Read More

Read More

Stomach Acidity is one of the most common disorders faced by people. Stomach acidity is basically caused by an acid used in digestive process by the stomach. When ever we eat something cells in stomach automatically release that acid so that our food can be digested but when this acid is excreted in excess quantity then it results in stomach acidity. As a result stomach is unable to digest food.

Home Tips for Stomach Acidity Relief

What is acne? Acne in my words is an ugly thing that disfigures your skin and make it look like surface of moon or a hill top. Acne is mostly caused by in the teenagers and it affects the whole personality of that person.

Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder named for German physician Alois Alzheimer, who first described it in 1906. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia among older people. Dementia is a brain disorder that seriously affects a person's ability to carry out daily activities.

Alzheimer’s disease is an irreversible, progressive brain disease that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills, and eventually even the ability to carry out the simplest tasks. In most people with Symptoms of Alzheimers first appear after age 60.

Scientists don’t yet fully understand what causes Alzheimer’s disease, but it is clear that it develops because of a complex series of events that take place in the brain over a long period of time. It is likely that the causes include genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Because people differ in their genetic make-up and lifestyle, the importance of these factors for preventing or delaying Alzheimer’s disease differs from person to person.

 

Some common early symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease include confusion, disturbances in short term memory, problems with attention and spatial orientation, changes in personality, language difficulties and unexplained mood swings. Normally, these symptoms are very mild, and presence of the disease may not be apparent to the person experiencing the symptoms, loved ones or even health professionals.

* Drink more vegetable and fruit juices, particularly vegetable juices since they have less fructose. These juices have tons of beneficial antioxidants.

* Exposure to sunlight in the morning and sleep pattern restoration are helpful. One study shows exposure to sunlight in the morning followed by melatonin supplement use at night helps restore healthy sleeping patterns.  

* Providing acetylcholine precursors, such as choline. Maximum dose 100 to 500 mg a few times a week.

* Blocking the breakdown of acetylcholine with pharmaceutical drugs or natural supplements such as huperzine.

* Drinking herbal teas, including green tea.

* A high concentration of silica in drinking water seems to protect against Alzheimer's disease.

* Improving blood flow to brain cells.

* Blue Green Algae have a cholinesterase inhibitor.

Busy men are always looking for nutritious snacks to eat when they are on the go. Unfortunately, many of you end up grabbing high-carb, high-fat and low-protein convenience store snacks, which are terrible nutritional choices.

Although the opinions of experts vary greatly as to how much protein men should consume on a daily basis, the generally accepted figure is one gram of protein per 2.2 pounds of body weight. Therefore, a 180-pound man should get about 82 grams of protein in his diet each day.

If you're one of the many men who doesn't manage to meet this minimum requirement, or if you're simply looking for some alternative nutritious snack ideas, read on: The following nine high-protein snacks require little preparation and are generally low in both carbohydrates and fat.

1- Beef jerky
Believe it or not, this old classic is actually a healthy choice. On average, one ounce contains about 70 calories and one gram of fat, but delivers 11 grams of protein. However, the brands sold in convenience stores are often high in salt. If you'd like beef jerky to be one of your high-protein snack options, look for healthier versions in health food stores.

2- Egg whites
One egg white has only 15 calories, is fat- and cholesterol-free and contains four grams of protein. Throw two or three in a pan (with some peppers and onions if you want to make an omelet) for a quick, nutritious mini-meal.

3- Cottage cheese and fruit
A half cup of 2% cottage cheese contains on average 16 grams of protein, yet only has 102 calories and two grams of fat (as opposed to other types of cheese, which can be extremely high in fat). If high protein isn't your ideal goal, then mix it with some fresh fruit for a fast, healthy snack.

4- Tuna
Tuna is a great source of protein with approximately 25 grams per can. Plus, one can of tuna in water contains approximately 111 calories and is fat-free. And hey, go easy on the mayonnaise if you're making a sandwich -- it's full of fat.

5- Protein bars
Although there are hundreds of varieties on the market, keep in mind that all protein bars are not created equal. Obviously, protein bars should be a high-protein snack, but be careful and avoid bars that are high in carbohydrates and fat. A good choice is DESIGNER WHEY Protein Bars: each 75-gram bar contains a full 30 grams of protein, with only six grams of carbs and five grams of fat.

