UNDISCOVER THE ANCIENT BEAUTY SECRETS HIDDEN

The Indian culture is one of the oldest in the world and as such has a lot to offer. Using all kinds of herbs for different purposes is part of the grand tradition of the Indian people. Many herbs can be used for cleaning and moisturizing the face and hands. Knowing more about these Indian herbs will allow you to solve some of the problems you may be having with your skin.

They have no side effects and they give you no false promises.

Unbelievable? Read and try out yourself!

Here are 10 incredible Ancient Indian Beauty Secrets that every modern women must know.

1. Neem

This is probably the king of all the other beauty ingredients you have out there. A sacred plant, each and every part of neem tree is beneficial in some or the other way.

Neem Beauty Benefits

a)      Can Treat Acne

Take a few neem leaves and boil them in water.

Dip a cotton ball into the water and then evenly rub it over your face.

You can also use a neem-yogurt or neem-cucumber facepack to reduce oiliness of your face.

b)      Can Treat Dry Skin

Take little amount of neem powder and add a few drops of grape seed oil.

Apply this paste to your face and leave it undisturbed for 15 minutes.

Wash with cold water.

c)       Can Take Care Of Hair Troubles

Massage your hair roots with neem oil. For controlling dandruff, mix some neem powder with water and apply to your hair. Leave it for one hour and then shampoo your hair.

2. Saffron

This might be one of the most expensive spices. But believe me, it is totally worth it. Saffron is known widely to improve one’s complexion.

Saffron Beauty Benefits

a)      Can Help Remove Tan

Take some saffron and soak it in malai or milk cream overnight.

Blend the contents in the morning and apply on the tanned area.

b)      Can Help Tone The Skin

Take required amount of rose water and mix saffron in it (till the rose water gets the colour of saffron).

Use a cotton ball to dip in the solution and dab on your face.

c)       Can Help Brighten The Skin

Take a few strands of saffron and soak them in milk for about 30 minutes.

Take a teaspoon of sandalwood powder and add to the mixture.

Apply the pack on your face and leave it undisturbed for 15-20 minutes. And then wash it off.

3. Honey

Honey is everyone’s favourite. Easily available, delicious and inexpensive. Honey is also known for its excellent hydrating properties.

Honey Beauty Benefits

a)      Can Cure Burn Scars

You can apply raw honey to a burn scar, as honey has antiseptic and healing properties.

Applying honey on a burn regularly can produce less scarring than usual.

b)      Can Give A Flawless Skin

Mix honey with malai, chandan, besan and rose oil to form a face mask.

Apply the mask on your face and neck.

Leave the mask to dry and peel it off after sometime. This removes any impurities on the face and also makes the facial skin soft and smooth.

4. Amla

Also known as gooseberry, amla is a rich source of vitamin C.

Amla Beauty Benefits

a)      Can Help Reduce Hair Fall

Take 2 teaspoons of amla powder or juice.

Squeeze an equal amount of juice from a fresh lime.

Mix well and apply to the scalp.

Leave it to dry and rinse with warm water.

b)      Can Help Nourish Hair

Take amla, soapnut (reetha) and shikakai in an iron vessel and boil.

Keep it aside overnight.

Next day strain the liquid and shampoo with it.

5. Multaani Mitti

Also known as Fuller’s Earth, multaani mitti is one of the best ancient beauty secrets. It is known as natural scrubber and cleanser. The one ingredient you can find almost in all homes.

Multaani Mitti Beauty Benefits

a)      Can Help Remove Pimple Marks

Take required amount of multaani mitti and mix it with some fresh tomato juice.

To this, add a pinch of turmeric and sandalwood powder and apply on your face.

b)      Can Help Remove Dark Spots

Add some mint leaves and yogurt to multaani mitti.

Mix to form a paste.

Apply it on the dark spots.

Leave it for half an hour and then rinse with lukewarm water.

 6. Turmeric

This ingredient is undoubtedly indispensable in Indian culture.

Turmeric Beauty Benefits

a)      Can Reduce Stretch Marks

Mix turmeric with besan and yogurt.

Apply on the stretch marks.

