Ayurvedic Concept of Ahaar Pachan or Digestion

Ayurveda is a holistic healing science. The main objective of human life according to Ayurveda is to attain the following four goals or Purushartha:

• Pursuing one’s religion (Dharma)
• Attaining economic and financial development (Artha)
• Attaining regulated sense-gratification) (Kama) and
• Accomplishing liberation (Moksha).

The basic objective for attaining all the four goals is health and that is Arogya.

Aahar in Ayurveda

In Ayurveda, the term food is referred as Aahar. It includes all the food items that we ingest, whether solids or liquids. Food is the only thing which we allow to enter in our bodies very easily and which show an impact sooner or later in our overall heath and body structure. In Ayurveda, aahar or food is very important. That which passes through the aaharan process is called aahar. Food needs to consumed very carefull as some food is injurious to health. Food has to be adequate in terms of quantity/amount. The food that we intake also need to balance in terms of calories and nutrients. Food has got psychological and socio-cultural values also and it is this factor for which Ayurveda scores over others.

Aahar Pachan in Ayurveda

The process of digestion is known as Aahar Pachan in Ayurveda. In Ayurveda, any food (ahar) passes through the following:

• Taste (Rasa)
• Uses (Guna)
• Potency (Veerya)
• Metabolism resultant (vipak), and
• Impact (prabhav)

It is said that rasas undertake gunas and is undertaken by veerya. This is suppressed by vipak and finally prabhav makes all of them resultant. Therefore, when we consume food, we must take into consideration the fact that our food should have calories needed as per age. Similarly calorie intake during pregnancy and lactation and disease or recuperation should also be considered. Calories must come in balanced form in terms of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. Food is consumed as solids or semi-solids and liquids. Salads must be an important segment of food. Water other than juices and milk is needed and must be pure and adequate.

The main aim of Ayurvedic Aahar Pachan or the digestion process should be such that human beings can achieve the ultimate goal of the science. i.e., maintaining health and treating disease.

For more information on ayurveda and wholesale purchase of ayurvedic products check out Ayurveda Herbal Remedy

 

Amlapitta and Ayurveda

It is common for many of us to face a burning sensation in stomach and chest at times. This is in most cases due to excessive secretion of acidic material in the stomach. This in medical terms referred as acidity or gastritis. In Ayurvedic terminology, this is referred as amlapitta, amla meas the super sour taste and Pitta is the Dosha . This means there is excessive secretion of Pitta Dosha (one of the three doshas) in the stomach.

There are several factors that lead to the acidity or amlapitta in the body like a poor or imbalanced diet, heavy smoking, weak immune system, stress etc. When there is acidity problem in the body, it is denoted by many symptoms like loss of appetite, burning sensation in chest, stomach, nausea, indigestion, abdominal bloating, etc.

Amlapitta Process

When the Pitta Dosha is disturbed from its normal state by taking viruddha bhojan (incompatible food), vikrita bhojan (stale food), ati amla (too much sour, spicy food), vidahi (decayed) and other food that is harmful to pitta dosha like fried, fermented food, smoking, alcohol etc, then the aggravated Pitta Dosha takes seat in stomach and produces Amlapitta or hyperacidity.

Ayurvedic Treatment

No matter how big or small the symptoms are, amlapitta should never be ignored because if not given proper treatment at the right time, it can lead to severe health problems. Luckily there are many remedies for acidity but the best remedy is using Ayurveda herbal remedy. The traditional Ayurveda medicines are used quite frequently for curing acidity. Ayurveda uses herbs like English mallow, Ginger, Meadowsweet, Chamomile, Amla (Indian Gooseberry), Licorice, etc. for treating gastritis or acidity. Apart from these Ayurveda herbal medicines, dietary restrictions, different home remedies, water treatments are also used for Amlapitta treatment. Nowadays in the market you will find a variety of Ayurvedic medicines made using these herbs but it is always better to consult a professional practitioner.

For more information on ayurveda and amlapitta, Ayurvedic Treatment of Acidity or Amlapitta. For more information on Ayurveda and wholesale purchase of Ayurvedic products, check out Ayurveda Herbal Remedy.

Tips to Treat Acne with Neem

Acne is the common teenage problem and if you are living in a polluted environment then age does not matter to get the acne. All matter here is how to avoid acne and treat it if these appears on your charming face.

You will find n number of solutions to this problem but the best remedy for acne at first shot is the neem leaf and neem products.

Use anti bacterial neem soap to wash your face as this is the one of the best natural treatments for acne. Along with anti bacterial it also has the anti inflammatory, anti fungal and anti viral properties. In no other soap you will find all these qualities.

Also there is an anti-acne neem treatment in which you will be given a neem cream to be applied on the spot with a neem tablet that is to be taken twice a fay for 6 days. Cream helps in treating the acne externally by acting as astringent and cooling the skin whereas neem cream gives internal healing and cure for this problem.
Neem leaves and bark have wonderful chemicals that are extracted and given a form of neem oil. Neem oil is extremely beneficial to cure any kind of skin disease and acne is one of those. Even the left over scar from acne can be treated with neem oil that has a very strong fatty-acid chemicals. To use this first wash your face with neem soap and then apply this oil for better and quick effects.

Also you can make the mask from neem leaves and apply this paste on acne or entire face. This will also give you glow and clear your skin.

You can also have a clay mask in which mix few drops of neem oil in bentonite clay and apply this on acne to treat it.

Once you get rid of acne then daily give your skin a neem lotion so that it remains healthy forever.

Importance of Ayurvedic Beauty Care

One of the oldest system of medicine, Ayurveda has today occupied an important place in beauty care and treatment. Using varied herbs and herbal formulations, Ayurvedic beauty treatment is completely natural and gives the best results. Not only the natural herbs play an important role in internal health and well-being but also on external beauty and health. With herbal beauty treatment, the body and soul becomes complete and this is evident in your overall appearance. The beauty therapy of Ayurveda has shown its popularity among its users.

One of the most important reasons for the increasing use of Ayurveda in beauty and skin care is that this system can clearly bring out a clear, glowing skin together with happiness and relaxation which otherwise cannot be achieved by cosmetics. It lays emphasis on internal beauty.

Today the market is flooded with a wide range of beauty products, ointments, lotions , soaps, facepacks made using ayuvedic herbs which can bring a complete makeover of the skin, making it glow with radiance, removing dark spots and blemishes from your skin.

The beauty care of Ayurveda deals with overall well being of the body, increasing hair growth, improving eye sight, hands and foot care. The best part is that the herbs remove all the toxic wastes from the body, making you feel fresh and happy. There is a sense of mental peace and tranquility.

