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.