9 Simple Home Remedies for Pimples

Generally pimples are caused due to increase of the hormone levels in the body, which can be mostly seen in teenagers. Commonly pimples are occurred on the face, scalp, back and chest areas of the body. The main reasons behind cause of acne are improper diet, high stress, sleeplessness and very busy lifestyle.

Here are the natural home remedies for curing pimples/acne:

1. Redmond Clay: 

   
   Mixing Redmond clay with small quantity of water and lavender oil gives you a clay paste which should be applied on the areas where you find pimples but not all over the face. This helps your pimples disappear overnight.



2. Apple Cider Vinegar: 

   
   Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) works as a toner and helps you clear pimples from your skin and also improves your complexion. When applied, it softens and exfoliates your skin.  But remember to dilute it before using it on your face. Apply on the blemish once or twice every day for better results. After applying, do not wash it off unless you actually want to.



3. Lemon Juice: 

   
   Dirt that is accumulated on the pores of skin generally causes pimples. The acidic property that is present in the lemons will help in cleaning the dirt on the skin. Lemon juice should be applied over the pimples and should be left for few hours which cures the pimples, lemon juice mixed with equal ratio of rose water also treats pimples.



4. Mustard & Honey:

   
   Mustard is a good source of natural salicylic acid. It works wonders in treating acne or pimples. It also contains lots of fatty acids, omega 3, vitamin C and zinc. All these components are good for your skin. For treating blemishes you can use mustard or mustard powder. Mix 1/8 teaspoon of mustard powder with 1 tsp honey and apply it as pimple mask. Leave it on for 15 minutes and then wash it off.



5. Green Tea & Ice Cubes:

   
   Rolling ice cubes over the pimples lessen the swelling and also the redness. This gives you relief from the pain caused by pimples and also treats them. You can even use frozen green tea cubes over your blemish for soothing effect.



6. Tomatoes: 

   
   Tomatoes act as a very good astringent and they are rich in antioxidants. Tomato facial masks help you in healing acne scars quickly. Cut a tomato into two halves and rub the juice over a blemish or eruption once or twice every day. Do not over use the tomato juice directly on the face as it may cause dryness. So, just treat your pimples with tomato juice or dilute it till it’s thin and then use it carefully.



7. Essential oils: 

   
   Essential oils such as tea tree oil and lavender oil are good for your skin, if they are used sparingly. Usually you should not use undiluted essential oils directly on your facial skin. These oils should be used rarely as you may get an itchy reaction because of excessive use. Avoid rubbing undiluted essential oils on your skin. 
   
   Take a drop of tea tree oil or lavender oil and apply it on an awkwardly large pimple or blemishes. But keep in mind that it may not work well for everyone.



8. Egg white: 

   
   Egg white contains 10% of proteins, vitamins and minerals and about 90% water. The drying effect of egg white will soak the excess oils and expedites healing of your pimples or acne.  You can take a dab of egg white and apply it on your blemishes or you can mix egg white with lemon juice or honey for better results. 
   
   You can also apply little lemon juice or garlic juice on the pimple and cover it with egg white to get rid of pimples. 



9. Garlic: 

   
   Garlic is another wonderful natural remedy for pimples. It is packed with anti-microbial and healing properties, which helps you in killing bacteria faster than you think. Dab a bit of garlic juice on the affected area or your pimple and let it rest for as long as possible.

Credit: www.myhealthtips.in/

Simple Home Remedies For Sun Tanned Skin

Tanning of skin is generally caused due to exposure of skin to the Ultra Violet (UV) radiations of the sun. It results in darkening of the skin as the UV rays multiply the production of melanin in the body. Generally skin produces melanin to protect itself for sunlight, but excessive production results in sun tan or sun burns.

Once you have suffered the tan, it is not easy to remove tan from your skin. So you usually try to prevent tan by applying sunscreen lotion and carrying umbrellas. In tan, the skin shows two shades i.e., brighter and darker. The uncovered skin get tanned and becomes dark, usually the skin on face, hands, arms, back, neck and feet gets tanned as they remain uncovered most of the time and gets exposed to the sun directly.