Some well known herbs for beauty care

• Aloe vera: The gel of this plant is very useful for skin and hair care.
• Neem (Margosa): A natural anti-parasitic and detoxification herb, it is used for skin ailments.
• Turmeric: Turmeric paste applied all over the face give a glowing skin.
• Hibiscus: You can make a shampoo using the flower and leaves. Powder them and mixed with water. This has amazing cleansing properties.
• Henna: A well known herb increasing hair growth and maintaining hair health.

Some Ayurvedic Beauty Care Tips

• Take equal proportions of cucumber juice, lime juice and rose water. After washing your face, apply this mixture on your face and keep it overnight. Next morning, rinse it off. This helps to give clear complexion.
• Take a small quantity of raw milk. Add and put a pinch of salt with few drops of lime juice. This is a natural cleansing lotion. Use it regularly to clean the deep pores of the skin.
• Take a small quantity of tomato juice. Add lemon juice. Mix it properly and apply it on your face. This makes the skin soft and glowing.
• Mix turmeric powder, wheat flour of equal amounts with sesame oil. Apply it on legs and hands for some time and then wash it off. This helps in removing unwanted hair.
• Apply orange juice on face. It makes the face soft and smooth.
• Mint juice when applied regularly removes stains.

For more information check out Ayurvedic Beauty Care. If you are interested in knowing all about Ayurveda and also get access to manufacturers and wholesalers dealing with ayurvedic products, check out Ayurveda Herbal Remedy.

Beneficial Neem for Hair

Every girl has a dream of having long, shinning and healthy hair. Some are born lucky having all these qualities in their hair but some really have to put efforts. Although you have many branded hair shampoos and conditioners and other products available in the market but use of home made products and natural hair oils is a better way to treat your dry and damaged hair as these have no side effects.

In all the available hair home remedies, Neem is the most beneficial and effective as every part and extract of this plant can be used for this purpose.

To begin with lets first talk about neem oil. It can be used to treat dry and itching scalp. You can even treat dandruff and psoriasis with neem oil. Also for shinny, long and dense hair use it. Even the oil can also be used to treat thinning, premature graying and hair loss. Also if you are suffering from hair lice problem, then massage your hair with neem oil. The benefits are because of Azadirachtin concentration that has the beneficiary impact. This chemical acts on lice and your hair will then be free from these. Hence if you are tired of using different hair products and looking for something miraculous for your hair then try neem oil.


Neem leaves and their extract are another very beneficial for long hair. Treating hair with this extract is the traditional way. You can make the paste of neem leaves and then apply this on your hair. This paste acts like conditioner and prevent the dryness, flaking of hair. Also it provides the required nourishment and soothe the irritation.

To get rid of dandruff boil about handful of the neem leaves in water till the water remains to half. Coll the water and then separate it from neem leaves. Use this to wash your hair. By doing this regularly you will see the results and will actually get rid of dandruff. Know more dandruff remedies.

Also Neem has antiseptic, anti pyretic, anti inflammatory, anti bacterial, anti viral, anti fungal and anti parasitic qualities and practically without any side effect. Because of such a vast array of associated benefits, since long time it has been associated with ayurveda “science of life”. It does blood purification, treats fever, illness, remedy for many skin ailments, prevention for malaria, dengue, and other insect bite. So use this miraculous Indian plant and enjoy its benefits.

Proper Hair Care Using Ayurveda

Ayurveda Hair Care

One of the old system of holistic healing from India, that is Ayurveda, is widely been used and accepted in beauty parlors, spas, skin and hair care manufacturers worldwide. One prime reason for the increased use of Ayurveda is its efficacy for skin and hair care solutions. Using Ayruveda in hair care is very effective at maintaining the strength, color and luster of the hair, including preventing the use of chemicals-based hair care that can be harmful to hair in the long term.

It is to be noted that just as the skin needs nutrition and care from inside out so also hair. Improper digestion, low intake of proper vitamins and minerals, deficient in hair-friendly foods, all these lead to hair problems even if you use the most expensive hair care products. So, the golden rule to have a healthy, lustrous hair is to look at what you eat, when you eat and how you eat.

Healthy Hair Food

As per ayurveda, you should have a good combination of whole, natural, organic and fresh foods. Vegetables like broccoli, beets, squashes, carrots, radish, dark green leafy vegetables, herbs like mint, cilantro and basil are excellent food choices which can provide the rich supply of nutrients to your hair. 

There are hair-friendly spices like cumin, turmeric which can be added to cooked dishes. Fruits should be a part of your regular diet. Eat different citrus fruits, berries, sweet grapes, melons etc. Keep on changing fruits and vegetables that you eat from day to day. Another food item that should be consumed regularly is raisins. Soak few raisins in warm water for about half and hour. This should be eaten every morning, essential for hair health. In Ayurveda, dairy products alike whole milk, cheese, lassis are very helpful for hair health and growth.

The coconut in ayurveda is highly revered for its ability to nourish the hair and scalp. To prevent hair falling, add fresh grated coconut to vegetable and drink the fresh juice of the young tender coconut. The juice offers a variety of nutrients for your hair. Regular application of coconut oil on hair scalp prevents excessive drying out of the hair and the scalp.

Nuts should be included in your daily diet. You can soak 8-10 almonds in hot water overnight, blanch them and eat with breakfast every morning. They are good for hair health and color. Soaking nuts before eating is recommended in Ayurveda as they can easily be digested.

Amla, or Indian Gooseberry promote the overall health and longevity of your hair. Triphala, a traditional ayurvedic combination of three fruits is also good as a internal cleanser and digestive toner.

When to Eat?

As per Ayurveda, the heaviest foods like heavy grains, cheese and legumes should be eaten at lunch or in the middle of the day. That’s when, according to ayurveda, your body’s digestive ability reach its peak. Eat lighter breakfast and lighter dinner.

How to Eat?

• Ayurveda recommends cooking meals in a positive frame of mind because when the food is prepared when you are angry or in a stress, negative energy passes to the food, as a result of which you won't see the full benefit in hair and overall health.
• Always eat in a happy, settled frame of mind.
• Ayurveda also says that when you focus on the flavors, colors, aromas, and textures of the food on your plate, it is very helpful. Similarly to have your meal in a quiet, pleasant, nurturing company is also good.
• Do not engross in other activities like reading, playing or watching TV or attending phone class whole eating. If you do not give your food complete attention, it will not give your hair, including your body all of its benefit.

For more information, check out Hair Care. If you are interested in knowing all about Ayurveda and also get access to manufacturers and wholesalers dealing with ayurvedic products, check out Ayurveda Herbal Remedy.

What are Stone Massage Therapy Benefits?

