Saturday, 1 June 2013

3 Natural Tips to Prevent Hair fall & Hair loss

Hair fall has become quite common among several people that is found to be due to several problems like oily scalp, imbalance of hormones, hereditary, irregularity in diet, dandruff, change of water and too much stress. Before starting efforts to treat hair fall it is necessary to find the actual reason for this hair fall happening and once the reason has been found there are some natural treatments available that is sure to work against hair loss.

Hence we have put together these natural solutions in order to prepare your hair to fight against hair fall with positive results, these treatments suggested include:

• Onion Juice:

 This is a proven fact that onion juice is known to give positive results in treating hair fall problems, there are very few people who are aware of the fact that it is this juice which is used in several tonics which have been exclusively made to treat hair loss. Onion juice also is known to be clinically true in treating hair fall since it works as stimulant in growth of hair by increasing the blood circulation in scalp. Apart from this onion juice is also known to work as an antiseptic by cleansing the scalp, preparation method of this juice is given below:
  1. Take one large onion in blender to make into juice which has to be later filtered to extract juice without pulp so that it will be easy to apply on scalp for about an hour. 
  2. Though very strong and pungent in odor Onion can also be used in this form with rose water which has to be later washed off after about an hour with herbal shampoo that does not have Sodium Lauryl Sulphate. 
  3. For this pack to work effectively it is suggested to wait for about 2-3 weeks based on the severity of hair fall it is suggested to increase its usage in a week.

• Coriander Juice:

Coriander also known as cilantro is one such other juice like onion that is said to boost hair growth and fighting against hair fall providing hair with all the necessary nutrients which enable in proper growth. Here we provide you with the way in which it can be prepared and used which are given below:
  1. Make paste with freshly chopped coriander leaves and water, which has to be made to be of juice consistency that has to be filtered to get juice that is easily applied on the scalp for about an hour before shampooing it off.
  2. To increase the benefits being extracted from this juice it is suggested to use them with other type of packs too, for this juice to show its effect it is necessary to give it nearly 2-3 weeks of time and can be used couple of times in a week or month based on the density at which hair fall occurs.

• Fenugreek seeds with yogurt:

This combination is said to work best for people suffering from dandruff and hair fall issues, hair growth is ensured with the presence of protein and nicotinic acid in fenugreek seeds also known as methi seeds. People who have oily scalp are suggested to replace yogurt with water or aloe vera juice to make paste for easy application on scalp. Yogurt in this mixture is known to provide nourishment and acts as conditioner for dry scalp, process in preparation of this paste is given below:
  1. Mix fenugreek powder with yogurt based on the hair length to make paste which can be later applied on the scalp to cover entire hair so that it will be conditioned and left so for about an hour but later has to be washed off with herbal shampoo.
  2. For this paste to show its result it might take about 2-3 weeks and has to be used couple of times every week to give the desired output.


For all those who are worried about their hair loss problems should understand that there is a duration of about 2-4 months when hair is said to undergo telgon phase which is due to the condition named telogen effluvium as per which there will be regular hair fall which is pretty much normal to happen.

For all those who do not know what telogen phase is will be able to recognize it once they see a bulb on hair tip when it sheds, however there is nothing to worry about since there will be growth of new hair strand instead of the one which has been shed.

There is also nothing to worry hugely about this phase since it is said to last only for 3 months which will then be followed by normal hair growth, but for those who identify this phase to last more than 6 months should go with medical help. We hope that the home made treatments given above will help to prevent hair loss.

