Saturday, April 28, 2012

Whiteheads on Face

Whiteheads on Face The way a person looks seems to become more and more important each day. How a person carries themselves and what care they take of their overall beauty can open more doors than ever before. Hence, it is perfectly natural for people to try and make sure they look their best at all times. Moreover, the amount of hair care and skin care products available in the market are reaching an all time peak and the amount of money that goes into research for even better products is unprecedented. Looking good is definitely a priority for many and people are able to notice the tiniest faults in a person. Issues like whiteheads that used to be considered trivial when compared to a pimple are also starting to share the limelight and become more noticed. Whiteheads and their formation aren’t really all that different. The clogging of pores by excess Sebum, which is the natural oils that helps in keeping the skin protected and are secreted by the sebaceous glands located under the layers of the skin. Even a speck of dust can cause the sebum to build up behind the blockage causing a little bump to rise on the skin. The bump will have a noticeable white speck at the top. Natural human reaction will cause a person to burst the whitehead. However, this could be the last action you would want to take as if it is infected, the infection could spread over a larger area of the skin as well, and this could possibly leave a permanent scar in the area. Home Remedies for Removing Whiteheads Through the years, a number of home remedies have been researched and perfected in the quest to get rid of whiteheads. Here are a few that may prove useful to you: • Soak almonds over the course of the night and grind them to a paste in the morning. Add some honey to it and apply it to the face for about 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water. • Exfoliate your skin by using some mild scrubbers or cleansers on your skin at least three times every week. Before using the scrubbers, try to mild steam your face as this helps remove the whiteheads easily and also helps soften the skin in the process. • In order to reduce the risk of getting whiteheads, drink plenty of water to make sure that your skin is detoxified. These harmful toxins increase your likelihood of whiteheads.

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Skin Cleansers

It is essential to keep your skin clean – cleansing regularly removes all the dead cells, dirt, and dust that tend to accumulate on the skin’s surface and clog the pores of the skin. These blockages often result in acne and blemishes, and a variety of other skin problems. Preventing these problems only requires a few basic and regular steps to keep your face naturally clean. Facial Skin Cleansers You should start with a normal cleansing of your face – remove all makeup from your face and place a hot towel over your face to help open the pores. This also helps to soften the dead skin cells and makes it easier to remove them. The next step is steaming – this helps open your pores further, and increases the blood circulation to your skin too. After you are done steaming your face, you can apply a home made face mask to cleanse your skin.There are many natural ways to make an effective facemask at home. Most of our home ingredients are excellent natural face cleansers. One of the most effective ways to prepare a facemask would be by mixing some yogurt, honey, egg yolk, lemon juice, and a teaspoon of olive oil. Apply this mixture all over your face for around fifteen minutes and then wash your face with cold water. Honey has great natural moisturizing properties, and lemon is an excellent natural cleanser, whereas the other ingredients give the skin an even tone. Applying grapes to your face is also a good cleansing method for all skin types. Split a few grapes into halves and gently rub your face with them for around ten minutes. Remember that cleansing alone is not sufficient for healthy, glowing skin. Moisturizing and exfoliation are also important, along with a proper diet. Some of the ingredients used in home made cleansers have moisturizing and exfoliating properties, and thus home made cleansers often do not require any additional treatment. However, if you do need to moisturize or exfoliate separately, you can still use simple ingredients available at home. Milk and cream, for example, are excellent moisturizers, and adding a little rice flour to honey makes for an excellent exfoliant. However, always be careful before using anything on your skin, even natural ingredients. Knowing your skin well will help you to avoid allergic reactions and irritation. After applying natural cleansers, if you feel redness on your skin or any kind of uncomfortable sensation, rinse your skin immediately with warm water and avoid using that ingredient in future.

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Swelling of Lips

Swollen Lip Causes One of the possible causes of a swollen lip is the use of cosmetic products to which the soft skin tissue of the lips is allergic. An allergic reaction may also occur due to eating certain kinds of foods or due to exposure to irritants in present in the external environment. Often, a virus called herpes simplex is also responsible for swollen lips, especially if your immune system is weak due to ordinary ailments like common cold. If you have a cold sore, the herpes simplex virus can also be transmitted to your body from close physical contact with an already infected person. Also, during winter lips tend to get naturally dehydrated, as a result of which the person feels like licking her/his lips frequently, which can cause swelling. The deficiency of vitamin B in the diet may also be responsible for this condition. Home Remedies to Treating Swollen Lip However, you might find a few simple home remedies useful in treating swollen lips. Try to determine the cause of the problem. If it is a persistent or recurrent problem, chances are that the swollen lips are an allergic reaction to some foreign substance in your immediate environment. Change all your bed linen and curtains and keep a tab on what you eat and drink. Stay away from cheese, butter, refined wheat flour, manufactured foodstuff containing additives, nuts and figs, tea and coffee. You should also drink plenty of water, as this keeps your lips well hydrated and reduces swelling. Application of hot water on the swollen lips is also helpful in reducing swelling and pain. Soak some cotton wool or a piece of soft cotton cloth in a cup of hot water and dab your swollen lip with this wet cloth for around 10 minutes thrice every day. You can alternate this treatment by massaging the swollen lip very gently with a few ice cubes tied in a towel. These warm and cold compresses help reduce the swelling in a couple of days. Another easy remedy for swollen lips is to wet your finger and put it in a jar of common salt, and then rub the finger gently across the lip. Salt acts as a natural disinfectant and kills any germs that might be responsible for causing the swelling. You could also apply aloe vera gel or the juice of the leaves of this plant on the swollen lip every night before going to bed. Aloe vera has natural soothing properties that relieve inflammation. v

Monday, April 23, 2012

Aloe Vera

Benefits of Aloe Vera for Skin The aloe Vera plant is regarded as one of the best medicinal plants available. There are several benefits of this plant, both when taken internally and when applied externally. When taken internally, aloe is thought to cure various diseases such as insomnia, ulcers, indigestion, infections, arthritis and so on. When applied externally, it helps to treat burns, rashes, sprains, bruises, scalds, sunburn, eczema, and sore muscles. Apart from medicinal uses, aloe Vera also has several cosmetic benefits. It is now widely used in several kinds of face masks, medicated cream, moisturizers, face washes, medicated jellies and more. Aloe Vera gel is also used as an ingredient in many skin care and cosmetic products, where the aloe Vera is thought to increase the availability of oxygen to the skin and help strengthen the skin tissues. Aloe Vera can easily penetrate into the water-retaining layer of the skin and help nourish the skin further. Aloe Vera for Acne Aloe Vera can be used to treat acne in various ways: you can directly apply aloe Vera to your skin through creams, gels and lotions, or you can have it through pills or juices. Whichever form you use, there are strong indications that aloe Vera can be a highly effective ingredient to reduce acne, particularly if it is used on a regular basis. Applying aloe Vera gel twice a day after washing your face helps in reducing the redness and the flaking that often accompany acne. To get rid off acne blemishes or scars, it is often recommended that you have aloe Vera juice every morning and night. This should be had for at least six months for effective results. This would not only help reduce the scars or spots but also improve your skin color and complexion. However, aloe Vera by itself is unlikely to get rid of acne. For this to happen, your treatment needs to get rid of the dead skin cells that tend to accumulate and block your pores. Aloe Vera cannot achieve this, but regular exfoliation and use of an over the counter anti pimple cream containing salicylic acid should do the job effectively For dry skin, aloe Vera is a lot more effective, due to the reasons explained earlier. However, here to, aloe by itself is unlikely to be enough. Still, you can regularly apply fresh aloe gel to your skin two or three times a day. Ideally, you should also use a moisturizing cream to trap the moisture in your skin – this could be a cream that contains aloe as an ingredient.

Dark Spots on Face

Dark spots on the face are the result of local hyper pigmentation. When the concentration of the natural coloring agent in the skin, melanin increases in certain parts of the skin, they tend to look darker than the surrounding areas and appear as spots, mostly on the face and the neck, as these are often exposed to direct sunlight. Overexposure to sunlight is therefore one of the causes that triggers the appearance of dark spots. Sometimes, dark spots also appear on the skin as one progress’ in age, as the production of melanin becomes irregular with age. Home Remedies to Removing Dark Spots on Face There are several useful home remedies that can help you lighten and get rid of dark spots on the face. Eating lots fresh fruits and raw vegetables is a natural way of ensuring an even, flawless complexion as these detoxify and hydrate the skin. Fruits like pineapple and papaya are especially beneficial in this regards, as they are rich sources of vitamin E, which makes the skin look naturally glowing. Also, drink at least 8-10 glasses of water every day in order to keep your skin naturally well moisturized. Applying the juice of citrus fruits on the skin is useful in lightening your complexion. The juice of a fresh lemon is especially useful when applied every day on the dark spots, as the citric acid in this fruit acts as a natural bleaching agent. Another popular remedy for dark spots is to mix sour milk or cream and honey and apply this paste on the face every day. Honey is a natural moisturizing agent while the lactic acid in sour milk lightens the complexion of the skin without irritating it. For another remedy, massage your skin with aloe Vera juice or gel every night before going to bed. You could also crush some horseradish root and mix this with a little vinegar and rub the dark spots with a piece of cotton wool soaked in this mixture. After the juices dry, wash your face with lukewarm water. Rubbing the skin gently with the peel of a watermelon also helps reduce dark spots. Another useful remedy is to mix together one tablespoon each of oatmeal, yoghurt and sour cream and add a few drops of lime juice to this mixture. Massage your face with this paste and leave it on for 10 minutes before washing it away with water. In addition, slice a potato thinly and place the slices on your face for 15 minutes in order to bleach the spots naturally.