The properties in turmeric help lighten the stretch marks.

b)      Can Reduce Wrinkles

Take rice powder, raw milk and tomato juice.

Mix them with turmeric to form a paste.

Apply the paste and leave it undisturbed till it dries.

c)       Can Treat Cracked Heels

Mix coconut oil or castor oil with turmeric.

Before taking bath apply this mixture to the cracked heels and leave for 15 minutes.

7. Sandalwood

Though a bit expensive, sandalwood possesses antiseptic properties and even helps in the blood circulation under the skin.

Sandalwood Beauty Benefits

a)      Can Give You Clear Looking Skin

Take finely powdered almonds and mix them with sandalwood (chandan).

Add raw milk to this mixture.

Apply to face, and even to arms and legs before bath.

b)      Can Give You Glowing Skin

Mix sandalwood with raw milk.

Apply the mixture onto your face and leave it undisturbed for 20 minutes.

 Wash it off with water.

8. Tulsi

An astringent herb, this is grown in almost every household and is one of the best secrets when it comes to enhancing your natural beauty.

Tulsi Beauty Benefits

a)      Can Treat Acne And Nourish Your Face

Take some tulsi leaves and blend them into a paste.

Add milk to the paste and apply on your face.

b)      Can Help Whiten Your Teeth

Take a few tulsi leaves.

Dry and powder them.

Add orange peel and make it into a paste.

Rub the paste on your teeth.

9. Curd

The presence of zinc is what makes curd a favourite when it comes to enhancing beauty.

Beauty Benefits of Curd

a)      Can Help Get Rid Of Dry Hair In Winters

Take 2 beaten eggs and 2 tablespoons of almond oil.

Mix these with half a cup of curd.

Apply the paste to scalp as well as hair and cover your head with a plastic cap. This nourishes your hair.

Leave it for 30 minutes and then wash with shampoo.

b)      Can Help Make Your Hair Silky

Take lemon juice, eggs and honey and make a rich paste.

Mix the paste with curd and apply to your hair.

Wash your hair after 30 minutes.

10. Besan

Also called gram flour, this is a common name in every Indian household and holds cure for many beauty ailments.

Beauty Benefits of Besan

a)      Can Help Cure Blemishes

Take required amount of cucumber juice and mix it with besan.

 Apply this mixture on the affected area.

Keep it for 20 minutes and then wash it off.

b)      Can Help Brighten Your Skin

Take 4 – 5 powdered almonds, lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of milk.

Mix all these with besan to form a paste.

Apply it on your face and keep it for 30 minutes before washing.

Beautiful skin and gorgeous hair is not an impossible deal. All this can be easily achieved right from the comfort of your kitchen!

So what should you do if you want stunning looks? Keep calm and walk into your kitchen!

Omorfee! Be Exotic!

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Discover the beauty & health benefits of Saffron

Saffron is mostly known for its inclusion in food items. But it has very significant nutrients and chemical compounds which are beneficial in providing medicinal benefits. Saffron is one of the most expensive spices in the world as maximum of its processing work is done through hand. Saffron is extremely valuable spice because of its distinct flavor, health and medicinal properties. Let us look at a few of the saffron uses below

1.       Saffron for hair loss:  The application of Saffron over the scalp is good in treating of baldness (alopecia). The mix of saffron, milk and licorice when applied over the scalp is good in prevention of hair loss and hair growth. The application is also helpful in stimulating of hair growth.

2.       Saffron for radiant skin: Saffron is highly beneficial for radiant skin. It is suggested that one should make a face pack mixing of saffron (2 to 3 strands), milk (3 tsp) and sandalwood powder (1 tsp).  Apply the paste on your face, massage gently and left it for 15 minutes followed by washing with fresh water. It should be done once in week to have smooth and glow face.

3.       Saffron for glowing skin: Take 4-5 strands of saffron and soaked it into water for 2-3 hours. Now, use this mix over your face and massage gently. Wash it after 5 minutes. The process may be repeated twice or thrice a week for fairer skin.

4.       Saffron good for pimples: Make a paste of Saffron (10 strands) and basil leaves (6-7 leaves). Apply the paste over your face and wash the same after 10 minutes. This application is good in prevention of acne, blemishes, pimples, wrinkles and other black spots from the face.

