when taken internally and applied externally. You can read the study that proves it here. 3. Aloe Vera Gel For Acne: For people with acne prone skin, fresh Aloe Vera gel is truly a blessing. Though natural we can't use many herbs on acne prone skin as it will cause intense burning and irritation. But Aloe Vera gel is very very soothing and is perfect to use on acne prone skin even daily. 4. Amazing Moisturizer: If you don't want chemical based moisturizers and are looking for a natural alternative, look no further. Aloe Vera gel is a perfect and amazing natural moisturizer that can be used even on the most sensitive skin. 5. Aloe Vera Gel For Sun Burn: Aloe Vera gel is great for burn, it does two things when used as a treatment for sunburn. It reduces burning sensation and redness immediately and also helps us get back our original skin color very soon. I have given 5 different ways for using fresh Aloe Vera gel for facial care, give it a try...

HOW TO USE PURE NATURAL ALOE VERA GEL FOR FACE:

1. ALOE VERA FACE PACK FOR FAIRNESS & SKIN WHITENING:

Take 1 tsp Aloe Vera gel, add in 1/2 tsp besan and 1/4 tsp turmeric powder in a bowl and apply as a face pack. This is a wonderful remedy to lighten dark spots and black spots in the face.

2. ALOE VERA CREAM FOR ACNE SCARS:

To make homemade Aloe Vera cream for treating acne scars, take 1 tsp of Aloe Vera gel and add in 1 vitamin E capsule and mix well. Use this as a daily application cream for treating acne scars.

3. ALOE VERA ICE CUBES FOR SUNBURN:

Fresh Aloe Vera leaf cut into small pieces is an amazing remedy for treating sunburn. For the remedy take an Aloe Vera leaf, wash the outer slimy green gel and cut into small squares. Now place the squares on a butter paper separately and freeze. To use, wrap in a thin muslin cloth and massage the face.

4. ALOE VERA JUICE FOR WRINKLES:

Aloe Vera juice reduce facial wrinkles very effectively. For making the Aloe Vera juice, take required amount of fresh Aloe Vera gel, lemon juice, salt and honey in a mixer and blend together well...

5. FRESH ALOE VERA GEL FOR SENSITIVE SKIN:

If you have very sensitive skin, I would suggest using fresh Aloe Vera gel straight off the plant without mixing with anything. To do, just scoop out the flesh of a fresh Aloe Vera gel and apply directly on the face.

Rosemary has been used from ancient times to treat hair fall and grey hair and rosemary oil extracted from rosemary is great for treating baldness at home. Rosemary improves blood circulation in the scalp which in turn promotes hair growth. It is an amazing plant to use for treating hair loss at home as it stops hair fall and promotes new hair growth very very effectively. It also treats dandruff and dryness very well. Usually the clinically prescribed at home treatment for baldness comes with certain side effects like itchiness and hair dryness. Commercial products along with the side effects are also very very expensive and we have to use them for long periods to see results so it does get very expensive. You will be amazed to know that there are wonderful herbs that helps treat baldness but without any side effects like hair dryness and itchiness. One such herb in rosemary, you can find the research that supports this claim here. I find using rosemary essential oil along with fresh rosemary like in the recipe given below gives the best results. Male pattern baldness is usually caused due to genetics, that is having a family history of baldness. Baldness is caused due to hormone called DHT, some men have it in excess. Even women can have excess amount of it, even a tiny bit more will result in hair loss for women. We can easily make this baldness hair spray that stops hair loss and promotes new hair growth at home using rosemary essential oil, fresh rosemary and fenugreek seeds.Fenugreek is an another ingredient that is wonderful to add in this baldness hair spray recipe. Fenugreek is a natural conditioner that helps soften the hair naturally. It also treats dandruff and arrests hair fall very very quickly. Regular use of this hair spray daily will greatly arrest hair fall and promote new hair growth. To use, take it in a spray bottle and spray on the scalp. Massage gently for a few seconds, wait for it to dry naturally and then leave it on overnight. You will start seeing results only after months of regular usage daily........

METHOD:

1. Take rosemary, fenugreek seeds and water in a bowl

2. Boil in medium flame till it reduces in half. The water would have turned reddish yellow.

3. Switch off, let cool and strain, add in the rosemary essential oil and mix well.

4.Your baldness hair growth spray is ready. Pour in a spray bottle, store in the refrigerator and use daily. It can be stored in the refrigerator for about a week.