Ayurveda places much importance on body massages of various types. Among all ayurvedic massage types, Abhyanga massage is the most popular one that uses herbal oils to rejuvenate the body. A step ahead of “Abhyanga Massage” is the “Shila Abhyanga Massage” or the Ayurvedic hot stone massage. In it, hot water treated stones, mostly Basalt stones of varying sizes are placed at key points of the body (along both sides of the spine). Stone massage delivers efficient tissue and muscle massage at a pressure level that is comfortable to the person receiving it. The main benefit of hot stone massage therapy is to promote healing and longevity by releasing tension and connecting the flow of prana (vital energy) throughout the body. Other benefits of stone massage therapy include the following.

• Stone massage stimulates the circulatory system.
• It helps in releasing toxins out of body.
• It induces deep relaxation and calms the psyche.
• Stone massage therapy also relieves pain and muscle spasms.

Stone Massage Benefits for Diseases

There are certain specific diseases that get treated through Ayurvedic stone massage therapy. These diseases include:

• Muscular aches and pains
• Back Pain
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
• Arthritis
• Fibromylagia
• Stress, Anxiety
• Blood Circulatory Problems
• Insomnia
• Depression

Hot stone massage thus has many healing properties. In fact, the use of hot stones allows the massage therapist to give a deep, penetrating massage without putting excessive stress on own body. The stones heats the skin, open the pores, and prepare the patient's skin to better absorb the herbal massage oils. It, therefore, increases the benefits of any given oil that is provided to the body.

Why Good Iron Level in Blood is Important?

Most of you already know the answer. A good iron level in blood is required to avoid anemia- the state where hemoglobin reduces to such levels that you are not able to work properly. However, this is only a part of fact regarding iron level in blood. We are here talking about “good iron level” and not “low iron level” in blood. Good iron level is that where you do not have low as well as high iron levels. While low iron level leads to anemia, high levels of iron in blood too lead to many health complications. We will discuss the implications of both- high and low iron levels in blood- so that you might come to know about as to what is a good iron level in blood?

High Iron Level in Blood- the Complications

Iron is an essential mineral nutrient for our body but it is not needed in very high amounts. If you take a diet too high in iron, you may possibly develop different health problems. These may include high risk for cancer, heart disease, and other health conditions like endocrine problems, arthritis, diabetes, and liver disease. As iron produces free radicals, its excessive presence can lead to cancer as well as heart diseases, especially in men because they mostly have a sufficient level of iron throughout their lives contrary to women who lose this mineral frequently due to menstrual cycle, pregnancy and breast feeding. So, one must always try to take balanced food and not unnecessarily go for high iron diet. Also iron supplements should be taken only after consulting with doctor and not on own will.

Low Iron Level in Blood- the Complications

Although high iron level is an issue of concern, a major portion of population suffers from what is called anemia (this includes more women due to the reasons mentioned before in this article). And anemia is the result of low iron level in blood. Approximately 20% of women, 50% of pregnant women, and 3% of men suffer from iron deficiency. Iron in body is needed to make hemoglobin which carries oxygen from the lungs to body tissues. Brain activity, breathing, cellular respiration and all other activities of body depend upon enough iron in the blood.

If you constantly feel tired, dizzy, weak lethargic, or experience trouble thinking or concentrating or even if you see your skin turn pale and always feel cold or have heart palpitations, you might be suffering from iron deficiency anemia. This is the condition where you must try to achieve the so called “good iron level in blood.” There are many ways to do so- iron supplements, foods rich in iron and certain herbs that contain iron or help body in absorbing iron from food. While iron supplements should always be taken when prescribed by your doctor, you can have food rich in iron to increase iron level in blood. Always confirm through blood iron tests and just do not rely upon symptoms only.

If your blood tests show low level of hemoglobin, get Home Herbal Remedies to Increase Iron Level in Blood

Hibiscus : The Fun Facts

Not many know that hibiscus-the flower, is used for a number of purposes other than the bouquets and decoration. The flower in itself is found in a four vibrant colors namely- red, yellow, pink and white. This flower is processed and used as a food additive for providing a red tinge to the dish. Other than this, hibiscus flower and colors happen to serve various other purposes. Have a look:

1- Dried Hibiscus petals are used for garnishing the food in certain areas,specially, Mexico. In fact, the natives of Mexico treat hibiscus as a vegetable and consume it by making delicious dishes out of it.

2- Hibiscus flower is regarded divine as per the Indian mythology hence, it used for worshiping in temples and people dedicate its offerings to their gods.

3- Being a wonderful hair stimulator, hibiscus is extensively used as a herbal ingredient in various hair conditioners and shampoos.

4-Hibiscus tea is a a favored beverage among people as it is herbal and has therapeutic effects on body.

5-Handmade papers use hibiscus as an indispensable constituent in its manufacturing.

6-There are immense medicinal and curative properties of hibiscus flower. It is commonly used for treating dandruff and blood pressure. Apart from that, hibiscus extracts are useful in curing respiration problems, indigestion and loss of appetite etc.

7-The most popular use of hibiscus is as a food color. Just like the cochineal extract, hibiscus's inherent red-blue color is used in food products after boiling the dried hibiscus petals in water.

8- Since hibiscus contains vitamin c, many a times it is used for adding a tangy flavor to various foods and drinks.

Thus, after the above mentioned facts it is rather evident that not only is hibiscus a beautiful flower, but also an extremely useful product too.

To know more about hibiscus, click here.

Ayurvedic Tips To Treat Tooth Problems

Your whole personality will be chaged if your have pearl like beautiful and white teeth. But keeping teeth so white and strong in todays' junk food eating habit is bit difficult. Your life is so fast that there is not even a time to eat food properly what to think about teeth. If this is your daily life's story then calm down and read this article further as this will help you in keeping your teeth health through natural way. Also if you have time then work upon these for a stronger and white looking teeth.

Ayurveda is a miracle as it has so many beneficial herbs and treatments that are sometimes beyond imagination. There are many herbs that can be used daily or in a routine to get the required result. Moreover to your surprise these have no side effect.

Azadirachtha indica or neem or margosa is valuable for teeth. Twig of this tree is used as a brush and rubbed on teeth. This is really a bliss and one of the best herb to cure any dental problem. Even you can get neem oil from the market that can be applied on teeth to keep the bad breath at bay. You can use this daily. Buy a bundle of neem twig and brush your teeth.

After this there is another herb called Babul (Acacia arabica) that is benign for teeth and gums. Just like neem use the twig of babul and feel the freshness through out a day. As per ayurveda there is nothing greater than babul in giving you the fresh feel.

Bakula or Mimosops Elengi that is used to cure many dental problem. Leaves of bakula can also be boiled in water, which then can be used as a mouthwash. It keeps your teeth and gums in proper shape and gives then strength to remain like that for a longer period of time.

Holy basil or tulsi or Ocimum sanctum is a very beneficial herb that has innumerable benefits. Get the powder of basil leave and rub this on your teeth daily. To make basil powder at home you can dry leaves of the plant under Sun then then ground them. Even it is very helpful in treating pyorrhea.