Physical Side Effects of Oversleeping

When it comes to sleep, can you have too much of a good thing? It's true a good night's sleep is essential for health. But oversleeping has been linked to a host of medical problems, including diabetesheart disease, and increased risk of death.
Researchers are careful to note, however, that two other factors -- depression and low socioeconomic status -- are strongly associated with oversleeping. Those two factors may be the reason for the observed negative health effects. For example, people of lower socioeconomic status may have less access to health care and therefore more undiagnosed illnesses, such as heart disease, which, in turn, may cause oversleeping.
Oversleeping: How Much Sleep Is Too Much?
The amount of sleep you need varies significantly over the course of your lifetime. It depends on your age and activity level as well as your general health and lifestyle habits. For instance, during periods of stress or illness, you may feel an increased need for sleep. But although sleep needs differ over time and from person to person, experts typically recommend that adults should sleep between seven and nine hours each night.
Why Do People Sleep Too Much?
For people who suffer from hypersomnia, oversleeping is actually a medical disorder. The condition causes people to suffer from extreme sleepiness throughout the day, which is not usually relieved by napping. It also causes them to sleep for unusually long periods of time at night. Many people with hypersomnia experience symptoms of anxiety, low energy, and memory problems as a result of their almost constant need for sleep.
Obstructive sleep apnea, a disorder that causes people to stop breathing momentarily during sleep, can also lead to an increased need for sleep. That's because it disrupts the normal sleep cycle.
Of course, not everyone who oversleeps has a sleep disorder. Other possible causes of oversleeping include the use of certain substances, such as alcohol and some prescription medications. Other medical conditions, including depression, can cause people to oversleep. And then there are people who simply want to sleep a lot.
Medical Problems Linked to Oversleeping
Diabetes. Studies have shown that sleeping too long or not enough each night can increase the risk for diabetes.
Obesity. Sleeping too much or too little could make you weigh too much, as well. One recent study showed that people who slept for nine or 10 hours every night were 21% more likely to become obese over a six-year period than were people who slept between seven and eight hours. This association between sleep and obesity remained the same even when food intake and exercise were taken into account.
Headaches. For some people prone to headaches, sleeping longer than usual on a weekend or vacation can cause head pain. Researchers believe this is due to the effect oversleeping has on certain neurotransmitters in the brain, including serotonin. People who sleep too much during the day and disrupt their nighttime sleep may also find themselves suffering from headaches in the morning.

Medical Problems Linked to Oversleeping continued...

Back pain. There was a time when doctors told people suffering from back pain to head straight to bed. But those days are long gone. You do need to curtail your regular exercise program when you are experiencing back pain. But doctors now realize the health benefits of maintaining a certain level of activity. And they recommend against sleeping more than usual, when possible.
Depression. Although insomnia is more commonly linked to depression than oversleeping, roughly 15% of people with depression sleep too much. This may in turn make their depression worse. That's because regular sleep habits are important to the recovery process. Need another reason not to overdo the ZZZs when you're blue?? In certain instances, sleep deprivation can have a temporary antidepressant effect.
Heart disease. The Nurses' Health Study involved nearly 72,000 women. A careful analysis of the data from that study showed that women who slept nine to 11 hours per night were 38% more likely to have coronary heart disease than women who slept eight hours. Researchers have not yet identified a reason for the connection between oversleeping and heart disease.
Death. Multiple studies have found that people who sleep nine or more hours a night have significantly higher death rates than people sleeping seven to eight hours a night. No specific reason for this correlation has been determined. But researchers found that depression and low socioeconomic status are also associated with longer sleep. They speculate these factors could be related to the observed increase in mortality for people who sleep too much.

Get the Benefits of Sleep without Oversleeping

If you average more than seven or eight hours of sleep per night, see a doctor for a checkup. The doctor can help you determine why you oversleep.
If your oversleeping is caused by alcohol or certain prescription medications, cutting back on or eliminating the use of these substances may help. Never stop a prescribed medicine, however, unless instructed to do so by your doctor. Similarly, if your oversleeping is caused by an underlying medical condition, treating this disorder may allow you to return to normal sleep habits.
Regardless of the cause of your oversleeping, practicing good sleep hygiene will help you reap the benefits of a healthy seven to eight hours of sleep each night. Experts recommend keeping the same bedtimes and wake times every day. They also recommend avoiding caffeine and alcohol close to bedtime. Exercising regularly and making your bedroom a comfortable environment that's conducive to sleep will help you get the amount of sleep you need.