At home not a day goes by without using tomato in our cooking and I am sure it is the same in almost all the homes, it has become such an essential part of our diet. The botanical name of tomato is Solanum Lycopersicum and it belongs to the Solanaceae family. It first originated in Central and South America and then later spread all over the world. Bioactive Compounds in Tomato: Tomatoes are rich in carotenoids (lycopene, lutein, Beta carotene), vitamins (vitamin E, vitamin C and folates) and phenoilc compounds (flavonoids, phenolic acids and tannins). Tomato is called Tamatar in Hindi, Thakkali in Tamil and Malayalam, Goore Hannu in Kannada, Tomato in Telugu, Tamoto in Marathi and Tameta in Gujarati. Tomato Nutrition:100 grams of tomatoes contains around 18 calories, .2 gram of fat, 237 mg of potassium, .9 grams of protein and 3.9 grams of carbohydrate, 11 mg of magnesium, 0.114 mg of manganese and 24 mg of phosphorus. It is very rich in vitamin C and vitamin A and it also contains vitamins like B, vitamin E and vitamin K. Here are the health benefits of tomato: 1. Full Of Antioxidants: Tomatoes are full of antioxidants and consuming foods high in antioxidants will help improve immunity and prevent premature ageing of the skin greatly. 2. Tomato For Heart Health: Antioxidant rich vitamin C and vitamin E in tomato has a protective effect and prevents cardio vascular diseases. It also reduces cholesterol levels (helps reduce LDL cholesterol) and you can read the study that supports this claim here. 3. Tomato For Cancer Prevention: Lycopene present in tomato effectively prevents cancer in the prostate, breast, lung, oral and pancreas. Flavonoids present in tomato prevents gastric cancer. 4. Tomato For Eye Health: Beta carotene present in tomatoes helps protect the eyes. It greatly helps prevent age related macular degeneration of the eyes. 5. Tomato For Skin: Both external application and internal consumption of tomato helps with skin health. Since it is rich in antioxidants and has anti inflammatory properties, topical application of tomato juice is very soothing and greatly helps sunburned skin. It is also a mild astringent and helps close open pores and treats acne too. I have given the different ways to use tomato for skin care below. 6. Tomato For Hair: Tomato is rich in vitamin C and foods high in vitamin C greatly helps with iron absorption and thus greatly prevents hair fall caused due to anemia. Hair loss due to iron deficiency is very very common in India. 7. For Reducing Inflammation: Tomato has good anti inflammatory properties and both internal consumption and external application helps in reducing the inflammation. 8. For Diabetes: Tomato is good for preventing diabetes too. Vitamin E present in tomato helps reduce the risk of getting type 2 diabetes. 9. Tomato Reduces Oxidative Stress: Tomato has an amazing ability to prevent oxidative stress as it is rich in antioxidants and it greatly prevents the formation of free radicals in the body. 10. Reduces High Blood Pressure: Tomato is rich in potassium which is a natural vasodilator that is an ingredient that helps with reducing the tension in the blood vessels thereby naturally reducing blood pressure. When buying tomatoes, try to buy organic tomatoes that are ripe but firm. Store tomatoes in a cool place and try to use it within a week...

6 TOPS WAYS TO USE TOMATO AT HOME FOR SKIN, HAIR & HEALTH:

1. Tomato Sunburn Cream:

Mix 2 tsp of Aloe Vera gel, a pinch of turmeric powder, 1/2 tsp of tomato juice and 1 vitamin e capsule together and apply on the affected area, treats sunburn really really well.

2. Tomato For Skin Lightening:

Mix baking soda with enough freshly extracted tomato juice and use it as a face pack. It lightens dark spots and scars really well.

3. Tomato Toner:

Take tomato juice, apple cider vinegar and water in equal quantities in a spray bottle. To use, after using the scrub take little bit of the toner in a cotton pad and wipe your face and neck with it.

4. Tomato Scrub:

For the scrub take 2 tsp of rice flour in a bowl, add in 1/4 tsp of turmeric powder. Finally add in enough tomato juice to form a paste and use it as a scrub.

5. Tomato Face Pack For Acne:

Take sandalwood powder in a bowl, add in 1/4 tsp of turmeric powder to it. Add in tomato juice to form a paste and use it as a face pack.

