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I have always been interested in herbs and when I read about new herbs, I always wonder how it will smell and taste. You will always find me asking my family members when they travel to new countries whether they smelt or tasted a herb that is well known in that country. Now I am so happy because we get many well known herbs in India and my latest obsession is chives. The botanical name of chives is Allium Schoenoprasum and they belong to the Allium family and are closely related to onion and garlic. They are bulb forming perennial plants grown for the scapes (stems) and flowers. They produce beautiful pale purple flowers and the stems are soft, hollow and tubular. I want to grow chives in my garden, hopefully I can update the above picture with beautiful chive flowers soon. Commonly chives are refered to as onion chives and garlic chives, they both do not refer to the same plant. Onion chives is Allium Scheonoprasum and garlic chives refers to Allium Tuberosum. Chives goes by the same name in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and all other Indian languages. Chives Nutrition: 100 grams of chives have around 30 calories, 4.3 grams of carbohydrates, 2.5 grams of fiber, less then 1 gram of fat and 3.2 grams of protein. Chives are rich in vitamins like vitamin A, thiamine, riboflavin, folate, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, vitamin B5 and vitamin B6. It is rich in minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus and zinc. I have been wanting to use chives in my cooking for a long time and the day I bought it, I made a potato souffle and adding chives took it to an other level. Once my longing for using it in cooking was satisfied, I started looking out for all the medicinal values and health benefits and I have given all of them below. Chives have wonderful anti bacterial and anti inflammatory properties and can be used both externally and taken internally. The easiest way to use chives medicinally is either by making a water decoction by boiling the cut chives in water or by extracting the fresh juice by pounding the fresh stem along with little water and then extracting the fresh juice, both are effective. We get chives in big cities in India and some nurseries also sell chive plant. We can easily grow chives at home, it needs full sun and a well drained soil. Chives Side Effects: Having it in moderation you will never experience any side effects but if over consumed might cause stomach issues....
10 Top Medicinal Uses Of Chives For Skin, Hair & Health:
1. Anti Inflammatory Properties:Chives have anti inflammatory properties and is great for consuming when suffering from any kind of inflammations. The water extract got by steeping the fresh or dried stem in hot water can be used for reducing any inflammation. This has been proven by clinical research, you can read the study here.
2. Home Remedy For Sore Throat:Chives have been used as a sore throat remedy from ancient times. As it has anti inflammatory properties, it helps reduce the inflammation and gives good relief from the pain. To use for sore throat, pour boiling water over finely cut chives, let it steep, strain and drink..
3. Antioxidant Properties:Chives have wonderful antioxidant properties and including natural ingredients that have wonderful antioxidant properties is vital to prevent premature aging of the skin and hair. You can read the study that supports this claim here.
4. Anti Cancer Properties:Chives have wonderful anti cancer properties and it is especially useful for preventing stomach and colorectal cancers. The protective effect is due to the oraganosulphur compounds present in chives which prevent carcinogenesis to a great extent. You can read the study that supports this claim here.
5. Anti Bacterial Properties:Chives have anti bacterial properties and has been proven to be effective against five different kinds of bacteria when used in their raw form. They were shown to be effective against bacteria like staphylococcus, salmonella, E coli, etc...
6. For Hair: Chives extract can also be used for promoting hair growth as it increases the blood flow in our scalp. It also treats scalp infections as it has anti bacterial properties. Chive extract can be used as a final hair rinse too. To make it, boil chives in water and strain. Once cool, add in a squeeze of fresh lime juice and use it as final hair rinse....
7. For Skin: Since chives have anti bacterial and anti inflammatory properties, it can be used to reduce skin inflammations very effectively. Chive extract got by boiling chives in water can be used as a wash for wounds. Fresh chive extract got by pounding it in a mortar and pestle along with little water can also be used in face packs to treat skin breakouts like acne.
8. For Cardio Vascular Health: Chives like it's cousins garlic and onions has cardio protective properties as allicin present in chives reduces LDL cholesterol and increase HDL cholesterol. Allicin present in chives also reduces oxidative stress and it also reduces high blood pressure.
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Cockroaches are one of the common household pests found all over the world, they feed on food remains and can cause a bad odor. It is not only the bad smell that is bad about cockroaches, they transport microbes and can cause severe allergies. Especially people with asthma should be careful of cockroaches as they trigger allergic reactions in most asthma patients. Cockroaches can become a huge problem because of two reasons, one they multiply so fast and second they can last so many days without food. Also many of you may not be aware that if cockroaches multiply too much there is a risk of cockroach bite too. When I was in hostel my friend was bitten by a cockroach and she developed serious allergies. Kitchen is the most common place that cockroaches are usually found. Traditionally in India, we had open shelves in the kitchen which is fast being replaced with closed shelves now. Closed shelves are not a problem if you wipe the vessels and place them inside. But if you keep wet vessels inside the shelves, there are great chances for cockroach infestation as cockroaches love damp and dark places. Once cockroaches are inside closed shelves, it starts smelling real bad. Also cockroaches are very very good at hiding so it is hard to find them to kill. I would suggest not using cockroach sprays available in the markets as no matter how careful you are, some will be sprayed on the vessels too. Instead try the cockroach repellent spray given below, it is a safe way to get rid of cockroaches. If you don't have kids around the house, you can try the cockroach repellent balls, cockroaches get attracted to the sugar in it and when they eat them they die. But I would suggest not using it if you have young kids around as it has borax which is not safe for internal consumption. The next remedy is diatomaceous earth, when sprinkled on the surface where cockroaches are commonly found, it sticks to their feet, enters their body and kills them. Once there is cockroach infestation, try any of these remedies to get rid of them and then you can wash or wipe down the whole place with neem water (neem leaves boiled in water) and let it dry completely before using again....
3. NATURAL HOME REMEDIES FOR GETTING RID OF COCKROACH:
1. COCKROACH REPELLENT BALLS RECIPE:BORAX: 2 TSPSUGAR: 1 TSPFLOUR: 1 TSP
METHOD:Take borax, flour and sugar in a bowl. Add enough water to form a thick mixture. Now make small balls out of it and keep it in places where cockroaches are usually found in kitchens and apartments. Borax kills cockroaches and flour and sugar in the recipe attracts them. This is a safe method but if you have kids or pets at home, try the second remedy as it is toxic if borax is consumed internally.2. COCKROACH REPELLENT SPRAY RECIPE:WATER: 1.5 CUPSNEEM LEAVES: 1 HANDFULSWEET FLAG ROOT: 2 INCH PIECE
METHOD:Take sweet flag root and pound it to break into small pieces. Add neem leaves and pound to crush the leaves too. Now take the crushed herbs along with water and boil for till the water is reduced to 1 cup. Switch off, cool, strain and take in a spray bottle. Use this cockroach repellent spray in places where cockroaches are normally found.3. DIATOMACEOUS POWDER:Sprinkle diatomaceous powder on the places where cockroaches are commonly found. If you are wondering what is diatomaceous powder, it is a fine powder got from crumbling a type of natural rock that contains fossil remains of an algae called diatoms. This is a very very safe way to kill cockroaches at home because it is very very safe for humans and pets. Diatomaceous powder does not have any chemical that magically kills cockroaches but the particles are small and sharp and when cockroaches walk on them it sticks to their bodies. Then it cuts into the exoskeleton and absorbs the water and cockroaches die of dehydration within 24 to 48 hours. You can order diatomaceous earth online and when buying look out for food grade quality...... ![]()
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Cumin seeds also called as Jeera in Hindi, Seeragam in Tamil are excellent for weight loss and is great for including in a weight loss diet. The first time I drank cumin water | jeera water was when I was around 7 to 8 years old, when I visited Kerala for my holidays. I was mesmerized with the yellow color liquid, though I didn't care much for the taste I used to repeatedly ask only for it. Though we don't drink cumin water at home on a daily basis like my Kerala friends, we do use it as a remedy. Cumin water is now touted as a miracle weight loss drink and I see articles about it everywhere on the web. Is cumin seeds really effective for weight loss? Indeed it is, it has been proven through research but what blew my mind was it had the same effect as a medicine called Orlistat 120, a medicine designed to reduce the absorption of fat and usually prescribed for obese people. A common kitchen ingredient like cumin seeds having the same effect like a prescribed medicine is astonishing. You can read the research paper link here. When we use natural ingredients like cumin seeds in the proper dosage daily, there is literally no side effects and most importantly the treatment is cheap and anyone can do it at home. But please remember when using natural weight loss drinks like cumin water, you have to exercise daily to improve your metabolism and you also need to have a healthy diet. Eating junk food and drinking cumin water daily for weight loss will never work. Here are five reasons why cumin water works for weight loss: 1. Cumin water when consumed internally reduces serum triglycerides, it reduces LDL significantly. 2. Cumin water also raises the (HDL) good cholesterol in our body. 3. Cumin water naturally removes toxins from our body and detoxifies it naturally. 4. Cumin water keeps our digestion in peak order and a good digestive system is essential for natural healthy weight loss. 5. Cumin water improves our resting metabolism resulting in natural healthy fat loss. The daily recommend dosage of cumin water for weight loss is 7.5 mg but I would recommend starting with 1 tsp and slowly increasing it over time..........