Also you can mix one table spoon of sarson or mustard oil and pinch of salt. Daily apply this on your teeth for healthy and strong teeth.

Neem Extract: The Plethora of Cures

Neem extract is a well known home remedy for various disorders. It is made by either boiling the neem leaves in water or by grinding fresh neem leaves in paste form to be used directly. Mentioned here are few uses of neem extract for different disorders of human body.

Relieves Inflammation
One of the main constituent of neem extract called 'Nimbidim' is known for reducing inflammation. A study done at the Department of Pharmacology in Rajshahi Medical College, Bangladesh, reinforces this fact with the support of evidences. Neem extract somewhat works like dexamethasone on inflammation.

Cures Skin Diseases
Neem extract is quite effective in treating various skin disorders like ringworm, eczema, scabies, and certain forms of dermatitis too. Scientifically, the neem extract works better if injected into the body as compared to the topical application.

Hypoglycemic
It is a well known fact that neem and neem products are hypoglycemic, as in, it effectively helps in controlling sugar levels in the blood. Thus, a regular intake of neem extract can definitely help in preventing high blood sugar.

Avoids Ulcers
Neem leaves carry glycoside which is an antigastric substance, neem extract can hence avoid the formation of ulcers in stomach or intestines. It is an effective remedy for people suffering from gastric problems.

Avoids Malaria
Neem extract is being used against malaria since ages. It is highly antibactirial and works very well against the malarial parasite called P. falciparum. Have neem extract directly or as neem tea, it would certainly resist the malaria symptoms.

Works as a Contraceptive
Interestingly, neem extract can be used as a birth controller or as a contraceptive. Oral intake of neem extract boosts anti fertility properties and thus, prevents conception.

Cancer
The most powerful use of neem extract is against the hazardous disease of cancer. Neem is known to carry an antitumor polysaccharide which resists the growth of certain tumors and hence, can help in avoiding cancer. Qualified doctors too, recommend the intake of neem extract to some of the cancer patients.

To know more about neem extract, click here.

Coconut oil - Natural Treatment for Hair Fall

Hair as such is a long filament of dead keratin protein but has alive follicle and cell beneath the scalp. There is one basic factor for healthy hair that if you are healthy then you will have long and shinny hair but on the other hand any problem like excessive hair fall, patches of baldness or dryness of hair means that there is some health related problem that should be immediately looked into and rectified to stop the further aggravation of the problem.

Secret behind growth and condition of hair is proper diet, stress free nature, yoga, oil massage and sound sleep. In all natural oils are very beneficial for hair growth and among these, coconut oil is regarded as the best as it has solved the problem of many people.

Since ages coconut oil has been used for curing skin as well as hair problems as it has anti fungal and anti bacterial properties. Regular use of this oil leads to supple and soft skin as well as hair. Also hair breakage and split ends are reduced to minimum by regularly massaging your scalp with coconut oil. Lice are kept out of scalp with this oil and it also gives shine to the dull looking hair.

Coconut oil works in two ways. It keep the shaft and hair follicles moist thus lends a long and thick hair. Secondly it is used for conditioning the hair daily for damage free hair.

For a long time it was thought that coconut oil is not good because it has saturated fatty acid but now apart from other features it is this feature that makes this oil an exception for healthy hair and skin. Coconut oil is rich in saturated fatty acid like linoleic acid, capric acid, oleic acid, myristic, caprylic acid and caprylic acid and this gives softness to the hair. This is done by providing moisture to hair and scalp. Hence if you have dry hair then use this oil to see the result.

Many people are worried from the problem of hair loss and hair fall. So coconut oil is a bless for the people who are looking for something to rely on for this matter along with other ayurveda hair loss treatment. For them daily massage with coconut oil is recommended along with other necessary things. For better result warm the oil a bit and then use it for massaging. Keep the oil for at least one hour and then wash your head with ayurvedic shampoo. For better result you can keep it overnight as well. Do not use to harsh or strong shampoos for washing.

Coconut oil also stimulates the growth of new hair as it is rich in vitamin E, which is very good for the growth of the hair. It keeps away the pimples and helps in healing of scalp from mosquito or insect bite.

Coconut oil keeps the scalp healthy and we know that hair from a healthy scalp will automatically be healthy. So use coconut oil for healthy and bouncy hair.

Use Natural Herbs To Loose Weight

Now-a-days ayurveda is being looked upon as a much preferred set of medication for treating various ailments. It is actually wise to cure diseases using natural medicines, as herbal remedies do not render any kind of ill effects on the body. One of the many disorders which can be helped using ayurveda is obesity. For this, natural herbs lose belly fat in an effective manner. The natural weight loss tips are full of recommendations for using natural weight loss herbs. One can easily loose weight with the ayurvedic herbs and treatments available in ayurveda science. Mentioned below are some of the natural herbs which effectively help in healthy weight loss. Have a look at them:

Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is an effective ayurvedic element for losing weight. Aloe vera juice helps in improving digestion and cleaning the digestive tract thus, avoiding the accumulation of all kinds of fatty acids and toxins.

Gymnema Sylvestre
Gymnema Sylvestre is popularly known as the 'sugar destroyer'. In earlier times, physicians used to chew few Gymnema leaves to suppress the sweet taste of sugar. Today, qualified doctors favor its usage for controlling blood sugar which indirectly helps in controlling weight gain too.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Another natural herb used for losing weight in ayurveda is apple cider vinegar. Use apple cider vinegar to lose weight and also enjoy its multiple benefits like improving of cholesterol levels, improving of high blood pressure and prevention of rheumatoid arthritis.

Guggul
Guggul is supposedly the most effective natural herb for losing weight. Popularly known as 'the natural fat killer', guggul is actually a strong resin extract which is extracted from a tiny, thorny mukul myrrh tree. This particular herb effectively helps in getting rid of the unwanted fat and stimulate the cellular fire along with perfect liver functioning. It helps in catalyzing tissue regeneration and increasing white blood cells.

Green Tea
Green tea extract too helps in weight loss. Regular intake of green tea or green tea extracts is instrumental in burning extra calories and if taken together with caffeine, the fat burning process is increased by 40 percent.

Apart from these, Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Triphala Choorna, Ashwagandha and Shilajit are other ayurvedic medicines which can be taken for losing weight naturally. These herbal remedies lose weight better than any other processes, crash diets and rigrous gym sessions. In fact, not only do these organic herbs lose weight but these also stimulate a healthy living as well.