6. Tomato Juice:

Take a cup of ripe organic tomatoes, add in honey, a very tiny pinch of salt and blend together till smooth and strain. Your antioxidant rich tomato juice is ready...

Glycerin and rose water is an amazing combination and I love to use them together. I always stock fresh homemade rose water at home as I keep using it a lot. Both rose water and glycerin have amazing skin benefits and when used together keeps our skin super soft and glowing. Rose water has anti bacterial, anti inflammatory, mild astringent and soothing properties. Glycerin is an amazing humectant, that is it traps moisture so it keeps our skin hydrated always. Glycerin and rose water body lotion was one of the first homemade lotions I tried at home. When I was around 15 years old, I bought a small cosmetic book and the first recipe that caught my attention was rose water and glycerin body lotion. It looked so easy and I made it in a matter of seconds and I was also very happy how it turned out. Glycerin and rose water when used together have these following skin benefits: 1. As a Moisturizer: Glycerin and rose water combination moisturizes the skin really well and is a good substitute for chemical based moisturizers. Rosewater and glycerin combination in the ratio of 2: 1 can be used as a moisturizer for lips too. 2. As a Skin protectant: It also acts a skin protectant, glycerin is a natural humectant and it helps trap moisture in the skin. It forms a protective layer and prevents water loss. It also has anti inflammatory properties and soothes irritated skin and is perfect for applying on sunburned skin as it is very soothing and hydrating. 3. For Skin Lightening: It has skin lightening properties and lightens dark spots, dark circles around the eyes, scars, age spots and evens out the skin complexion if used daily. I would suggest using the rose water and glycerin serum recipe given below for skin lightening. 4. For Acne: Since it has anti inflammatory properties, it greatly prevents acne flare ups and since it has a soothing effect it is also good to use during the flare up. 5. For Dry Skin: It is one of the best home remedies for dry skin, when we use rose water and glycerin together it softens dry skin. Regular use will result in smooth glowing skin. Though we get plenty of rose water brands in the market, I would suggest making your homemade rose water. When we make our own rosewater, we know it is pure and we can also make it with fresh rose petals that are not sprayed with pesticides. We get both plain glycerin and vegetable glycerin (which is not common in India but can be ordered online) in the markets, I would suggest using only vegetable glycerin as it is made from pure plant oils....

3 TOP WAYS TO USE ROSEWATER & GLYCERIN FOR FACE CARE:

1. Rosewater & Glycerin Spray:

Take 100 ml rose water in a bowl. Add in 3/4'th tsp of vegetable glycerin and 1 tsp of pure Aloe Vera gel and mix well. If you like you can add few drops of rose essential oil too. Your homemade rosewater and glycerin spray is ready. It can be used as a facial mist to hydrate the skin. If you skip the Aloe Vera gel, it can be used as a toner too...

2. Rosewater & Glycerin Moisturizer:

For the moisturizer you need 4 things, rose water, glycerin, lemon juice and then rose essential oil. Heat 1/4 cup rose water in a pan in low flame, don't let it boil. Once the rose water is hot, add 1/2 tsp of lemon juice and let it dissolve. Once the lemon juice is dissolved, switch off. Add 1 tbsp of pure vegetable glycerine and stir well. Finally add 3 to 4 drops rose essential oil and stir everything together well. Cool and store in a bottle.

3. Rosewater & Glycerin Serum:

Get vitamin C powder, it is also sold as ascorbic powder in the markets. Take 1/2 tsp vitamin c powder in a bowl. Add in 1.5 tbsp vegetable glycerin and then add in 1.5 tbsp rose water. Mix well till the vitamin c powder is dissolved completely in the rose water glycerin mixture. Store in a dark bottle in cool place away from sunlight and heat. You can see the video recipe here.