6- Shakes
As with protein bars, many commercial protein shakes and powders can be high in carbohydrates. Advanced Protein, which delivers 20 grams of protein, two grams of fat and only two grams of carbs per scoop, is perfect for guys who work out.

You can also make your own high-protein shake without protein powder. Blend the following ingredients:

2 cups natural soy milk (Make sure it doesn't have any added sugar. The only ingredients should be soy and distilled water.)
3 egg whites
1 banana (Or another fruit of your choice.)
1 tbsp natural peanut butter (It only contains peanuts and oil -- no preservatives -- available in health food stores and some grocery stores.)
2 tbsps flax powder (Or 2 tsps flax seed oil.)
1/3 cup rolled oats

7- Lentils
Although they may not seem appetizing on their own, putting a handful of them in your soup or salad will give your snack a protein boost. One cup of lentils has about 230 calories, one gram of fat and 18 grams of protein.

8- Peanut butter
If you loved peanut butter and jelly sandwiches as a kid, you're in luck: one tablespoon contains about four grams of protein, eight grams of fat and 95 calories. For an energy boost, spread it on a slice of whole-wheat bread (60 calories and one gram of fat) and top it with banana slices.

9- Oatmeal
According to Aubyn Garstang, a certified personal trainer, many men who train hard favor oatmeal for its balance of protein and good carbohydrates, which gives them the energy necessary to make it through an intense workout. One packet of instant oatmeal has about five grams of protein, 105 calories and two grams of fat. You can eat it alone or add some cinnamon to the mix.

INCREASE HEIGHT AND WEIGHT

 

The bone structure must remain elastic if one is to become taller. One must take exercise regularly. I suggest the following exercises will help one gain height:

 

(i) Stand in an open space in attention position. In hale deeply through the nose and extend yours arms lifting then slowly up to your shoulders. Keep your arms straight. Hold that position for some time and then take the arms backwards as far as they will go. No inhale again the release your breath slowly, resuming the former position.

 

(ii) Stand with your arms straight at right angles to your body. Lift the arms vertically and then bring them to the level of the shoulders. Do not exhale in the process, but stand on your toes, lifting your heels as far as they will go. Exhale slowly after some moments and resume the earlier position.

 

(iii) Extend your arms forward up to the level of the shoulders. Inhale and fill your lungs to about one-third of their capacity. Wait for a few moments and then take your arms above your head. Now move them in a circular motion-taking them behind your back and in the former position again. Exhale slowly.

 

 

As Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Protein and Minerals are important to increase height. So I Prefer you increase your daily intake of foods which contain these elements. Foods like  orange, lime, papaya, carrot, sweet potato, egg yolk, fish cod, liver, broccoli, tomatoes, soya bean, milk, nuts, etc. Along with foods that increase height, stretch exercises are always recommended to enhance the results. You may also choose to pick out activities like yoga, basketball, swimming and cycling.

How can one increase weight?

 

Take to a diet for three to four days. Take 100 to 150 grams of bran with the fruits. The best way will be to mix bran with a fruit like papaya. It will increase appetite, improve the digestion and remove costiveness, if any. One will tend to eat more and the capacity to assimilate food will be increased.

 

Foods like flour, rice honey, raisins, figs, dates, butter, and etc. can help increase weight. Sweat substances can increase weight than fatty foods. Those wishing to increase their weight should become pure vegetarians and eat fruits, rice, flour, fresh vegetables, bananas, dry fruits, butter, and milk. Germinated wheat is also extremely beneficial if taken in the form of gruel mixed with hot milk.

You can’t just shove junk food in your face and expect to have smooth, supple skin. But swap those cheese puffs for a cup of cottage cheese and you’ll get glowing results. Read on for 10 yummy foods that’ll nourish your skin...

When it comes to your health, the outside reflects the inside. A dull, dry complexion is a blinking neon sign that you’re not eating right.

Lucky for you, you can put your best face forward with a better diet. Here’s how:

Face Food #1: Avocados
This creamy, green fruit is abundant in essential oils and B-complex vitamins that nourish your skin, inside and out.

