Winter Depression home remedy

Long cold nights, short days, woolen sweaters, warm clothes and chilly weather make many of us sick and depressed. This depression which surfaces especially in winter is a Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and is often called as winter Time Blues or Winter depression. The exact cause for this depression is as of yet unclear. But yet few scientists believe lack of exposure to sunlight as the reason for this disorder.

The symptoms of winter depression are tendency to over eat, craving for carbohydrates and sweets and weight gain.

The winter time depression is noticed mostly in persons who have vata as major constituent in their prakriti or body constitution. The cause for this type of change is longer nights of winter.

Light therapy is recommended by doctors for winter time blues. Exposure to artificial light may cause headache , Irritability ,Eye strain , Inability to sleep and fatigue. Exposure to sunlight and if sunlight is not available sitting near fireplace is the remedy suggested in Ayurveda. Keeping the home well lit with lights help to reduce the intensity of depression.

Moderate exercise like yoga is another remedy for winter depression. Ayurveda recommends oil massage (abhyanga) to body and head (moordha taila.).

Indulging in sexual act to keep the moods elevated and to keep the body warm is another strongly suggested ayurvedic remedy. Meeting friends who are kind and understanding boosts morale and brightens up the day. Spending time with friends on the beach helps to expose your body to sunlight and keeps your spirits high. Relaxing with meditation, massage , light music and laughter helps to great extent.

Herbs helpful in breast enlargement

There have been numerous herbs and home remedies which have been helpful in enhancement of breast in females. Enlarged breast have often been associated with women beauty sex quotient and also has been a significant contributor in women self confidence.

Some important herbs and home remedies for breast enlargement

• Fenugreek

• Wild Yam

• Pueraria Mirifica

• Dona Quai

• Watercress Leaf

• Fennel Seeds

• Marshmallow Roots

• Dandelion Root

• Blessed Thistle

• Saw palmetto

Though some experts have tried to explain the importance of massage , but it not yet been accurate and proved to be effective.

Herbal home remedy for skin care in winter

Herbal Homemade Lotions for Skin Care in Winter

There are some excellent recipes for making natural “skin rasayans” or skin lotions. These homemade skin care lotions for winters use natural ingredients such as natural emollients like milk, cream, yogurt or honey; natural exfoliating substances like natural clay, salts, grain or lentil flours; vegetable base oils; and floral waters or pure essential oils to act as the carrier for the herbs to be taken to the cells and tissues Some of the herbs and other natural substances used for making ayurvedic skin care lotions for each Ayurvedic skin type- dry skin skin , sensitive skin- generally neither dry nor oily, and oily skin

Ayurveda Tips for Dry Skin in Winter

Dry skin is the space or air predominant skin type and therefore is delicate and tends to be naturally dry. Brahmi, Shatavari, Amla ( Gooseberry) and Ashwagandha are some of the dry skin pacifying herbs for skin care. They help in maintaining skin elasticity, moisture balance, texture and radiance. Triphala is another herbal formulation which is good for dry skin as it combines nourishment with a gentle detoxifying effect that enhances skin clarity. In winters, you may use topical formulations of these herbs made with nourishing oils and dryness-balancing aromas. You can also take them as nutritional supplements for giving support to your dry skin from within.

Ayurveda Tips for Sensitive Skin in Winter

Sensitive skin is the fire predominant skin type and thus is sensitive. It is generally neither dry nor oily. Amla (Emblica Officinalis), Bhringaraj, Grit Kumari (Aloe vera), White Sandalwood, Red Sandalwood and Lajawanti (Mimosa) are some of the Sensitivity-pacifying herbs for skin. They work by drawing out excess heat and by supporting the skin's natural ability to withstand the the environmental harshness. They also keep skin clear and healthy by nourishing sensitive skin tissues without irritating them. Triphala, Manjistha and Neem (Azadirachta Indica ) are also helpful for Sensitive skin as they purify and clarify the skin without depleting it of moisture. In winters, you may use topical formulations of these herbs made with soothing oils and Sensitive balancing aromas. The herbs Amla, Triphala and Neem can also be taken as nutritional supplements for giving support to your sensitive skin from within.

Ayurveda Tips for Oily Skin in Winter

Oily skin is water or earth predominant and thus is oily and tends to attract dust and grime. Natural skin care for such skin type therefore are purifiers that detoxify and clarify, along with properties of being nourishing and rejuvenating to the skin. Neem, Manjistha (Indian Madder), Triphala, Tulsi (Basil herb) and Turmeric are some of the Oily -balancing herbs for skin. They detoxify the skin while also nourishing it at the same time. They balance oil content in the skin and enhance clarity and brightness. In winters, you may use topical formulations of these herbs made with light oils and oil balancing aromas. Neem, Triphala and Tulsi can also be taken as nutritional supplements for giving support to your oily skin from within.