Ayurvedic Herbal Remedy for Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is a common infection among people during rainy season. It is actually a condition where the Conjunctiva (the particular membrane which covers the eyeball) turns red and inflamed together with the interiors of eyelids. The infected eye becomes rather pink in color and that is why this infection is also termed as pink eye. The worst part about it is that it is a communicable disease, meaning, the other person can easily get effected by it with just a sight of the infected person's naked eye

Reasons for Conjunctivitis

The reasons or cause of conjunctivitis is the bacterias like Staphylococcus, Streptococcus and Hemophilus. Issues like herpes zoster, measles, herpes simplex or viral infections like acute respiratory infection, cold flu etc. can render pink eye. Besides, environment or climatic conditions too can be a reason for it like wind, smoke, dust can carry the infectious viruses to cause pink eye. Otherwise inadequate drainage of tear ducts can also lead to the infection of conjunctivitis.

The general symptoms for conjunctivitis are as under:

* Burning sensation in eyes
* Eye pain
* Dryness in eye
* Blurred Vision
* Sticky discharge from eye
* Redness

To read the rest of the article, click here.

Say No to Baldness and Hair Loss With Ayurveda

Ayurveda is fast becoming a preferred remedial treatment for various health related issues. The main reason for this bent is the use of natural herbs and medicines which do not render any kind of side effect on body. It is rather wise to follow a natural treatment for skin and hair related issues as taking allopathic medicines for such problems for a long period of time can effect negatively on the body. Here are few natural remedies which can help a great deal in treating baldness and hair loss.

-To promote hair growth one has to bring about a major change in the food habits which would include a daily consumption of 10-12 glasses of water with a diet balancing the 'Pitta Dosha'. Inclusion of green leafy vegetables, eggs, fruits and dairy products in the daily diet can be effective in promoting hair growth.

-Almond oil and coconut oil are known to have therapeutic effect on hair as well as head. Massage the scalp with any of these oils religiously for ten minutes every day, and you will definitely experience positive results on your hair over a period of time.

-Strained water of boiled neem leaves should be used for rinsing hair. This would help in getting rid of dandruff and lice.

-Massage the scalp once in a while with a mixture of coconut oil and lime juice. This is a tried and tested hair loss home remedy which would invariably help in hair regrowth.

-An ayurvedic concoction of amla, corals, sesame seeds and bhringraj can help a great deal in promoting hair growth as well as preventing pre-mature hair graying too.

-Mix three drops each of thyme, cedar wood, lavender, rosemary and thyme essential oils with 1/8th cup of grape seed oil and same amount of jojoba oil. Massage the scalp with this solution for half an hour and leave it so overnight. Then wash it off the next morning using a herbal shampoo. A religious repetition of this process can indeed promote hair growth with a shiny mane.

To know more about various home remedies and ayurvedic treatments for different common illnesses, click here.

Obesity: Natural Herbs At Your Rescue

The traditional Ayurveda study favors the use of certain specific natural herbs for treating obesity or reducing weight. These herbs are not just effective but also are safe for use as these do not render any kind of side effects on body. Have a look at some of the natural herbs recommended by ayurveda for treating increased weight:

Triphala (Emblica Officinalis)
Triphala is known for reducing fat and boosting the hemoglobin levels which ultimately results in weight loss. Also it is an effective anti-oxidant which helps in weight reduction.

Guggul (Commiphora Mukul)
The herb guggul particular herb helps in burning fats and controlling the cholesterol levels in blood. It is thus, popularly used for curbing obesity and weight reduction. Since, it is a natural herb, it is considered much more safe and superior than the other antibiotics and medicines.

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
Sweets are a major reason behind increasing weight. Hence, it is really helpful in reducing weight if the sweet buds can be controlled. Here, Licorice roots come quite handy as being sweet in taste, it equalizes the sugar levels and help in reducing the cravings for sweets.

Garcinia Cambogia
This particular ayurvedic herb helps a great deal in curbing obesity by slowing down the process of fat production in the body cells. It so happens that the hydroxy-citric-acid a constituting element in this herb converts blood sugar into glycogen rather than in fat thus, being instrumental in weight reduction. Besides, it also controls the sugar levels.

Apart from the above mentioned herbs, natural extracts like aloevera juice helps a great deal in stimulating the metabolism and digestion in a positive way. It is helpful in cleaning the digestive tract and keeping the metabolic system of body absolutely fit and fine. Vrikshamala and Vayu Vidanga are other natural herbs which are quite effective for weight loss.

To know more about reducing weight naturally and herbal remedies for the same, click here.

A Fairer and Glowing You With Herbal Remedies

It is always a better idea to opt for natural treatments for skin and when it comes to making skin glow, nothing works better than the herbal remedies. Here are few home remedies and ayurvedic skin care tips which can work wonders for making your skin glow and turn it a bit fairer without much investment. Check them out:

For Normal Skin Type

-Take half an orange's or tomato's juice and mix it well with around two teaspoonfuls of curd. Now, apply this smooth solution onto your face in an upward motion. Let it dry for a while and then rinse it off with cold water. Wipe it dry and you'll be ready with a glowing and healthy looking skin within a span of few minutes.

-Papaya is extremely healthy for all kinds of skin type. Just rub the inner part of papaya onto the face and rinse it off after a couple of minutes. This would render an instant glow on your skin.

-Another herbal beauty tip for preventing wrinkles and tightening the skin is application of cabbage juice on face. Extract the juice of 50 grams of cabbage by grinding it. Apply this liquid extract on your face and rinse it off after a while. You can easily witness the positive results on skin.

-Apple being a natural skin cleanser, can be used for cleaning the skin. The inner part of apple peels can be rubbed onto the skin for cleaning it. The skin would be tightened as well as cleaned with this small activity.

For Oily Skin Type

-A solution made up of two teaspoonfuls of cucumber juice with similar amount of raw milk and few lemon drops can work well on oily skin. Just apply this solution on face using a cotton ball and you will invariably find your skin with a glowing tinge.

-To get rid of oil and blackheads from skin, use fenugreek (methi) seed's paste on the skin. Soak fenugreek seeds in water overnight and grind it into a smooth paste. Apply this paste on face and wash it off with cool water. A fair and glowing skin minus oil and blackheads is what you will get. Alternatively, one can also use red gram instead of fenugreek.

For Dry Skin Type

-People with dry skin can try applying banana and honey mixture on the face. A ripe banana mashed into a teaspoon of honey is considered as one of the best home remedies for glowing skin.

-Soak poppy seeds in water overnight and then grind these seeds with a bit of milk to form a paste. Apply this paste on face and wash it off after a while. You will witness a supple and hydrated skin.

-A herbal paste made up of, one teaspoonful of cream or malai mixed with four or five drops of olive oil and a pinch of turmeric works well for dry skin.