Saturday, 25 May 2013

3 Homemade Cough Remedies

When you feel a sore throat coming on, raid your pantry instead of your medicine cabinet to prepare affordable all-natural cough remedies that really work


1. Honey, onion and garlic syrup -
The mixture: Combine a half-cup of honey and a half-cup of water. Add in one whole chopped onion and one chopped clove of garlic. Add a dash of sage, thyme or oregano and allow to steep overnight at room temperature. Strain and use the liquid as a cough syrup. Store in your refrigerator.

Why it works: 
Honey, onion and garlic are all naturally antimicrobial, says Dr. Solomonian. “Honey also acts as a demulcent, meaning it relaxes the cough reflex and soothes the throat.” Not cooking the mixture helps preserve the full antimicrobial properties of the onions and garlic, which lose some of their potency when heated. Finally, herbs like sage, thyme or oregano add even more antimicrobial benefits.

Tip:
If you can’t wait overnight for your syrup to steep, simmer the mixture for five to 10 minutes until the onions soften. Although you’ll lose some antimicrobial properties, you will get some relief before heading to bed.

2. Castor oil chest rub 
The mixture:
Start with a half a cup of good quality, cold pressed castor oil. Crush one or two cloves of garlic and stir them into the oil. Add a tablespoon of freshly grated ginger, three or four drops of eucalyptus oil and about half a teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Rub on chest.

Why it works: 
Castor oil is well absorbed by the body and helps to increase circulation, which stimulates our immune response. The ginger and cayenne pepper also help warm the body, stimulate circulation and dilute mucus. The garlic and eucalyptus oil are added for their antimicrobial properties.

Tip: 
“This is a very messy paste,” warns Dr. Solomonian. She recommends putting on an old T-shirt directly over the chest rub and wearing your pajamas over that. The extra layer will help trap added warmth.

3. Horseradish syrup
The mixture: 
Add a dash of grated horseradish to a quarter cup of honey. Allow it to sit for a few hours then use as a cough syrup.

Why it works:
“Horseradish promotes perspiration, making it useful in the treatment of fever,” says Dr. Jean-Jacques Dugoua, naturopathic doctor and director of clinical pharmacology for Newtopia. “When mixed with honey, it can be an effective remedy for hoarseness and cough from colds and flu.” Horseradish also stimulates appetite and promotes digestion. However, just a small amount does the trick. Eating large amounts may cause stomach upset.

Tip:
Although you may be tempted to add essential oils to a homemade cough syrup, it’s best to stick with whole foods as ingredients. Essential oils are very concentrated and can be very hard on the liver if ingested. Instead, reap the antimicrobial benefits of essential oils by adding them to a steam inhalation. Simply boil water, add in a few drops of the essential oil of your choice, place a towel over your head and breathe deeply. This will help dilute mucus and clear the nasal passages.

Monday, 11 February 2013

Health benefits of walking

Did you know that walking not only helps you to lose weight but also prevent diabetes and breast cancer? Read on to know the health benefits of walking. 

Walking is said to be a great exercise which has proven to be an excellent fat burner. If you walk at a steady pace for 30 to 45 minutes at least six days a week along with a healthy diet, you will gradually witness a change in your weight.

There are several benefits of walking. Some of them are as follows-

Walking regularly at a good speed improves your muscle strength and endurance and also helps build stamina.

It is good for your heart. Walking is known to reduce your blood pressure, improve your blood circulation and all round cardio vascular functions.

Walking is said to be good for your bones. It is a great way to strengthen your bones.

Walking about 30 minutes a day increases your bone density and slows down bone loss in your legs. This low-impact exercise is also said to target your spine, legs and hips.

It promotes mental well-being. Known as a great stress-buster, if you walk outdoors, the combination of fresh air and exercise is an excellent way to boost your morale and mood.

Helps prevent type 2 diabetes. Studies have revealed that walking approximately 150 minutes per week can reduce the risk of diabetes.

Reduces the risk of colon and breast cancer.

Last but not the least, walking is said to be safer than running. Fitness experts are of the opinion that walking is better for your knees and joints as compared to running. It leads to fewer injuries and is said to be a good beginner workout.