Ayurveda eating tips for healthy skin in pregnant women

Ayurveda eating tips for healthy skin in pregnant women

Pregnancy is the time when a women requires the maximum care and health tips. Some of the tips for pregnant women according to ayurveda:

• A Pregnant women must drink a lot of milk and coconut water.

• Ghee (clarified butter) extracted from cow milk taken regularly is good for pregnant women.

• The coconut water or milk consumed is beneficial if taken with mixed sugar, turmeric and saffron.

• For women who eat non vegetarian, white flesh of coconut is healthy for the mother and the fetus.

• For pregnant women gruel of rice with milk, ghee and sugar is good and nutritious.

Herbal Bedtime Tea

Herbal Bedtime Tea

1 part Linden flowers & leaves
1 part Oatstraw
1/2 part Chamomile
1/4 part Lavender

Use 1-2 tsp. of tea for every cup of boiling water. Cover & steep for 10 mins. Strain & drink

Home recipes for all hair types

Herbal remedies have a side effect free solution even for your hair texture and health.To give your hair a great shine and help remove soap build up.

Blondes — Add a couple of tablespoons of lemon juice to your rinse water. Brunettes and Redheads — Add a couple of tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to your rinse water.Stir 1 teaspoon honey into 4 cups (1 quart) warm water. After shampooing, pour mixture through hair. Do not rinse out. Dry as normal.

Fruit Smoothie Hair Mask

Blend 1/2 a banana, 1/4 cantaloupe, 1/4 avacado, 1 tablespoon wheat germ oil and 1 tablespoon yogurt. For extra conditioning, squeeze in the contents of a vitamin E capsule. Leave in hair for 15 minutes.

Olive oil Hair Mask (Honey)

Mix 1/2 cup honey and 3 tablespoons olive oil. Work a small amount at a time through hair until coated. Cover hair with a shower cap; leave on 30 minutes. Shampoo well and rinse.

Dandruff Treatment

Boil 7 heaping tablespoons dried thyme in 2 cups water for 10 minutes. Strain and cool. Pour 1/2 mixture over clean, damp hair. Massage into scalp, do not rinse. Use the rest of the solution another day.

Yogurt Hair Mask

Beat 1 egg white until foamy. Add to 6 tablespoons plain natural yogurt. Apply to hair in small sections at a time. Leave in for 15 minutes. Rinse.

Egg & Olive Oil Hair Mask

Mix two whole eggs with four tablespoons of olive oil. Smooth through hair. Wrap head with plastic wrap, and leave in hair for 10 minutes. Rinse well.

Homemade Conditioners

The recipes below are from creativehomemaking.com. Mayonnaise is a great conditioner for dry hair. Depending on the length of your hair, apply approximately 1/2 cup of mayonnaise to your dry hair. Work into hair really well and then cover your hair with a plastic bag, allowing to set for about 15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and then shampoo as usual.

In a blender or food processor, combine 2 1/2 tablespoons dried milk, 1 tablespoon wheat germ oil, and 1 egg. Apply evenly to hair and let set for at least an hour. Shampoo and style as usual.

Hair Setting Lotions

Try dissolving a teaspoon of gelatin in a cup of warm water and use this as a setting lotion before styling hair. You can use this as a liquid or chill it and use it as a gel.

Dissolve 1 teaspoon sugar in 1 cup warm water and apply to damp hair before styling.

Combine 4 tablespoons olive oil and 2 tablespoons honey in a glass jar with a lid and shake until well blended. Let mixture sit for 3 to 4 days, and shake it occasionally. Rub mixture evenly into dry hair and wrap hair in plastic wrap, letting set for at least an hour. Shampoo as usual.

Mix together 2 tablespoons vegetable oil and 1 egg. Apply to hair and let set for about an hour. Shampoo as usual.

To help a flaky scalp, warm 2 to 3 tablespoons vegetable oil in the microwave (make sure it’s not too hot!) and then gently apply to scalp with cotton balls. Let set for at least an hour and then shampoo as usual.

Interesting vegetable pictures

Herbal Repellent Oil

Herbal Repellent Oil

1 part fresh pennyroyal
1 part fresh thyme
1/2 part fresh basil
1/2 part neem leaf (if available)
tea tree essential oil
citronella essential oil
olive oil

Pick your fresh herbs. Manually remove any dirt then set them in a sunny place until the herbs are wilted.

Using 1/4 cup as your part, measure 1/4 cup of pennyroyal and thyme, and 1/8 cup basil and neem leaf into a crock pot. Pour in enough olive oil to cover the herbs plus another inch of oil (approximately 1 cup). Turn the crock pot on low temperature and heat the herbs for about 3 hours. An alternative way to prepare your oil extraction is to place the herbs in a clear glass jar and set it in the sun for about five days. Shake it once or twice a day.