5.       Saffron as anti-oxidants: Saffron is having many antioxidants that are beneficial in contending of free radicals thereby helps in prevention of diseases and promotion of health.

6.       Saffron controls heart rate: Potassium in saffron is good in controlling heart beat by allowing to slow down thus protecting the heart.

7.       Saffron for blood pressure: The Saffron spice contains many minerals such as cooper, potassium, calcium, manganese, iron, magnesium, zinc and selenium. Some of these are helpful in controlling blood pressure as well as in the formation of hemoglobin.

8.       Saffron for cancer prevention: Saffron is containing bio-chemical compounds such as zea-xanthin, lycopene, α- and β- carotene; all these are acts like as immune modulator and protect the human body from cancer.

9.       Saffron as stress buster: The presence of carotenoids is beneficial in boosting the level of immunity and reduces oxidant-induced stress.

10.   Saffron as antidepressant: Saffron contains safranal and alfa-crocin, a volatile oil compound, effective in controlling depression and acts like as anticonvulsant. Kesar brings cheerfulness and wisdom in the body.

11.   Saffron for disease prevention: Saffron contains many bio-chemical compounds as antioxidants, which are good in contending of various diseases by controlling free radicals thus promotes overall well-being of the body.

12.   Saffron for detoxification: It has many therapeutic applications and in detoxification of the body. It is also used in body healing, cramps, spasms and spas.

13.   Saffron good for digestion: Saffron is good for digestion due to presence of multiple medicinal compounds and an anti-convulsant. It stimulates digestion. It is suggested that one should make a mix of water (1 litre) and saffron (1g) for strengthening the function of stomach. Saffron is also beneficial when the liver and spleen get enlarged.

14.   Saffron good for cellular functioning: Due to presence of many macro-micro nutrients, especially potassium and magnesium, it is helpful in the growth of cells and tissues. It is also helpful in repairing of cells in the body.

15.   Saffron for hemoglobin formation: saffron contains iron that is good in the hemoglobin in blood.

16.   Saffron for overall health: The presence of minerals such as cooper, potassium, calcium, manganese, iron, magnesium, zinc and selenium, promotes optimum health.

17.   Saffron for fair complexion: Bathing with Saffron stands (soaked saffron strands for 20-30 minutes in water), is in improving your complexion.

18.   Saffron for pain management: Since the ancient times, Saffron is used as pain reliever. Periods related pains can be eased by taking tea or milk along with saffron.

19.   Saffron for toothache: Massaging the tooth with saffron and honey, helps to relieve pain from gums. It may be also applied with honey as well as glycerin to relax the toned parts of the mouth.

20.   Saffron for healthy lips: Saffron is among the few plant products, which is the biggest source of vitamin B2 (riboflavin). Taking of saffron on regular basis is helpful in prevention of throat soreness, swelling of tongues, cracking of lips, skin cracking and skin irritation.

21.   Saffron for colds: When saffron (0.5 g to 1 g) is mixed with warm water (1 litre) and drinking the same is helpful in curing of cough and cold.

22.   Saffron develops immunity: Saffron is having an appropriate percentage of vitamin C, which acts like as immunity booster and save you from various ailments.

23.   Refreshment: Due to its unique taste, it is used in many food recipes as well as refreshment purposes.

24.   Saffron for muscular problems: Saffron is used in curing of age related muscular degeneration. Saffron not only reduces the degeneration process but also helps in healing the damaged cells.

25.   Saffron for neurological problems: Since the ancient times, saffron is used on the forehead because of its neurological benefits.

26.   Saffron for menses: Saffron is used to controlled blood loss during menstrual cycle.

27.   Saffron for arthritis: The ayurvedic physicians prescribed saffron for arthritis patients. It is also good in controlling of asthma. Saffron helps to clear breath.

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Feed Your Hair with These Fabulous Vegetables

Eating right, exercising, reducing stress and getting plenty of sleep, will help you maximize your hair growth potential. Also, incorporating healthy foods in your day-to-day diet will lead to a difference in hair. 