METHOD:1. Take cumin seeds.2. Boil cumin seeds in half cup of water till it changes to yellow color.3. Switch off and strain. Add few drops of lemon juice to it.4. Finally add in honey and your wonderful natural weight loss drink is ready!
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Kaffir lime is actually a lime that is native to Thailand and it is popularly called Makrut in Thailand. We call it kolumichai in Tamil and it's botanical name is Citrus Hystrix. I am not sure about it's Hindi name and names in other Indian languages. If you do know please update me in the comment section. Last week one our family friends sent some kaffir limes from their farm but they had sent it naming them citron lime (Citrus Medica). But citron limes are more elongate and we call it narthangai in Tamil. Both should not be confused with each other, kaffir limes are small with bumpy skin and a very strong unique smell. The main compounds found in kaffir lime are citronellal and in smaller amounts limonene, citronellol are found. In Thailand, kaffir limes are used extensively in cooking and especially the kaffir lime leaves are used more than the limes in cooking as it imparts a wonderful flavor. Kaffir lime has amazing health benefits and is especially wonderful for treating all gum related problems. It has got antifungal, anti inflammatory and insect repelling properties. Here are some of the benefits of using kaffir limes: 1. Kaffir lime For Hair: Kaffir limes are excellent in treating dandruff. To treat dandruff mix 1 tbsp of apple cider vinegar with 1 tbsp of kaffir lime juice and 1 tbsp of water and apply on the scalp directly. Leave it on for 15 minutes before washing and conditioning your hair. This is a very good home remedy for dandruff. 2. Kaffir Lime For Dental Problems: Kaffir limes have been used in various cultures for treating various dental problems. Kaffir lime has anti bacterial properties and to treat dental problems we can make a simple mouth wash by boiling kaffir lime rind with water. 3. Kaffir Lime For Digestion: Kaffir limes is very very good for improving digestion. For improving digestion make kaffir lime juice by mixing the juice with water, a pinch of salt and honey and drink. It is also a very good drink to serve after a heavy meal. 4. Anti Inflammatory Properties: Kaffir lime has good anti inflammatory properties and is good to take when suffering from any kinds of inflammation. 5. Insect Repellent: Kaffir limes is an amazing insect repellent, the essential oil and the rind of the fruit can be used for repelling insects. 6. Detoxify The Body: Kaffir lime juice when taken often like lemon juice detoxifies the body and helps flush out the toxins.7. For Skin: Kaffir lime can be used for skin care too. Since it has anti bacterial properties, it will treat and prevent skin infections. I have given a face pack using kaffir limes below. 8. As a Cleaner: At home, I try to use natural cleaners and I like to boil the rind of kaffir lime and use the liquid as a kitchen top cleaner. The smell when we boil the rind is amazing and so uplifting. Side Effects: Kaffir lime if had in moderation will not cause any side effects.....
5 TOP WAYS TO USE KAFFIR LIMES FOR SKIN, HAIR & HEALTH:
1. Kaffir Lime Juice For Digestion:Take a cup of cold water, add in enough kaffir lime juice, a pinch of salt and honey and drink.
2. Kaffir Lime Face Pack:Take gram flour in a bowl, add in enough kaffir lime juice and honey to form a paste and apply as a face pack.3. Kaffir Lime For Hair:Take equal quantities of kaffir lime juice, apple cider vinegar and water in a bowl and mix well. Apply on the scalp, leave it on for 15 minutes before having hair wash. This is a very good remedy for dandruff.4. Kaffir Lime For Cleaning:Grate the kaffir lime rind and boil it in water till the color of the water changes and strain. Use this liquid as kitchen counter cleaner by spraying and wiping with a soft cloth.5. Kaffir Lime Mouth Wash:Boil kaffir rind in 1 cup of water along with 1/4 tsp of salt and use it as a mouth rinse.
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Pores in our skin is where hair follicles and sebaceous gland which produces sebum is found. We all have open pores and it is necessary for the oil and hair follicle to surface. It becomes a problem only when there is excessive oil production. When we don't remove the excessive oil build up, the excessive oil build up makes the pores look visibly larger and it is this condition that we call open pores. If left untreated may lead to blackheads and white heads. But what causes excessive oil production in the first place? It might be genetics, hormonal changes, poor skin care routine and stress also can contribute to changes in our skin texture. If you are genetically prone to oily skin or lead a highly stressful life it is so common to suffer from enlarged pores. We can easily avoid it if we regularly follow a skin care routine. You can off course buy store bought products for your skin care routine. But I prefer to make my own as it is cheap and I also know what goes into it. If you are suffering from large pores, first we have to remove the excessive oil from our pores, I do it in three steps. First is a scrub using orange juice and sugar, the scrub gently removes the excessive oil gently. But try to use only castor sugar, if you use regular sugar it will cause skin irritation. The second is a homemade toner using apple cider vinegar, apple cider vinegar helps remove any left over sebum left by the scrub. Finally the last step is a face pack using egg white, the egg white mask tightens the pores and after this treatment you will see good improvement. I would suggest doing this treatment weekly once to remove and prevent excessive oil build up.........
HOW TO CLOSE OPEN PORES PERMANENTLY: 3 STEP TREATMENT:I do a 3 step treatment at home for getting rid of open pores. It consist of a scrub, toner and a firming face mask...
1. ORANGE & SUGAR SCRUB:
Orange: 1Castor Sugar: 1 tbspOrange essential oil: few dropsTake castor sugar in a mortar and pestle. Add in enough orange juice and 2 drops of orange essential oil, mix well and use as a face scrub.
2. APPLE CIDER VINEGAR TONER:
Apple cider vinegar : 1 tbspwater: 1 tbspTake apple cider vinegar and water in a bowl and mix well. After using the scrub, wash your face, pat dry and then apply this toner all over the face with a piece of cotton.
3. TONING & FIRMING EGG MASK:
Egg white: 1Lemon juice: 1 tspBreak open an egg and remove the egg white alone seperately. Add in the lemon juice, mix well and use it as a face pack. Continue doing this pore reducing treatment weekly once to minimize open pores very effectively...
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Hot oil treatments have been around for a long time, especially here in our place, it has been followed for centuries. Like the name suggests, hot oil treatment is a process of applying warm oil usually infused with herbs onto the scalp. Some of the common oils used for hot oil treatments are are argan oil, coconut oil, sesame oil, jojoba oil, castor oil and avocado oil. Here in our place we mainly use unrefined sesame oil for hot oil treatments but you can use any oil you prefer. Whatever oil you choose, try to use only pure unrefined oils. This hot oil treatment can be used on all types of hair ranging from natural black hair to chemically damaged hair. Traditionally we call it oil bath and men have their oil bath on Saturdays and women have their oil bath on Fridays. Here in my village it is so common to see women have their hot oil treatment on Fridays and then visit temples. Hot oil treatments not only helps with hair growth, it also reduces stress. Here are some of the health benefits of hot oil treatment: 1. Reduces Stress: During hot oil treatment, we massage a wonderful herbal oil onto our scalp and regular scalp massage is a wonderful stress buster. It greatly reduces stress which is very essential in this fast paced life. 2. For Hair Growth: Gentle warm oil massage, improves the blood circulation in the scalp and greatly strengthens the hair follicles thus promoting hair growth. 3. Arrests Hair Fall: Since it strengthens the hair follicles, it greatly prevents hair fall. If you are suffering from hair fall, I would highly suggest regular hot oil treatments. 4. Cures Dandruff & Itchiness: The wonderful herbs added in the hot oil treatment like garlic, black pepper treats dandruff effectively. It also cures itchiness very effectively. 5. For Dry & Damaged Hair: Hot oil treatment is very hydrating and regular hot oil treatment is great for dry and damaged hair. The herbs and spices added into the oil vary from place to place, here in our place we mainly use black peppercorns and cumin seeds. But my grandma used to add garlic and dry ginger to the oil too so we continue to do it the same way. There is a great benefit to adding dry ginger and garlic, some people suffer from sinus infection if they do oil treatment but if we use this blend we will not have sinus infection at all. Also garlic greatly prevents scalp infections like dandruff and hair fall. If you are worried of garlic smell, the smell will not be there after you have your hair wash. Also after applying the hot oil treatment try to do hot towel treatment like mentioned below to deep condition your hair.........
METHOD:1.Take all the ingredients needed.
2. Pound garlic and dry ginger in a mortar and pestle.3. Add in the cumin seeds and whole peppercorns to the sesame oil.4. Add in the pounded dry ginger and garlic and fry till the ingredients turn light brown. Don't let them burn.5. Strain and use it to massage your scalp while still warm. let is soak for an hour.6. Hot Towel Treatment: After an hour, dip a thick towel in hot water, wring out excess water and tie it around your head. Wait till it looses it's heat, remove, massage once more and have hair wash.
NOTES:- Try always to make the oil fresh.
- If you don't like to any of the spices mentioned, skip it and use the rest.
- Try your best to do hot oil hair treatment weekly once for best results.