Niacin (vitamin B3) is especially important for healthy skin, and avocados contain lots of it. Niacin, an anti-inflammatory, soothes irritated skin and red, blotchy skin. One avocado has 3.8 mg niacin – 27% of your daily need.

Blend half an avocado with yogurt and frozen berries to make a creamy, nutty-flavored morning smoothie. Or try this Avocado Ice Cream recipe.

And keep reading for an avocado face-mask recipe that will solve your dry skin problems instantly.

Face Food #2: Mangoes
Mangoes have more than 80% of your daily requirements for vitamin A, which is why they’re such a great face food. Vitamin A maintains and repairs skin cells; a deficiency will result in a dry, flaky complexion.

As an antioxidant, vitamin A also fights free radical damage that can prematurely age the skin. And with fewer than 70 calories per serving, this succulent fruit is the perfect pick for your figure, not just your face.

Check out this Mango-Chile Chutney.

Face Food #3: Almonds
Not only is it a gorgeous shape for your eyes, almonds are also great for your complexion. With 150% of your daily need for vitamin E, it’s no wonder that getting a bit nutty is good for you.

Vitamin E's rich oils moisturize dry skin, and its antioxidants protect against skin damage and premature aging.

Reach for a handful of these Spiced Spanish Almonds.

Face Food #4: Cottage Cheese
Dairy is good for your bones and face. But it’s the selenium in cottage cheese, not the calcium, that makes us wild for the creamy curds.


Selenium, an essential mineral, teams up with vitamin E as a powerful free radical-fighting antioxidant duo. Plus, it’ll protect against skin cancer and fight dandruff.

Get your cottage cheese fill in this Baked Mac & Cheese.

Face Food #5: Acerola Cherries
Your average cherry doesn’t supply a lot of vitamin C, but that’s not true for Acerolas. One of these cherries supplies 100% of your daily allowance for vitamin C, which is great news for your skin.

As an antioxidant, vitamin C fights skin damage and wrinkles. It also plays a central role in the production of collagen, the structural protein in your skin.

Use Acerolas in these Chocolate-Cherry Cupcakes.

Face Food #6: Oysters
Whether they’re an aphrodisiac or not, oysters are a love fest for skin. They fight pimples because they’re rich in zinc. The mineral affects sebum production, a deficiency may contribute to acne.

Zinc also helps boost elastin (the skin's elastic protein) production with the help of vitamin C.


Face Food #7: Baked Potatoes
Set aside the greasy French fries. A plump, steaming baked potato is good for your skin.

Eat one baked potato (with the skin) to get 75% of your daily copper need.

This essential mineral works with vitamin C and zinc to produce the elastin fibers that support skin structure. Too little copper in your diet can reduce your skin’s ability to heal and cause it to become rigid and lifeless.

Get your copper in these Loaded Twice-Baked Potatoes.

Face Food #8: Mushrooms
This fungus isn’t just for soup; it’s rich in riboflavin, a B vitamin that’s vital to your skin. Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is involved in tissue maintenance and repair, and improves skin blemishes caused by rosacea. This vitamin is so important for skin repair that the body uses large amounts after sustaining a burn or wound, or undergoing surgery.

Try these Garlic-Rosemary Mushrooms.

Face Food #9: Flaxseed Oil
It’s no secret that omega 3s are great for your skin, but did you know that flaxseed oil is one of the best sources of this essential fatty acid? That’s great news if you’re not a fish-lover.


Just one teaspoon of flaxseed oil per day provides 2.5 grams of omega 3s, which, in turn, hydrate the skin. Essential fatty acids also dilute sebum and unclog pores that otherwise leads to acne.

Face Food #10: Wheat Germ
Don’t let the “germ” scare you – it’s actually just the embryo within a grain of wheat, and it’s nutritious. Wheat germ is a good source of biotin, a B vitamin that's crucial to skin health. A mild biotin deficiency can cause dermatitis, a condition characterized by itchy, scaly skin.

Sprinkle wheat germ on yogurt for a tasty way to get more biotin in your diet.