Hair follicles are made of protein, and what you eat can significantly affect your hair’s health. While many of the foods recommended to promote hair growth are animal-based, like eggs, lean meats and yogurt, there are quite a few vegetables that can be eaten to increase hair growth, which can be especially important if you do not consume animal products.

·        Beans

Black beans, kidney beans, pinto beans and many other varieties of beans are high in protein content and derive a significant amount of their caloric content from protein. Hair is made up of protein, so it is important to eat protein-rich foods like beans for hair health, particularly if you are on a vegetarian or vegan diet that does not allow animal products like eggs, fish or lean meats for essential protein.

·        Broccoli

Like beans, broccoli derives much of its caloric content from protein, which is essential for hair health and growth. The nutrient profile of Broccoli makes it excellent food to prevent hair loss. The antioxidants in broccoli seeds make the hair root strong. The vitamin and calcium present in Broccoli holds the hair well from the roots and prevent from hair breakage.

·        Spinach

Spinach is an important vegetable for hair growth because it is high in protein and vitamin A and vitamin C, which the body uses to produce oils in the scalp, which can help increase hair growth. Vitamin A and vitamin C deficiencies can increase hair loss or lead to brittle, thin hair that does not grow as quickly.

·        Carrots

Carrots are a source of vitamin A and B7, which helps promote general scalp health. Also, Biotin is essential for hair re-growth. At the same time, it helps to strengthen the hair roots so that hair does not fall out easily.

Carrots also play a role in sebum production, much like spinach, and a diet rich in carrots can lead to faster hair growth through healthy sebum production. Boil some carrots and blend them. Don’t throw the water you boiled them in, use the same to grind and blend them. Apply the paste to your hair and leave on for 30 minutes. Wash it away. This mask helps reduce hair fall and also promotes hair growth.

 

·        Soybeans and Soy Products

Soybeans and soy products are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are more difficult to come by if you are on a vegetarian diet that does not allow fish like salmon and halibut. Omega-3 fatty acids are made up of three main properties, including ALA or alpha linolenic acid, EPA, or eicosapentaenoic acid and DHA, or docosahexaenoic acid. These essential properties can help to grow hair by increasing hair follicle growth from the inside out while making hair fuller and thicker. Tofu, soy milk, steamed soy beans and soy supplements are sources of omega-3 fatty acids.

·        Onions

Onions are also a helpful nutrient for the hair. It is an affluent source of zinc, iron and Biotin, all of which are needful for hair growth. In addition to hair growth, onion is a wonderful vegetable that helps in preventing the premature graying of hair.

·        Garlic

Although having a pungent smell, garlic is an ideal tonic for the hair. It is good to add this to your regular diet chart, as it contains very few calories. In addition, garlic contains a very high sulfur content, which is considered best for hair re-growth.

Cucumber is also known to achieve healthy hair.  Blend in some fresh cucumbers and apply the paste to your scalp and massage thoroughly. You might want to add some fenugreek powder as blend will be runny.

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Shocking BEAUTY HABITS that can bring more damage than good!

 

·      Using Face Wipes

Face wipes are good at removing make up before proper cleansing but they shouldn’t be used alone to clean the face. Wipes spread makeup, skin oils and dirt around instead of rinsing them away like a good cleanser and water. They also dry out the skin, making it more prone to flakiness and premature ageing.

·      Using Petroleum Jelly

Petroleum jelly is often used to try and moisturize  chapped lips but this is not what the product was made for. In fact, petroleum jelly is best at creating a barrier on the skin- to protect open skin from dirt, to lubricate the hands during manual labor and to make dry joints like the elbows less uncomfortable. This barrier effect means that petroleum jelly is good at protecting your lips from the cold but little else; as it actually prevents moisture from entering the skin meaning your lips will be more dry and chapped in the long run.

·      Not Moisturizing

You may think that because your skin is normal or oily that you don’t need to moisturize, but think again. Moisturizers help to plump the skin and deliver ingredients into the lower layers of the skin that you can’t see. If you have oily skin but your face often feels tight, then it may be dehydrated and in need of water instead of the oil that it produces. Try using a water based moisturizer everyday and see how your skin changes.