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We use fenugreek seeds extensively both as a remedy and in cooking. The botanical name of fenugreek seeds is Trigonella Foenum-Graecum.Fenugreek seeds are called Methi Dana in Hindi, Vendhayam in Tamil, Menthulu in Telugu, Menthe in Kannada and Ventiam in Malayalam. Fenugreek seeds have wonderful medicinal uses and since most homes stock it always, if we get to know it's medicinal uses, it will always come in handy. At home, we use it to treat ulcers by making a porridge with it, it is very soothing on the stomach and is very tasty too. It is also a common practice for diabetic patients to consume fenugreek seeds in our village. But please remember to keep a close watch on your blood sugar levels as fenugreek seeds might lower it significantly if you are taking it along with diabetic medication. Using fenugreek seeds for increasing breast milk supply is also very common, it is usually given in porridge form for breast feeding mothers. We also use fenugreek seeds externally too, we use it as a hair pack to treat dandruff, I have been using fenugreek hair pack for more than 10 years now. It not only keeps my hair shiny, it also prevents dandruff. Fenugreek Seeds Nutrition: 100 grams of fenugreek seeds contain around 323 calories, 6gm of fat, 23 gms of protein and 58grams of carbohydrates. It is rich in minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium and vitamin B6. Side Effects Of Fenugreek Seeds: When consuming internally in small amounts it does not cause any problems, but in excess it can lead to upset stomach for some as it is very high in fiber. People who are taking thyroid medication should practice caution when taking excessive amount of fenugreek seeds. The only problem with fenugreek seeds when applying it externally on the scalp is that anyone who is prone to sinus or asthma can't use it as it is very cooling and will aggravate the problem. To be on the safer side, don't let it soak for a long time (max 10 minutes) when you are using it the first time. Once you are comfortable then you can let it soak for 15 to 20 minutes. Where to buy fenugreek seeds? In India fenugreek seeds can be found in all departmental stores, abroad you can find it in grocery stores but if you can't try in Indian stores. How To Consume Fenugreek Seeds: You can consume it as it is or take it in the form of fenugreek powder. You can also try fenugreek capsule if you don't want to consume the seeds. Fenugreek Seeds Dosage: The general suggested dosage is 1 tsp but start 1/2 tsp of the seeds and increase it to 1 tsp over time
10 TOP MEDICINAL USES OF FENUGREEK SEEDS:1. Anti Diabetic Properties: Fenugreek seeds are a real boon to diabetic patients. They not only help reduce the blood sugar levels of diabetic patients, they also prevent diabetes in pre diabetic patients. Just 2 tsps daily will greatly help prevent diabetes. Try to include fenugreek seeds in the diet a often to maintain stable blood sugar levels. You can soak a tsp of fenugreek seeds in water the previous day and have it the next day morning or boil it in water and have it as fenugreek tea. But if you are a diabetic please monitor your blood sugar levels closely while consuming fenugreek seeds as it significantly lowers blood sugar levels. You can read the study that supports this claim here.
2. Anti Obesity Properties: Fenugreek extract has been proven to inhibit fat accumulation and has been proven to have anti obesity properties. Fenugreek seeds greatly reduces plasma triglyceride gain and you can read the study that supports this claim here. Also any ingredient that keeps us full for longer periods of time results in natural weight loss, keeps the blood sugar levels stable and also prevents snacking. If you consume any dish made with fenugreek seeds like fenugreek dosa or fenugreek porridge, it will keep you fuller for a longer periods of time preventing you from reaching for fattening snacks.3. Anti Inflammatory Properties: Fenugreek seeds have been been clinically proven to have anti inflammatory properties, you can read the study that supports this claim here. Fenugreek seeds can also be used to treat inflammations caused due to allergies. Fenugreek has been used for reducing arthritic pain traditionally, fenugreek seed extract greatly eases both the pain and inflammation. To use for arthritis or any joint pain, soak the seeds and have it the next day, I like to soak the methi seeds in curd as it is easier to eat.
4. Antioxidant Properties: Fenugreek seeds have wonderful antioxidant properties. Consuming antioxidant rich foods is vital for good health as they fight off free radicals in the body which are the main reason for premature ageing of the skin. Though you can consume fenugreek seeds as it is, I would highly recommend germinating the seeds for best results as it has even more antioxidant properties.
5. For Treating PCOS: Poly cystic ovarian syndrome called pcos in short is unfortunately increasing due to change in our life style and food habits. Pcos is associated with obesity, infertility and insulin resistance but there are wonderful ingredients that greatly help women suffering from Pcos and one such ingredient is fenugreek. As obesity is one of the major causes of pcos, taking fenugreek seeds regularly will help a lot. Consuming fenugreek seeds regulates the glucose levels in the body which leads to natural weight loss. You can read the study that supports this claim here. In my home I use fenugreek seeds for making idli batter, that way we consume fenugreek seeds every single day. 6. Anti Cancer Properties: Fenugreek seeds are also great for cancer prevention. Fenugreek seeds have been proven to kill cancer cells. They also are great for cancer prevention, you can read the study that proves it here. I greatly believe in our traditional practices because our elders have already perfected using most of the ingredients, all we have to do is to follow it precisely. Same goes with fenugreek seeds, traditionally we add certain amount in cooking and if we continue to do that I am sure we can get all the benefits it offers without any benefits.7. Galactagogue Properties:T
raditionally 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. 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. You can find the recipes for consuming during breast feeding here.
8. Fenugreek For Men: Fenugreek seeds have been proven to improve the reduce the DHT levels which is the main cause for male pattern baldness in men. Both applying fenugreek as a hair pack and taking it internally will help men suffering from male pattern baldness. Try to apply fenugreek hair pack at least weekly twice to see good results. Also fenugreek increases libido and this has been proven scientifically, you can read it here. 9. Anti Ulcer Properties: Fenugreek seeds are great for treating ulcers, here in my place we make a porridge out of fenugreek seeds to treat ulcers. A handful of broken rice is cooked along with 1 tbsp of fenugreek seeds, 1/4 tsp of cumin seeds and required amount of coconut milk till it's mushy. Add required amount of salt and your best home remedy for ulcer is ready! Take this porridge for a few days and you will get good relief from ulcer pain. There is also a clinical research to support this traditional use, you can find it here. 10. Fenugreek Seeds For Dandruff:I don't even have to site a research for this use as I know personally that fenugreek seeds help prevent dandruff. Once I started getting dandruff, my mother applied dandruff hair pack for me continuously weekly twice to prevent it. I continue to do it till today and it has kept me dandruff free. Luckily I can apply fenugreek hair pack even for long duration's of time and experience no side effects at all but people who are prone to sinus infections might have problems when applying fenugreek hair pack... ![]()
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I love curry leaves and use it extensively both in cooking and for hair care. I have grown up seeing both my grandmothers and aunts use curry leaves for hair care and so naturally I started using it for my hair too. Till today, curry leaf hair oil remains my all favorite hair oil, I love it because it strengthens the hair follicles and greatly prevents hair fall. Along with external application, I would suggest consuming curry leaves regularly as it provides all the nutrients required for hair growth. Here are some of the hair benefits of curry leaves: 1. Curry leaves when used externally as an oil nourishes the scalp and strengthens the hair follicles. 2. Curry leaves when used as a hair pack removes product build up in the scalp. We regularly use many chemical products on a regular basis for our hair which results in product buildup. Weekly once use of curry leaf hair pack removes product buildup from the scalp. 3. Curry leaves are one of the best home remedies for treating premature greying and I have seen it personally. My neighbor who had premature greying reversed her greying with curry leaf hair oil. It really amazed me to see how effective curry leaves are for treating hair problems. 4. When we massage our scalp with curry leaf hair oil made with curry leaves and coconut oil, it improves blood circulation in the scalp thus promoting new hair growth. 5. Curry leaves are rich in nutrients essential for hair growth, regular consumption of curry leaves will stop hair loss caused due to nutrient deficiencies. Also curry leaves are rich in antioxidants so it prevents free radicals in the body which are the main cause of premature ageing of skin and hair. At home, we add curry leaves as a seasoning to almost all our dishes and I have been advised from young age to consume the curry leaves added to the dishes. Usually most people discard the curry leaves found in the dishes and because of that reason curry leaf is usually sited as an example for people who make use of people in need and discard them later. I would highly suggest both consuming curry leaves and applying it externally on the scalp on a daily basis, it will keep our hair lustrous and strong......
3 TOP WAYS TO USE CURRY LEAVES FOR HAIR GROWTH:
1. CURRY LEAF HAIR PACK:For the hair pack, take a cup of curry leaves in a mixer. Add in the juice of about half a lemon. Finally add enough homemade coconut milk or yogurt and grind to a smooth paste and apply as a hair pack. Wait for half an hour for the hair pack to dry before washing it off. This hair pack will treat dandruff, product build in the scalp and arrest hair fall.
2.CURRY LEAF TEA TO STOP HAIR LOSS:INGREDIENTS: Curry leaves: 1/4 cup
Cumin seeds: 1/4 tsp
Peppercorns: 1/4 tsp
Water: 2 cups
METHOD:Take pesticide free curry leaves in a mortar and pestle and pound coarsely. Take the cumin seeds and peppercorns in a mortar and pestle and pound it coarsely. Heat water in a cup, add the pounded curry leaves and cumin, peppercorns mixture. Boil till the color of the water changes to green color. Switch off and strain. drink this tea regularly to stop hair loss.
3. CURRY LEAF HAIR OIL:To make curry leaf hair oil, take 1 cup of curry leaves, wash, spread on a cloth and shade dry to remove all moisture. Now heat a cup of unrefined coconut oil and once hot, add all the curry leaves at once and switch off. Store this oil along with the leaves and use daily. You can find step by step instructions for making it here.