Saturday, 9 February 2013

Always think I'll be 18 till I die


Age is just a number. Don't let it determine how young you really feel

Are you among those who hates birthdays? Don't let a number determine how young you really feel. Experts agree that rediscovering the optimism you felt when you were younger, is one of the best things you could do for yourself. In fact, they say that it is essential if you want to lead a healthier and happier life in 
the long run. Taking simple measures will help you turn back your internal clock...

Strength-training is the way to go!
When you do the correct type of strength-training, you can feel much younger than your 
actual age. Weight-training makes micro-tears in your muscles, and this leads your body to generate stronger muscle fibre. And when you strengthen your muscles, it not only leaves you less vulnerable to injuries, but also builds your stamina. Pay attention to your lower body and core. To do this, use a set of dumbbells and do a combination of squats, lunges and calf-raises — three sets of 10 reps thrice a week.

Eat healthy
Make sure your diet is packed with healthy nutrients. It is 
a good ideato begin every meal with a fruit or vegetable. The vitamins and antioxidants that are present in fruits and vegetables will refresh and recharge you. And don't forget to keep yourself hydrated — have two glasses of water every hour. Experts also say that it is okay to indulge yourself once in a while. Enjoy what you eat.

Try different things
Do you stick to a routine that you never change? Try to take a break and do things differently. Our brain craves for novelty, says research. To keep it young, try stimulating it with different things. Start by making small changes like trying 
a different type of drink or a new restaurant. Or even try a new route to office.

Meditate
While there is no age when you should start meditating, if you haven't already, now is a good time to start. Studies show that people who meditate and do yoga have fewer illnesses and less stressful lives. Not to mention that it adds quality to your life.

Reminisce about the days gone by
Do you still like the music you used to hear when you were younger, but never get yourself to listen to it now? Put on some old music and think back on 
old memories associated with that song. If you think that feeling nostalgic makes you feel old, here's what you should know — research says that it actually has the opposite effect. One study said that people who were reminded about their youth with movies, music, etc showed improvements in their memory, vision, happiness levels and overall health.

Stay positive
You may have read this countless times, but being in 
a positive frame of mind actually does wonders for your sense of well-being. Focus on the good things in your life instead of what is lacking. The idea is to cultivate a greater sense of optimism that will motivate you to do youthful things.

Take care of your skin
Using anti-aging creams or lotions is not going to make you vain. Splurge on a nice hair colour or a face cream. Make an appointment with the dermatologist every six to eight months and treat yourself to a clean-up or facial once a month. Go for a relaxing and detoxifying massage once in two months.

Get proper sleep
Are you getting enough sleep? One of the most important steps to feeling younger is to ensure that you 
sleep well every night. When you're asleep, your body is busy repairing itself and replenishing its reserves. That, in turn, helps build a more vibrant body and brain. To make up for lost time, experts say that you should turn in earlier than your regular time for four weeks straight. Make sure you get eight hours of undisturbed sleep. This will make your body form a habit and and you will soon notice the difference in your energy levels. And, your skin will look much better, too.

Do you know
It is important to make sure your diet is packed with healthy nutrients. Begin every meal with a fruit or vegetable.

Home remedies to cure acne

Acne is a very common problem from which a very large feed of young people are suffering these days. Dirty skin, eating chocolates, greasy food and hormonal changes are a few common reasons which are inculpated for it. 

Skin specialist Dr. Sandeep Bhasin of Care Well Medical Centre brings some home remedies which will help you get rid of acne easily.

1. Always do a skin test: Home remedies are easy to make and apply but before that one should definitely go for a skin test to a dermatologist before inception of any kind. Your skin type and reason for your acne can be different from others in which only a dermatologist can help you out. Applying the remedies without knowing the reason or skin type may harm your skin and give you more side-effects from the same.

2. Leafy intake: Vitamin A & Iron supplements are really good for acne. Consume more of green leafy vegetables, dairy products and fortified cereals; the top sources of provitamin A include carrots, broccoli, cantaloupe and squash. Daily intake of 20,000 IU would help in reducing the acne formation as well as the scarring caused by the acnes.

