Use of Aloe Vera in Ayurveda

Aloe Vera – one of the most important herbs utilized in the age-old ayurvedic medication system. The medicinal aspects of Aloe Vera were introduced centuries ago to mankind by Indians, Chinese, Greeks and Romans.

Aloe Vera is called as “ghrita kumara” in Sanskrit. The herb contains a transparent gel full of 96% water and 4% of almost 75 other elements like Vitamins A, B, C, and E, calcium, amino acids, enzymes, etc.

 

Aloe Vera Benefits for Skin

Aloe Vera is mainly used to soothe many skin ailments such as mild cuts, insect stings, bruises and eczema. The antibacterial and antifungal properties of Aloe Vera act on the injured area immediately thereby speeding up the healing process. Additionally, aloe vera gel also stimulates fibroblasts, the skin cells which are responsible for healing the wound. It is a natural anti-ageing wonder as it also manufactures collagen, the protein that controls the skin’s ageing process. It helps the pores of the skin to open up and receive all the nutrients and moisture from the Aloe Vera gel applied thus rendering it very effective for solving skin problems. Aloe Vera is also a natural sunscreen and is commonly used to protect your skin from sunburn. It can also be mixed with turmeric and honey which is then applied on the face overnight to treat pimples and acne problems.

 

Aloe Vera is easily available for external application in gel form and as juice for internal consumption to treat acidity, diabetes etc.

Aloe Vera Benefits for Hair

The magical Aloe Vera plant not only helps sort out skin problems but also works wonders on hair. Being a natural humectant and moisturiser, it smoothens and softens hair gently while also making it stronger and reducing hair fall by providing valuable nourishment straight to the roots. Use of Aloe Vera during a hair wash restores the Ph balance of the hair thereby making it healthy and strong. It can be mixed with various other natural hair fall remedies due to its easy blending nature.
This amazing spongy water packed plant has the ability to destroy scalp germs, remove dandruff, reduce itching of the scalp, add nourishment to the hair root, and ultimately give you long, thick, smooth and silky hair.

Natural Tips For Healthy Glowing Skin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Today the entire world is turning towards Ayurveda and people have finally realised the advantages of natural remedies over the chemical modernised ones.  Hence most ladies today have switched to natural contents in terms of skin health. Well, in homemade skin care recipes, the ingredients added have a very special aspect that helps retaining the skin health naturally and give a young-looking complexion.

Here are some of the handpicked natural tips for healthy glowing skin.

Green tea

A natural extract of green tea used since decades, that contains EGCG (antioxidants) which helps in boosting the flow of blood and oxygen to the skin. This results in delivering the key nutrients that keep your complexion healthy and glowing.

Walnuts

This tropical fruit is widely used by Indians as well as in other parts of the world for preparing sweets, dishes, scrubs, and so on. Walnut contains a significant amount of omega-3 fatty acids, which is very important for vegans or those who do not intake fish. It helps in maintaining the Ph balance of the skin and gives the complexion a natural and healthy appearance.

Pumpkin

Ripe pumpkin is one of the top sources of beta-carotene which gets metabolised into vitamin A after entering the human body. It is very essential for producing new skin cells which in turn helps keep the skin smooth and wrinkle-free.

Dark chocolate

Dark chocolate is basically rich in cocoa flavanols, and contains antioxidant properties that help improve blood circulation in the body cells thereby keeping your skin healthy and acne free.

Nature has given us tremendous beauty enhancement herbs and plant extracts. All we need to do is use them wisely to keep our skin healthy and glowing.

8 Ways to Use Rosewater to Beautify Your Skin

Rosewater – A mild pure extract of rose petals has been found to be used widely in every Indian household and at auspicious occasions. But why??  It’s because Rose water is certainly a versatile magic potion that goes with every beauty and skincare or hair care recipe. It works well with all type of skin texture and is a cherished beauty secret. Here are the 10 most effective benefits of Rosewater:

1. Maintains pH balance:

Rosewater imbibes the purest form of herbal properties that helps to maintain the skin’s pH balance and hence controls the excess oil on the skin surface. It’s mild and soothing aroma keeps you fresh throughout the day.