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Aerva Lanata is a popular plant in Tamil Nadu that goes by the name Sirupeelai in Tamil. It is called Mountain Knotgrass in English, Polpala in Sinhalese, Cherula | Cheroola in Malayalam, Gorakhbuti in Hindi, Bilesuli in Kannada, Chaya in Bengali, Pindi Kura in Telugu, Kapuri Madhura in Marathi and Bhui in Rajasthan. The plant is commonly found in Asia, Africa and Australia. Here in Tamil Nadu, during Pongal festival we adorn the house with this plant, it is a traditional custom that is still followed today. The plant produces small white flowers and is very very commonly found all over India. Aerva Lanata has wonderful medicinal uses and has been used both in ayurvedic and siddha medicine from ancient times. It is especially well known for treating all kidney problems and has been traditionally used for treating kidney stones. Along with treating kidney stones, it is also well known for treating headaches, painful urination and as a natural deworming medicine. Aerva Lanta Chemical Constituents: It has a diverse range of constituents like alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids and saponins. Here are some of the medicinal uses of Aerva Lanata: 1. Antioxidant Properties: Aerva lanata possess wonderful antioxidant properties. Though here in our place we don't use it in cooking, some cultures do use the leaves of the plant in cooking like any other greens. Consuming this plant is one of the best ways to enjoy it's antioxidant potential. 2. Lowers Blood Sugar Levels: Aerva Lanata lowers blood sugar levels and internal consumption will have a positive impact on diabetic patients. You can read the study that supports this claim here. 3. Treats Asthma: Aerva lanata extract has been proven to be effective for treating asthma. It is common practice to give water decoction of the plant to treat asthma traditionally. 4. Treats Diarrhea: The water decoction of the plant treats diarrhea, many cultures use the water decoction for treating diarrhea till today. 5. Anti Urolithiatic Activity: Aerva lanata is very very well known for treating kidney stones. Here in our place the water decoction of the plant is given for dissolving kidney stones. It also has a protective effect on the kidneys and is great for patients suffering from kidney problems but kidney patients should take it under medical supervision. You can read the study that supports this claim here. 6. For Getting Rid Of Intestinal Worms: Aerva Lanata has wonderful anthelmintic properties and has been used for treating intestinal worms traditionally. You can use either the powder or the water extract of the fresh plant. 7. Anti Cancer Properties: The plant also anti cancer properties and you can read the study that supports this claim here. 8. Anti Ulcer Properties: The stem extract of the plant has anti ulcer properties, people suffering from ulcers will benefit consuming sirupeelai kudineer (water decoction of the plant in Tamil). Side Effects: This plant has anti fertility properties and people who are on diabetic medication should be careful while consuming it as taking both diabetic medication and polpala might lower blood sugar levels drastically. In Sri Lanka, polpala tea is famous for cleansing the kidneys and is consumed regularly.....
3 TOP WAYS TO USE AERVA LANATA AT HOME:1. For Treating Intestinal Worms:
Take a cup of water and add around a handful of the leaves. Now boil till it reduces in half and have around 50 ml for 3 days in empty stomach.
2. For Treating Kidney Stones:
For dissolving kidney stones, 1/4 tsp of the powder can be mixed with hot water and had once a day till the kidney stones dissolve.
3. For Treating Diarrhea:
For treating diarrhea, boil the whole plant (flowers, root and stem) in a cup of water, strain and take around 4o to 50 ml. The whole plant decoction is a kidney cleanser and can be had as a tea for cleansing the kidneys. It can be also used as a gargle for sore throats.
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When one of my friends mentioned about using potato for hair growth, I was skeptical at first. I have used potato for beauty treatments but it was always for skin and never for hair care. My friend convinced me to try it and I am very glad I did. The first treatment I tried was potato hair rinse. After boiling the potatoes I had the left over potato boiled water that I usually discard so I thought of using it as a final rinse along with lemon juice. And it really left my hair shiny and smooth immediately after using it. The next was potato hair mask, which I made by mixing potato juice along with Aloe Vera gel like my friend suggested. I also added in few drops of virgin coconut oil as I have dry hair and I liked the hair mask too. My scalp felt clean and free of dandruff after using it. Now after trying these treatments, I regularly use potato in my hair care regime. If you get to know the hair benefits of potato, you will too. Here are some of the hair benefits of using potato juice for hair: 1. Potato boiled water adds shine and luster to hair if used as a final hair rinse. 2. Potato juice is rich in nutrients like vitamin B, vitamin C and zinc, very essential for hair growth. 3. It treats dandruff, if used along lemon juice as a hair pack. 4. Potato juice cleanses the scalp really well removing all the product build up. 5. Potato juice when used as a hair mask conditions the hair really well especially if used along with nourishing ingredients like yogurt or Aloe Vera. If you are new to using potato juice for hair growth, I would suggest starting with the hair rinse as we regularly boil potatoes for sabzi and throw the potato boiled water out. Once you start using it, you will always continue using potato for your hair....
3 TOP WAYS TO USE POTATO JUICE FOR HAIR GROWTH:1. Potato Water For Hair:After boiling the potatoes, reserve the water that the potatoes were boiled in. Squeeze in the juice of about half a lime to it and mix well. Use this as a final hair rinse. 2. Potato Hydrating Hair Mask: Grate a potato and squeeze in the juice completely. To the squeezed juice, add in Aloe Vera gel (either fresh or store bought) and 1/4 tsp of virgin coconut oil and mix well. Use this a hair pack weekly once to deep condition the hair.3. Potato Juice For Hair Wash:Like rice water, we can add potato boiled liquid to shikakai powder and use it for hair wash. It will keep our hair soft and smooth.NOTES:- Use the freshly squeezed potato juice immediately, else it will discolor.
- When using Aloe Vera gel for hair, try to use 100 % pure Aloe Vera gel that is free of color and perfume.
- You can also mix onion juice and potato juice in equal proportions and use it as a hair mask.
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Flaxseeds are gaining popularity all over the world as it is a rich source of omega 3 fatty acid, lignans and fiber which have amazing health benefits. Nowadays, both flax seeds and flax seed oil are increasingly added to many of the commercial food products. Flaxseed plant has been cultivated for a long time and its botanical name is Linum Usitatissimum which means a very useful plant in Latin. Flaxseed oil obtained from the seeds also have amazing medicinal uses and it also goes by the name linseed oil. From what I found out, the seeds were called linseeds when they were being used primarily for industrial purposes and as an animal feed and people started calling them flaxseeds once they started consuming them regularly as food. Fatty Acids Present In Flaxseed Oil: Alpha-linolenic acid accounts for 40 to 60 %, linolenic acid accounts for 12 to 17%, Oleic acid around 13 to 19 %, stearic acid around 2 to 5 % and palmitic acid around 5 to 8 %. Nutrient value: A tablespoon of flaxseed oil contains around 120 calories, 14 grams of fat and .01 grams of protein. Many of us don't get omega 3 fatty acids from our food and it's deficiency lead to many health problems and especially if you are a vegetarian we should make sure we eat healthy and whole some foods to meet our daily need. Flaxseed oil is one of the best ways for vegetarians to get omega 3 fatty acids. People who don't like taking fish supplements can consider taking flaxseed oil. I have always been interested in flax seeds and when our local departmental store started selling flax seed oil, I immediately got a bottle of organic cold pressed flaxseed oil and started using it on a regular basis. But If you are not a vegetarian and you are debating between flaxseed oil and fish oil, I would suggest taking fish oil. Though both flaxseed and fish oil are rich in omega 3 fatty acids, fish oil contains all the three types of omega 3 fatty acids - ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoicacid) necessary for our body whereas flaxseed oil only contains ALA, our body has to convert it into DHA and EPA. When buying flaxseed oil, try to buy a small bottle and use it within 2 to 3 months as it oxidizes fast. Also while buying make sure to buy only organic cold pressed oil and it is best to consume it raw as opposed to including it in cooking as it oxidizes fast. Flaxseed oil is readily available in all the departmental stores in India. Side Effects: Consuming large doses of flaxseed oil will lead to diarrhea. Also if you are planning to take it on regular basis and if you are on blood thinner or diabetic medications, please mention it to your physician as it might interfere with it. Pregnant women and breast feeding mothers should consume flaxseed oil only after consulting with a physician. Flaxseed Oil Dosage: The general recommended dosage is 1 to 2 teaspoons per day, I would suggest starting with 1 tsp per day....
6 AMAZING HEALTH BENEFITS OF FLAXSEED OIL:1. Has a Protective Effect On Lungs:
Flax seed oil has a protective effect on the lungs due to it's high omega 3 fatty acid content. Flax seed oil consumption has a protective effect against pulmonary fibrosis. Pulmonary fibrosis is a respiratory disease in which scars are formed in the liver tissue and some of the common reasons for getting it are regular exposure to toxins and dust. People who consume alcohol regularly will also benefit from consuming flaxseed oil regularly as it greatly prevents alcoholic liver disease.
2. Prevents Heart Disease:
Consuming flaxseed oil prevents heart disease to a great extent. Eating processed food is on the rise and attractive advertisements tempts both children and adults alike to eat more of the high sugar, high fat processed foods. As our fondness for processed food increases our health also deteriorates. One of the best ways to prevent heart disease is include ingredients like flaxseed oil in our diet as it prevents atherosclerosis (prevention of fat deposits in the arteries which is the leading cause for heart attacks). You can read the study that supports this claim here.