My son loves mayonnaise and usually asks for it each time he has rotis. I don't like to give him mayonnaise bought from the shops regularly so I always make my own using olive oil, vinegar and organic country eggs from our farm. Few months back I was reading a fun article that explained all the hacks that we can do with mayonnaise other than eating it and one of the uses mentioned was a hair treatment. I was skeptical at first but since the mayonnaise I make at home contains only pure olive oil and eggs, I thought it will only do good for my hair. And I was so right, it left my hair silky smooth and glowing. Here are the hair benefits of using mayonnaise hair treatment: 1. For Hair Growth: Eggs and olive oil in the mayonnaise helps nourish and condition the scalp. It also strengthen the hair roots thus promoting hair growth. 2. Protects Dry & Damaged Hair: Mayonnaise hair treatment is one of the best home remedies for dry hair. If you have dry, damaged hair or have done chemical treatments for your hair, I would suggest using this treatment, it will greatly help. 3. For Head Lice: Though mayonnaise on it's own does not have any special ingredients that kills head lice, mayonnaise is very sticky and applying it on the hair suffocates the lice and kills it. 4. For Dandruff: Since mayonnaise contains vinegar, it helps treat dandruff very very effectively. Try using it in the form of mayonnaise hair pack like I have given below. 5. For Hair Straightening: Mayonnaise softens and smoothens the hair shafts making the hair appear straight naturally. I would highly suggest making your own mayonnaise at home for doing this treatment, it is so easy to make and gives the best results. How To Use Mayonnaise For Hair? You can use mayonnaise separately on it's own but I prefer to use it along with a fruit like given below...

METHOD:
1.Take the avocado and scoop out the flesh using a spoon.

2. Add in the mayonnaise

3. Finally add in the coconut milk.

4. Now grind to a smooth paste and apply as a hair mask. To use, apply this hair pack, wait for 30 minutes before washing it off. Use it weekly once or twice for best results.

NOTES:

If you don't have avocado at home, you can substitute it with ripe banana too.
I have used coconut milk, you can use regular milk also...

Raw tomato juice is one of the cheapest and healthiest juices that we can make at home. It is rich in vitamins and minerals and can be made in a matter of minutes and it also tastes very good. Tomato juice is rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, iron, vitamin B6 and magnesium. Tomato Juice Nutrition: 100 ml of tomato juice contains around 17 calories, 0.1 gram of fat, 4.2 grams of carbohydrates, 0.8 grams of protein, 3.6 grams of sugar and 0.4 gram of fiber and 0 cholesterol. Since we use tomatoes in our cooking every singe day, I always stock tomatoes at home. Whenever they turn over ripe, I make tomato juice at home and serve it chilled during hot afternoons. Here are some of the health benefits: 1. Tomato Juice Is Rich In Antioxidants: Tomato juice is rich in fat soluble antioxidant called lycopene that gives tomatoes the beautiful red color. Consuming a cup of tomato juice is one of the easiest way to get our daily dose of antioxidants. Since it is full of antioxidants, it energizes and detoxifies our body greatly. 2. Tomato Juice For Weight Loss: Apart from the fact that tomato juice is low in calories and is full of vitamins and minerals, it also increases resting energy expenditure (the amount of calories burned when the body is at rest) making it a very very effective weight loss drink. 3. Tomato Juice For High Cholesterol: Tomato juice is very very effective in reducing high cholesterol. Since it is a low calorie drink with 0 cholesterol that effectively reduces LDL levels, it is a very good substitute for high calorie juices sold in the markets for people suffering from high cholesterol. You can read the study that proves it here. 4. Tomato Juice For Male Infertility: Another interesting medicinal use of tomato juice is it increases sperm motility in infertile patients. In a study done on 3 groups of people who took antioxidants, tomato juice and nothing for 12 weeks, there was significant increase in sperm motility in people who took tomato juice, you can read the study that proves it here. 5. Tomato Juice Anti Inflammatory Properties: Tomato juice has good anti inflammatory properties and consuming fresh tomato juice is one of the easiest way to reduce the inflammation. You can find the study that supports this claim here. 6. Tomato Juice For Glowing Skin: Both external application and internal consumption of tomato helps with skin health. Since it is rich in antioxidants and has anti inflammatory properties, topical application of tomato juice is very soothing and greatly helps sunburned skin. It is also a mild astringent and helps close open pores and treats acne too. 7. Tomato For Hair: Tomato is rich in vitamin C and foods high in vitamin C greatly helps with iron absorption and thus greatly prevents hair fall caused due to anemia. Hair loss due to iron deficiency is very very common in India. Tomato Juice Side Effects: If you suffering from irritable bowel syndrome don't consume tomato juice in an empty stomach as it might aggravate the problem otherwise it is safe to consume tomato juice. Also try to use only organic tomatoes for making the juice....