·      Washing Hair Everyday

While it may seem like basic hygiene to wash your hair every day, it actually isn’t necessary, even for oily hair. Washing the hair too much can dry it out, making it weak and brittle but also stimulating your scalp to over-produce oil, meaning hair will seem dirtier in the long run. Try to wash your hair every two to three days and use dry shampoo in between. Your oily hair will actually become less oily over time.

·      Cutting Cuticles

Trimming the cuticles is often a basic part of a manicure but actually this is an unnecessary step. The cuticles should never be cut or trimmed because this can leave the skin and nail bed open to infection from unclean tools or outside germs. Instead, use an orange wood stick to gently push back the cuticles, taking care not to break the skin.

·      Not Cleaning Makeup Brushes

You may think you’re doing your brushes a favour by not getting them wet, but this beauty habit can be doing damage that you can’t see. Makeup, skin cells and bacteria can collect in your brushes meaning they don’t work as well as they used to and using them may be clogging your pores. Wash your brushes often in warm soapy water or use an on the spot antibacterial cleaner to remove makeup and kill acne causing bacteria.

·      Sleeping in Makeup

Even after a long night you should still make the effort to remove as much makeup as you can before bed. Foundation, concealer and powder can clog the pores when left on the skin for a long time and not washing your face twice a day will allow grime and dead skin cells to build up.

·      Scrubbing Everyday

Using exfoliating scrubs or rough exfoliating tools on the skin everyday can irritate it and cause it to age prematurely as skin cells are unnecessarily broken down and removed. If your skin is rough or bumpy, use a gentle chemical exfoliator like salicylic acid or glycolic acid instead and leave the scrubs to once a week or less.

·      Re-using Razors

While razors are designed to be used more than once, using the same one over a long period of time can do your skin more harm than good. Soap and skin cells can build up on the blades, making them blunt and allowing bacteria to grow on them. The combination of blunt blades and bacteria can lead to skin irritation and shaving cuts, leaving the area open to infection.

·      Using Old Makeup

There is no point trying to save money by using old makeup when this beauty habit can cause more harm than good- beauty products can go off when bacteria from the area and your skin enter the packaging after it has been opened. In particular, products with wands like lip gloss and mascara can harbour bacteria from the skin and create an enclosed environment for it to grow. Most skincare products will have their ‘use by time’ shown on the packaging with an M for months, but eye products and those in tubes should be thrown away after six months or less and other makeup should be used up or thrown out within a year.

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Baking Soda miracles you will never believe -

1.  Make a DIY exfoliator : 

Gently rub three parts baking soda and one parts water on your face in a soft, circular motion to remove dead skin. Just be careful around your eye area and rinse clean with warm water.

2.  Prep your nails for a manicure:  

Use the same solution for smooth hands and fingers before painting your nails your favorite color. For polish-ready nails, dip a clean toothbrush into baking soda and scrub along your cuticles and nails to remove any imperfections.

3. Soothe sensitive skin post-shave : 

Add one tablespoon of baking soda to one cup of warm water for a soothing solution. Simply rub the mixture on your legs to alleviate razor burn fast.

4.Remove excess hair products :  

Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda into your favorite shampoo to remove buildup from shampoo, conditioner, serums, and other products. Wash as usual and rinse thoroughly for cleaner, more manageable hair.

5. Clean your styling tools : 

The same way products build up on your scalp, they can also leave your brushes and combs pretty dirty. Soak them in a solution of one teaspoon of baking soda in a bowl of warm water to remove natural oils and build up. Rinse and dry.

6.Use it as deodorant in a pinch : 

End of the day and smelling less-than perfect? A quick dusting of baking soda under your arms will absorb your natural odor to leave you feeling fresh.

7. Whiten teeth :  

Baking soda is already an ingredient in many natural toothpaste alternatives. Simply wet your toothbrush and rub it in baking soda for fast toothpaste. However, baking soda does not include fluoride, which helps prevent cavities. Speak to your dentist before switching to a baking soda-based toothpaste.

8.Freshen up greasy hair : 

Run out of dry shampoo? Sprinkle a bit of baking soda onto your roots to absorb excess oil. Brush through or rub in with fingers to distribute.

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