3. Anti Inflammatory Properties:
Flaxseed oil has wonderful anti inflammatory properties and people who are suffering from any kind of inflammation will benefit taking it. If you are suffering aches and pains often, consider supplementing with flaxseed oil regularly. Another important use of flaxseed oil is it reduces C-reactive protein. C-reactive protein is a substance that is produced in the liver and as it's amount increases in the body, inflammation in our body also increases. Flaxseed oil has been proven to help lower C-reactive protein due to it's anti inflammatory properties. You can read the study that supports this claim here.
4. For Cancer:Flaxseed oil is rich in antioxidants and foods rich in antioxidants fights off the free radicals which are the main reasons for premature ageing and disease in our body including cancer. When free radicals grow in concentration, it can cause damage to the cells which is one of the reasons for developing cancer. So taking antioxidant rich food is a must to remain disease free. Also alpha-linolenic acid in flaxseed oil reduces the growth of breast cancer cells.
4. For Skin:According to me one of the main skin benefits of flaxseed oil is it reduces skin sensitivity and regular intake of flaxseed oil has been proven to improve the skin texture as well. The skin appeared smooth and supple after regular intake of flaxseed oil, you can read the study that supports this claim here. Also people suffering from skin conditions like eczema and dryness will benefit taking flaxseed oil as it is rich in essential fatty acids that help improve the skin texture. We can add flaxseed oil to face packs and we can also massage our skin with it to keep it smooth and supple.
5. For Hair:Flaxseeds are rich in nutrients and both regular intake and external application of flaxseed oil will help with hair growth. Since it has anti inflammatory properties, it greatly prevents scalp inflammations and it also nourishes the hair follicles, if used as a massage oil. You can include flaxseed oil in hair packs and in hair massage oil blends.
6. For Digestive Health :Flaxseed oil when taken internally regularly helps improve our digestive health. It relieves constipation and it also helps reduce inflammations in the stomach. Flaxseed oil has been proven to help Crohn's disease, an inflammatory disease of the colon. Though everyone will benefit including flaxseed oil in their diet, women going through menopause will greatly benefit as it helps balance the hormones along with keeping the skin, hair and digestion in peak order. ![]()
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Ginger called Adrak in Hindi and Inji in Tamil is one of the best ingredients to use for treating scalp problems and for promoting hair growth. It has been used for hair care for centuries in India. Here at home, we have been using ginger for hair care regularly. Every Friday, my grandma used to pound dry ginger along with other spices and heat them in unrefined sesame oil. She used to massage the warm oil in our scalp for 5 to 6 minutes. After the massage we let it soak for an hour or two and then have hair wash with homemade hair wash powder. This is a ritual that has been practiced for many years in our village and I religiously follow it till today. Here are some of the hair benefits of using ginger: 1. Ginger has anti bacterial properties so it treats scalp infections really well. 2. The active component of ginger called gingerol is a wonderful antioxidant that protects the hair from damage from free radicals in the body. 3. Ginger has wonderful anti inflammatory properties and it treats scalp inflammations really really well. 4. Ginger improves the blood circulation in the scalp when applied externally in the form of hair pack or hair oil thus promoting hair growth. 5. Ginger nourishes the hair follicles and strengthens the hair roots thus arresting hair fall and promoting hair growth even in bald spots. At home, along with using it in hot oil treatments regularly, I also use freshly extracted ginger juice in hair packs. I also make ginger hair oil at home that improves the blood circulation in the scalp really well. I have given three ways to use ginger for promoting hair growth, choose the method you prefer and include it regularly in your hair care regime. We can use ginger in the form of ginger juice, dry ginger, ginger powder or fresh ginger paste for hair care. You get ginger powder easily everywhere now, try to buy organic ginger powder for using in hair treatments...
3 TOP WAYS TO USE GINGER FOR HAIR GROWTH:1. Ginger Hair Oil: Take unrefined sesame oil in an iron pan. Take fresh ginger root, wash and remove the outer skin using a sharp knife. Now cut into thin rounds. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced ginger and heat. The oil will start sizzling, it indicates that the water content is slowly evaporating. Wait for the ginger to fully lose it's water content, when it loses it's water content, the sizzling sound will slowly stop. When the sizzling sound fully stops, switch off the fire. Let cool, strain and store in a glass bottle. To use, take little bit of the ginger hair oil and apply all over the scalp. Wait for 15 to 20 minutes and then wash it off with a mild shampoo...2. Fresh Ginger Root:Take a fresh ginger piece, remove the skin in one end of the ginger piece. Now take a sharp knife and slice the end finely, this will help the juice ooze out when we press the root on our scalp. To use, rub the cut part directly on bald spots. Wait for 10 minutes before washing it off.3. Ginger Hair Mask:
To make ginger hair mask, take a fresh ginger root and scrape the outer skin with a sharp knife. Now take it in a mixer and grind to a smooth paste without adding any water and press through a strainer to get fresh ginger juice. Now mix ginger juice and unrefined coconut oil in the ration of 2 : 1 and apply all over the scalp. Wait for 10 to 15 minutes before washing it off. ![]()
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Body heat also called heat stress is a common problem in India. Since India is a hot country, during scorching summers we are exposed to very high temperatures. Though our body tries to cool it off by sweating we still need to follow certain remedies to help our body cool down so our body's temperature remains between 97.8 to 99 degrees. Every year during summer, we usually get so many incidents of heat stroke reported in the newspapers. Whenever I read them I always think that if they would have followed our traditional practices, they could have easily avoided getting heat strokes. The common symptoms of heat stroke are headache, dizziness, muscle weakness, rapid heart beat and dry lips. During summers when I don't regularly consume body cooling foods mentioned below, I feel my skin gets hot and I develop a bad headache. Here at home, my grandma always insisted that we follow certain practices during summer like having regular oil bath which is a hot oil treatment done with homemade herbal oil. She was also very strict about us not consuming sodas and commercial drinks instead we consume loads of homemade nourishing drinks like nannari sherbet, fresh buttermilk, coconut water and palaya satham regularly. Unlike sodas which are laden with sugar and is highly dehydrating, traditional Indian summer drinks are very hydrating and very affordable too. To prevent heat strokes, try incorporating the recipes mentioned below in your diet daily during summers. Along with these remedies, try to include lots of fresh fruits and wear only cotton clothes. Once you follow these remedies, you can enjoy summer without experiencing any negative effects...
5 TOP HOME REMEDIES FOR REDUCING BODY HEAT NATURALLY:1. VETIVER WATER: Vetiver root also called as khus root in Hindi is an amazing body coolant. It is also very very fragrant. During hot summers, we add a small bunch of the roots to our drinking water, vetiver water is very fragrant and very very cooling. Also try to use a mud pot to store the vetiver water, it is super cooling and refreshing. You can read more about vetiver here.2. NANNARI SYRUP: Nannari syrup also called as Indian sarasaparilla is wonderful in bringing the body heat down. During hot scorching summers, if you visit any Indian home, you will be mostly offered buttermilk or refreshing nannari sharbat. The syrup is made by boiling nananri roots in water along with a sweetener and is very healthy. I regularly make it at home, you can the recipe for it here.3. PALAYA SATHAM: Palaya sadham which is nothing but left over rice soaked in water is a wonderful body coolant. We have it mixed with buttermilk and salt. It is our traditional breakfast and it is a great remedy for reducing body heat. We also have it with small onions also called as shallots in English which also reduces body heat. You can find the benefits and recipe for making palaya sadham here. 4. JIGIRTHANDA:Jigirthanda which is nothing but rose flavored milk made with basil seeds, rose petal jam, rose syrup, milk and almond gum reduces body heat naturally. This is one of my favorite desserts that tastes wonderful and has amazing health benefits. It reduces body heat, has a soothing effect on our stomach and is a perfect summer dessert for both kids and adults, you can find the recipe for making it here.5. JEERA WATER:
Jeera water made by boiling jeera seeds in water is an another summer drink recipe that reduces body heat naturally. Jeera water is actually drunk on a daily basis in Kerala and we do make it regularly during summers. It is also a drink that is very safe and can be given to everyone including very young kids to older people. You can find the link for the recipe here. ![]()
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Onion hair oil is one of the best hair oils that we can make at home as it has amazing hair benefits. Here in our village, we use onions extensively for hair care. Onions have anti bacterial properties that treats all problems of the scalp really well. Onions are rich in sulfur which greatly prevents hair thinning as lack of sulfur has been proven to be one of the reasons for hair fall. We apply onion juice directly on the scalp to treat certain scalp infections. We extract the onion juice by pounding the small onions in a mortar and pestle and then take the pounded paste in a strainer and press with a spoon to extract the juice. We also make onion hair oil and use it as a pre-shampoo treatment to treat scalp problems. This onion hair oil helps with hair regrowth, arrests hair loss and regular use results in long thick hair. This onion hair oil is so very easy to make at home and has amazing hair benefits. This onion hair oil is made with only 2 ingredients - small onions also called as shallots and unrefined sesame oil. This onion hair oil if made properly will store well for about 6 to 8 months at room temperature. In our village we usually make this hair oil with small onions and I would recommend the same to you too as small onions have more medicinal properties than big onions. Here are some of the hair benefits of this onion hair oil: 1. Onions have anti bacterial properties thus greatly preventing scalp infections. 2. Onion also have anti inflammatory properties and this onion hair oil reduces inflammation of the scalp. 3. Onions have anti oxidant properties and this onion hair oil greatly reduces premature greying. 4. It strengthens the hair roots thus greatly reducing hair fall. 5. It is great for preventing spot baldness. This onion hair oil is great for people who hate to use raw onion juice directly on the scalp. I find it extremely hard to apply raw onion juice directly on the scalp but this onion hair oil is so easy to use and very effective....