METHOD:

1. Take a cup of fresh ripe tomatoes.

2. Take coconut sugar, a pinch of salt and 1/2 tsp of black pepper.

3. Blend all of them together along with 1/4 cup of ice cubes.

4. Your healthy, tasty tomato juice is ready....

NOTES:

Try to use ripe tomatoes for best taste. I have used cherry tomatoes, use what you have at home.
Consume it immediately after making.
I have used coconut sugar but you can use honey too.

Phyla Nodiflora | Lippia Nodiflora is quite a popular plant in Tamil Nadu that goes by the name of poduthalai. It is a small creeping herb that produces white or purple flowers which get tubular as they mature. It is native to South America and the United States and can be found in all tropical countries. It is named poduthalai because it is considered to be an amazing home remedy for treating dandruff, we call dandruff podugu in Tamil. It is called frog fruit | Saw tooth Frog Fruit | Turkey Tangle in English, Bukkan in Hindi, Vakkan in Marathi and Vasir in Sanskrit. Phylla nodiflora | Poduthalai have these following medicinal uses: 1. It has wonderful anti bacterial properties making it very effective for treating all kinds of wounds when applied as a poultice. 2. It has anti inflammatory properties making it very effective as a home remedy for treating knee and joint pain. It also reduces piles inflammation when taken internally. 3. It has anti diabetic properties making it a very effective natural remedy for reducing blood sugar levels for diabetic patients. 4. It also has diuretic properties and people who are suffering from water retention will benefit drinking a water decoction of the plant. 5. It also has anti urolithiatoc properties (prevention of formation of kidney stones). It not only prevents, it also effectively treats existing stones. 6. Phyla nodiflora has anti proliferative properties and especially the stem and the leaf extract inhibits breast cancer cell growth. 7. It also has anti fungal properties making it very effective for treating fungal infections when applied topically as a poultice. Usually poduthalai was commonly found in Tamil Nadu but now it is not so common but you can get the plants from nurseries. We also get poduthalai powder in the markets, you can use it for making hair packs like given below............

4 AMAZING WAYS TO USE PHYLA NODIFLORA | PODUTHALAI AT HOME:

1. Poduthalai Hair Oil:

For making poduthalai hair oil, boil coconut oil with fresh poduthalai leaves till it loses it's water content. Switch off, cool and strain and use it as a hair oil to get rid of dandruff.

2. Poduthalai Hair Pack:

For the hair pack, take required amount of poduthalai powder in a bowl, add in enough rice water and 1/4 tsp of coconut oil to it and apply as a hair pack. Wait for 30 minutes before having hair wash. This hair pack also treats dandruff very effectively.

3. Poduthalai Poultice For Wounds:

For the poultice pound a handful of fresh poduthalai leaves and apply as a poultice on the wounds. Since it has anti bacterial properties, it treats the infections really well.

4. Poduthalai Decoction:

Poduthalai decoction made by boiling a handful of the leaves along with 1/4 tsp of cumin seeds is an amazing home remedy for treating ulcers, indigestion, inflammation, for preventing kidney stones and as an anti breast cancer drink...