2. Reduces Acne and Irritation:

Rose water is very rich in anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce the red patches and skin irritation, heal the acne, exfoliates the dry skin and makes your skin healthy. Moreover, it acts as a deep cleanser that helps in removing oil and dirt accumulated in the clogged skin pores.

3. Revitalize the Skin:

Pure distilled rose water hydrates, revitalizes and moisturizes the skin to the core thereby giving it a glowing tone.

4. Healing Agent:

Rose water contains strong anti-bacterial properties which help in healing the scars, cuts, and wounds. The best part is, it totally reduces the scars and does not leave any marks behind.

5. Regenerate Skin Tissues:

The antioxidant assets of rose water help strengthen the skin cells and regenerate the skin tissues giving you a younger look and fresher feel.

6. Skin Toner:

Application of Rosewater as a toner is the best way to clean the pores and tone up the skin. Using rose water on the skin after steaming will tighten the capillaries and hence reduces the red patches.

7. Enhance the Quality of Hair:

The beneficial herbal properties of rose water enhance the quality and volume of hair. It is also used to treat mild scalp issues including dandruff.

8. Anti-Aging Formula:

Distilled rose water has always been used as an anti-aging formula, thereby keeping the fine lines and skin wrinkles at bay.
So, make the most of this beauty secret which has been used by renowned beauties like Cleopatra!!

5 Ways to Use Saffron for Glowing Skin This Winter

Saffron is considered to be one of the oldest beauty ingredients which were highly preferred by the royal families in India centuries ago. It has got marvelous purifying properties which make the skin soft and glowing. Its anti-bacterial values give protection against skin diseases and make your skin flawless. Hence, we bring you 5 Ways to Use Saffron for Glowing Skin This Winter.

 

1: Saffron with Milk:

Soak a few strands of saffron in milk for half an hour until the milk changes color. After that, add a teaspoon of sandalwood powder and make a thick pack. Now, apply it on your face and skin and keep it for 15 to 20 minutes. Wash it off with plain water. Do it on alternative days to get fresh glowing skin.

2: Saffron & Honey:

As the skin starts getting dull and dry in the winter season, it is important to take real care of it. A pack made up of saffron and honey is very effective in restoring the moisture of your face and skin. Take 1 teaspoon of honey and add a few strands of Saffron in it. Mix it well and apply on your face gently. Get your natural skin glow back with just a few applications of this pack.

 

3: Saffron with Rose Water:

Saffron can even be used as a skin toner in Winter. All you have to do is soak a few saffron strands in rose water for 5 to 10 minutes. When the water turns yellow, apply it on your skin.

4: Plain Saffron Water:

Saffron is rich in healing properties that cure wounds and removes scars/spots naturally. Hence, it is very effective against pimples, scars, marks and many other skin issues. So this winter, get a flawless scar free skin tone at home with saffron.

5: Saffron with Oil:

Mix 2 to 3 strands of saffron with olive, almond or coconut oil and massage your skin with it on a daily basis. It helps   your skin texture get lighter and softer in Winter season.

Be sure to get good quality Saffron and do try out these  homemade skin care remedies  this Winter -do let us know if they helped you get beautiful glowing skin!!

Top Ways of Using Pure Rosewater for The Skin

Glowing skin at every age – This is something which every women wants. But how does one get that glowing skin??

Using pure Rosewater is simply the key to beautiful skin. Just go naturally with using rose water in your daily routine and get a refreshing and oil free skin tone. Twice a day with few drops of pure rosewater can remove the dirt and oil from your skin naturally and make it completely clean and healthy.

Purity is the nature of rose water as it is made by distillation process of water with tender rose petals. The preparation of rosewater for skin & face does not need any chemical or additional preservatives. Therefore, you will find no single side effect while applying pure rose water made up of rose extracts.