HOW TO MAKE ONION HAIR OIL FOR HAIR GROWTH & TO STOP HAIR LOSS:1. Take 1/4 cup of small onions also called as shallots and peel the outer brown skin. 2. Take the peeled onions in a mortar and pestle and pound coarsely. Pounding helps onions release it's essence into the oil faster.3. Take the pounded onions and 1 cup of unrefined sesame oil in an iron pan and start heating.4. Once we start heating small bubbles will start appearing. Continue heating making sure to stir once in a while. As the heat increases the bubbling and spluttering also will increase and will reach it's peak.5. Continue heating and slowly the bubbles and the spluttering will start reducing indicating that the water content in the onions have fully evaporated. Make sure not to burn the onions.6. Once the spluttering sound stops, switch off, cool and strain. Weekly once, warm the oil and massage it all over the scalp. Wait for an hour to let the onion hair oil soak into the scalp and wash it off using a mild shampoo.
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Saffron called as Kesar in Hindi is one of the most expensive spices in the whole world and has been in use from ancient times. Saffron imparts a golden yellow color to the dishes and has been mainly used a natural colorant but it also has wonderful medicinal uses and health benefits. Saffron is called kungumapoo in Tamil, Kumkum puvvu in Telugu, Kumkumapoovu in Malayalam, Kesari in Kannada, Kesar in Punjabi, Keshar in Marathi, Zafran in Punjabi and Urdu. Saffron is got from saffron flowers whose botanical name is Crocus Sativus. Saffron flower is light purple in color but the thread like stamen is a beautiful crimson red. It takes very careful picking of about 36000 saffron flowers to get 1 pound of stigmas and over 2 lakh stigmas to get just 500 grams of pure high quality saffron which makes it very expensive. Saffron was first cultivated in Greece but now Iran accounts for almost 90 % of the world production. Saffron has been used in both traditional ayurvedic medicine and in home remedies, it has been used as a sedative, as an expectorant for treating cough, to improve skin color and it is also regularly given to pregnant women. Saffron Chemical Constituents: Saffron contains more than 150 volatile compounds. The yellow color of saffron is mainly due to the presence of carotenoid compounds crocin and crocetin. The unique taste and smell of saffron is due to the presence of compounds called safranal and picrocrocin. In the dried saffron threads, safranal accounts for almost 70 % of the volatile compounds present in it. Saffron Nutrition: 100 grams of saffron has around 310 calories, 6 grams of fat, 11 grams of protein and 65 grams of carbohydrates. Saffron is rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, vitamin B6 and calcium. Saffron Medicinal uses: 1. Anti Cancer Properties: Saffron has wonderful anti cancer properties. Crocin, safranal and picrocrocin present in saffron greatly prevents the growth of cancer cells. Out of these three compounds, crocin has the most anti cancer effect. 2. Natural Aphrodisiac: Saffron has been believed to be a natural aphrodisiac and this traditional belief has been backed by research. The main constituents of saffron are safranal and crocin and though safranal does not have aphrodisiac properties, crocin has significant aphrodisiac properties and you can read the study that supports this claim here. 3. Antidote For Poisoning: Saffron has a protective effect and acts as a natural poison antidote. Crocin and safranal present in saffron has a protective effect and reduces the effect of poison in our body, you can read the study here. 4. Antioxidant & Anti Inflammatory Properties: Saffron extract has wonderful antioxidant properties and it also helps reduce inflammation as it has anti inflammatory properties too. Since it has high antioxidant properties, it has radical scavenging properties thus greatly preventing premature ageing. 5. For Depression: Saffron has been believed to have anti depressant properties and usually saffron milk is given as a remedy for it and this traditional remedy has been backed by research. Saffron greatly helps people suffering from mild to moderate depression and even just 4 weeks of supplementation will help. This is due to its neuroprotective, antioxidant, serotonergic and anti inflammatory properties. 6. For Anxiety and Schizophrenia: Saffron has neuro protective effect and greatly helps with mental diseases like depression, anxiety, Alzheimer's and schizophrenia. Safranal and crocin greatly helps reduce anxiety, you can read the study that supports this claim here. It also greatly helps with learning and improves our memory. 7. Reduces Blood Pressure: Saffron reduces blood pressure and the effect is dosage dependent. Out of the two major constituents in saffron, safranal has the most effect in reducing blood pressure. You can read the study here. 8. Macular Degeneration: Saffron supplementation has been highly recommended for good eyesight and this traditional use has been proven through research. Just 3 months of regular supplementation with saffron has shown to improve the retinal function. 9. For Weight Loss: As consumption of high fat processed foods increases, the risk of getting diseases like coronary heart disease, diabetes, cancer, sleep problems and liver diseases also increases. Non alcoholic fatty liver disease is a liver disease the commonly affects overweight people. Crocin present in saffron greatly helps prevents non alcoholic fatty liver disease in obese people. Along with eating healthy, if we supplement with saffron we can prevent liver diseases caused due to obesity. 10. For Diabetes: Saffron has a positive effect on diabetic patients and regular intake will greatly help prevent some of the complications of diabetes like oxidative stress, encephalopathy, cardio vascular damage, nerve damage etc. Due to it's antioxidant and anti inflammatory properties, saffron prevents many of the diabetic complications. Along with the above uses saffron has been used for skin care for centuries as it helps improve the skin complexion. Also it is a traditional Indian custom to give saffron to pregnant ladies as it greatly helps in digestion, has a calming effect and also keeps the pregnant women healthy and it is also believed to improve the complexion of new born babies. How To Buy & Store Saffron? Since saffron is expensive, always test a small amount before buying it in bulk. To test, take one saffron strand and put it water, if it is fake, the saffron thread will lose it's crimson red color whereas original saffron will not. Saffron Dosage: Usually just a pinch or two of saffron is added to milk and that is the amount of saffron I took when I was pregnant too. Saffron Side Effects: If taken in normal dosage like mentioned below, it will not cause any side effects. But consuming large dosages for long duration's of time might have side effects like dryness of the mouth, nausea, headache, etc....
5 TOP WAYS TO USE SAFFRON (KESAR) FOR SKIN, HAIR & HEALTH:
1. Saffron For Lips:
Saffron when used for lips lightens dark lips and keeps it moisturized. To use, take a small pinch of saffron and mix it in tsp of honey. Store this mixture in a small bottle and daily massage your lips with this mixture.
2. Saffron Face Pack:
For the face pack, take a pinch of saffron and soak it in 2 teaspoon of milk, the milk will turn yellow. Now add this milk to 1 tbsp of gram flour and mix well to form a thick paste. Apply this pack all over the face, wait for it to dry completely and then wash it off.
3. Saffron Milk:
Mix 2 pinches saffron to warm milk, add in honey and your simple saffron milk is ready. If you have time, try this rich kesar milk recipe: Soak 3 almonds in water and remove the outer skin. Now take the almonds along with 2 pinches of saffron, honey, milk and grind in a mixer to get wonderfully rich saffron milk. This kesar milk can be taken for reducing anxiety, depression and for improving our memory.
4. Saffron For Skin Problems:
For treating skin problems like acne, pigmentation and dryness, soak a pinch of saffron in 1/2 tsp of milk. Now rub a sandalwood bark in a sandalwood stone along with the saffron infused milk till you get a thick paste and apply all over the face. Wait for it to dry completely and then wash it off.