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The Versatility of Akhrot Herb

Akhrot is a highly versatile herb which is used for a number of medicinal and remedial purposes in ayurveda. Among the masses it is popularly known as Walnut and is extensively used in the preparation of different confections and desserts. Besides the fruit, its leaves and barks are also put to use for various other issues. For example, the Akhrot leaves happen to be astringent and anthelmintic thus, are helpful in curing eczema, herpes, syphilis and scrofula. In the crushed form, leaves tend to be quite effective as an insect repellent. Akhrot fruit on the other hand, is an aphrodisiac fruit and is often used for treating frequent urination, chronic cough and asthma. Also, Akhrot wood is counted amongst the best woods for making furniture etc. for it provides a very royal feel to the furniture given its smoothness, hardness and grain.

To know more about the medicinal and remedial uses of akhrot, click here.

Ayurvedic Remedies for Kidney Stones

A kidney stone refers to a chemical reaction wherein the urine loses its usual liquid form and gets concentrated to form a stone like structure. These stones are generally developed within the kidney or the urinary tract. It is such a common problem that one person in every set of 20 people has had the kidney stone problem once in his lifespan. The scientific term for kidney stone is renal calculi, and the occurrence of it is termed as nephrolithiasis while the stones occuring in the urinary tract are referred as urolithiasis.

Ayurvedic Remedies for Kidney Stone

Discussed here are few ayurvedic herbal remedies which can help a great deal in the problem of kidney stones:

• Water or fluids are supposedly the best medicine for stone. Thus, a person with kidney stones must have at least three liters of water everyday.

• Regular intake of coconut water and barley water can help in relieving the burning urination sensations which is a common issue with people carrying kidney stones.

• Onion concoction made by adding water to the onion bulbs with sugar can be of great help in kidney stones.

To read the rest of the article, click here.

All About Wonder Plant Neem

Neem is a tree which renders multiple benefits to human beings. It basically belongs to the Indian sub-continent. This versatile tree holds the history of being used for more than 4500 years. The ancient documentation shows that back then, most of the parts of neem, such as – leaves, seed oil, fruit etc. were used for various medicinal purposes. In India neem tree is fondly called as the village dispensary meaning 'a medical clinic' for a number of advantages it renders to the people. Its healing properties had been identified during the ancient period itself. Today, after years of research, trial and tests neem is popularly used as a home remedy for common skin, hair, bruises and other health related problems.

Importance of Neem Tree

Neem tree, also known as Azadirachta Indica has a plethora of benefits to offer. Right from its roots till its spawning crown, every single part of neem has one or the other medicinal benefit to offer. It so happens because the chemical constituents of this particular tree makes it a health booster. Owing to its varied soothing and effective uses, it is commonly used in the manufacturing of medicines, cosmetics and agriculture. The herbal, neem cosmetics and neem skin care products are a rage now-a-days as people are tilting more towards the mother nature and averring from the adverse chemicals. Such reasons and more of the likes makes Neem to be called as 'A Wonder Plant' .

Neem Based Medicines

Neem tree is best known for its healing and medicinal properties and hence, it is often used in most of the herbal medicines. The fact that each and every part of neem tree including the bark, seeds, flower, leaves, fruit pulp etc. can be put to use, the herbal medicine makers treat it as the most preferred source of crude medicine among all. Neem tree or rather its various parts have the effective properties to heal various ailments like diabetes, ulcers, leprosy, constipation, skin disorders etc. Now-a-days world class scientists are researching extensively create new neem antibiotics and neem medicines to cure hazardous diseases.

Neem Based Cosmetics

As more and more people are turning towards mother nature and looking for the most natural products for day to day uses, neem based cosmetics have duly made their niche in this segment. Neem based beauty aids and toiletries are a rage among people these days. Neem based shampoo, soaps, skin creams/lotions, toothpaste etc. are slowly capturing the market as a major share of consumers are preferring these over the regular chemical based products.

Neem in Agricultural Sector

Since neem works as an antibiotic or an anti insecticide, it is put to use in the agriculture sector as well. It is quite beneficial for the in the farming sector as neem acts as a fertilizer efficiency enhancer,neem insecticide for food storage, helps in soil amendment and is an effective foliar pesticide. Interestingly, the use of neem in agricultural sector is not just restricted to India only but in various other parts of the world as well. Neem cake, neem oil, neem leaves etc. are used for agricultural purposes.

For more information on neem and neem products, please click here.

Brewing Neem Tea

Neem tea is one of the most sought after herbal remedy for common disorders like cough, cold, infection etc. Though there are a number of ways to prepare neem tea for various body disorders as it depends on the purpose and usage of tea. However, the basic recipe of making neem tea is as under:

Step 1
Boil one cup of water.

Step 2
Pour it over ¼ cup of fresh neem leaves.

Step3
Stand it for five minutes.

Step 4
Strain the water in another cup.

Step 5
Hot neem tea is ready to sip.

This tea can thereby be modified as per the requirements. For example: neem tea made up of fresh leaves and mature seeds is popularly used for treating bladder, kidney and prostate ailments. While this brewed tea can also be mixed with a base cream to be used as a healing and soothing agent for haemorrhoid. In fact, The neem bark and roots are also brewed for making a healing solution to treat liver ailments, jaundice, malaria, stomach ulcers, intestinal parasites etc.

The neem tea dose can vary from being strong to light in intensity. For example, to treat malaria, neem leaves are suggested to be brewed for twenty minutes at the rate of ten grams of leaves against each liter of water. The more the amount of neem leaves would be in the tea, the stronger the dose would become. A strong dose of neem tea is often used as a lotion for sprains or swollen glands. Besides, a cloth bandage dipped in hot neem tea also soothes the bruises to a great extent. Bites, stings, infected grazes or scrapes all can be treated with the wonder neem tea.

To know more about neem tea remedies, click here.

Neem Leaves: Treating Acne

Neem leaves are an effective solution for acne problem. There are a number of ways to use neem leaves for treating acne.Check out few of them here:

-The best and the most effective way of treating acne is using fresh neem leaves paste on acne prone area. One can make neem leaves paste at home and apply it all over the face for a period of half-an-hour. Later rinse it off with water. Following this curative beauty regime religiously can help effectively in getting rid of acne.

-Neem tree leave extracts are now-a-days available in form of neem supplements as well. Hence, people who find it difficult to chew bitter neem leaves can pop in these supplements which help in purifying blood from within and clear the skin. One capsule, three times a day upto 40 days can help clear acne from the very core.

-Neem leaves soap can be used as a cure against acne. Carrying the inherent properties of neem, neem leaves soap too happens to be anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antiparasitic which makes it perfect for treating acne. For best results, the neem soap lather has to be put on the problem spots for a while and then washed off with water. Regular use of neem leaves soap can render effective results on acne prone skin.

-Acne and pimples can also be cured with the use of neem leaves water. Put some fresh neem leaves in water and boil it. Once the boiled neem leaves water has cooled down, pour it into a sprayer and spray it on to the affected areas. It would surely help treating acne to a great extent.

For rich information and details regarding neem leaves, click here.

What Rice Type is Best for You?