Or try these Apricot-Wheat Germ Muffins.

Slather It On!
You don't have to eat these 10 foods to nourish your complexion. Some make for great facial masks too.

Try this avocado mask to instantly moisturize your skin:

1. Mash one whole avocado.

2. Add 1 teaspoon flaxseed oil and 1 teaspoon honey.

3. Mix together until smooth and creamy.

4. Apply to face and let sit for 15-20 minutes.

5. Rinse clean with warm water.

Take care of your skin by eating right and having fun with your food. Drink plenty of water and exercise daily to flush out toxins.

And don’t put toxins right back in your body! Smoking damages healthy skin and makes it more prone to wrinkles and an ashen, gray color – not pretty.

Finally, always wear sunscreen, especially on your face, whether it’s sunny or cloudy. Buy a face moisturizer that contains at least 15 SPF. Or wear a hat that provides shade

BOTOX or Botulinum Toxin is derived from the bacterium Clostridium Botulinum.

When injected into muscles, Botulinum Toxin has a local effect. It blocks transmission between the nerve endings and muscle fibres around the injection site to cause weakness of the nearby muscle.

What is Botox used for?

Botox is a non-surgical cosmetic treatment for moderate to severe frown lines. It is typically used in people aged 18 to 65.

Botox works by blocking nerve transmission to temporarily reduce the contractions of the facial muscles that cause frown lines.

It has been proven to be a safe and effective treatment for wrinkles, and botox injections are becoming increasingly popular.

Who can have Botox treatment?

Your doctor will decide if you can have cosmetic treatment with botox.

Before starting treatment, tell your doctor if you have any disorders that affect your nerves and muscles, if you are breastfeeding, or if you are planning to become pregnant soon.

The Botox injection procedure

Your doctor will administer several tiny injections of botox directly into the muscles of your face. Prior to injection, your doctor will determine where to administer the injections by examining your ability to move certain muscles in your brow area.

The entire botox injection procedure takes approximately 10 minutes and does not require anaesthesia. Discomfort is usually minimal and brief.

After the injection

You should notice an improvement in your frown lines within 3 to 7 days, the effects of which can last up to 4 months. However, results may vary.

After a period of time, your frown lines will begin to reappear as the effects of botox wear off.

How often can Botox injections be given?

You can receive botox injections every 4 months.

With repeated treatments, thinning of the muscles occurs, which produces longer lasting results.

How much does Botox treatment cost?

Each treatment costs around $200.

Possible side-effects of Botox

- headache

- flu-like symptoms

- temporary eyelid droop

- nausea

- squint/double vision

- twitching of the eye

- facial pain

- redness at the injection site

- muscle weakness

Cautions/contra-indications

Do not have botox treatment if you:

- have an infection where botox will be injected

- are allergic to any of the ingredients

- are pregnant or think you might be pregnant

- have a neurological disorder (eg. Myasthenia Gravis)

There are also a number of medicines that may interact with botox (eg. quinidine, some antibiotics). It is important to tell your doctor if you are taking any medication.

A migraine headache is a form of vascular headache. Migraine pain seem to be caused in part by changes in the level of a body chemical called serotonin. Serotonin plays many roles in the body and it can have an effect on blood vessels. When serotonin levels are high, blood vessels constrict (shrink). When serotonin levels fall, the blood vessels dilate (swell). This swelling can cause pain or other problems. Many things can affect the level of serotonin in your body, including your blood sugar level, certain foods and hormone levels in women. The pain of a migraine headache can be intense. It can get in the way of your daily activities. Migraines aren't the same in all people. Migraine Pain lasts for 24 to 72 hours and happens once or twice a year or daily.

Possible symptoms of migraines are listed below:

Symptoms of migraines
 Intense throbbing or dull aching pain, usually on one side of your head
 Nausea, vomiting
 Changes in how you see, including blurred vision or blind spots in your vision
 Bothered by light, noise and odours
 Feeling tired
 Confusion
 Stuffy nose
 Feeling cold or sweating
 Still or tender neck
 Light headed
 Tender scalp
 Symptoms worsen with movement

Natural Migraine headache treatment using Vegetable Juices
Carrot juice combined with spinach, beet and cucumber juices are good for migraine treatment. Use on the 2 following mixtures as migraine therapy:
1: Mix 200 ml of spinach juice with 300 ml of carrot juice.
2: Mix 100 ml each of beet and cucumber juices with 300 ml of carrot juice.