5. Saffron Infused Massage Oil For Hair & Skin:
Warm 1/4 cup of any pure unrefined oil, now add in 1/4 tsp saffron and switch off. Wait for the oil to cool down, the oil will take on a beautiful yellow color, now use this saffron oil to massage your skin and hair before bath. This massage oil will keep both our skin and hair moisturized. ![]()
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Statistics tells us that an average person consumes around 5 to 10 kilos of chocolate per year (people in some countries eat more and some less) and that is a lot of chocolate! We have always been advised to stay away from chocolate but what if there is a type of chocolate that can actually do a lot of good to us. The chocolate I am referring to is dark chocolate, it has loads of health benefits and medicinal uses. Dark chocolate is made from cocoa beans | cacao which are actually the seeds of a plant called Theobrama Cacao. There are 3 varieties of chocolate that is commonly available, one is milk chocolate, the second is semi sweet chocolate and the third is dark chocolate. A chocolate is considered dark, if it has 70 % cocoa solids or more. Semisweet chocolate usually contains 30 % cocoa solids and white chocolate contains around 10 % cocoa solids. Dark chocolate contains the least amount of sugar and more of cocoa solids than any type of chocolate which makes it healthy compared to other chocolates. Foods and drinks made from cocoa beans have been consumed from ancient times and has wonderful healing properties. Dark Chocolate Nutrition: 100 grams of dark chocolate contains around 531 calories, 55.5 carbohydrates, 28.5 grams of fat, 13.3 grams of protein and 1.7 grams of fiber. Dark chocolate is also rich in minerals, 100 grams have around 36mg of magnesium, 114mg of potassium, 1.9 mg of iron. It is also rich in selenium, calcium, zinc, manganese and vitamin K. Antioxidants & Flavonoids In Dark Chocolate: Dark chocolate contains more phenolic antioxidants than most foods as it is rich in flavonoids particularly falvanols. Flavanols are the reason behind the bitterness of cocoa. Commercial chocolate producers to mask the bitterness, highly process it and add in sugar and other flavors. That is why dark chocolate contains 5 times more flavanols than regular chocolate as there are less additives. The main flavanols found in dark chocolate are epicatechin, catechin and procyanidins and out of these three, procyanidins account for the majority of antioxidant activity. Dark Chocolate Medicinal Uses: 1. Prevents Premature Ageing: Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants and foods that are high in antioxidants fights off free radicals which are the main reason for premature ageing of skin and hair. 2. Cardiovascular Benefits: Cocoa is rich in flavonoids especially flavan-3-ols which has wonderful cardiovascular benefits. Though dark chocolate is rich in lipids, it is mostly stearic acid which does not elevate the serum lipid levels like other saturated fatty acids. 3. Anti Inflammatory Properties: Since dark chocolate have high amount of flavonoids which reduces inflammation, consuming dark chocolate in small doses regularly will reduce inflammation and you can read the study that proves it here. 4. Reduces Blood Pressure: The link between blood pressure and cocoa consumption has been proven clinically beyond doubt. Dark chocolate reduces both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The efficiency depends of the amount of flavnoids present in the dark chocolate, you can read the study that supports this claim here. 5. Improves Insulin Resistance: Kuna Indians of San Blas islands are one of the major consumers of cocoa and not surprisingly they have very low rates of both hypertension and diabetes that is because flavonoids improves insulin sensitivity. The effect on insulin resistance improves when dark chocolate is consumed for long duration's of time. 6. Prevents Cancer: A bar of chocolate preventing cancer can seem little far fetching but chronic inflammation and oxidative stress are the two main factors leading to the formation of cancer. Since dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants and has anti inflammatory properties, it does prevent carcinogenesis. 7. Positive impact On Central Nervous System: Falvonoids present in dark chocolate has a positive effect on our nervous system, it has a protective effect and increases blood flow. It prevents neuronal injury and neuro inflammation and can help improve our long term memory as well. 8. For Weight Loss: Though it is a popular advise to stop having chocolate when we are on a diet to lose weight, dark chocolate if had in small amounts will not lead to weight gain. Also the smell of chocolate actually suppresses appetite. 9. Improves Immunity: Any food that is rich in antioxidants will help improve immunity and since dark chocolate is very high in antioxidants it greatly improves immunity. 10. For Skin Protection: Dark chocolate which has high amount of flavonoids have skin protecting properties and protects the skin from UV damage. Both external application and internal consumption will help. I have given some of the ways I use dark chocolate for skin care below. Dark Chocolate Side Effects: Like any other food consuming large quantity of dark chocolate will have side effects like headache, heartburn, etc. When buying dark chocolate always try to buy chocolate that contains 70 % cocoa solids or more. If you are a regular chocolate lover, you might find it difficult to consume bitter dark chocolate but you will get used to it very soon. I am not a chocolate lover but few years back I took a sudden liking to dark chocolate and I treat myself to a small piece of good quality dark chocolate often........
3 AMAZING WAYS TO USE DARK CHOCOLATE FOR SKIN CARE:
1. Dark Chocolate & Strawberry Face Pack:This face mask leaves your skin absolutely soft and supple. For the mask, take dark chocolate in a a double boiler and heat till fully melted. Once melted fully, let it cool to lukewarm temperature, add equal quantity of strawberry puree and mix well. Apply this chocolate face pack all over the face. Wait for it to dry completely and wash it off.2. Dark Chocolate Lip Balm:Take 1 tsp of Cocoa butter in a bowl, add in 1 tsp of dark chocolate chips to it and melt using a double boiler. Once melted add in few drops pure vanilla and mix well. Store it an airtight box and apply this lip balm everyday night before going to bed.
3. Dark Chocolate & Honey Facial Treatment:This chocolate treatment is another of my favorites that is great for ageing skin. For the treatment, melt dark chocolate in a bowl, add in few drops of unprocessed raw honey and mix well. Apply this as a face pack, let it dry and wash it off. Regular use will delay wrinkles and fine lines.
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This homemade beetroot lip balm using fresh beetroot juice is amazing and will rival any store bought lip balm. I have always enjoyed making my own lip balms and usually I make them with pure unrefined oils and beeswax as a base. I have always wanted to try tinted lip balms and my friend suggested using food colors but I didn't want to use food coloring instead I opted for natural food extracts and this time I chose beetroot juice. Beetroot juice not only adds a wonderful pink color to the lip balm, it also lightens dark lips. Beetroot juice is rich in nutrients and regular application gives the lips a natural pink color. Adding natural color reduces the shelf life of the lip balm and we have to refrigerate it to prevent it from getting spoilt. But after looking at the beautiful pink color after adding beetroot juice, I felt it was so worth it. The ingredients used in this lip balm are unrefined coconut oil, beetroot juice, organic beeswax and essential oil. Using this beetroot lip balm regularly has these 5 amazing benefits for lips: 1. Both coconut oil and beetroot juice in the lip balm lighten dark lips but you have to use it regularly to see results. 2. Beeswax, coconut oil and beetroot juice keeps the lip moisturized and smooth. 3. This beetroot lip balm prevents lip chapping if used regularly. 4. Beetroot juice improves the lip color and makes lips pink naturally. 5. It makes the lips super glossy and beautiful! Since this lip balm is made with natural ingredients, you can use it everyday for long periods of time. I would suggest making small batches of this lip balm, use it for a week or two and make a new batch again. That way the lip balm will remain fresh and will not loose the wonderful smell of essential oil added to it.
METHOD:1. Take half a beetroot, peel and take it in a mixer. Grind to a smooth paste without adding any water.
2. Now take the ground paste in a strainer and press with a spoon to get beetroot juice.
3.Take beeswax in a bowl, add in the measured out coconut oil to it.
4. Melt them both using a double boiler. You can also melt it over direct fire but do it in very very low flame. Wait patiently for it to melt completely.
5. Once fully melted let cool a bit, don't wait for it to thicken. Now add in the beetroot juice, essential oil and mix well.
6. Take it a small jar, store in the fridge and use daily. Take the lip balm out of the refrigerator 10 minutes before using.
NOTES:- Try to make the lip balm with organic beeswax for best results.
- Always use freshly squeezed beetroot juice
- Essential oil is your choice, add the ones you are fond of...
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Kokum whose botanical name is Garcinia indica is quite popular in India. Though it is mostly used as a spice to flavor curries, it has wonderful health benefits and medicinal uses. Kokum belongs to the mangosteen family and there are more than 200 species. In India, they are mostly found in western ghats and Andaman Islands. It is called Wild Mangosteen In English, Kokum in Hindi, Punarpuli in Kannada, Bhirand in Konkani, Kokum in Marathi, Kokam in Gujarati, Tintali in Oriya, Murgal in Tamil, Chinta in Telugu and Kattampi in Malayalam. The fruits are red in color and they are used to make the famous kokum sharbat (kokum juice) which is very popular in India as a body coolant drink. The ripe fruits are more commonly available in North India and we get only the dried fruits in South India. The outer covering of the fruit is dried, packaged and sold and when it is dried it turns black. It has a sour taste and sweet aroma and is usually added to curries for sourness. Traditionally, kokum is used as a body coolant, for treating heat strokes and as an appetizer to improve digestion. Kokum is generally confused with kudampuli (Garcinia Cambogia), both are different and you can read about kudampuli here. Chemical Constituents: The main chemical constituents found in kokum are flavonoids, citric acid, hydroxycitric acid, garcinol and anthocayanins. Kokum Medicinal Uses: 1. Anti Depressant Properties: Kokum extract has a positive effect on our nervous system and helps reduce anxiety and depression. Given our stressful lives, anxiety and depression are getting more common and natural ingredients like kokum helps treat it safely. You can read the study that proves it here. 2. Antioxidant Properties: Kokum sherbet has been known to improve immunity and prevent diseases that is because kokum is very rich in antioxidants. Antioxidant rich foods like kokum if consumed regularly will keep us healthy. 3. For Parkinson's Disease: Kokum has neuro protective properties and will greatly help treat nerve related problems. Antioxidants play an important role in Parkinson's disease. Since kokum is rich in antioxidants, consuming it's extract regularly will greatly help people suffering from Parkinson's disease. You can read the study that proves it here. 4. For Type 2 Diabetes: Oxidative stress is one of the major factors in type 2 diabetes and oxidative stress depletes glutathione which in turn leads to diabetic complications. But consuming antioxidant rich foods like kokum reduces oxidative stress and helps restore the level of glutathione thus preventing diabetic complications. 5. Anti Cancer: Garcinol extracted from the rind of the fruit have amazing anti cancer properties. The amazing anti cancer properties of garcinol is due to it's antioxidant, anti ageing and anti inflammatory properties. You can read the study that supports this claim here. 6. As a Body Coolant: Kokum has a cooling effect on the body and kokum sharbat if had during scorching summers actually reduces body heat and greatly prevents heat strokes. Also if you get fresh fruits, you can rub it on prickly heat rashes that is very common during summers, it is an amazing remedy for it. 7. Anti Ulcer: Garcinol present in kokum has amazing free radical scavenging properties and it also has anti ulcer properties. You can read the study that proves it here. If you are suffering from acidity consume kokum sharbat made at home regularly. 8. For Weight Loss: Some of the plants in the genus Garcinia has been widely used for aiding weight loss. Especially Garcinia Cambogia is widely used for weight loss and now kokum also is used as a weight loss supplement. Hydroxycitric acid (HCA) present in garcinia extracts is reported to reduce blood lipids, suppress appetite thereby naturally aiding weight loss. But the weight loss benefits have not been proven 100 % clinically on a large scale. Kokum Side Effects: Kokum generally agrees with everyone but don't over consume kokum. Pregnant women and breast feeding mothers can consume kokum sharbat (kokum juice) in moderation. How is Kokum Oil Made? Kokum oil is made from the seed kernels of the fruit. The seeds are roasted and the kernels are separated from the seed shells. The kernels are then ground to a fine paste and then the ground paste is pressed to extract kokum oil. To make pure kokum oil, the extracted oil is boiled in large vats with little water, the impurities settle down and the pure kokum oil which floats on top is skimmed off. Pure kokum oil has all the benefits of kokum butter mentioned below. How Is Kokum Butter Made? The pure kokum oil thus extracted is churned for 6 to 8 hours to solidify and then it is poured into containers to set completely. Traditional kokum butter is made this way but refined kokum butter is made by adding lot of chemicals. Though expensive, I would suggest buying only unrefined kokum butter. Kokum butter is used extensively in cosmetics and can be used in place of any natural butters. It has amazing skin and hair benefits, it does not clog pores so it great for acne prone skin, reduces dryness of the skin, is rich in antioxidants, helps keep the skin supple and it is also a great hair conditioner. Where to Buy Kokum? You can buy dried kokum in health shops in India. You get ready made kokum sharbat easily in India but I would suggest making your own, it is so easy...