Chicken Pox Scars on Face

Chicken pox does not leave behind permanent scars on the face, sometimes the patient, especially if s/he is a child, scratches the blisters or the scabs, which might cause the infection to spread through fingernails and cause scarring. Thus, it is essential to keep the patient’s nails short during the period of the infection to prevent him/her from scratching his/her skin raw. Using mildly salted bath water is an easy way of reducing the itch and soothing the skin. You may also steep margosa tree leaves in the bath water of the patient in order to relieve him/her of the tendency to scratch the skin. Adding a spoonful of turmeric powder into the bathwater also helps, as turmeric has natural antibacterial properties that help to kill the germs in the scabs and blisters. Bathing in a tub of water to which some oatmeal has been added is also helpful in soothing itchy skin. Home Remedies to Reduce Chicken Pox Scars Besides these preventive measures, you can also follow a few home remedies to prevent and reduce the appearance of scars. Apply sandalwood oil on the blisters from the first day of their appearance till the day that the scabs fall off on their own. This soothes the skin and prevents itching. Massaging the skin with vitamin E oil is also useful in speeding up the natural healing process. You must apply this oil twice every day in order to make the scars disappear faster. For another remedy, use a few cloves of raw garlic to rub the area around the scars. The strong chemicals in the juice of garlic help remove scars naturally. Alternatively, use a slice of fresh lemon to massage your skin with, as the acidic nature of its juice heals scarred skin and leaves it looking smoother and lighter. Once the scabs fall off, apply cucumber juice on the scars daily for at least 15 minutes. Then wash it away with cold water. You could also apply honey on the scars every night before going to bed and wash it away the next morning with water. Honey tones up the skin naturally and gives it a firmer, smoother texture. Eating natural sources of vitamin K like spinach, broccoli, cabbage, turnip, lean meats and dairy products is useful for treating chicken pox scars, as this vitamin quickens the natural healing process of the skin. It is also necessary to stay away from carbonated and artificially sweetened drinks and beverages.

Sunday, April 22, 2012

Glowing Skin Naturally

Dull skin is a common problem that most people living in urban environments and leading a hectic life face. The natural complexion and glow of the skin is often lost through overexposure to harsh ultraviolet radiation, either from direct sunlight or artificial lamps, prolonged stay in air-conditioned environments, and contact with air and water pollutants. At the end of the day, the physical exhaustion and mental stress caused by a busy lifestyle also result in dull looking skin. Glowing Skin Tips There are a few lifestyle and dietary measures that you must follow to keep your skin in good health. Regular exercise in fresh, open air is essential to ensure proper blood circulation in the body. This is crucial for the health of your skin too, as proper circulation of blood makes your skin look naturally glowing. Proper and undisturbed sleep is also necessary for the skin to look soft and glowing. Also, drinking plenty of water and eating fruits and vegetables that are rich in minerals, vitamins and fibers keeps the skin well hydrated and prevents it from looking dull. Besides these general measures, you should also make sure to keep your skin clean at all times. Cleansing is an essential component of your daily skin care routine. At least twice a day, use a mild cleanser to remove grime and dust from your face. Of course, use a cleanser that suits your skin type and be careful not to overdo it, as excessive use of cosmetic products can rob the skin of its natural moisture and oil that keeps it glowing. Every alternate day, exfoliate your skin in order to open up the clogged pores on its surface. Home Remedies for Glowing Skin You can make a good face scrub at home by soaking a few apricots in water overnight and crushing them to a pulp the next morning and then adding a little olive oil to this. Apply this paste all over your face and leave it on for 15 minutes. Then wash it away with water. This is an effective natural way of moisturizing your skin and removing dirt, oil and dead skin cells from the pores of the skin. For another remedy, make a fine paste by grinding the rind of an unripe papaya with two tablespoons each of honey and gram flour and apply this thick paste on your face. Wash it off once it dries. Following this natural exfoliating regime twice a week restores to the skin its lost glow.

Dark Armpits

Causes of Dark Armpits Dark armpits and underarms can be a cause of social embarrassment. This condition is mostly caused by the accumulation of dead skin cells in the region owing to a lack of personal hygiene. Excessive shaving of the armpits or the use of hair removal creams and the use of deodorants containing harsh chemicals, too, can cause this problem. Sweating and friction between the skin of the underarms and the fabric of the clothes you wear may also cause the darkening of the skin of your armpits. Sometimes the darkness is accompanied by bad body odor and itching, which is a clear indication of bacterial growth in the armpits. Home Remedies for Dark Armpits There are several easy home remedies to treat dark armpits. One of the most effective and popular remedies is to rub the area with a juicy lemon every day sometime before taking a bath. The juice of lemon has acidic properties and acts as a natural bleaching agent that lightens the color of the skin. Another useful remedy is to make a mixture by adding together some gram flour, yoghurt, the juice of a lime and a pinch of turmeric powder and applying this paste on the affected area every alternate day. You must wait till it dries before washing your skin with water. A mixture of lime juice, cucumber juice and turmeric powder is also helpful in lightening dark armpits. Potato is also known to have natural bleaching properties so applying thinly sliced potato on the armpits may help reduce pigmentation too. Another time-tested remedy is to make a paste by adding sandalwood powder in two teaspoons of rose water. For another remedy, soak a pinch of saffron in two spoonfuls of milk cream and rub this paste gently into your armpits before going to bed every night. Wash your armpits with water the next morning. This will gradually make your armpits look lighter in color. This not only lightens the armpits but also destroys the germs that cause bad body odor. Also, instead of using deodorants, apply an anti-fungal powder or alum powder in your armpits. Moreover, wax your armpits instead of shaving them, as this not only gets rid of armpit hair but also removes dead skin cells and prevents darkening. It is also advisable to wear clothes made of natural fibers like cotton or linen instead of those made of synthetic materials, as this ensures that the skin of your underarms in not irritated through contact with your clothes.

Daily Skin Care for Acne and Oily Skin

Daily Skin Care Tips The health of your skin is largely determined by what you eat, so taking care of your diet is crucial in maintaining healthy, glowing skin without acne and other skin disorders. Most teenagers and many adults often suffer from acne because of the excessive secretion of sebum by the glands underlying the surface of the skin. The best way to deal with this problem is to make a few basic changes in your diet and lifestyle. Make sure that you eat plenty of fruits and raw vegetables. These are rich natural sources of water, minerals, vitamins, and fibers, which ensure proper and easy digestion of food. They also prevent the build-up of toxic wastes in the system. This in turn keeps the skin healthy and acne-free, as skin disorders are often the consequence of digestive problems. You should also cut down on your intake of deep-fried, oily and spicy food. Carbonated beverages, artificially flavored and sweetened foodstuff along with nicotine, caffeine based food items and alcoholic beverages should be completely avoided. Also, drink at least 8-10 ounces of water daily, as this keeps the skin as well as the rest of the body well hydrated and prevents the eruption of pimples. Daily Facial Care Routine Since acne occurs when the natural body oil also known as sebum, comes into contact with dead skin cells and dust particles, the best way to prevent it is to maintain personal hygiene at all times. Wash your face several times a day at regular intervals with cold water. This not only washes away the excess sebum that rises to the surface of the skin but also gets rid of the dirt on your skin and thereby prevents the appearance of pimples. The chemicals present in cosmetic products are often responsible for trapping dust and oil, thus leading to blackheads and pimples. Therefore, you must always wash your face with a gentle cleanser before going to bed every night. Avoid using make-up as far as possible, and if you must use cosmetic products, ensure that every bit of it is removed from the face at the end of the day. Every alternate day wash your face with a natural scrub made by mixing a tablespoon of honey, a teaspoon of fresh lime juice and a few drops of jojoba oil into half a cup of crushed strawberries. Apply this thick paste on your face and wash it away with water after it dries. Unflavored yogurt is another excellent cleanser that cleans the face without leaving it too dry.

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Headaches

Headaches A headache is the term used to define any kind of ache or pain that occurs in and around the head, or even in the upper neck. Headaches may occur independently, in the sense that they are unconnected to any health condition or disease, or they may at times occur as a symptom of some disease. All of us experience headaches at some point or the other and it is in fact one of the most common complaints and also the most widely treated with home remedies and pharmaceutical headache treatments. Although headaches may in most cases be unconnected to specific ailments or health conditions they are often like a warning system from our body that something is not right. In most cases it is stress, lack of sleep, and other such circumstances that trigger this response. For example, if you haven’t had adequate sleep for a few nights in a row you would most likely experience headaches. Headaches may not necessarily be trigger by psychological factors such as emotional distress, stress and so on, but could also be triggered by physical stress and exhaustion. Symptoms of Headache Headache Symptoms Tension or stress headaches usually cause pain that diffuses and is not concentrated in one identifiable spot. There is also likely to be tenderness in the surrounding areas and muscles. Here are some of the common symptoms associated with tension headaches. • Tension headaches tend to cause mild to moderate intensity pain. • Typically headaches like these do not develop suddenly, but there is a gradual build up of pain. There is however no warning or prodrome prior to the actual onset of the headache. • The pain could radiate from one side of the head or it may be present on both sides. It could cause an aching and squeezing sensation in the forehead or temples, or towards the back of the head. Headaches occurring towards the back of the head will generally radiate down towards the neck and the shoulders. There is a general feeling of tightness around the head. • The pain from a headache is usually constant, although there may fluctuations in the severity. • Tension headaches are usually not intensified with physical activity, nor is there any association with nausea or vomiting. • In some cases there may a slightly increased sensitivity to visual and audio stimuli. • You are also likely to experience a sensation of pressure behind the eyes. • Headaches of this type often come on during the day and progressively worsen, lasting for a few hours. Cluster headaches are characterized by excruciating pain that may be localized around one eye, producing a stabbing sensation. Tearing and nasal congestion are also likely to occur on the same side as the affected eye. Cluster headaches may just last for a quarter of an hour or for as long as four hours. There is also a high possibility of them recurring through the day. Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption is likely to influence or trigger cluster headaches. Migraines on the other hand cause an intense throbbing pain that may be felt on just one or both sides of the head. The pain from a migraine generally is accompanied by other symptoms like nausea and vomiting. Blurring of vision is another common symptom of headaches in a migraine attack. Light, sound and movement can cause the symptoms to be severely aggravated. Migraines may be brought on by specific triggers like red wine, chocolate, cheese, heat or other factors, often not easy to identify. For many women menstrual cycles may influence the pattern of migraines and they can also be brought on because of the influence of oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy. Causes of Headache Allergies, Stress, Eye Strain The common causes of headaches are allergy, emotional stress, eye strain, high blood pressure, a hangover, infection, low blood sugar, nutritional deficiency, tension, and the presence of poisons and toxins in the body. Allergies are often the unsuspected cause of headaches. The foods to which some people are allergic and which can trigger headaches are milk and milk products, chocolate, chicken, liver, alcohol and strong cheese. Sneezing and diarrhoea are further indications of an allergy. Headache Cures and Remedies Natural Headache Cure using Lemon There are several natural remedies for various types or headaches. The juice of three or four slices of lemon should be squeezed in a cup of tea and taken by the patient for treating this condition. It gives immediate relief. The crust of lemon, which is generally thrown away, has been found useful in headaches caused by heat. Lemon crusts should be pounded into a fine paste in a mortar and applied as plaster on the forehead. Applying the yellow, freshly pared-off rind of a lemon to each temple will also give relief. Cure Headaches Naturally using Apple Apples are valuable in curing all types of headaches. After removing the upper rind and the inner hard portion of a ripe apple, it should be taken with a little salt every morning on an empty stomach in such cases. This should be continued for about a week. Natural Headache Remedy using Henna The flowers of henna have been found valuable in curing headaches caused by hot sun. The flowers should be rubbed in vinegar and applied over the forehead. This remedy will soon provide relief. Headache Remedy using Cinnamon Cinnamon is useful in headaches caused by exposure to cold air. A fine paste of this spice should be prepared by mixing it with water and it should be applied over the temples and forehead to obtain relief. Headache Treatment using Marjoram The herb marjoram is beneficial in the treatment of a nervous headache. An infusion of the leaves is taken as a tea in the treatment of this disorder. Headache Treatment using Rosemary The herb rosemary has been found valuable in headaches resulting from cold. A handful of this herb should be boiled in a litre of water and put in a mug. The head should be covered with a towel and the steam inhaled for as long as the patient can bear. This should be repeated till the headache is relieved. Diet for Headaches Proper Nutrition, Excercise, Positive Thinking The best way to prevent headaches is to build up physical resistance through proper nutrition, physical exercise and positive thinking. As a first step, the patient should undertake a short fast, and take citrus fruit juices diluted with water every two hours from 8.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m. daily. Thereafter, he should plan his diet in such a way as to put the least possible strain on the digestion. Breakfast may consist of fruits, both fresh and dried. Lunch may consist of protein foods. Starchy foods such as wholewheat bread, cereals, rice, or potatoes should be taken at dinner along with raw salads. Spices, condiments, sour buttermilk, and oily foodstuffs should be avoided. Drinking a glass of water (warm water in winter and cool water in summer), mixed with a teaspoon of honey first thing in the morning, is also a good remedy. Copious drinking of water throughout the day is also advised. other Headache Remedies Water Treatment Other helpful measures in the treatment of headaches are a cleansing enema with water temperature at 37 degree C, a cold throat pack, frequent applications of towels wrung out from very hot water to the back of the neck , a cold compress at 4.4 degree C to 15.6 degree C applied to the head and face, or an alternate spinal compress. Hot fomentations over the abdominal region just before retiring relieve headaches caused by stomach and liver upsets. Hot Foot Bath Hot foot baths are also beneficial in the treatment of chronic headaches. The patient should keep his legs in a tub or bucket filled with hot water at a temperature of 40 degree C to 45 degree C for fifteen minutes every night before retiring. This treatment should be continued for two or three weeks.

Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes Mellitus Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder that prevents the body from utilizing glucose completely or partially. It is characterized by raised glucose concentration in the blood. The pancreas produce a hormone insulin which controls the amount of glucose in the blood. Without insulin, the blood sugar increases as the body cannot use or store glucose. The most commonly-used screening tests are the determination of the fasting blood glucose level and the blood glucose level tested two hours after a meal. The normal fasting blood sugar content is 80-120 mg per 100 ml of blood; this can go up to a level of 160 mg per 100 ml of blood two hours after meals. Anything above these levels can be termed as diabetic levels. Diabetes is common among older, obese people. Types of Diabetes: Type 1 or insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) occurs when the pancreas fails to make enough insulin. It usually occurs in childhood or adolescence but can develop at any age. These patients need insulin everyday. Type 2 or non-insulin dependant diabetes mellitus occurs when body cells become resistant to insulin. This is more common among adults, especially those who are overweight and over age 40. These people are able to control their blood sugar levels through weight control, regular exercise and a well-balanced diet. Some people require oral medications or insulin injection to lower blood sugar. Symptoms of Diabetes Initial Symptoms Increased thirst, increased urination, increased appetite are the initial symptoms. In type 1 weight loss is seen and in type 2 obesity is seen. Other Symptoms Other possible symptoms are blurred vision, skin irritation or infection, weakness or loss of strength, and decreased healing capacity. Clinical lab test data reveal glycosuria (sugar in urine), hyperglycaemia, abnormal glucose tolerance tests. If diabetes is not diagnosed at the right time symptoms like fluid and electrolyte imbalance, acidosis, coma is seen. Causes of Diabetes Cause for IDDM IDDM mostly results from a virally initiated autoimmune destruction of beta cells of the pancreas. Cause for NIDDM NIDDM is determined genetically and is expressed with age or other factors like obesity, diet and inactivity. Home Remedies for Diabetes Diabetes treatment using Bitter Gourd Among the several home remedies that have proved beneficial in controlling diabetes, perhaps the most important is the use of bitter gourd. It has lately been established that bitter gourd contains a hypoglycaemic or insulin-like principle, designated as 'plantinsulin', which has been found valuable in lowering the blood and urine sugar levels. It should, therefore, be included liberally in the diet of the diabetic. For better results, the diabetic should take the juice of about four or five bitter gourd every morning on an empty stomach. The seeds can be added to food in a powdered form. Diabetics can also use bitter gourd in the form of a decoction by boiling the pieces in water or in the form of dry powder. Diabetes treatment using Indian Gooseberry Indian gooseberry, with its high vitamin C content, is considered valuable in diabetes. A tablespoon of its juice, mixed with a cup of bitter gourd juice, taken daily for two months, will stimulate the islets of Langerhans, that is, the isolated group of cells that secrete the hormone insulin in the pancreas. This mixture reduces the blood sugar in diabetes. Diabetes treatment using Jambul Fruit Black berry fruit is another effective home remedy. It is regarded in traditional medicine as a specific against diabetes because of its effect on the pancreas. The fruit as such, the seeds, and fruit juice are all useful in the treatment of this disease. The seeds contain a glucoside 'jamboline' which is believed to have the power to check the pathological conversion of starch into sugar in cases of increased production of glucose. The seeds should be dried and powdered. One teaspoon of this powder should be mixed in one cup of milk or water or half a cup of curd, and taken twice daily. The inner bark of the black berry tree is also used in the treatment of diabetes. The bark is dried and burnt. It will produce an ash of white colour. This ash should be pestled in mortar, strained and bottled. The diabetic patient should be given ten grams of this ash on an empty stomach with water in the morning, and twenty grams in the afternoon, and in the evening an hour after taking meals. An equal quantity of indian gooseberry powder, jamun powder, and bitter gourd powder also makes a very useful remedy for diabetes. A teaspoon of this mixture once or twice a day would be effective in checking the progress of the disease. Diabetes treatment using Grapefruit Grapefruit is a splendid food in the diet of a diabetic patient. If grapefruits were eaten more liberally, there would be much less diabetes. If you have sugar, use three grapefruits three times a day. If you do not have sugar, but a tendency towards it and want to prevent it, use three a day. Diabetes treatment using Fenugreek The seeds of fenugreek have been found effective in the treatment of diabetes. Fenugreek seeds, when given in varying doses of 25 gm to 100 gm daily, diminish reactive hyperglycaemia in diabetic patients. Levels of glucose, serum cholesterol, and triglycerides were also significantly reduced in the diabetes patients when the seeds were consumed. Diabetes treatment using Bengal Gram Experiments have shown that the intake of water extract of Chickpea enhances the utilization of glucose in both diabetic and normal persons. When kept on a diet which included liberal supplements of Chickpea extract, the condition of tile patient improved considerably and his insulin requirement was reduced to about twenty units per day. Diabetes patients who are on a prescribed diet which does not severely restrict the intake of carbohydrates, but includes liberal amounts of Chickpea extract, have shown considerable improvement in their fasting blood sugar levels, glucose tolerance, urinary excretion of sugar, and general condition. Diabetes treatment using Black Gram For a milder type of diabetes, two tablespoons of germinated black gram, taken with half a cup of fresh bitter gourd juice and a teaspoon of honey, is said to be useful. It should be taken once daily for three to four months. A restriction should be placed on the intake of carbohydrates. Even in severe cases, regular use of this combination, with other precautions, is useful as a health-giving food for the prevention of various complications that may arise due to malnutrition in diabetics. Diabetes treatment using Mango Leaves The tender leaves of the mango tree are considered useful in diabetes. An infusion is prepared by soaking 15 gm of fresh leaves in 250 ml of water overnight, and squeezing them well in the water in the moming. This filtrate should be taken every morning to control early diabetes. As an alternative, the leaves should be dried in the shade, powdered and preserved for use when necessary. Half a teaspoon of this powder should be taken twice a day. Diabetes treatment using Parslane The seeds of parslane are useful in diabetes. A teaspoon of the seeds should be taken every day with half a cup of water for three to four months. It will increase the body's own insulin and help in curing diabetes. Diabetes treatment using Other Foods Besides bitter gourd, certain other vegetables have been found useful in diabetes. These include string beans, cucumber, onion, and garlic. Tea made of the pods of string beans is valuable in diabetes. Diet for Diabetes Dietary Guidelines for Diabetes Management Three methods of treatment are generally followed depending on the individual and severity of the conditions. 1) Diet alone 2) Diet and Oral hypoglycaemic drugs and 3) Diet & insulin. A mild diabetic can manage his disease with control on his diet alone. A severe diabetic requires dietary control along with insulin. However, whatever the form of controlling diabetes, regularity, routine and regulation should be strictly followed. Types for Foods to be eaten for Diabetics A diabetic should follow a low carbohydrates, low fat & moderate protein diet. The diet should be high in complex carbohydrates ie. High fibre diet like vegetables, whole legumes, whole wheat products, oats etc. Products made from refined wheat flours should be restricted. Salads can be consumed in a any quantities but high fat salad dressings should be avoided. Fruits can be taken as per recommended by your dietician, fruit juices should be avoided and whenever possible fruit should be taken with the skin eg. Apple, Pear etc. Preferably avoid fruits along with your meals and you can take it 2 hours after or before a meal. Each meal should contain some source of protein as it doesn’t increase the blood sugar immediately For eg. In breakfast you can consume oats porridge, which contains oats as well as milk. Proteins should not be taken too much in excess as it may lead to renal problems. A diabetic patient should worry about the fat content of his diet. Many foods have some amount of invisible fats such as whole milk, egg yolk, and red meats. Choose skimmed milk, egg whites, de-skinned chicken and use very little quantity of visible fats like oil, Clarified butter, butter in your daily diet. Other Suggestions for Diabetes Guidelines for Diabetics -Exercise regularly, it keeps you fit and helps in controlling diabetes. Light exercise such as jogging, swimming or brisk walking are good. -Do not walk bare feet. Decreased sensations can result in injury. -Do not miss a meal after insulin or oral anti diabetic drugs. -Do not change the dose of the anti-diabetic drugs, except under medical advice. -Test urine regularly. The main goal of nutrition for diabetics is to avoid highs & lows of blood sugar so you can feel well today and in the future. So it is important to remember these 3 points. 1) The timing of your meals & snacks is very important. Eat meals & snacks at the same time every day or as close to the same time as possible. Include a snack if you are exercising or if your blood sugar gets low. If these are happening regularly then consult your physician. 2) If you are taking insulin or a diabetic pill, always eat bed time snack. Stick to your serving size. If you eat more then what you are required to may raise your blood sugar.

