Beauty and Personal Grooming

I was reading this news about a man who had to go through catastrophic consequences when he suppressed a sneeze . Apparently he pinched his nose and clamped his mouth shut at the same time to prevent  a sneeze . And while doing this, the back of his throat got ruptured, leaving him barely able to speak or swallow, and in considerable pain. After seven days treatment, the man was discharged with the advice not to block both nostrils when sneezing in future.

Herbal and vegetable drinks have always been a part of every Indian household. Grannies of yesteryears, were very much into preparing such herbal concoctions to cure ailments like common cold , fever, acidity , skin allergies and sometimes to the extent of treating serious ones like jaundice and malaria ! Although it's not advisable to use herbal home-remedies to cure major illnesses, minor ones do respond well to vegetable health drinks.

Aloe Vera's benefits had been known since times immemorial. While the aloe gel was touted as a health promoter by the Greek physician Dioscorides, it's beauty uses was well-known to the Egyptians. Cleopatra was a great admirer of aloe plant and used it extensively in her beauty rituals. It's indeed a miracle plant with its amazing healing properties. It's seen that aloevera can be used to heal cuts, wounds and even eczema , dermatitis and psoriasis most effectively. Aloe vera can penetrate into the skin layers resulting in prompt healing and rejuvenation of the skin. Not only that it is also used to relieve conditions like arthritis, asthma, heartburn, hemorrhoids, and manage diabetes aside from its topical use.  There is no end to singing the glories of this wonder plant.

Dates are an ancient natural product which every culture has been using from time immemorial.The actual place of origin of date is not known but its home has always been the Persian Gulf and the Baluchistan area. Dates are the one-seeded fruits of Phoneix dactylifera , a tree of the palm family. Though usually oblong, they vary much in shape, size, colour, quality and consistency of flesh according to the conditions of their culture. The date is extensively grown in Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Libya, Oman, UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait and Yemen. Geographically, India, Pakistan and West Asia also figure in the date map, but they are not important from the production point of view.

Flawless, unblemished and even-toned skin is something which every woman desires. However when your facial skin is marred by dark spots and discoloration, it naturally affects your self-esteem. Patchy skin and hyperpigmentation can be due to various reasons. Melasma also called as pregnancy mask occurs during pregnancy due to hormonal changes and it could persist even after your delivery. Other causes are due to post pimple marks, use of birth control pills, exposure to the sun without using proper sunscreen, freckles , age spots etc. Some types of discolorations can be due to burns and or bad habits such as pinching or plucking your skin or incorrect use of tweezers while removing facial hair. Flickr photos by sicchickk71

In my childhood days, I was fascinated by that tiny plant called Touch-Me-Not. The way its leaves curled up the moment I touched them intrigued me.  I used to search for them around in my garden and other open spaces just to make them shrink. It was a sort of playful activity for me in those days.  Even now it continues to enamour me by making me feel nostalgic, reminding me of those fun-filled, care-free days, when seemingly simple activities gave me so much pleasure!  Besides getting to know the reasons behind its peculiar behaviour to external stimuli, I have come to appreciate other aspects of this plant as well - it's amazing healing qualities.

I have “pitta” type of constitution and as a result my body temperature is always slightly higher than the average. Most of my friends usually remark that my hands are amazingly warm as compared to theirs. So I guess I need more of ‘cooling foods’ to combat this overactive “pitta” in my body. One such cooling food that Ayurveda recommends is “ Gulkand ”. It’s a type of rose petal jam / preserve that supposedly reduces the heat from the body and is excellent for pitta types. Now Gulkand is also commercially available, but I couldn't bring myself to use store-bought Gulkand. Who knows what kind or roses are used? They could well have used pesticide sprayed roses and also chemical preservatives in it to lengthen its shelf life. However traditional Gulkand or Rose Petal Preserve is basically devoid of any chemical preservatives and is said to last for years but you are never sure whether the same procedure is adopted during its mass manufacturing. A safer bet is to make use of Home...

Ayurveda , the ancient Indian system of holistic healing, has thrived for over 5,000 years, offering timeless wisdom for harmonizing body, mind, and spirit. At its core, Ayurveda recognizes that every individual has a unique constitution, known as Prakriti , determined by the balance of three fundamental energies or doshas — Vata, Pitta, and Kapha . These doshas influence not only our physical health but also our personality, emotions, and appearance. In Ayurveda, beauty transcends superficial aesthetics. It is a reflection of inner balance, vitality, and emotional well-being. Each dosha manifests in distinct facial features, body types, and temperaments, creating three archetypes of beauty. By understanding your dominant dosha, you can embrace your natural radiance, tailor self-care practices, and cultivate habits that enhance your unique strengths. This comprehensive guide explores: The physical and emotional traits of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha beauty Customized diet, lifestyle, and ski...

Dry skin can feel like a never-ending battle, especially in India’s ever-changing climate. From the parching summer heat to the bone-dry winters, our skin often bears the brunt of environmental stress. Commercial creams might promise relief, but many are packed with chemicals that offer temporary fixes. Enter homemade ginger cream for dry skin —a simple, natural remedy rooted in Ayurvedic wisdom that nourishes deeply, repairs gently, and costs a fraction of store-bought products. In this guide, you’ll learn how to whip up this magic potion in your kitchen, why ginger works wonders for dry skin, and how to use it safely for long-lasting results. Let’s dive in! Why Ginger? The Science Behind This Skin Savior Ginger isn’t just for chai or curries—it’s a skincare powerhouse! Here’s why it’s perfect for dry skin: Boosts Blood Circulation : Ginger contains gingerol , a compound that stimulates blood flow, delivering oxygen and nutrients to tired, dehydrated skin. Fights Inflammation : Dry sk...

Sound health is the basis for happiness. And the following are the useful hints of Ayurveda for attainment of perfect health and good conduct. The following tips assure you good health, the fountain of happiness.  

Ayurveda is India's oldest living medical heritage. It is a science based upon the observation of living beings and their actual response and reactions to their environment. Apart from medicines, Ayurveda also includes special diet and a definite daily routine for warding off diseases and better mental health as well. Some of them are mentioned here: 1. Waking up: This should be at Brahmi muhurtha i.e. around 4:30 a.m., since the atmosphere is clean, fresh and rich in oxygen . 2. Cleaning the face: As soon as one gets up, one should wash the face with cool water. This helps in cleaning of the dirt accumulated in the eyes, nose and mouth during night helps ward off any drowsiness giving a fresh feeling. In winter, lukewarm water can be used. 3. Brushing teeth: Ayurveda recommends brushing with twigs of neem, babul etc instead of a toothbrush. Brushing should be followed by gargling, inhaling of fumes of tulsi(basil), hing(asafetida) etc. 4. Daily massage: Til or Gingelly(...