I can only call neem tree whose botanical name is Azardirachta Indica, a natures miracle because it magically cures almost all the skin and hair problems. For people who don't have access to fresh neem leaves, neem leaf powder is a wonderful alternative. We have a very very huge neem tree in front of our house that is more than 100 years old. I am so fond of that tree and I make neem leaf powder during hot summers and use it throughout the year. Neem leaf powder have anti bacterial, anti microbial, anti microbial, anti viral, anti fungal and anti inflammatory properties making it a very important ingredient that can be used for treating wide variety of problems. Neem powder have these following amazing health benefits and medicinal uses: 1. Neem Powder For Teeth: Neem has been used for dental care for centuries and in our village we still continue to use it. Neem has antibacterial properties and using it as a tooth powder is one the most effective ways to treat dental problems very effectively. It treats bad breath, plaque and kills bacteria in the mouth effectively. I have given homemade tooth powder recipe using neem powder below. 2. Neem For Pimples (Acne): Neem powder is wonderful for treating acne as it has anti inflammatory, anti bacterial and antiseptic properties. To use it for treating pimples apply neem face pack regularly. The anti bacterial activity of neem has been proven through clinical research and not surprisingly it was more potent than other ingredients it was tested along with. You can read that study here. 3. Neem For Eczema: Eczema is a skin condition in which skin becomes dry, inflamed, red and extremely itchy. Neem powder is one of the best home remedies for eczema as it helps reduce the inflammation very very effectively. To use for treating eczema, mix neem powder with yogurt and apply as a poultice. 4. Neem For Athlete's Foot & Other Fungal Infections: Neem leaf powder is an amazing home remedy for treating Athlete'sFoot as it has anti fungal properties. To treat it, mix 2 tbsp of neem powder along with a handful of Epsom salt in 2 liters of warm water and soak your feet in it. 5. Neem For Psoriasis: Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease which is characterized by red, itchy and scaly skin. Neem powder when mixed together with turmeric powder and applied as a poultice greatly helps reduce the itching. 6. Neem Powder For Dandruff: Neem powder is an amazing home remedy for dandruff when used as a hair pack. I like to mix neem powder with lemon and yogurt and apply as a hair pack for treating dandruff. 7. Neem Powder For Hair Growth: Neem leaf powder treats almost all the problems of the scalp from itchiness to dandruff so it greatly arrests hair loss and promotes new hair growth. 8. Neem Powder For Head Lice:Neem leaf powder is a natural pesticide and is wonderful for killing head lice. You can also use pure neem oil for head lice but neem oil has a very strong odor. If you don't want to use neem oil, try neem leaf powder hair pack mentioned below, it is highly effective. 9. Neem Powder For Stomach Parasites: Here in our village it is a common practice to take neem balls once every 3 months to get rid of stomach parasites. For the balls, you can grind neem leaf powder along with crystal salt, carom seeds and small piece of dry ginger to a fine paste, make into small balls and swallow one small ball in empty stomach. 10. Neem Powder For Diabetes: Neem powder lowers blood sugar levels when taken internally. Now neem leaf tablets are sold everywhere, you can use it or mix neem powder in water and drink it for controlling blood sugar levels. You can read the study that proves the anti diabetic properties of neem here. Neem Powder Side Effects: Neem powder rarely causes any side effects when used externally and can be used for all types of skin. But when taken internally it might cause stomach irritation for some people due to it's extreme bitterness. How To Make Neem Powder? To make neem powder, collect fresh neem leaves, sun dry till crisp and powder in a dry mixer and store. Where To Buy Neem Powder? You get neem powder easily through online shops, it is cheap and stores well....

5 TOP WAYS TO USE NEEM POWDER FOR HAIR, SKIN & HEALTH:

1. Neem Powder For Teeth:

Take 1 tbsp of neem powder in a bowl, add in 1/2 tsp of baking soda and a pinch of salt. Use this natural tooth powder to brush your teeth weekly once to prevent tooth decay and mouth odor.

2. Neem Powder Drink For Diabetes:

If your blood sugar levels remain elevated, you can try drinking this neem powder drink by mixing 1/4 tsp of neem powder in a cup of warm water.

3. Neem Powder Face Pack:

Take required amount of neem powder in a bowl, add in fresh Aloe Vera juice to it and use as a face pack. You can see the video recipe here.

4. Neem Powder Foot Soak:

Take 1 tbsp of neem powder in a bowl, add in a handful of Epsom salt to it and soak your feet in it to treat all foot infections.

5. Neem Powder Hair Pack:

Take required amount of neem powder in a bowl, add in 1 tsp lemon juice and enough yogurt to form a paste and apply as a hair pack. If you have dry hair, you can add 1/4 tsp of virgin coconut oil to the hair pack too...

Fenugreek seeds are one of the best natural ingredient that increases breast milk naturally. The botanical name of fenugreek is Trigonella Foenum and it is one of the ingredients that we extensively use both in cooking and in home remedies. Usually after delivery mothers are given great care in our village, traditionally we stay in our mothers house till the baby turns at least 7 months old. During the time, mothers are given nutritious foods to encourage sufficient breast milk supply for the baby. And traditionally there are certain ingredients that are given to breast feeding mothers that boosts breast milk and one such ingredient is fenugreek. This traditional practice has been backed by research, you can read the study that supports this claim here. Fenugreek is an excellent galactagogue and has been used for centuries for it. At home, we make fenugreek porridge regularly and I have given the recipe for it below. Usually you will start noticing increase in breast milk supply within a day or two of consuming fenugreek seeds but for some women it might take longer. Fenugreek Dosage For Breast Feeding: Usually the general safe dosage recommended is around 1 to 1.5 tsp per day. It is generally the approximate amount that is given to pregnant women in our place too. In the clinical study mentioned above 7.5 grams of fenugreek powder was given three times a day for four weeks but I would suggest starting with 1 to 1.5 tsp. Fenugreek seeds are rich in fiber and suddenly consuming large amounts of fiber will lead to stomach problems and bloating. Also fenugreek reduces blood sugar levels and too much fenugreek consumption might interfere with certain medications, so moderation is the key for consuming fenugreek. You can take fenugreek in the form of fenugreek capsules (tablets), fenugreek extract or fenugreek seeds. If using fenugreek seeds, try any one of the three recipes given below. Fenugreek extract and tablets can be easily ordered online...