Sexual Impotence

Sexual Impotence causes Psychological illness such as depression, alcohol abuse, diabetes etcSexual impotence may result from psychological illness such as depression which lowers both sexual drive and erectile function, tiredness, alcohol abuse, the therapeutic use of oestrogens, paralysis of parasympathetic nerves by drugs or permanent damage to them, and diabetes Sexual Impotence treatment using Garlic Garlic is one of the most remarkable home remedies found beneficial in the treatment of sexual impotence. It is a natural and harmless aphrodisiac. According to an eminent sexologist of the United States, garlic has a pronounced aphrodisiac effect. It is a tonic for loss of sexual power due to any cause, and for sexual debility and impotency resulting from sexual overindulgence and nervous exhaustion. Two to three cloves of raw garlic should be chewed daily Sexual Impotence treatment using Onion Onion is another important aphrodisiac food, second only to garlic. It increases libido and strengthens the reproductory organs. The white variety of onion is, however, more useful for this purpose Sexual Impotence treatment using Carrot Carrots are considered valuable in impotence. For better results, about 150 gm of carrots, chopped finely, should be taken with a half-boiled egg, dipped in a tablespoon of honey, once daily for a month or two. This recipe increases sexual stamina Sexual Impotence treatment using Lady's Fingers Lady's fingers are another tonic for improving sexual vigour. It has been mentioned in ancient Indian literature that persons who take five to ten grams of the root powder of this vegetable with a glass of milk and two teaspoons of ground mishri daily, will never lose sexual vigour Sexual Impotence treatment using Asparagus The dried roots of asparagus are user in Unani medicine as an aphrodisiac. They are available in the market as safed musli. Fifteen grams of roots boiled in one cup of milk should be taken twice daily. The regular use of this remedy is valuable in impotency and premature ejaculation Sexual Impotence treatment using Drumstick A soup made with about fifteen grams of drumstick flowers boiled in 250 ml milk is very useful as a sexual tonic in the treatment of sexual debility. It is also useful in functional sterility in both males and females. The powder of the dry bark is also valuable in impotency, premature ejaculation, and thinness of semen. About 120 gm of the powder of the dry bark should be boiled in half a litre of water for about half an hour. Thirty grams of this powder, mixed with a tablespoon of honey, should be taken three times daily for a month Sexual Impotence treatment using Ginger The juice extracted from ginger is a valuable aphrodisiac and beneficial in the treatment of sexual weakness. For better results, half a teaspoon of ginger juice should be taken with a half-boiled egg and honey, once daily at night, for a month. It is said to relieve impotency, premature ejaculation, and spermatorrhoea Sexual Impotence treatment using Dried Dates Dried dates are a highly-strengthening food. Pounded and mixed with almonds, pistachio nuts, and quince seeds in equal quantities, about 100 gm should be taken daily as an effective medicine for increasing sexual power Sexual Impotence treatment using Raisins Black raisins are useful for restoration of sexual vigour. They should be boiled with milk after being washed thoroughly in tepid water. This will make them swollen and sweet. Eating of these raisins should be followed by the intake of milk. Starting with 30 gm of raisins, followed by 200 ml of milk three times daily, the quantity of raisins should be gradually increased to 50 gm each time Diet for Sexual Impotence Fresh-fruit diet Diet is an important factor in treating sexual impotence. To begin with, the patient should adopt an exclusive fresh-fruit diet for five to seven days, taking three meals a day of fresh juicy fruits at five-hourly intervals Well-balanced diet After the all-fruit diet, he may gradually embark upon a well-balanced diet consisting of seeds, nuts, grains, vegetables , and fruits, with generous use of special rejuvenative foods such as whey, sour milk- particularly goat's mailk, millet , garlic , honey, cold-pressed vegetable oils, and brewer's yeast Avoid smoking, processed, canned, and denatured food The patient should avoid smoking , alcohol, tea, and coffee; and all processed, canned, refined, and denatured foods, especially white sugar and white flour, and products made from them Other Sexual Impotence treatments Massage all over the body A vigorous massage all over the body is highly beneficial in the treatment of impotence, as it helps to revive muscular vigour which is essential for nervous energy Cold hip bath The nerves of the genital organs are controlled by the pelvic region. Hence a cold hip bath for ten minutes in the morning or evening is very effective

Hair Loss

Hair Loss Lack of vitamins, inadequate nutrition The most important cause of hair loss is inadequate nutrition. Persons lacking in vitamin B6 lose their hair and those deficient in folic acid often become completely bald. But the hair grows normally after the liberal intake of these vitamins. Stress, Prolonged Illness, unclean conditions Other important cause of hair loss are stress such as worry, anxiety, and sudden shock, general debility caused by severe or long standing illnesses like typhoid, syphilis, chronic cold, influenza, and anemia; an unclean condition of the scalp which weakens the hair roots by blocking the pores with the collected dirt; and heredity. Treatment for Hair Loss using Rubbing of Scalp A vigorous rubbing of the scalp with fingers after washing the hair with cold water is one of the most effective among the several home remedies for the prevention and treatment of hair loss. The scalp should be rubbed vigorously till it starts to tingle with the heat. It will activate the sebaceous glands and energize the circulation of blood in the affected area, making the hair grow healthy. Hair Loss home remedy using Amla Oil Indian gooseberry oil, prepared by boiling dry pieces of Indian gooseberry in coconut oil, is considered a valuable hair tonic for enriching hair growth. A mixture of an equal quantity of fresh Indian gooseberry juice and lime juice, used as a shampoo also stimulates hair growth and prevents hair loss. Treatment for Hair Loss treatment using Lettuce Lettuce is useful in preventing hair loss. A mixture of lettuce and spinach juice is believed to help the growth of hair if taken to the extent to half a liter a day Hair Loss home remedy using Amaranth Amaranth is another valuable remedy for hair loss. Its fresh leaf juice should be applied to the hair. It will help the growth of the hair and keep it soft. Hair Loss treatment using Alfalfa The juice of alfalfa, in combination with equal quantities of carot and lettuce juice, taken daily, also helps the growth of hair to a remarkable extent. The combination of these juices is rich in elements which are particularly useful for the growth of hair. While preparing alfalfa juice, the leaves of the plant may be used when they can be obtained fresh. Hair Loss treatment using Margosa The leaves of the margosa tree are also beneficial in the treatment of hair loss. If hair has been falling or has ceased to grow it should be washed with the decoction of margosa leaves. This will stop hair from falling and stabilise its blackness. It will also make the hair longer and kill lice and other infesting insects. Home remedies for Hair Loss using Mustard Oil and Henna Leaves Mustard oil, boiled with henna leaves, is useful for healthy growth of hair. About 250 ml of mustard oil should be boiled in a tin basin. About sixty grams of henna leaves should be gradually put in this oil till they are burnt in the oil. The oil should then be filtered using a cloth and stored. Regular massage of the head with the oil will produce abundant hair. Treatment for Hair Loss using Coconut Milk The application of coconut milk all over the scalp and massaging it into the hair roots is also beneficial in the treatment of hair loss. It nourishes the hair and promotes hair growth. Coconut milk is prepared by grinding the coconut shavings and squeezing them well. Hair Loss treatment using Lime-Pepper Seeds Certain home remedies have also been found beneficial in the treatment of patchy baldness. The most valuable of these remedies is the seeds of lime and black pepper, ground together to get a fine paste. This paste applied on the patches, has a mildly irritant action. This increases blood circulation to the affected area and stimulates hair growth. This paste should be applied twice a day, for a few weeks. Hair Loss treatment using Liquorice The paste of liquorice, made by grinding the pieces in milk with a pinch of saffron, is another valuable remedy for patchy baldness. This paste should be applied over the bald patches at night before going to bed. Hair Loss treatment using Onion Onion has also been found beneficial in patchy baldness. The affected part should be rubbed with onions morning and evening till it is red. It should be rubbed with honey afterwards. Hair Loss treatment using Pigeon Pea A fine paste made from pigeon pea or red gram can also be applied regularly on bald patches for beneficial results. Hair Loss treatment using Other Remedies Daily application of refined coconut oil, mixed with lime water and lime juice on the hair, prevents hair loss and lengthens it. Application of the juice of green coriander leaves on the head is also considered beneficial. Washing the hair with a paste of cooked black gram and fenugreek lengthens the hair. Regular use of castor oil as hair oil helps the luxuriant growth of the hair. Hair loss prevention diet Well balanced food intake The healthy condition of the hair depends, to a very large extent, on the intake of sufficient amounts of essential nutrients in the daily diet. Persons with a tendency to lose hair should take a well-balanced and correct diet, made up of foods which, in combination, should supply all the essential nutrients. It has been found that a diet which contains liberal quantities of seeds, nuts, grains, vegetables and fruits would provide adequate amounts of all the essential nutrients. Each food group should roughly form the bulk of one of the three principal meals. These foods should, however, be supplemented with certain special foods such as milk, vegetable oils, honey, wheat germ, yeast and liver. Proper cleaning of the hair is essential. Proper cleaning of the hair, and rubbing of the scalp with a towel after a hair wash, are necessary.

Monday, April 9, 2012

constipation

There are following natural remedies for constipation that can easily be incorporated into your diet for constipation: 1. Plenty of purified drinking water with a few squeezes of lemon juice to help you soften your stool; drinking a glass of warm water upon awakening is one of the proven natural remedies for constipation as it kicks start the digestive process after a nights rest. 2. Whole organic flaxseeds can be ground to a fine powder and sprinkled over your favorite cereals, salads and soups. 3. Probiotic rich foods like natural yogurt, cheeses, kefir, naturally fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, olives aid in establishing a favorable intestinal flora. 4. Magnesium rich foods like nuts, seeds, green leafy vegetables.