Though there are creams and lotions available to remove tan but the chemicals present in those products may damage the skin. Hence it better you choose to get rid of tan naturally, as there are many simple home remedies that help you get rid of the horrid sun tan effects. You need to follow these natural cures for more than a week to obtain visible results and regain you natural skin color.

Check out some of the most effective home remedies to remove tan from your skin (Face & Hand):

1. Yoghurt and Turmeric:

   Yogurt is a common ingredient that is available in your home. It helps in reducing sun tan by reducing the redness of the skin, cooling it down and tightening it.  In order to treat sun tan, mix chilled yogurt and a pinch of haldi or turmeric together properly in a bowl. Now apply this yogurt paste before bathing on your face, hands and neck and leave it on for 20 minutes. You can also add lime juice and tomato juice to yogurt and use this paste on the affected areas daily for better results.



2. Honey:

   It is a natural cure to remove tan. Mix a teaspoon of honey with equal quantity of lemon juice, almond paste and milk powder and apply on the tanned area.



3. Tomato:

   Tomato works like charm in removing tan instantly. Slice tomato into two halves and rub it on the affected skin area, rub along the inner side of the tomato so that the tomato juice and seeds comes in contact with the skin directly. Leave for 15 minutes, before rinsing off with cool water.



4. Almonds:

   Almonds helps in removing tan from skin, apart from this it also cleanses, scrubs and helps in skin lightening.  Grind 5 to 10 green almonds into a fine paste and mix it with five drops of sandalwood oil. Apply this almond paste on the affected skin area. If you are not able to get fresh almonds, then soak almonds overnight and follow the similar procedure. Repeat this procedure twice a week for better results.



5. Papaya:

   Papaya is very good for the skin that helps in anti-aging. It also helps in curing sun tan. Mash the papaya and take the pulp. Now rub the pulp on the tanned skin area and massage it for a while.



6. Turmeric:

   Turmeric is one of the natural skin care product that helps you in curing almost all skin problems. To treat sun tan, mix turmeric powder with lemon juice and stir properly. Add 1 table spoon of raw milk to turmeric mixture. Apply this paste to your face and hands and leave it until it dries up. To see visible results, rinse it off with cold water.



7. Lemon juice:

   Lemon juice is an effective remedy for sun tan, as Vitamin C present in lemon helps in lightening the skin and removes tan. Take some lemon juice and apply it directly on the affected area including hands, neck and face. Leave it on for 15 minutes and rinse it off with cold water.



8. Cucumber:

   Cucumber works well as a cooling agent and helps you in preventing sun tan. Along with providing a soothing affect to the skin, Vitamin C present in cucumber moisturizes the skin. Take half grated cucumber / cucumber juice and add 2 table spoons of milk or milk powder along with a few drops of lemon juice and mix properly. Apply this mixture to the face and let it dry for some time then wash it with water. For better results apply this mixture weekly once



9. Bleaching:

   Another effective way to remove tan from skin is bleaching. Potatoes are natural bleaching agents and helps lighten the skin. Cut the potato into slices and put them in fridge. Now take the chilled potato slices apply them on the tanned area, leave it for 30 min and wash it off.

By following the above home remedies you can remove tan easily. Before you follow those remedies you need to take the below precautions to keep your skin safe from sun rays.

• Try avoiding direct effect of the sun by covering your hands before going out
• Apply an effective sunscreen on those areas that can’t be covered, in order to protect your skin from sun rays
• Always keep your skin hydrated by drinking a lot of water. Drinking more water will reduce the risk of skin drying

Credit: www.myhealthtips.in

5 things to eat to lose weight

Stop worrying about your weight, just eat right. Here are five tips you need to keep in mind.