3. Exercise regularly: Regular workouts, physical exercises and a fit body with a balanced weight will help you in the long term; reducing sweets, carbohydrates and high calories in diet would help in controlling acne.

4. Nature's helping hand: Tea tree oil is a common antiseptic oil which is very helpful in reducing the inflammation of acne. It is highly beneficial and it helps in reducing the redness of the acute stage of acne. Take some tea tree oil and apply it to the acne overnight.

5. Herbal cure: Neem and chiraita are excellent herbs which help in decreasing the acne formation. Crush some leaves and make a paste out of them, apply the paste daily for a cleaner looking and an acne free skin.

6. Baking soda: Baking soda is one of the ingredients which can be found in every kitchen easily. Mix baking soda with some water in a bowl as thick as a paste and apply it over the face as a facial mask. Remove it after 20 minutes and wash your face with lukewarm water or as the dermatologist prescribes as per your skin type. Natural bleaching agents of baking soda will definitely help in speeding the healing, clearing up and reducing of the scars.

7. Oatmeal: Mix some water with oatmeal ground in a blender from which you will get a thick paste. Apply the paste to the face as a facial mask and let it dry for 15 minutes. Wash it with lukewarm water and pat dry your face with a white clean towel. Natural properties of the oatmeal will help in cleaning up the acne and reduce the scarring.

8. Organic yogurt: If you are not allergic to milk products then organic yogurt is very gentle and is a must for acne reduction. Apply the yogurt on the acne and let it remain for at least 10 minutes. Lactic acid in the yogurt contains natural alpha hydroxy acids and has milk exfoliating effects which helps the skin rejuvenate and reduce acne scarring.

9. Egg-white: Making a facial mask from egg-white is very helpful in healing acne scars and reducing acne inflammation at a fast rate. Apply the mashed egg-white over the face as a facial mask and wash it after 20 minutes with lukewarm water. But, be sure that your skin is not allergic to eggs and taking the advice of dermatologist is a must. If you can undergo it then also try after mixing few drops of lemon with it.

10. Cold pressed olive oil: Olive oil is a great skin moisturiser and in use from years for personal care as it contains four different antioxidants one of which is linoleic acid which prevents water to evaporate from our skin. Take some cold pressed olive oil and apply it to the scars. It helps in reducing the visibility of acne scars and helps in softening them.

11. Ice magic: Place an ice-cube over your acne pimples one by one and it will really help reduce the redness and swelling from them. Ice cubes also helps in reducing the size of acne scars by tightening them.

Sunday, 3 February 2013

Tips to cure baldness, dandruff


Recently, Lady Gaga joined the list of other celebrities to use anti-baldness cream as she feared she was losing more hair. It's not just who are possessive about their mane beauty. All of us fuss about hairstyle which is what makes one stand out. 

Here are a few common hair-related problems we encounter and some tips to overcome them 

Dandruff: Soak a few fenugreek (methi) seeds overnight in water and grind it to 
a fine paste in the morning. Apply the paste on the head for30mins and wash off. This not just has cooling effect, but also keeps your hair dandruff-free. 

Hair fall: 
Mix cocnut and gingelly (sesame) oil. Add an amla (gooseberry), a few leaves of white hibiscus and boil for 20mins. Let the mixture cool and apply this oil on your head and wash off after 20 mins. This will help prevent hair fall. 

Grey hair: Soak henna in an iron vessel for at least 3 hours. Add sour curd and 
squeeze half a lemon to the paste and apply on the hair. Wash off after 2-3 hours. This will also keep the head cool. 

Lack-luster hair: Take egg white and apply on the hair. Leave it for 30 mins and rinse with
shampoo. Egg gives shine to the dull hair. 

Brittle hair: If your hair is brittle due to over use of henna. Give your head an oil massage the day you wash the hair. This will not only enhance the hair colour, but also makes the hair smooth. 

Split ends: Get an oil massage done on your head. Dip the ends of your hair in hot coconut oil and wrap a tower dipped in hot water around the head. After sometime, wash off with cold water.

After shampooing your hair, just wash your hair with 
cold water. This closes any open pores on the head and ensures the hair strands are sealed.