Joshada

Joshina A remedy for catarrh, cough, cold, sore throat or nasal congestion. Ingredients: Viola odorata, Onosma bracteatum, Althea officinalis, Malva rotundifolia, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Zizyphus vulgaris, Cordia latifolia. Uses / Prevents: Joshina is a ready-made convenient and more effective variation of Joshanda-the age old, tried and trusted remedy for cold, catarrh and sore throat. Directions for usage: 10 ml of Joshina mixed with 100 ml warm water to be taken before breakfast and at bed time

Sunday, April 8, 2012

Rooh Afza

Rooh Afza A popular summer drink that quenches thirst, maintains the water-electrolyte balance, and acts as an instant source of energy for the body. Ingredients: Citrus medica, Rosa damascena, Coriandrum sativum, Daucus carota, Portulaca oleracea, Citrullus vulgaris, Spinacea oleracea, Mentha arvenis, Luffa cylindrica, Cichorium intybus, Vitis vinefera, Vitiveria zizaniodes. Uses / Prevents: A 90-year-old summer drink that is used effectively as an oral rehydration therapy in heat strokes, chronic diarrhea, etc. It provides instant energy and quenches the summer thirst. Directions for usage: Mix 50 ml Rooh Afza with ice cold water and use as and when required.

Saturday, April 7, 2012

unani medicine History

Unani medicine is ancient Greek medicine that has evolved within the Muslim world for the past 13 centuries (Unani is an Arabic spelling of Ionian, meaning Greek). Greek medicine, greatly simplified for presentation here, was based on the concept of balancing body humors. They either fell out of balance, which might yield diseases (depending on circumstances), or were restored to balance to heal diseases. The system involved four elements, thus differing from the Ayurvedic system of three doshas and the Chinese system of five elements. The original Greek and the resulting Unani systems involve these four elements: earth, air, water, and fire; along with four natures: cold, hot, wet, and dry; and four humors: blood (which is hot/wet), phlegm (cold/wet), yellow bile (hot/dry), and black bile (cold/dry). Unani medicine, like Western medicine (which also arose from the Greek background) owes its origination to Hippocrates (460-377 B.C.) and his numerous followers. Other Greek medical masters, such as Dioscorides and Galen, who we recognize as the forerunners of Western herbal medicine, are also considered founders of Unani medicine. The adoption of Greek medicine into the Islamic culture was depicted by Husain F. Nagamia MD, Chairman International Institute of Islamic Medicine, and former President of the Islamic Medical Association, as arising in the ancient city of Jundishapur (near Baghdad). The timing of events is described in relation to rule of caliphs, the civil and religious leaders of Muslim states, who are considered to be successors of Mohammed: Jundishapur (or 'Gondeshapur') was a city in Khuzistan founded by a Sasnid Emperor Shapur I (241-272 A.D.) before the advent of Islam. It was to settle Greek prisoners....The town was taken by Muslims during the caliphate of Hadrat Umar, by Abu Musa Al-Ashari in 738 A.D. At this time it already had a well established hospital and medical school. It was during the Abbasid Caliphate (754-775 A.D.) that Caliph al-Mansur, the founder of the city of Baghdad, invited the then head of the Jundishapur School to treat him. This physician was Jirjis Bukhtishu, a Christian whose name meant 'Jesus has saved.' He treated the Caliph successfully and got appointed to the court. He did not stay permanently in Baghdad, returning to Jundishapur before his death, but the migration to Baghdad had begun. Thus, his son Jibrail Bukhtishu established his practice in the city and became a prominent physician [he was invited to head the first Islamic hospital, built under direction of the Caliph]. Another family that migrated from Jundishapur to Baghdad was that of Masawayh, who went at the invitation of Caliph Harun-ul-Rashid (786-809 A.D.) and became a famous ophthalmologist. Most famous amongst his three sons who were all physicians was Yuhanna ibn Masawayh (known as Mesue Senior in the West). He wrote prolifically and 42 works are attributed to him [he also translated the Greek works into Arabic]. By this time (the 8th century A.D.) the fame of Baghdad began to rise as did the political power of the caliphate. Many hospitals and medical centers were established and tremendous intellectual activity was recorded. This culminated into the period of Islamic Renaissance and the golden era of Islamic Medicine….. One of the largest hospitals ever built was the Mansuri Hospital in Cairo, completed in 1248 AD under the rule of the Mameluke ruler of Egypt, Mansur Qalaun….The Mansuri Hospital had its own pharmacy, library and lecture halls. There was also a mosque for Muslim patients and a chapel for Christian patients. The most influential historical figure in this golden era of Unani medicine was Avicenna (980-1037 A.D.), born in Kharmaitan. He began studying medicine at the age of 13 and started treating patients three years later. He gained a very good reputation, such that the ruler of the Samanid Empire (in what is now Iran), Nuh ibn Mansur (reign: 976-997A.D.), sought him out to treat an illness that was unsuccessfully treated by his court physicians. Avicenna was successful and stayed on as court physician; however, the Empire soon fell, and Avicenna became a wandering physician and teacher. Eventually, he moved to Hamadan (in west-central Iran), where he worked as a court physician. He began writing several works on philosophy and medicine, and, through further political upheaval, ended up in Isfahan, where he was able to complete his books. He died soon after, while serving as a court physician on a military campaign back to Hamadan, suffering an illness he was unable to cure. His writings included diverse subjects such as mathematics, astronomy, geology, and logic. His most important medical work was The Canon of Medicine (Qunun), which remained a valued text throughout Europe and the mid-East for several centuries after his death.

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Athletes Foot

Athlete’s foot, which is also known in medical terms as tinea pedis, is a fungal infection that affects your feet, especially the area between the toes where moisture is easily trapped. Once the infection happens you will experience an itching and burning sensation on the skin. You will also find that the infected area is covered with dry and flaky skin, which is rough to touch. As the infection advances you may also experience pain, swelling, and inflammation. Sometimes, if the skin is raw and exposed, you may also get a secondary infection in the same area. Athlete’s foot is a disease commonly experienced by people who have wear shoes for long periods in a day. The chances of infection further increase if a person does a lot of physical exercise resulting in a lot of sweating. The warm and moist environment of the shoes gives the fungus an ideal breeding ground. So, it is understandable that athletes (and other sportspersons), obviously, have a significant chance of contracting this type of infection; therefore, the name. However, athlete’s foot can also happen to people from different walks of life – basically, anyone who has to wear shoes for long hours, has a problem of unusually sweaty feet, or is not very careful about the hygiene of their feet. Athletes Foot Remedies Athlete’s foot can be remedied with proper medication and foot care. In severe cases, you may also have to get treatment from a doctor. However, there are several home remedies for athlete’s feet that you can try out. • The first remedy is to apply solutions like tea tree oil, vinegar, diluted hydrogen peroxide, or alcohol on the affected area. Take a cotton ball, soak it in the solution, and gently swab over the infected skin. • Apply crushed onion and/or garlic paste on the infected skin. You can apply them separately or together, as is suitable to you. One of the problems with this method, however, is that it can cause your feet to be very smelly. It is, therefore, important to wash off your feet properly after you apply onion or garlic on your feet. • Use boric powder or baking soda on the infected skin. They will help keep the feet dry by soaking up the extra moisture. • Mix Epsom salt in lukewarm water and soak your feet in it at the end of the day. Besides these, you should also maintain proper hygiene of your feet. Do not wear the same pair of shoes or socks every day; use alternate pairs of shoes and socks. Preferably, use cotton socks and shoes that have ventilation. Be careful and make sure to dry your feet after a bath or wash so that moisture is not trapped in the folds of your skin.

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Dark Circles Under Eyes

Dark circles around the eyes, often ridiculed as the raccoon look, tend to make the person appear tired and sick and detracts from the over all appearance of the person. The main reason for dark circles is exhaustion and lack of sleep, but there are other factors as well that cause dark circles around the eyes. The veins around the eyes become more prominent with advancing age, making the skin around the eyes appear shaded and darker. Another reason for dark circles around the eyes is an imbalanced diet which can lead to various deficiencies causing the skin to lose its vitality. Hyper pigmentation caused by excessive exposure to the harmful ultra-violet rays of the sun can also cause the area around the eyes to become darker. Finally certain drugs and medications can lead to the side-effect of dark circles around the eyes. While the easiest fix for dark circles is applying make-up to disguise them, there are several simple home remedies that can help to gradually reduce the dark circles over a period of time. Home Remedies for Dark Circles under Eyes 1• The best and most popular home remedy for dark circles is application of cold and wet tea bags on the closed eyes. The tannin acid in the eyes is beneficial for the eyes, helping to relax them, reduce any swelling and also gets rid of the dark circles. Alternately cotton balls or a soft towel soaked in rose water can also be applied on the closed eyes to relax the eyes and rejuvenate them. 2• Another way to relax exhausted eyes and reduce the dark circles is to apply slices of cucumber on the closed eyes or wiping the area around the eyes with a cotton ball soaked in cucumber juice. 3• Massaging the skin around the eyes gently using a mixture of almond oil and lemon juice is beneficial for relaxing the eyes as well as reducing the dark circles. 4• Another effective way to reduce the dark circles around the eyes is by applying a mixture of honey and raw milk around the eyes and washing it off after an hour once it has dried completely. This helps to reduce the dark circles and also improves the skin complexion. 5• A mixture of lemon juice and tomato juice can be applied on the eye lids and around the eyes, using a cotton ball soaked in the mixture. Repeating this procedure twice a day is beneficial for reducing the dark circles. 6• A mixture of turmeric powder and lemon juice can also be applied on the eyes to lighten the dark circles. 7• In addition to this, it is important to include a healthy proportion of Vitamin C and Vitamin A in your diet to promote the health of the eyes and skin. It is also crucial to consume adequate liquids in the form of water and fresh fruit juices to keep the body and skin naturally hydrated and to get adequate exercise and at least eight hours of relaxed sleep daily.