Below are the easy and DIY ways to apply rosewater on skin. So, just have a look:

Simply Rosewater: You can directly apply a few drops of pure rose water with the help of cotton to the targeted skin area. Such application will clean the skin gently and from within and reduce pigmentations, acne, dry skin and many other skin problems

Rosewater in Face Pack: It is during festivals, marriages and similar functions when you can make a face pack out of your regular ingredients along with rosewater. The addition of rose water to ingredients like Multani mitti and aloevera gel will refresh your face and give you a glowing skin tone.

Rosewater while Bathing: After a stress filled day exposed to environmental pollutions, you can simply add a cup of rosewater to the last rinse of bathing water to get a fresh and energized skin tone throughout the day.

Likewise, you can apply this pure natural rose – water for removing makeup, after herbal facial or spa treatment or simply after cleansing to seal in the moisture

Get more herbal tips at https://prakritiherbals.wordpress.com

 

Picture Courtesy1: http://www.annanaturals.com/wp-content/uploads/rosePetals.jpg

Picture Courtesy2: http://pad3.whstatic.com/images/thumb/5/5a/Make-a-Sandalwood-Powder-and-Rose-Water-Face-Pack-Step-3.jpg/aid612936-728px-Make-a-Sandalwood-Powder-and-Rose-Water-Face-Pack-Step-3.jpg

Picture Curtesy3: http://www.lovefromcara.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Pink-rose-petals_1024x768.jpg

DIY Aloe vera Cucumber gel- Glowing skin & for hair growth

 

Benefits of Aloe Vera Gel :
Aloe is famous for its inherent quality of getting totally absorbed by the skin and crossing all the layers of the skin. The aloe vera gel is a natural purifier and assists healing of the skin , which is why it has been used  from time immemorial as a natural antiseptic . It soothes dermatitis, skin rashes and allergies of the skin as well as itchy conditions of the scalp as it calms the cells down .
Aloevera also promotes cell growth of the hair follicles and thus helps in hair growth . It also balances the ph of the scalp

Benefits of Cucumber :
The natural skin lightening properties of cucumber helps reduce dark circles under the eyes. Cucumber has several antioxidants which help in anti ageing as they counter free radicals responsible for ageing. It contains ascorbic acid that helps decrease the presence of bags and puffiness around the eyes and silica which strengthens the connective tissue and leaves the skin feeling silky smooth. Of course cucumber is also well known for its cooling properties and an eye pack of chilled cucumber slice feels like heaven on tired eyes.

DIY Aloe Vera Cucumber Gel As a Facepack :

You will need:
1 tbsp of aloe vera gel
1 tbsp of cucumber pulp – roughly chopped (remove seeds)
1 tbsp of boiled normal water

1. Blend all the ingredients in a mixer or with an electrical blender till you get a smooth paste .
2. Apply on a cleaned face and keep for half an hour .
3. Wash it off with warm water and pat dry

This rejuvenating aloevera cucumber gel can be an instant facepack before a party , for that fresh glowing look

As a Hair pack for an Itchy Scalp &for promoting hair growth:
You will need:
2 tbsp of aloe vera gel
2 tbsp of cucumber pulp – roughly chopped (remove seeds)
2 tbsp of olive oil

1. Blend all the ingredients in a mixer or with an electrical blender till you get a smooth paste .
2. Apply on the scalp and keep for half an hour .
3. Wash it off with warm water and a herbal shampoo.

Get free from that itchy irritating scalp with this soothing aloevera cucumber gel hair pack and get smooth silky hair as well !! For more info visit http://www.prakritiherbals.in/.

Refresh your skin with an Aloevera gel and Rose facemask

Refresh and moisturize your skin with a facepack made of Rose water and Aloevera gel – this lovely synergistic combo  helps reduce acne, dryness, psoriasis, undereye circles, sunspots, pigmentation , allergic skin conditions like dermographism & dermatitis  and even wrinkles.

Aloe Vera – the “Miracle Plant” is an excellent natural remedy for sensitive suntanned skin.  It acts as a natural moisturizer, soothing protectant and sunscreen-especially for dry scratchy skin.  It reduces and prevents acne, promotes collagen production giving a healthy glow to your skin& preventing ageing.