 Migraine Pain treatment using Lemon Crust
Lemon crusts can cure migraine. Grind lemon crust and apply as a paste on the forehead. Migraine cures using this remedy has been found very effective and long lasting by many

Whether your skin is normal, oily or dry, remember to cleanse the skin at night. This is even more important than washing the face in the morning. The make-up, dirt and pollutants that have collected on the skin must be removed at night, so that when you sleep, your skin can “breathe”.

Many of us like soap and water washing, because it has a refreshing effect. But, soap actually has an alkaline effect and makes the skin dry by removing natural oils and moisture. It can also disrupt the normal acid-alkaline balance. 

1 If you have a dry skin, soap can actually hasten premature aging by drying out the skin.

2 If you have dehydrated skin with sensitivity, in the form of rough, red, flaky patches, avoid soap altogether.

3 If you have an oily skin, avoid washing the face with soap and water more than twice a day. Rinse well with plenty of water. Frequent use of soap makes the skin too alkaline and leaves it vulnerable to bacterial attack.

Normal to dry skin: Use a rehydrant cleansing gel or cream, so that it provides emollients and keeps the skin lubricated and soft. After applying the cleanser, wipe it off with moist cotton wool, so that further moisture depletion is prevented.

For normal to oily and combination skin, use a cleansing milk. Soapless cleansers or face wash are also available. They are in the form of a cream, which has to be applied on the skin like soap and washed off with water. One can select the face wash according to skin type.

If you have a problem skin, with spots and pimples, choose a medicated cleanser or soap. They not only help to remove surface oils, but provide a fresh feeling.

Cleansing grains or facial scrubs are useful for deep cleansing the skin and are ideally suited to oily skin and clogged pores. If you have a tendency towards blackheads, grains will help. Scrubs are also grainy in texture and help to dermabraze the skin, removing dead epitheleal cells and unclogging the pores. They should be rubbed gently on the skin and then rinsed off with water.

Modern skin-care is based on individual needs. So, learn about your own skin and select your skin-care products according to the individual demands of your skin. It is the basis of a healthy skin.

First you have to develop health relationship with food, exercise and even your body as this is the important part for recovery or prevention of and eating disorder, so here are some basic self-help tips.

Take Regular Meals

For a good start eat three meals a day, which includes breakfast, lunch and dinner. Some people eat five to six meals a day, this is ok, but remember it is your overall calorie intake each day that is important (2500 kcal for men and 2000 kcal for women). Avoid skipping meals, donot wait until you are starving, in that case you might over eat you meal resulting in eating disorder. Choose healthy snacks such as fruit, nuts, and yogurt in between meals if you are hungry.

Intake Healthy Foods

The types of foods we eat are important. We all like to indulge in our favourite foods every once in a while, but we should also eat as wide a variety of healthy, nutritious foods as possible. General nutrition guidelines include:

•Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables
•Choosing complex carbohydrates such as bread, rice and pasta (whole grain if possible) rather than processed sugars
•Eating protein in the form of lean meats, fish, poultry, legumes and nuts
•Drinking water regularly
Avoid weighing yourself and looking in the mirror
If you can bring yourself to, throw the scales away, or weigh yourself no more than once a week. What the scales say is not an indication of how good a person you are, and you do not need their approval. Continual weighing and scrutinising yourself in the mirror is not going to help you free yourself from your insecurities about your weight and body image. There are matters more worthy of your attention, such as family, friends and other things you have going on in your life.

Maintain food diary

Keep a food diary of what you eat and when you eat it to help you focus on eating regularly. Also record any episodes of going without food for long periods of time, bingeing or purging and the thoughts and emotions you have about them. If you can learn to recognise the situations and feelings that lead you to engage in unhealthy eating behaviours it will help you to figure out ways of dealing with them. The things you find out about yourself may surprise you.