Dark spots

Dark spots on any part of the body are unwanted, but they are of special concern when they appear on the face and people go to great extents to get rid of them by visiting dermatologists and investing in expensive medicated creams which can cause several side-effects and not always help to get rid of the dark spots. It is important to recognize the reason behind the dark spots before starting any treatment. The red or brown dots appearing on the skin can be caused due to some other skin condition such as acne and blemishes, but very often they are a natural reaction of the skin to prolonged exposure to the sun’s ultra-violet rays. Sometimes the brown spots that appear on the skin are a direct result of advancing age and are also known as age spots. Home Remedies For Spots There are several simple home remedies that can help to lighten these spots over time and also prevent further appearance of the dots. 1 Honey is known to have excellent antibacterial properties and it is beneficial for healing all kinds of skin conditions and leaving the skin soft, smooth and glowing. A simple method to lighten the dark spots on the face and obtain a glowing complexion is to gently warm 2 tbsp of honey and apply it evenly across the face, washing it off after 15 to 20 minutes using warm water. Since lemon is an excellent natural bleach, the face can be wiped daily using a cotton ball soaked in lemon juice. 2 Similarly cucumber juice can also be used to wipe the face since it not only helps to cleanse the skin, but also reduces dark spots and leaves the skin soft and smooth. 3 A mixture of lemon juice, cucumber juice and honey applied on the face and washed off after 15 to 20 minutes is highly recommended. Application of sour cream or plain yoghurt on the face is also said to be beneficial for reducing dark spots. 4 Apart from this a face-pack prepared using sandalwood powder or fuller’s earth and rose water can be applied regularly on the face and washed off after 15 minutes using cold water. This helps to treat and prevent acne, improves the complexion of the skin and gradually lightens all dots and dark spots on the face. 5 Daily application of aloe Vera juice, obtained by slicing the fleshy leaf of the aloe Vera plant is also beneficial for removing any dark spots and improving the skin tone and complexion. 6 Finally it is important to maintain a healthy, balanced diet and drink plenty of liquids in the form of water and fresh fruit juices in order to keep the body well hydrated.

Homemade Face Masks for Oily Skin

Homemade Face Masks for Oily Skin Oily skin can make your face constantly look shiny and embarrass you. It becomes difficult to apply make up on an oily skin. In addition oily skin is susceptible to boils and pimples and for this reason you should follow a regular skin care routine to keep your skin clean and blemish free. Try steaming your face once a week, allowing the steam rising out of a pot of hot water to blow across your face. This helps to remove the oiliness of your face. Homemade Face Mask for Oily Skin 1 You can also make it a regular practice to apply a mixture of gram flour, a pinch of turmeric and some milk on your face and neck. This helps reduce the oiliness of the skin. 2 A mixture of a tablespoon of oatmeal, a few drops of lemon juice and some milk can also be applied on the face. You can dry orange peel in the sun and grind the dried peel with some milk to make a very effective face mask. 3 The regular application of Aloe Vera gel will also remove excessive oiliness and keep your face looking clean and healthy.

Dark Lips Treatment

Dark Lips Dark lips can attract undue attention and cause embarrassment. Although you can cover this up with the application of lipstick, it makes more sense for you to use some simple home remedies to get rid of this problem so that you will have naturally pink lips. One of the most effective remedies for lightening the color of dark lips is by applying lemon juice. Lemon is known to possess bleaching qualities and this will help reduce the intensity of darkness. You can also use a mixture of cucumber juice and lemon juice. The best thing about both these treatments is that since neither of them stain they can be left on overnight. Home Remedies for Dark Lips You will find that applying Aloe Vera juice on your lips also helps reduce the darkness and keep your lips soft. You can mash a small piece of a ripe banana, add some drops of honey to it and mix in one teaspoon of sour cream. Mix in a spoon of sugar and use this as a nourishing lip scrub. Mix a few drops of honey with some lemon juice and apply this on your lips. You can also use milk cream to massage your lips. Adding a pinch of turmeric powder also helps to keep your lips healthy and blemish free. You should also accept the fact that heredity does play an important role in determining the color of our skin and lips. So, if you belong to a family that has dark lips then you should perhaps accept that your lips may never really become pink. If you have recently noticed the darkness of your lips then you should consider consulting your doctor since this could be caused by some illness. You can try using a lip stick which has sunscreen in it as this can help prevent your lips from becoming too dark. In addition you can try cutting down on your intake of tea and coffee.. Similarly increasing your intake of water can also influence the way the lips look. Make sure that you remove all traces of lipstick as soon as you get home and never leave it on overnight. Avoid using a lipstick that is past its expiration date since this could react badly with your skin. Also, if you have recently started using a new brand of lipstick and noticed the darkness after this, you should consider not using that particular brand. Sometimes your allergic reaction to the lip stick may be responsible for you lips becoming darker.

Ringworm

Ringworm Ringworm, medically known as tinea corpis, is a common skin disease caused by fungus infection. Though the name is ‘ringworm’ there is no worm involved here; it takes the name because of the characteristic circular ring that forms in this type of infection. Ringworm is not a serious disease, but it is a source of great annoyance and gives a rather unhygienic appearance. Symptoms The common symptoms of ringworm are: a round or oval rash on the skin with a healthy looking area at the center, slightly raised surface with pink scaly skin, itchiness and inflammation. Ringworm can attack any part of the body; a particular variety of ringworm affects the scalp as well. Causes The fungal infection happens when the parasitic fungus starts to live on the outer layer of the skin. The infection can be acquired through different mediums – human to human, animal to human, object to human, and soil to human. Ringworm is contagious in nature and care should be taken to avoid direct contact with an infected person or animal. Ringworm needs to be treated appropriately with proper medication. There are several anti-fungal medications available in the form of topical or oral medicine. Consult a dermatologist and get a suitable dose of medication for a speedy recovery. It is important to treat ringworm in time because untreated ringworm can spread over a large skin area and can become chronic. Chronic ringworm is increasingly difficult to get rid of. Ringworm Remedies and Home treatment There are also some common home remedies that you can try out to treat ringworm. • Apply raw turmeric juice on the infected area to get rid of ringworm. Additionally, you should also consume raw turmeric juice mixed with honey. If raw turmeric is not available, you can also use a paste of turmeric powder to apply on the skin. Wait till the paste dries up and then wash off the area with cold water. • Rub raw papaya slices on the ringworm patch and also apply a paste of dried papaya seeds on the infected skin. You may experience mild irritation while rubbing papaya on the skin, but it will cease after some time. • Soak mustard seeds overnight in water and then take out the soaked seeds in the morning to grind and make a paste. Apply this paste on the infected skin and leave till it dries up. Once the paste has dried, wash off the skin with cold water. Use this method regularly each day to get rid of ringworms.

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Care of Skin during Pregnancy

Skin Care during Pregnancy A woman can glow during pregnancy. However, since her body is undergoing various changes, it is also likely that her skin may require extra care and pampering during this period. One of the most common problems faced by women who are pregnant is the sudden outbreak of acne. Acne can attack even women who have never before suffered any such problem. It is not advisable to eat medicines to help cure the acne and the use of over the counter creams is also not recommended. Under these circumstances it is advisable that you use simple home remedies to get rid of this problem. Your diet will determine what your skin looks like and if you are on a healthy diet of fruits, vegetables, juices, whole grains then your skin will reflect this. In addition to a healthy diet you should also ensure that you sleep sufficient hours every night. Exercise regularly so that you feel fit and this is reflected in your skin. Another possible problem you may face is known as pregnancy mask or melasma. This is caused because of the hormones related to pregnancy. The way to take care of your skin and ensure that you don’t suffer from this skin related problem is by staying indoors and taking great care of your skin when you do venture out. Use a good quality sun screen which can protect your skin from the sun. Some women suffer form an itchy skin. If this becomes unbearable you can simply dip a soft cloth in milk and apply this on the itchy regions of your body. You should also regularly apply moisturizer on your belly to subdue the itch. Pregnancy Skin Care Tips Stretch marks are of course the biggest side effect of pregnancy. Most women dread the ugly marks which make your skin look so terrible. A regular application of cocoa butter is believed to help prevent these from appearing. Aloe Vera gel should also be applied every night on your stretch marks. For a general pampering of your skin you should regularly apply a paste made of two teaspoons of gram flour, a pinch of turmeric and some milk. You will find that regularly applying Aloe Vera gel on your skin helps keep it smooth. Massage baby oil into your skin everyday before you have your bath. This massage will keep your skin looking supple and smooth. Cleansing your skin is as important as moisturizing it.

Caring for the Skin during Summer

Summer Skin Care Tips One of the primary problems your skin faces in the summer months is extreme dryness. For this reason you should use a good quality sun screen. Always carry an umbrella or use a large brimmed hat to protect your face and skin from the sun. For dry skin it is a good idea to use something other than normal soap to wash your face. An herbal infusion can soothe your skin in the summer months. You can mix two teaspoons of chamomile, one teaspoon rose petals and half a teaspoon peppermint leaves. Cover this with a cup of hot water. When it has cooled down strain it and use it to wash your face. This will not only soothe your skin but also reduce the dry patches of skin. When your face is sweating, use a cotton ball that has been dipped in sour milk to clean your face. You will find that using a cotton ball dipped in rose water also makes a refreshing face wash liquid. While the summer months are about sweating, this does not mean that your skin doesn’t need moisturizing. In fact during the summer the sweat evaporates from the skin and leaves it looking dry. This kind of skin can easily be affected by acne. Rather than not use a cream at all, you should use a light cream. This will keep your face moisturized without leaving it looking oily. You can make a variety of fruit and vegetable masks to help your skin cope with the weather. You can puree a tomato or some grapes or melon and tie this up in a muslin cloth. Lay this muslin cloth on your skin. You can also use a face mask with oatmeal mixed with a raw egg. Cucumber juice, applied with a clean cotton ball, is a great way to keep your skin looking fresh. Drinking a lot of water is the best way to keep the skin looking hydrated. This also helps you feel energetic. Fruit juices and buttermilk too should be consumed. An ideal diet during the summer months should include lots of salads and soups. Heavy dishes like fried food or food that is spicy should be avoided. Eat lots of grapes, oranges and watermelon. Keep your body hydrated by staying indoors during the day in a cool room. Ensuring that you sleep well and get adequate rest is another integral part of keeping skin looking good during summer.