Aloe Vera Rose Face Mask For  Dry Skin:
You can make a  wonderful aloe Vera mask from simple ingredients available at home like rose water& aloevera gel .
Method:
Add three tablespoons of aloe Vera  gel and 1tsp of rose water in a cup. Mix these ingredients to make a paste. Apply this paste with a cotton ball all over your face and neck. You can also apply this paste to your hands or any other area that is exposed to sun. This face pack is particularly useful for suntanned and sunburnt  areas.Let this pack dry for 10-15 minutes and wash off  with lukewarm water. Pat dry your face gently. Use daily if possible for best results.

MAKING ROSE WATER AT HOME– Courtesy Nayana Shetty

Water— 1 litre
Rose Petals—- 200 grams
Wash the rose petals well before adding it in boiling water. Keep it for about 20 minutes on a  low fire. After cooling, strain the rose water and store it in bottle and refrigerate.

Rosewater which has been used from ancient times is an excellent soothing toner , cleanser and moisturises and hydrates the skin. It  stimulates cell regeneration and is anti ageing , also reducing     acne, dryness, dermatitis and even eczema.

Give yourself a refreshing face-lift & keep dry scratchy skin, acne and wrinkles  at bay with this refreshing aloevera gel rose facemask !

Banish those darkshadows-Undereye circles forever…….

What’s our no 1 worry?????According to a recent  survey of 13,000 women, under-eye circles (and puffiness) are the demons to beat!!
The skin under our eyes is very thin. As we get exposed to sun rays, the  skin under the eyes gets damaged and becomes more thin and wrinkled. The veins below this thin skin start looking prominent. Thus the wrinkles and prominent veins form dark circles. Some times pigmentation also causes dark circles.

Common causes of  under-eye circles.

•  Allergies -Eczema-atopic dermatitis
• Lack of sleep:. Scrimping on your beauty rest not only causes blood vessels to become more visible; it also cause swelling, which can accentuate dark circles.
• Heredity — dark under-eye circles can run in families
• Lifestyle factors: physical or emotional stress, smoking, or chronic alcohol use can take a toll on your appearance
• Nasal Congestion (which can dilate and darken the veins that drain from your eyes to your nose)
• Pigmentation irregularities — these are a particular concern for people of color, especially blacks and Asians
• Rubbing or scratching your eyes
• Sun exposure : Prompts your body to produce more melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color
• Ageing :Thinning skin and loss of fat and collagen — common as you age — can make the reddish-blue blood vessels under your eyes more obvious

Thus Dark circles under your eyes can strike men, women and children alike and are very difficult to get rid off.
However Facial exercises &Natural remedies can help reduce the appearance of dark circles or bags under your eyes as they tone your facial muscles.

Facial Tapping

Tapping your face can help improve the circulation of blood underneath your eyes. Make sure your hands are clean, then use the pad of your little  finger to tap the skin under the eye area. By tapping lightly and quickly, you can help boost circulation in your face

Ear Massages

Did you know that massaging your ears can help make your face glow, which can in turn reduce the appearance of dark eye circles :)…. Use your index finger and thumb to lightly massage and tug at the rims of your ears.

Bed Exercise

This exercise can help promote the circulation of blood throughout your face, including around your eyes. Lie flat on your bed on your back. Your head should be hanging off the edge of your bed. Slowly lift your head up and bring it as close to your chest as possible. Hold this position for a count of 10 seconds. Relax and repeat five times.

Eyebrow Lifts

This exercise can help eliminate the appearance of dark circles under your eyes. Sit up straight and close your eyes. Relax for a minute or two. While opening your eyes wide, lift your eyebrows up as high as you possibly can. Hold this position for a count of two seconds. Relax for two seconds and repeat. Complete this exercise 10 times.

Look Up and Down

Rapid eye movements can help reduce the appearance of bags under your eyes. Sit down with your back straight and your eyes facing forward. Close your eyes and look down. Keep your eyes closed and look up. Complete this exercise as rapidly as possible. Repeat 10 times. Remember to avoid opening your eyes.