Exercise Regularly

Studies have shown exercise to have a positive effect on low self-esteem and poor body image, which are widely cited as being contributory factors in the onset of eating disorders. Remember exercise is good for us, but too much can have a detrimental effect and place unnecessary stress on our bodies. People with anorexia often have a compulsion to exercise excessively and this needs to be addressed. A healthy amount is 30 minutes of physical activity on five days of the week.

Be patient

Unhealthy relationships with food do not develop overnight, and it can take many months and even years to regain full control over your eating habits. The road to recovery is a long one along which you must be prepared to take small steps, but you have every chance of making it. Remember, if you have acknowledged you have a problem and have resolved yourself to do doing something about it, you are already halfway there.

Home Hair Cleanser: Take a handful each of dried reetha, amla and shikakai. Soak them in one litre water overnight. Next day, simmer the herbs on a low fire till the water reduces by half. Allow the mixture to cool and then strain it with a clean cloth. Use the liquid to wash hair. This quantity should be enough for four to five washes. Refrigerate it. Make small quantities at a time.

Pimples occur on the oily areas of the skin. Therefore, applying cold cream can lead to further pimples. Mix one part of pure glycerine with four parts of rosewater and keep it in the fridge. Apply it on the face after washing and before applying it, add a few drops of lemon juice to it. Once daily, apply curd mixed with a little turmeric on the entire face, and wash it off with plenty of water after 20 minutes. Apply sandalwood paste on the pimples.

Dandruff: Twice a week, heat pure coconut oil and apply it on the scalp at night, using cotton wool. Leave it on overnight. Next morning, apply the juice of a lemon on the scalp and wash your hair after half an hour. Apply henna once a week.

Lifeless Hair: Once or twice a week, heat pure coconut oil and apply it on the scalp and hair. Then dip a towel in hot water, squeeze out the water and wrap the towel around your head like a turban. Keep it on for five minutes. Repeat the hot towel wrap three or four times. This helps the hair and the scalp absorb the oil better. Use a mild herbal shampoo. After each shampoo, apply a conditioner, massaging it lightly into the hair. Leave it on for two minutes before washing it off with water. You can have henna treatment thrice a month, adding four teaspoons each of lemon juice and coffee, two raw eggs, two teaspoons of oil and enough curd to the henna powder. It will make your hair look healthy and lustrous.
Grey Hair: Amla is said to check greying. Have the juice of one raw amla after adding it to a glass of water. Also try adding amla to the henna powder. Henna turns white hair reddish brown. It will not colour dark hair. Soak a handful of dry amla in about two cups of water overnight. Next morning, strain the water, but do not throw the water away. Grind the amla. To the henna powder, add the ground amla, four teaspoons each of lemon juice and coffee, two raw eggs and enough amla water, so that the henna can be mixed into a thick paste. Apply it on the hair, covering the entire head. Keep it on for two hours and wash it off with water. It will also add shine and substance to the hair. Ask your doctor to prescribe Vitamins B-Complex and C.
Oily Hair, Hair Loss: Excessive oiliness of the scalp can lead to hair loss. Wash your hair daily, using very little shampoo — one teaspoon for long hair and half teaspoon for short hair. Dilute it with a little water and use it. After washing, add the juice of a lemon to half a mug of water and use it as a last rinse. Have henna treatment once a week. Add four teaspoons each of lemon juice and coffee, two raw eggs and enough tea water to the henna powder and mix it into a thick paste. Apply it on the hair and wash it off after an hour. If you do not wish to use egg, add more tea water. For tea water, boil used tealeaves in water. Cool and strain before using. Include fresh fruits, raw salads and sprouts in your daily diet. Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water. Add the juice of a lemon to a glass of water and have it first thing in the morning.

Dry, Lifeless Skin: Use a facial scrub once a week. For very dry skin, avoid soap and use a cleansing gel or cream. For the body, use a mild, glycerine soap. Apply sesame seed (til) oil on the body before your bath. Mix honey with egg yolk and a little milk and apply it daily on the face, washing it off with plain water after 20 minutes. At night, apply a good nourishing cream and massage it on the face with a few drops of water. Wipe it off with moist cotton wool. Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before going out in the sun. Til oil actually has sunscreen properties, but it is better to use a sunscreen lotion for proper protection. Aloe Vera is a powerful moisturiser and an anti-oxidant. It helps keep the skin soft and healthy. It is better to use moisturisers and creams containing aloe vera.