Pimple Marks

Pimple Marks Pimple marks can be quite stubborn and very often are not easy to get rid of. The scars and marks are a result of damaged tissues, which are sometimes permanent. Although pimple marks are not a serious condition, it may cause the affected person some anxiety. It can also affect the self esteem of a person and his/her social interactions adversely. Deep and permanent pimple marks may need removal with surgical methods, and you will need to get in touch with a dermatologist for this. However, surgical methods may be painful, require long-time treatment, have some side effects, and also prove to be very costly. You should discuss things thoroughly with the dermatologist before deciding on surgical treatments. Home Remedies for Pimple Marks Meanwhile, if the pimple marks are minor, you can try out some of the home remedies to remove them or help them fade away. 1 Make a paste by mixing sandalwood powder and gram powder with water. Apply this paste on your face and leave for about an hour before washing it off with cold water. 2 Mix sandalwood powder with rose water and milk cream to make a thick paste. Apply this paste on your face and let it dry up naturally. Once the paste has dried up, wash your face with cold water. 3 Massage your face gently with olive oil or almond oil every day. These oils provide essential nutrients to the skin and help repair damaged skin. 4 Rub your pimple marks with lemon juice regularly. This may help fade the pimple marks. 5 Rub your face with freshly cut slices of vegetables like potato, cucumber, or tomato. This will help cleanse your skin and also help the pimple marks to fade away. 6 Use a mud pack prepared with Fuller’s earth to help exfoliate the dead skin cells. Use of mud face packs will help scrape off dead cells and also help in the regeneration of new skin. 7 Apply aloe vera gel to wash off your face regularly. Aloe vera gel is beneficial for the skin and can help fade the pimple marks with prolonged use. However, it is important to understand that you should be realistic while using these home remedies. If your pimple marks are due to permanent damage of skin tissues, no amount of home remedies can help you get rid of them. Also, most of these home remedies may take a long time bring in any noticeable effect, so you will need to be patient.

Summer Skin Care Tips

Summer Skin Care The summer season can be very harsh on you. Most of all, you find that it has serious adverse effects on your skin. But you can keep your skin looking soft and fresh if you follow certain precautions. 1 Always wash your face with cold water as often as possible. You will find that adding a few drops of rose essence to the water helps you feel fresh. 2 Soak some cotton pads in cold water and place them on your eyes to keep them refreshed.You can similarly refresh your tired feet by soaking them in a tub of cold water. 3 Always protect your face with an umbrella or a hat. 4 Avoid using a lot of cosmetics when it is very hot. This prevents your skin from breathing easily and naturally. 5 If you have oily skin, make sure that all your skin products are labeled Noncomedogenic as this will ensure that they do not clog your pores. You can find a good quality sunscreen and use this whenever you go out. 6 Ideally wearing long sleeved clothes helps you protect your skin. 7 During the summer months you should avoid keeping up late since this, in addition to the other effects of summer can make your skin look dry. In addition to this you will also develop dark circles under your eyes. Use a variety of fruits to make face masks. You can use a puree of avocado, papaya or cucumber to make your own face mask. If you have oily skin you will need to add a spoonful of oatmeal, some drops of lemon juice, some drops of honey and a teaspoon of yogurt to the pureed fruit. For people with dry skin it is a good idea to add some rosewater in place of the lemon juice. What you eat and when and how you eat it is also very important. The heat makes it difficult for us to eat heavy meals and it is a good idea to avoid doing so. Similarly eating very spicy or oily food should be avoided. Eat light meals and avoid eating very late at night. If you have to eat at night make a meal of fruits and juices. You can also have soups since these are not heavy at all. You should ensure that you drink plenty of water. Drink a variety of fresh fruit juices since this will keep your skin hydrated. It will also provide your skin with many essential vitamins and minerals and give it a healthy glow. Buttermilk with some salt added to it is also very beneficial. Fruits like water melon, grapes and oranges can be eaten regularly since these also ensure proper digestion

Dry Sensitive Skin

Dry Sensitive Skin Care There are several types of skin– normal, dry, oily, combination, and sensitive – and each type requires a different type of skin care. However, when you have dry sensitive skin, it usually needs much more attention and care than other types. Skin type is generally inherited, but there may be other factors that can affect your skin type. Environmental factors, exposure to the sun, use of cosmetics, and some underlying diseases can also impact your skin condition. Dry Sensitive Skin Care Tips Here are some skin care tips that can be followed to maintain the health of dry sensitive skin. 1 Moisturize – it is extremely important to apply moisturizer regularly on dry and sensitive skin. Choose a moisturizing cream or lotion that suits your skin type. You can also use essential oils – like coconut oil, olive oil, or almond oil – that contain vitamins and proteins helpful for the skin. Be especially cautious so as to keep your skin properly moisturized when you go out in the sun. Along with a moisturizer you should also have a sunscreen lotion with appropriate sun protection factor (SPF). 2 Bathing – you should be careful not to have prolonged or frequent baths. Bathing for long hours can strip essential oils from your skin and make it dryer. Bathing in hot water is also to be avoided as it can further dry up the oils from your skin. Another important thing about bathing is the water – check if you have too much of chlorine in your tap water. Also, check whether the soap and shampoo you use are suitable for your skin. Do not use soap on your skin too frequently if you suffer from dry skin. You can scrub your skin with oatmeal as a substitute for soap wash. 3 Eat healthy – diet also plays an important part in keeping your skin healthy. Eat lots of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, cereals, and nuts. Milk, egg, and fish should also be consumed in good amount. Also, you should drink adequate amount of water throughout the day to keep your skin properly hydrated. Additionally, you should also drink fruit juices whenever possible. 4 Use humidifier – to avoid hot and dry condition of indoor air, you should install a humidifier in the room. This will help increase the humidity level of the air in the room and benefit your skin. 5 Clothes – the material of your clothes can also have an impact on your skin. As far as possible, use clothes made of natural material (cotton or silk), and avoid clothes made of synthetic materials.

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Dark Lips Treatment

Dark Lips Dark lips can attract undue attention and cause embarrassment. Although you can cover this up with the application of lipstick, it makes more sense for you to use some simple home remedies to get rid of this problem so that you will have naturally pink lips. Treatment for Dark Lips One of the most effective remedies for lightening the color of dark lips is by applying lemon juice. Lemon is known to possess bleaching qualities and this will help reduce the intensity of darkness. You can also use a mixture of cucumber juice and lemon juice. The best thing about both these treatments is that since neither of them stain they can be left on overnight. You will find that applying Aloe Vera juice on your lips also helps reduce the darkness and keep your lips soft. You can mash a small piece of a ripe banana, add some drops of honey to it and mix in one teaspoon of sour cream. Mix in a spoon of sugar and use this as a nourishing lip scrub. Mix a few drops of honey with some lemon juice and apply this on your lips. You can also use milk cream to massage your lips. Adding a pinch of turmeric powder also helps to keep your lips healthy and blemish free. You should also accept the fact that heredity does play an important role in determining the color of our skin and lips. So, if you belong to a family that has dark lips then you should perhaps accept that your lips may never really become pink. If you have recently noticed the darkness of your lips then you should consider consulting your doctor since this could be caused by some illness. You can try using a lip stick which has sunscreen in it as this can help prevent your lips from becoming too dark. In addition you can try cutting down on your intake of tea and coffee.. Similarly increasing your intake of water can also influence the way the lips look. Make sure that you remove all traces of lipstick as soon as you get home and never leave it on overnight. Avoid using a lipstick that is past its expiration date since this could react badly with your skin. Also, if you have recently started using a new brand of lipstick and noticed the darkness after this, you should consider not using that particular brand. Sometimes your allergic reaction to the lip stick may be responsible for you lips becoming darker.

Dark Skin Care

Causes of Dark Skin Skin color is determined by a pigment called melanin; the more melanin present in the skin, the darker is the skin color. Melanin production in the skin is affected by several factors – heredity, exposure to the sun’s rays, skin disorders, and hyperpigmentation. Sometimes, dark skin color can also be a result of prolonged use of certain medications and some underlying disease in the body. Skin color is something we are born with and there isn’t much we can do to change the skin color drastically. We can lighten the skin color a bit with the help of certain home remedies, but usually the skin color is more or less permanent. It should be kept in mind that a healthy skin is far more important than the color of the skin. Tips and Home Remedies for Dark Skin Anyway, here are a few skin care tips that can lighten up your skin color to some extent besides proving nourishment to the skin. 1 Make a paste by grinding almond and mixing it with rose water. Apply this paste regularly on your skin to lighten the skin tone. 2 Another simple remedy is to use a paste made with a mixture of turmeric powder and sandalwood powder. Take equal amounts of sandalwood powder and turmeric powder and mix with water to make a thick paste. Apply this paste on your skin, let it dry, and then wash off with clean water. 3 Prepare a paste by mixing honey, lemon juice, milk cream, and almond oil. Apply this paste on your skin and leave it for about 10-15 minutes before washing off. Regular use of this paste will help you reduce skin tan. 4 Soak grams and almonds overnight in water and make a paste by grinding them. Apply this paste on your skin and leave until it dries up. Once the paste has dried up on your skin, wash off with cold water. This high-protein paste will provide nourishment to your skin as well as act as a natural bleach. 5 Use a paste by grinding dried orange peel and mixing it with curd. Regular use of this paste will also help lighten the skin tone. 6 Rub your skin with freshly cut slices of vegetables to remove skin blemishes and lighten up the skin. You can use slices of tomato, cucumber, and tomato to rub on your skin. 7 Take adequate measures to protect your skin from the harmful rays of the sun. Use a sunscreen lotion with appropriate sun protection factor (SPF) whenever you have to go out in direct sunlight.

Dry Facial Skin

Dry Facial Skin People who have dry skin actually have a low level of sebum. Sebum is the body’s natural oil that acts as a seal and allows the skin to retain moisture. One of the sure signs of dry skin is a slightly papery and parched look. In addition to this, after a person with dry skin washes their face, their skin will feel dry and taut. If you suffer from dry skin, extreme weather conditions can aggravate your condition. If you are suffering from conditions of the skin like eczema or psoriasis, then these could be causing the dry skin. Dry skin could be caused either by an underactive thyroid or due to a poor diet. Nutritional deficiencies can also cause dry skin. Remedies for Dry Facial Skin - Dry Facial Skin Treatment You should ensure that you don’t use warm or hot water to wash your face. Instead you can use lukewarm water. Avoid washing your face too often during the day. Also avoid using soaps since these dry the skin out. Find a good quality moisturizer that suits you and apply this liberally soon after you have had your bath. You may need to use this at least thrice a day. Apply liberally at bedtime and leave it on overnight. You can also use Aloe Vera gel since this reduces dryness of the skin. Baby oil is also beneficial. Take a small quantity in your hands and massage it into your skin with circular motions, using the tips of your fingers to rub it into your skin. Milk cream is one of the best things for dry skin and can be applied on a daily basis. Take some milk cream and beat it well. Add a pinch of turmeric to it and then apply this to your face and neck. After it has dried, use circular motions to remove the excess residue. You will find your skin soft and adequately moisturized. If you are reluctant to use milk cream you can mix equal quantities of milk with honey and apply this over your face. For another simple and beneficial face mask, you can break a raw egg and add a teaspoon of honey to it. Now add a few drops of rose water and half a teaspoon of olive oil and beat the mixture well. Apply this on your face and wash off after half an hour. Apricots are very effective in moisturizing the skin and can be used to make a homemade face pack. Soak a few apricots in water and then mash them when they are soft. Add a teaspoon of olive oil to the mashed apricots and apply on your face. This can be washed off after ten minutes.