 

Natural Remedies

• Eight hours of sleep is a must for all of us, especially for people having dark circles under their eyes.
• Diet: Eat a whole-foods, plant-based diet, drink plenty of water (eight 8-ounce glasses daily), and avoid alcohol, coffee, tea and caffeinated soft drinks. These go a long way in preventing bags, circles and wrinkles. Supplement your diet with antioxidants,multivitamins and greens and drink freshly squeezed vegetable juices.
• Rosemary  or chamomile Tea Treatment: Try applying a cold compress of  rosemary tea /chamomile tea  to increase circulation, which helps reduce swelling around the eyes. Make tea by bringing a half-cup of fresh rosemary and a quart of water to a boil. Steep for 20 minutes, then strain and chill. Soak a  soft cloth in the tea, ring out extra liquid anal place over eyes for 15 to 20 minutes, once a day, as needed.
  Green Teabag Treatment:
  Refrigerate used green tea bags overnight,and use them as eye pads to reduce undereye circles&puffiness around the eyes…..Green tea contains tannins and antioxidants which improve the circulation in the area and reduce dark circles.
  Lie down &put the cold tea bags over your eyes, making certain that they are covering the area around the eye . Let them stay for 10 to 15 minutes before removing them from your eyes. Repeat this procedure over several days & you will see a reduction in dark circles.
• Acupressure: Another circulation-boosting treatment is acupressure. This is an easy exercise that you can also do every day. Close your eyes and gently press your ring finger underneath one eye, moving from the inside corner to the outside corner. Do this 10 to 15 times. Then repeat on the other eye.
• Cold compress: Close your eyes and cover them with a cold washcloth or chilled cucumber slices for about five minutes. Repeat several times throughout the day. That will help constrict your blood vessels, minimizing darkness, and it may help minimize tissue swelling and eliminate some of the darkness.
• Moisturise with aloevera : To minimize the appearance of bags, plump up skin with light non greasy moisturizers  like aloevera  or cucumber based gels that protects skin cells from damage and supports collagen production,and improve circulation
• Spread on the sunscreen. Use a sunscreen especially made for the face with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15, but preferably 20, “all day every day,” to keep the sun’s rays from darkening the skin under your eyes,
• Freeze some parsley in ice cubes. Use the parsley cubes instead of eye creams to diminish dark circles and puffiness. Parsley is packed with chlorophyll which helps fade darkness, while the ice cubes reduce the swelling.
• Potato/Cucumber combinations are helpful.
  
  • Close your eyes and cover eyelids with slices of raw potato or cucumber for 15-20 minutes. Wash with warm water and apply a cream.
  • Grate a cucumber, squeeze to take out its juice and refrigerate. Make a mixture of lemon juice, lanolin cream and cucumber juice and apply around the eye for 10-15 minutes.
  • Dip some cotton in a 1:1 mixture of potato and cucumber juices. Put the cotton on your eyelids and keep for 20 minutes. Wash your eyes with cold water.
• Lemon/Tomato combinations are helpful.
  • Apply a mixture of lemon and tomato juice (equal parts) on the black circles 2 times a day.
  • Make a paste out of the following:
    • 1 tsp. tomato juice,
    • 1/2 tsp. lemon juice,
    • a pinch of turmeric powder, and
    • 1 tsp. of flour.

    Apply around eyes. Leave on for 10 minutes before rinsing.

• Massage with almond oil under and around eyes at bed time daily for 2 weeks and see the improvement. Almond helps to remove dark circles, and is an excellent “skin food”.
• Vitamin E  Rub: Gently massage the area with a powdered Vitamin E capsule and wipe off with a mixture of honey and egg white.
• Put hot and cold cloths alternatively under eyes for 10 minutes. Then apply some almond oil on the dark surface before going to bed.Eye exercises alone cannot eliminate the appearance of dark circles under your eyes. It is important to get plenty of sleep and practice good skin care. You should also avoid the consumption of alcohol and tobacco products. Remember that as you age, dark circles often appear naturally. While they cannot be prevented, these simple natural remedies & facial exercises  in tandem with a  healthy diet and lifestyle will help chase these demons away forever 🙂 Do give them a shot ,though with a lot of patience &keep me posted about the results……………….