When you have finished heating your oil, strain your oil through a cheesecloth lined strainer. Squeeze out as much oil as possible. Measure out how much oil you now have. For each ounce of oil add 10 drops of citronella essential oil and 5 drops of tea tree oil.

Pour into lotion bottle and label.

Know Your Vegetables - CELERY

CELERY

A delicious crunchy finger food, great for dips. It is high in magnesium and iron. High in chlorophyll which is an excellent blood builder. One of the richest sources of organic sodium. This is excellent for those who enjoy vigorous workouts, maintaining valuable body fluid and electrolytes.
Celery juice is a superb nerve tonic. Celery juice alone tastes bitter and is usually mixed with carrots or apples. Great for adding a salty taste to vegetable juices.
Do you have a headache? Drink a glass of celery juice. Even the ancient Greeks used celery for the universal problem of headaches.
Do you live in the inner city full of air pollution? Celery apple juice is able to cleanse the body of carbon dioxide.
Were you thinking of buying an air conditioner? Celery juice cools down the body and is great for hot weather.
Are you on a diet and craving a snickers bar?Celery juice helps curb the craving for sweets.
Do you have a problem with muscle cramps and fatigue during workouts? The potassium sodium balance in celery juice will be a great asset.
Always keep celery leaves on. Leave celery until last when juicing because it is stringy and clogs the juice machine. Look for firm solid stocks with bright green leaves.

Know you vegatable - CARROTS

CARROTS

Deep within the soils of the earth grows a golden root that has amazed nutritionists and scientists alike in its powerful healing qualities. One 8 oz. glass of carrot juice contains 20,000 mg. of vitamin A. Toxicity can occur when vitamin A is taken in supplement form or fish oil, but is completely safe in the vegetable form. Vitamin A is an antioxidant that is able to attach to free radicals in the body, stopping them in their tracks. The damaging effect of free radicals has been associated with cancer.

Carrots are a natural blast of high energy. The sugars are released more quickly than from white sugar but without the harmful effects. A mug of carrot juice in the morning will give you a competitive edge over coffee drinkers. Like all root vegetables, they are packed with minerals. Carrots are rich in organic calcium that is invaluable to bones and teeth. Inorganic calcium is almost useless to the body. The calcium in milk and white bread is inorganic and known to cause arthritis and gallstones. Carrots are an excellent source of vitamin C, including most of the B complex, iron, potassium, phosphorus, and sodium.Carrots are easy to digest and cause the liver to release bile and excessive accumulated cholesterol. They also have an alkalizing effect on the blood, soothing the entire nervous system and toning intestinal walls.

Carrot juice is the best base for vegetable juice combinations. It is delicious, sweet and readily accepted by children. Our family can go through a 50 lb. bag every two weeks.

Carrot juice is considered the Golden Juice of Healing. Even drinking a few glasses a day has healed many infirmities without fasting. During fasting, its healing effect is increased. Carrot juice helps in cleansing the liver. Drinking large amounts may cause the harmless effect of a slight yellowish color of the skin. Skin will feel velvety soft. The beta carotene present in the skin is a natural protector for the common skin cancer, melanoma. It also assists in tanning, which hides some of the obvious effects of being on a long juice fast.Juicing two to five pounds of carrots a day is standard for juice fasting. Unless carrots are fresh, the juice tastes better if they are peeled. If you don’t have the time to peel them, put the carrots in the sink and scrub with a brush.In purchasing carrots for juicing, your local vegetable wholesaler can supply you with large juicing carrots in 50 lb. bags at an affordable price.

should be firm, smooth skinned, without cracks or small rootlets. The brighter the orange the sweeter the carrots. They will keep for weeks in the refrigerator and months in a root cellar.

TIP: Carrots can keep up to a year when stored in sand in a root cellar.

Know your vegetable - CABBAGE

CABBAGE

A vegetable full of history. It was a mainstay during the great depression, but unfortunately was often overcooked and garnished with fat. Cooking cabbage destroys most of its nutritious value and causes gas because of the sulfur. Raw is an excellent source of beta-carotene, sulfur, vitamin C and the trace mineral, selenium which is excellent for fighting cancer, protecting against heart disease, improving conditions of arthritis, slowing the aging process, giving beautiful skin and increasing male potency. Within cabbage is a delicate amino acid called glutamine which is excellent for healing stomach disorders including ulcers. When making cabbage juice, it must be consumed within 60 seconds or this precious amino acid will begin to decay. If straight cabbage juice causes gas, mix with carrot and celery.Look for heavy firm hard heads. (not advisable when shopping for a husband) Will keep up to two weeks in the refrigerator.