METHOD: 1. Take 1/2 cup of kokum, wash and soak in 1 cup of water for 3 to 4 hours.2. Strain the water and take kokum alone (reserve the water).3. Add little bit of the reserved liquid to kokum and grind to a fine paste.4. Now take 1 cup raw unprocessed sugar and the reserved liquid in a pan and boil till thick.5. Once thick, switch off and add in the ground kokum paste. Add 2 pinches of salt to it, mix well, cool, strain and store in a glass bottle in the refrigerator.6. To make kokum juice, take 2 tbsp of the sherbet in a cup, add in a cup of chilled water and serve...
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Licorice also called as liquorice is the root of the plant called Glycyrrhiza Glabra. It is very famous all over the world for it's healing properties. Licorice is called Mulethi in Hindi, Yashtimadhu in Sanskrit, Adhimadhuram in Tamil, Ati Madhuramu in Telugu, Ati Madhura in Kannada and Jesthamadh in Marathi. Licorice powder has been used extensively in both traditional medicine and home remedies from ancient times. Along with health benefits, it has amazing skin care benefits too. The main active compounds of licorice that has a positive effect on our skin are Glabridin, Liquiritin and Isoliquertin. Licorice has skin lightening properties and you will find licorice in all skin lightening creams. When I mention skin whitening, what I really mean is lighten scars, dark spots and pigmentation. Every skin color is beautiful but it will be more beautiful if it is even toned and licorice helps achieve it easily by lightening all skin blemishes. Here are the skin benefits of licorice powder: 1. The flavonoid liquirtin present in licorice have skin lightening properties and helps lightens scars and blemishes. 2. Licorice have anti inflammatory properties and helps reduce skin inflammation. 3. The active component glabridin in licorice powder greatly helps reduce the effect of sun damage. Applying licorice based extract on the skin after prolonged sun exposure helps us get back our original skin color. 4. Licorice extract is also a good remedy for treating melasma. It lightens the dark patches caused by melasma really well and it is also a good home remedy for skin pigmentation. 5. Licorice powder when used as a face pack improves skin hydration and makes the skin look plumper and brighter. I have given 3 face packs that I have tried over the years using licorice powder. All these face packs works really well in lightening scars, pigmentation and dark spots. I have used sandalwood powder, turmeric, honey and lemon juice in these three face packs and all these ingredients also have skin lightening properties. Choose any one of these three face packs and use regularly at least weekly twice to see results...
3 LICORICE FACE PACKS FOR SKIN LIGHTENING: 1. Licorice & Turmeric Face Pack: For the face pack, take 1 tbsp each of rice flour, kasthuri turmeric and licorice powder in a bowl. Squeeze in few drops of lemon juice. Add in enough rice water or rose water to form a paste and use as face pack. This face pack will treat acne scars really well.
2. Licorice & Sandalwood Face Pack:Take 1 tbsp of licorice powder in a bowl. Add in 1/2 tsp of red sandalwood powder. Squeeze in few drops of lemon juice. Finally add enough milk to from a paste and apply as a face pack. If you have oily skin, use rose water instead. This face pack will lighten dark spots resulting in fair and glowing skin.
3. Licorice & Honey Face Pack:For the face pack, take 1 tbsp of licorice powder in a bowl. Add in enough unprocessed raw honey to form a paste and apply as a face mask. This face pack will brighten the skin tone really well.
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Nilvembu also called Kalmegh in Hindi is an amazing herb that has wonderful medicinal uses. It's botanical name is Andographis Paniculata and you can read about it here. Nilavembu has anti pyretic properties and has been used in traditional medicine for long time to treat all kinds of fevers. It also reduces blood sugar levels and is good for diabetic patients. Here in Tamil Nadu, nilavembu kashayam | nilavembu kudineer is very very famous as it widely used for treating dengue and chikungunya fever. Though it is called nilavembu powder | choornanam, it is not just made with just nilavembu herb. It is an amazing Siddha formulation that is a mixture of 9 herbs and nilavembu is just one herb in the mixture. The 9 herbs used in nilavembu kashayam are Nilavembu | Kalmegh (Andrographis Paniculata), Sukku | Dry Ginger, Vetiver (Vetiveria Zizanioides), Korai Kilangu | Nagar Motha, Milagu (Pepper), Sandhanam (Sandalwood), Vilamichai Ver (Plectranthus Vettiveroides) and Parpadagam (Mullugo Cerviana). Here are the medicinal uses of nilavembu kudineer: 1. For Fever: Nilavembu powder has anti pyretic properties and helps reduce all kinds of fevers though it is famously used mainly for treating dengue and chikungunya. 2. For Reducing Inflammation: nilavembu kashayam has anti inflammatory properties and treats all the inflammation really well. You can read the study that proves it here. 3. Reduces Pain (Analgesic Properties): Nilavembu kashayam also called nilavembu kudineer has amazing analgesic properties and greatly reduces body pain when we are suffering from fever. 4. Anti Bacterial & Anti Viral Properties: Nilavembu kudineer has both anti bacterial and anti viral properties so it can be used for treating viral fevers very effectively. 5. Improves Immunity & Detoxes The Body: Nilavembu kashayam is great for improving immunity and helps detoxify the body naturally. One of my uncles mentioned that after he took nilavembu kashayam, he has never got a cold or flu till date. 6. For Diabetes: Nilavembu kashayam is good for diabetic patients as it lowers blood sugar levels but I would kindly suggest taking it under medical supervision as taking both nilavembu kashayam and diabetic medications together might lower blood sugar levels drastically. Nilavembu kashayam is especially useful for dengue fever and chikungunya as it helps reduce the fever and the pain greatly due to it's anti inflammatory and anti pyretic properties.But please remember, since nilavembu kudineer chooranam is a Siddha formulation, the dosage and duration is very important. Nilavembu Kashayam Dosage: For babies less than 5 years: 1 to 1.5 tsp, for children between the age of 5 to 12 years 1 to 1.5 tbsp, above 12 years : 40 to 50 ml. For prevention take it in the mentioned dosage once in empty stomach for 5 days. If you have fever, you can take it 3 times a days for 2 to 3 days but I would suggest consulting a doctor immediately. This formulation is not recommended for babies below 1 year. Nilavembu kashayam during pregnancy and breast feeding is best taken under medical supervision. Nilavembu Kashayam Side Effects: Nilavembu kashayam as the name suggest is bitter and if you overdose, it might cause stomach irritation and diarrhea. If you are suffering from sever ulcers, it is best to take it under medical supervision. You can get nilavembu kudineer chooranam | nilavembu powder easily in Tamil Nadu, even departmental stores stock them. You can also order it online...
METHOD:1. Take the measured out water in a bowl.2. Take the required amount of nilavembu powder
2. Add in the nilavembu kudineer chooranam to the water and bring to boil.3. Let it boil till the mixture reduces in half.4. Strain and add honey if you prefer. Drink it immediately, if you are not able to drink immediately, drink it at least within an hour of making it. NOTES:- Don't take this nilavembu kashayam more than the time mentioned.
- Always consume it once made.
- This drink is very bitter, so children might refuse drinking it and some children even vomit it. You can dilute the mixture in some more water and add honey for them.
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