3 Ways To Use Fenugreek Seeds For Increasing Breast Milk Supply:

1. Fenugreek In Yogurt:

Take 1/4 cup of yogurt in a bowl. Add in 1 tsp of fenugreek seeds, let it soak for at least 2 to 3 hours and it is ready to eat. This is one of the easiest ways to consume fenugreek seeds if you don't want to make fenugreek porridge.

2. Fenugreek Tea:

For making fenugreek tea, Take 1 tsp of fenugreek seeds in a bowl along with a cup of water. Boil till the color of the water changes and strain.

3. Fenugreek Porridge:

Wash 1/4 cup of raw rice and soak it along with 1 tsp of fenugreek seeds for 10 to 1 5 minutes. Now take them in a pressure along with 2 pods of garlic, 2 cups of water and enough salt to taste. Pressure cook for 4 whistles. Open and mash it nicely with the back of a spoon and add 1/2 cup of coconut milk while still hot and your delicious porridge is ready!

Both garlic and honey on their own have wonderful health benefits but when combined together offers us even more benefits. Both garlic and honey are rich in antioxidants and they help improve immunity. I love garlic and use it my cooking a lot and even when I was pregnant, I was consuming garlic on a daily basis till I stopped breast feeding to improve breast milk supply. Few months back I read an article explaining the health benefits of consuming raw garlic soaked in honey. I really got very interested because few of my family members consume raw garlic regularly and it is so hard to consume raw garlic and the after smell is also terrible. When I made this garlic honey at home, I peeled off the garlic cloves completely and let it soak in the honey till completely tender. This did two things, it was so easy to consume as the garlic turned tender and because of the honey it also tasted good compared to eating crunchy raw garlic. The active ingredient of garlic is allicin and it gets decentralized by heat so eating garlic in it's raw form is one of the best ways to get all the wonderful benefits it offers. Also crushing garlic lightly before soaking it in honey makes allicin more bio available. Here are the health benefits of consuming raw garlic soaked in honey: 1. Garlic Honey For Cold, Cough & Sore Throat: Raw garlic and honey are rich in antioxidants and helps improve our immunity and regular consumption helps prevent common cold and flu to a great extent. It is also good for asthma patients too. 2. Garlic Honey For High Blood Pressure: Garlic has been proven to lower blood pressure so this blend is good for patients with high blood pressure. You can read the study that supports this claim here. 3. Garlic Honey For High Cholesterol: This is a wonderful remedy for people with high cholesterol as it lowers cholesterol levels significantly. You can read the study that supports this claim here. 4. Garlic Honey For Acne: Both garlic and honey have anti inflammatory properties and regular consumption of garlic honey is great for people who are suffering from acne regularly. 5. Garlic Honey For Weight Loss: Garlic and honey is also an amazing blood purifier and helps detoxify our body naturally and improves our metabolism thus helping in weight loss. It also has anti cancer and anti microbial properties and is also rich in vitamins and minerals. How Much To Consume? Consume about 1 garlic clove soaked in honey daily and slowly increase it to 2 cloves overtime. Side Effects: There are no side effects to consuming garlic honey if taken in moderation but it might cause stomach irritation for certain people if had in an empty stomach. If it does, have it in between meals and never over consume it as it might lead to stomach burning, mouth odor and in certain cases vomiting too.....

METHOD:

1. Take the required amount of garlic pods, remove the outer skin and pound it lightly in a mortar and pestle.

2. Take the pounded garlic pods in a cup.

3. Add unprocessed raw honey till the pounded garlic are fully immersed.

4. Let it soak for at least 3 to 4 days in which time the garlic pods would have softened. Store in a glass bottle and have it everyday.

NOTES:

Let it soak till the garlic is fully tender.
Always pour honey till the garlic pods are fully immersed.
Store in a glass bottle for best results.

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