We are here talking in terms of rice nutrition value. As far as taste factor is concerned, everyone has  own choice but when it comes to nutritional value and health benefits, some rice types are actually better than others! So, what rice is best for you and me?

Does White Rice give Best Nutrition?

White rice is perhaps the most common rice that is used by people. It is also famous by the name of milled rice due to the fact that it has been processed and refined to remove the husk, germ, and bran, leaving behind just the white grain. The milling process takes away most of the nutrition from white rice. Sometimes it is polished to get shiny white kernel which further reduces its nutrient content. Although now a rice variety known as 'enriched white rice' can be found that is enriched with vitamins B1, B3 and iron. If we leave apart the enriched rice, white rice itself is nutrient poor. So, it is definitely not the best rice type to eat from nutritional point of view!

Does Brown Rice give Best Nutrition?

Brown rice or "hulled rice" is the unmilled rice or partly milled rice. Brown rice and white rice have similar amounts of calories, carbohydrates, and protein but differ in nutritional content due to processing differences. When processing brown rice, only its outermost layer- the husk- is removed and not the bran layer and the germ that are removed in white rice (which is responsible for removal of vitamins B1, B3 and iron from it.) Although enriched white rice contain these three nutrients, it does not gets back magnesium that is also lost during its processing. One cup of cooked long grain brown rice contains 84 mg of magnesium while one cup of white rice contains only 19 mg.

Brown rice also retains its bran, that has in it, the famous rice bran oil. Rice bran oil helps lower LDL or the bad cholesterol. Brown rice is also less constipating as it contains more dietary fibers than white rice. Brown rice is also good for those trying to lose weight as it makes them feel fuller, thanks to its fiber rich composition.

See the difference between nutritional value of white rice and brown rice in the rice nutrition chart given in the article Rice Nutrition- Comparison of Different Rice Types and get assured that brown rice is definitely the best rice to eat when compared with white rice!

Ayurveda Tips for Good Health and Healthy Life

Ayurveda is science of knowledge that balances the life through diet. According to ayurveda everything is associated with our body type and the diet we take. Any disbalance in this may lead to problems. So to stay fit in life you must have a proper routine. Follow the simple steps of ayurveda for good health and healthy life.

Ayurveda Tips for Morning
Wake up with the sun to stay fit. Brush your teeth and massage your teeth and gums with sesame oil. After this drink a glass of warm water. Empty your bladder and bowels to release toxics and waste from the body. Massage body with warm oil (pitta:coconut, vata:sesame, kapha: almond). After 30 mins take bath. Do yoga and meditation and eat healthy breakfast.

Ayurveda Tips for Mid-Day
Take your lunch between 12 to 1 PM. Sit quietly for at least 5 mins after the lunch. After this take about 108 steps of brisk walk. This will help in easy digestion of food.

Ayurveda Tips for Evening
Meditate before the sun sets. Take your dinner between 6-7 PM.

Ayurveda Tips for Night
Do not watch TV for a long time at night and avoid any kind of mental stress like fight or action during this time. Go to bed before 10 PM. Your sleeping time and the last meal must have the difference of at least 3 hours.

Natural Ayurveda Health Tips to Stay Fit

• Drink warm water through out the day. It is actually the frequency of the water that matters a lot rather than quantity. You should take small amount of water after every hour or half an hour.



• Do any sort of exercise daily to stay healthy. But do not over exert yourself. After each sternous exercise it is important to have relaxing exercise as per ayurveda health tips.



• You body will be rejuvenated with the oil massage. Get the daily oil massage. If this is not possible then take the body oil massage on your holiday. This has the soothing effect on your vata.



• Ayurvedic massage /ayurvedic-massages/ is important for the body, skin and mind as many harmful chemicals are released after this.



• Ayurveda general health tips also forced to take the simple and relaxed meal for good health.



• Eat when you are actually hungry.



• Do not read or watch TV while eating. Just sit calmly and in a relaxing posture while eating your food.



• Do not skip breakfast and avoid heavy food at night.



• As far as possible eat fresh food.



• You must go with the cleansing of your body at every season change. This is done by skipping the regular food. During this period very light diet with lots of hot water is recommended. This increases the digestive power.



• Apart from all exercises and food one must take a sound sleep. If you are unable to take the sound sleep then ayurveda general health tips recommends you to take warm water bath, body massage with ayurvedic oil, light food in evening, listening to very light and calming music. As per ayurveda health tips one must go to bed before 10 PM.

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Lip Care Tips

When we talk about body care then we think of caring our face, hands, feet, arms, kegs and back but we generally neglect the most prominent part of our body that are lips. The pink, soft and healthy lips change your personality and you do not need anything extra to make these look beautiful. All you need is to care for your lips for the natural appeal.

Causes of the Chapped and Dry Lips

• Smoking and Drinking.
• Over exposure to Sunlight.
• Less consumption of water.
• Lack of Vitamin A, B and C.
• Any kind of skin disorder.
• Deficiency of riboflavin.
• Expired and allergic cosmetic products.

Symptoms

• Dry lips.
• Pain in the lip because of dryness.
• Excessive dryness can lead to the bleeding as well.
• Reddishness

Lip Care Tips

• If you are drink alcohol, coffee and tea in excess and suffering from chapped and dry lips then it is the time to cut down the intake of these.
• Massage you lips daily with the almond oil or olive oil.
• You can also apply butter or milk cream before going to be daily. This will smoothen and provide softness to the lips.
• If not butter or milk cream then buy the branded lip balm and apply this regularly.
• Do not pull the dry flakes from your lips. But instead of this make the granular paste of sugar in olive oil. Massage this on your lips. It will have exfoliating affect and will remove the dead and dry skin.
• Drink sufficient amount of water to supple your lips.
• Take vitamin E supplements if necessary for soft and supple skin.
• Try lip balm with SPF if you are exposed to UV rays of the Sunlight for a longer period of time.
• Honey is the natural moisturizer. You can apply honey on your lips and wash it after some time with water.
• Rub lemon juice to remove darkness of the lips.

Read more on Ayurvedic Lip Care Tips

Natural Food Coloring- What a Healthy Option!

Just imagine your food as black and white! Or some dull colors like muddy Grey! Will you be tempted enough to eat them? Most of the people would not. Seeing is very significant for us human beings and that is a known fact since ages. Early civilizations introduced color into their food and that too very naturally. Ancient Egyptians made their food yellow with saffron. Wines were also colored in 400 B.C.E. using saffron only. Romans colored their white bread by mixing alum to the flour. There are many other such examples from the history of food coloring that we will discuss later in this article to help you know how you can use natural food colorings but before knowing that, we must know what today's food colors are and how are we consuming them?