Useful Tips to Get Fair Skin

Tips for Fair Skin Care To a large extent, skin color is genetically determined, with the climate of the area you originate from playing a major role. Thus people originally from sunny areas near the equator have a dark complexion while those from other climes have a fair skin. Though it is not a true beauty standard, a fair complexion is always on the most-wanted list for most people, especially women. First of all it needs to be understood that there is a limit to how fair you can become. There are herbal bleaches that nullify the effect of the sun and eliminate other grime on your skin, thus lending your face a fair glow. Lemon juice, turmeric and honey are all equally efficient natural bleaches. Apply directly on to the skin and leave it on for an hour. Repeat this twice everyday for a week to see a visibly fairer skin. For best results, use a combination of these ingredients. Lemon juice and honey makes the best combination. Cucumber juice too is extremely helpful in lightening your complexion. Apply cucumber juice liberally all over your face and hands before bedtime and leave it on for the night. Scrubbing your face with cucumber slices before the application of juice expedites the results. Fair Skin Remedies and Treatment Gram flour too is a potent remedy. Mix gram flour with two teaspoons of milk and a few drops of lime juice. Make a paste and apply all over your face and neck. Leave it on for half an hour and wash off with lukewarm water. This treatment is known to lighten the skin in a span of two weeks. Honey mixed with almond oil and applied on the face too is an excellent remedy. You could also use sandalwood. Take sandalwood powder, mix it with equal proportions of cucumber juice and tomato juice and make it into a paste. Apply it on your face at least once a day, leaving it on for thirty minutes. This remedy is quick and extremely effective. Aloe Vera too is great when it comes to improving your complexion. Take a leaf of the plant, break it and mix the juice oozing out with rose water. Apply this on your face once daily to prevent tanning of the skin. Other than these, small precautions like covering yourself completely when stepping out into the sun will go a long way in keeping your skin fair. Always wear a hat on hot days and use a sunscreen with a high SPF protection. In addition, drink a lot of water to keep your body hydrated.

Peeling Skin

Peeling Skin Peeling of the skin, usually the feet, is a natural process in all human beings. However, in some cases, the peeling can be rampant and may be all over the body. In such circumstances, serious infections should be ruled out with the help of medical supervision, since peeling skin can be a symptom of various serious skin infections like erythroderma and eczema. Once these are ruled out, you can treat the peeling skin using a variety of herbal remedies. Remedies for Peeling Skin Most usually, rampant peeling is due to the dryness of the skin. This can be cured using cucumber. Grate cucumber and apply it all over the affected parts and leave it on for at least twenty minutes. Cucumber moisturizes the skin and thus prevents any further peeling. Fresh mint is another remedy. Extract juice from fresh mint and apply all over the affected area overnight. A few days of this treatment will get rid of the dryness and resultant peeling. Olive oil, honey, turmeric and sandalwood are excellent remedies too. Make a paste using these ingredients in combination and apply all over the skin that is peeling. Leave the paste on for an hour. Repeat this everyday for best results. Be careful in your choice of moisturizers. Most of the products sold over the counter have a strong chemical base which can wreak havoc on your skin. Go for herbal moisturizers instead. Coconut oil too is a natural moisturizer for the skin. Application of coconut oil is known to nourish the skin and arrest peeling. Another great cure is lemon juice. Take half a lemon and rub all over the affected area gently. Let the juice stay on the skin for at least twenty minutes and then wash off with cold water. This treatment should be repeated at least thrice a day to show results. Alternately, you can mince some yeast, add freshly extracted lemon juice to it and gently rub the affected skin with this mixture. Leave it on for twenty minutes and wash off with cold water. This treatment will yield results within a week. Diet plays a huge role too. Peeling of the skin is sometimes caused due to a deficiency in vitamin A, iron, iodine or vitamin B. Supplement your diet with these vitamins and minerals to stem the peeling. Cream, butter, fish liver oils, unpolished cereal grains, eggs and meat would be ideal. Drink plenty of water and always keep your skin moisturized.

Skin Care Tips

Skin Care The health of your skin is largely determined by what you eat, so taking care of your diet is crucial in maintaining healthy, glowing skin without acne and other skin disorders. Most teenagers and many adults often suffer from acne because of the excessive secretion of sebum by the glands underlying the surface of the skin. The best way to deal with this problem is to make a few basic changes in your diet and lifestyle. Make sure that you eat plenty of fruits and raw vegetables. These are rich natural sources of water, minerals, vitamins, and fibers, which ensure proper and easy digestion of food. They also prevent the build-up of toxic wastes in the system. This in turn keeps the skin healthy and acne-free, as skin disorders are often the consequence of digestive problems. You should also cut down on your intake of deep-fried, oily and spicy food. Carbonated beverages, artificially flavored and sweetened foodstuff along with nicotine, caffeine based food items and alcoholic beverages should be completely avoided. Also, drink at least 8-10 ounces of water daily, as this keeps the skin as well as the rest of the body well hydrated and prevents the eruption of pimples. Daily Facial Care Routine Since acne occurs when the natural body oil also known as sebum, comes into contact with dead skin cells and dust particles, the best way to prevent it is to maintain personal hygiene at all times. Wash your face several times a day at regular intervals with cold water. This not only washes away the excess sebum that rises to the surface of the skin but also gets rid of the dirt on your skin and thereby prevents the appearance of pimples. The chemicals present in cosmetic products are often responsible for trapping dust and oil, thus leading to blackheads and pimples. Therefore, you must always wash your face with a gentle cleanser before going to bed every night. Avoid using make-up as far as possible, and if you must use cosmetic products, ensure that every bit of it is removed from the face at the end of the day. Every alternate day wash your face with a natural scrub made by mixing a tablespoon of honey, a teaspoon of fresh lime juice and a few drops of jojoba oil into half a cup of crushed strawberries. Apply this thick paste on your face and wash it away with water after it dries. Unflavored yogurt is another excellent cleanser that cleans the face without leaving it too dry.

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Acne during Pregnancy

Acne during Pregnancy During pregnancy, the body undergoes drastic hormonal changes and results in various problems, one of the most common being the appearance of acne. The reason behind this is that the level of a hormone called progesterone in the body increases, which stimulates the sebaceous glands underneath the surface of the skin to secrete greater amount of sebum, which tends to get accumulated in the skin pores with dust particles and takes the form of acne. Home Remedies to Treat Acne during Pregnancy Once the baby is born, the acne disappears naturally; but it is useful to follow a few simple home remedies to treat acne during pregnancy. Make sure to keep your face clean at all times. Simply washing your face at regular intervals with cold water helps keep away dust, sweat and oil from the face. Also, use a water-based moisturizer as oil-based cosmetic products make the skin more prone to acne. Before going to bed, remove all make-up from your face with a mild cleanser in order to open up the pores of the skin and prevent the eruption of acne. Eat lots of fresh fruits and raw and leafy vegetables, as these are rich natural sources of vitamins and minerals, which act as oxidants by improving blood circulation throughout the body and keep the skin in good health. Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water daily to flush out toxins from the body. A useful home remedy for treating pimples is to apply the pulp or the juice of a tomato on the face and washing it away after it dries. Applying the juice of a lemon mixed with an equal amount of rose water on the area around the pimples before going to bed also has similar effects. For another remedy, crush a fresh few fenugreek leaves and massage the skin gently with the juice extracted from these. Wash your face with water after it feels dry. In addition, you may also add a pinch of turmeric powder to mint juice and apply this paste on the affected area to get rid of acne. While mint juice has a soothing effect on inflamed skin, turmeric has natural antibacterial properties that destroy the bacteria that may be breeding in the acne. Alternatively, slice a potato finely and cover your face with these slices for around 10 minutes. You may also apply raw mashed potato as a face pack. This tones up the skin and cures acne.

Pimples

Pimples Pimples, technically also known as acne vulgaris, are a common problem faced mostly by teenagers and sometimes by adults too. Pimples are basically inflammations that occur on the surface of the skin when the excessive sebum secreted by the sebaceous glands underneath the skin rises up into the pores on the surface and gets solidified along with dirt particles on coming into contact with air. The excessive production of sebum may be the result of rise in hormonal activity in the body during adolescence and pregnancy, or the consequence of a faulty diet. How to Cure Pimples Therefore, it is important to ensure that the skin is prevented from becoming too oily to remain pimple-free. One of the easiest ways of doing this is to drink plenty of water throughout the day, as this flushes away wastes from the body as well as keeps the skin naturally well moisturized without turning it oily. Washing your face frequently with water is also a good idea, as this ensures that at no point is there a build-up of dust and oil on the surface of your skin. Also, eating raw fruits and green vegetables keeps the skin healthy and prevents it from becoming too oily. Sometimes, the appearance of pimples may also be the result of the use of cosmetic products that do not suit the skin. Check whether you tend to get more pimples after using a particular skin product, and if it so, discontinue its use immediately. It is also advisable to keep the use of make-up as minimal as possible, as the oils present in most cosmetic products may clog the pores of the skin and make it more susceptible to pimples. It is also absolutely essential to wash away all make-up from your face at the end of the day so that the skin pores can breathe naturally throughout the night. Home Remedies for Pimples Besides these general measures, a few home remedies can solve the problem of pimples. Apply cucumber juice on the pimples and let it dry for a few minutes before washing your face with cold water. This helps absorb excess oil from the face and cures pimples naturally. Another remedy is to mix a pinch of cinnamon powder in two tablespoons of honey and massage your face gently with this paste at bedtime. The next morning, wash your face with warm water. Applying garlic juice on the skin around the pimples also helps destroy germs and gets rid of pimples in a few days.