Double Chin: exercises — open your mouth as wide as you can. Hold this position for about 10 seconds, then relax your mouth, and repeat the exercise a few more times. For faster results, add resistance by placing a tennis ball underneath your chin, while testing your jaw span. Sleeping without a pillow is said to help. Also, you can massage the area daily with a cream. Start from the chin and go downwards using both hands, one hand following the other.
Oily T-Zone: either buy a facial scrub or mix rice powder with curd and use it as a scrub. You may add a little turmeric if you wish. Apply the scrub on the face, rubbing gently with small circular movements. Leave it on for five minutes and then wash it off. This will keep the pores free of clogged oil. Once daily, at any time, mix one teaspoon of honey with one teaspoon of lemon juice and egg white and apply it on the oily areas, washing it off after 20 minutes.
Glowing Skin: After cleansing, wipe the face with rose water, using cotton wool and then pat it briskly. Use a face mask once or twice a week. You can make a mask at home with two teaspoons of choker, one teaspoon of oatmeal or ground almonds and one teaspoon each of curd, honey and egg white. Apply it on the face and wash it off after 20-30 minutes.
Thin Waist: Join a gym or health club and lose weight under professional guidance. Or, practise yoga daily. You can also do the following exercises after seeking your doctor’s advice. First, lie on the floor on your back, feet together and arms at the sides. Lift your legs about six inches above the ground and hold this position for a count of ten. Then lower your legs to the floor. Repeat this exercise 3 to 4 times and increase gradually. Then, keep lying on the floor, the same way. Bend your knees and keep your feet flat on the floor. Raise your body to a half-sitting position, holding your arms stretched out before you. Lower your body to the floor and repeat 3 or 4 times. Take a look at your eating habits. Avoid eating desserts after meals and stick to fresh fruits. Take clear soups (without butter) and salads before the main dish. Avoid rich gravies. Cut down on your intake of cereals. For example, if you have been eating three chapatis, eat only two. Or, eat only one cup of cooked rice. Eat fresh fruits, salads, sprouts, curd and paneer made from skimmed milk and lightly cooked vegetables. If you feel like a snack, eat fruit, carrot or cucumber.

Combination Skin, Pimples: In combination skins, usually the T-zone (forehead, nose and chin) is oily, while the rest of the face is dry. Pimples on the forehead can occur due to oiliness of the skin. You should wash the face only twice a day with a medicated soap. After washing, wipe the oily areas with rose water mixed with an astringent lotion in equal quantities. Use this two or three times a day. Avoid applying besan or multani mitti as they can sometimes clog the pores and cause pimples, blackheads or whiteheads, especially in pimple-prone skin. Add a little turmeric to curd and apply daily on the face, washing it off well with water after 20 minutes. Add a few drops of rose water to sandalwood paste and apply on the forehead and areas with spots. Keep it on for at least one hour.
Dry Skin: If you wish to use soap, you can try a mild glycerine soap and see if it suits your skin. You should keep your skin well moisturised during the day, or if you are going out in the sun, apply a sunscreen. At night, use a nourishing cream, massaging it on the skin for two to three minutes. Massage the forehead too, starting from the bridge of the nose and using both hands. Go upwards and then in an arc on either side, go towards the temples. Wipe off with moist cotton wool. Once daily, mix one teaspoon honey with egg white and apply on the skin, washing off with plain water after 20 minutes.
Blackheads: the daily use of a facial scrub will help. You can either buy a facial scrub, or you can mix rice powder with curd or rose water and use as a facial scrub. Apply on the face and rub gently on the skin using small circular movements. Concentrate on the blackhead prone areas. Leave on for five minutes and then wash off with water. Once daily, mix honey and lemon juice in equal quantities with egg white and apply on the face, washing it off after 20 minutes.

To continue on the subject of organic skin care not needing to be expensive, I decided to dedicate a post to a do it yourself skin care. Specifically, today I’d like to talk about strawberry.