Have a healthy breakfast
The cardinal rule to any weight loss programme is never to miss breakfast. And oatmeal, a complex carbohydrate is ideal. It is a satisfying breakfast cereal, and compared to any other grain it provides more protein per serving. The fact that it takes longer to digest and hence releases energy slowly makes it perfect because you feel full for longer. Oats also keep blood sugar and insulin levels stable, which helps prevent fat storage. Have it with skimmed milk or yogurt.

Opt for skimmed milk
Milk and its products are rich in calcium and can help keep your bones strong. Skimmed milk, low fat cheese and yogurt help to break down fat cells.

Bean it
Foods that are high in fiber and are good sources of protein, can help you feel full for a very long time. And that will help you control unnecessary bingeing. Protein has a very high satiety index and that is why making proteins an essential part of your meals.

Go for the grain
Grains have complex carbohydrates which during digestion release glucose slowly. Jowar, bajra and ragi etc can help in maintaining your blood sugars levels. The fibre and vitamins in them play an important role too.

Snack on nuts through the day
Stay away from fried and salted nuts but you can munch on raw, unsalted ones — almonds, and walnuts. These have essential roughage, protein, fat, minerals and micronutrient.
A handful can keep hunger at bay and provide energy.

10 tips to get rid of under eye puffiness

Do you feel old and tired because of your eyes? It is really hard to feel fresh and alert when your eyes are tired and droopy, because of those annoying bags under them. They are a sign of stress and fatigue.

Fret not as Asian Roots Luxury Spa, Delhi, has come up with some totally handy and effective tips to get rid of under eye bags and dark circles.

1. Go potato: Slice a raw potato (after refrigerating for a couple of minutes) into two and circle the closed eyes gently with those halves. Place it on your eyes so that it also covers the puffed ares under your eyes and leave it like that for 15-20 minutes. You'll notice a tremendous change in those bags as they'll be diminished in size.

2. Milky way: If you have extremely puffed up eyes this is the regular regime that you will have to follow. Dip cotton pads in chilled milk and place on your eyelids and relax for 20-30 minutes. This well help your eyes in water retention and it would also cool them off .

3. Oily help: Take chilled water in a bowl and add a few drops of vitamin E oil to it, now mix the two well. Dip cotton pads in this mixture and place on the eyes for 20 minutes, this well help in reducing the swelling around the eyes.

4. Cucumber relief: Cucumbers are a fantastic natural remedy to get rid of under eye puffiness. Take 2 slices of fresh refrigerated cucumber and place it on your eyes for 25 minutes. Relax with the cool soothing slices over your eyes and slip into a short nap, it will help refresh your mind as well as your eyes, and the anti-inflammatory properties of the cool cucumber will naturally help reduce puffy tissues.

5. Chilled tea bags: If you are in a hurry and do not want to go with droopy eyes then teabags are the way to go. Moisten two tea bags in cold water and refrigerate them for a while. Then place them over your eyes for 25-30 minutes. Lie back and relax with the cool teabags over your eyes. Finish by washing your eyes and face with cold water, and dry your skin thoroughly. You would feel relaxed and rejuvenated.

6. Of spoons and iced water: The puffiness of the eyes can be reduced with the help of a glass of ice water and four stainless steel spoons. Chill the spoons in the water and then place one over each eye. Keep switching the spoons while letting the other one chill in the glass of water. Keep switching until you see improvement.

8. Egg white: Stiffly beat a few egg whites and apply it around your eyes with a brush. It will result in making the area around and under the eye feel tighter and look less puffy. Leave it on for 20 minutes and then rinse your face in cold water.

9. Green tea bag: Settle down for 10-15 minutes with a chilled, steeped chamomile or green tea bag over each eye and then relax. The natural properties of these herbal teas will help bring puffy eyes back to their original size.

10. Hydrate your body: Drink as much water as possible. Yes, it seems counter-intuitive when you are retaining water, but hydrating reduces puffiness. So drink a glass of water whenever you notice your eyes getting a little droopy.

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 diabetes, heart 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.

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.