Food Colors of Present Day

Today our food processing industry uses many types of food colors, the main being- Food Dyes  and Lake Food Colors Not only food stuff but pharmaceutical products, cosmetics, inks, plastic food containers etc. are also colored with these artificial colors. So when you are having those colorful vitamin pills or using that lipstick, you are consuming these artificial food colors. It's not that only synthetic food colors are used in processed foods and other materials, there are many organic lake colors (organic lake pigments) too that are widely used for coloring food, thanks to the awareness about organic living! These organic lake pigments are obtained from natural sources. Some of the examples of such organic lake food colors include caramel, turmeric, beet and berry juice, paprika, saffron etc.

Natural Food Colors

As I promised earlier, I will now let you know what all natural food colors were used historically to make food interesting and soulful. In fact, in Europe there was a common belief during early Renaissance period that color in food not only showed its nutritional value, but also pointed towards medicinal power connected to spiritual, celestial substances. For example, eating sweet red grapes was considered effective for having full rich blood, black food like pepper or fungi induced melancholy, and golden colored foods promoted divine solar healing!

• Turnsole -  or folium was a dyestuff prepared from the annual plant Crozophora tinctoria ("dyers' crook carrier," from its use and the curved tip of its spike of florets).
• Turmeric - is a bright yellow colorant made from the roots of the herb Curcuma longa. It is an ancient Indian spice and a traditional remedy that has been used as a medicine. Turmeric is still used for everyday food preparation in Indian homes.
• Red Pepper - Paprika oleoresin is extracted from the pod of sweet red pepper. Capsicum annum is called Paprika. Paprika imparts a bright orange to red-orange color in food products.
• Red sandal wood - The bark of red sandal wood tree is blackish brown and exudate a deep red juice when cut. It is the source of a brilliant red dye. Known as Rakta Chandana, it has been used in Ayurvedic medicine as an anti-septic, wound healing agent, and anti-acne treatment. Redwood as a natural food color has a wide use in cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals for coloring tinctures.
• Saffron - Saffron is a spice native to Asia, with 80% now being produced in countries like Iran, Spain, Greece and Morocco. Saffron had been used not only for excellent yellow-orange color that it gives to food but also for its pleasant smell!

Marigold, safflower, parsley, spinach, fruits, and flower petal extracts were and are some of the other natural food colors that are healthier options as compared to artificial food colorings.

Ajinomoto – MSG Flavor Enhancer that gives you “Headache”

Not only headache, ajinomoto has many other side effects. True, you love to have all those Chinese food (and processed foods too) but did you know that most of them contain “Ajinomoto”- the brand name for the flavor enhancer Monosodium Glutamate or MSG!

What is Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)?

Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) is the food additive that is also popular by the name of flavor enhancer 621. MSG is also there in many natural foods but not in so much of quantity as is added by restaurants and by processed food manufacturers in their food items.

Should we use Ajinomoto?

As far as we use ajinomoto in home made food in negligible amounts and not very frequently, there should not be any health problems but as soon as we start using ajinomoto or any other MSG in larger quantities very often, we become prone to the MSG side effects. People who are extra food sensitive should altogether avoid ajinomoto and other MSG products. Also, we should avoid foods that have MSG in high quantities.

To know what all foods contain Monosodium Glutamate, side effects of MSG and other facts about MSG, read What are Monosodium Glutamate Side Effects?

Neem Leaf : Multiple Uses

Neem is known for being a highly medicinal and remedial tree. Its a massive flowering shade tree belonging to the mahogany family. Each and every part of neem tree is a benefactor to mankind in one or the other way. Only the neem leaves in itself comprise of more than 100 active ingredients which can also be grounded into powder or cured into tea.

Below mentioned are few of the multiple uses of neem leaves:

Neem Leaf as Insecticide
Neem leaf is an amazing insecticide. The best way to use it is by putting fresh neem leaves in books, cabinets, beds etc. this helps in keeping the insects out. These can also be laid around the garden to safeguard crops from insects.

Neem Leaves for Diabetes
Neem leaves can control the blood sugar effectively by approximately 45%. Also, these leaves are helpful in increasing the oxidation of red blood cells. Its tea form is instrumental in curing pneumonia and gout.

Malaria Protection
As per the American Journal of Therapeutics, neem leaf and its extracts fight against malaria carrying mosquitoes for upto 12 hours. Its usage as a mosquito repellent is quite popular in tropical African and Asian countries.

Neem Leaves for Blood Pressure
Neem leaf has good amount of antihistamine properties which help in dilating the blood vessels and reducing the blood pressure levels.

Neem Leaves for Arthritis
The pain and inflammation associated with Arthiritis can be cured well with the help of neem leaves. Certain properties of neem leaves also help in alleviating rheumatism.

Skipping Breakfast is a Big NO- Go for Ayurveda Breakfast Recipes!

If you wonder why you get irritated in your office, home and everywhere, you might be skipping breakfast often! Ayurveda says- “Don't Skip Breakfast” Why? Because fasting irritates pitta, vata, and kapha dosha, particularly the sadhaka pitta which is responsible for maintaining an even temper and when in balance, brings joy and contentment. If sadhaks pitta gets imbalanced, it leads to unsettled emotions and thus irritability. So, start having breakfast right from tomorrow morning to be in a good mood always!

Now if you are habitual of skipping breakfast, it might be a little difficult for you to break this habit. However, nothing is impossible- you knew that earlier too! Ayurveda suggests that the first food in the morning should be a fruit or something that is very light and easy on your digestive system. For example, fruits that are best for breakfast. Morning is also the best time of the day to get maximum nourishment from fruit. There are many other options for healthy breakfast. If you want to know what all foods fall in Ayurveda Breakfast Recipes, read the list below.

• Dried figs and raisins- soak them the night before or simmer with a little water for about half an hour.
• Dates with a small dab of ghee (clarified butter) replacing the pit.
• Chapati with raw honey and warm milk.
• Oatmeal with raisins and chopped almonds.
• Almond powder mixed with warm milk.
• Stewed Apples and Pears- Take 1 apple, 1 pear , 1 tbsp raisins, 1 clove, and 1/4 cup water. Peel and chop fruit into small pieces. Add water, raisins, clove and bring to boil. Then cook on low heat for about 20 minutes or till the fruit changes into tender consistency. Have this warm healthy breakfast.
• Hot cereals like “Dalia”- Add a tbsp each of roasted broken wheat, split gram, rice, sesame seeds with half tsp of carrom seeds and salt to your taste. Add water in double amount (or a little more based on consistency that you want). Pressure cook or simmer for about 30 minutes or till it gets tender. Have it warm.

You can also have fruit juices like the blend of fresh carrot, cilantro and zucchini, or fresh sweet grape, apple, or pear juice. However, avoid having orange juice on an empty stomach as it is too acidic. Also, your juice should be at room temperature or a little cool. Never make it ice-cold.

Get more Ayurveda Food Recipes