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Henna Benefits

Henna is essential cosmetic item and popular in women. It is important substance in aromatic essence.  Henna is applied on nails and palms. The Henna leaves are cool, tonic value, used in impurity of blood and for reducing swelling.
Henna is a flowering plant with the botanical name lawsonia inermis. Hennais mostly used as a coloring agent. It is mixed with other natural dyes. Its flower oil is used in perfume.

Benefits of Henna:
  • Boosts hair growth: Henna helps in the cure of hair loss. Boiled henna leaves in mustard oil, massage this oil regularly for healthy growth of hair.
  • Make hair shine: Prepare mixture of dry Henna, water and lemon juice. Apply this paste on hair and wash after 1 hour, hair will become shine.

  • It is useful in dysentery. Prepare powder of Henna plant seeds and mix in ghee. Take small quantity with water for treatment of dysentery.

  • Henna flower helpful in headaches. Prepare paste of henna flower & vinegar, apply this paste on head.
  • Useful for burns caused by fire. The leaves ground with water are applied over the affected area.
  • Henna leaves Beneficial for mouth ulcers and blisters in the mouth.
  • Henna flowers are useful in pain. Mix Henna flowers with warm wax and rose oil, apply this paste on affected area.
  • A paste of henna leaves gives soles relieve.
Use Henna:
  • Always use fresh and deep green Henna powder.
  • Commercial Henna products contain additional ingredients. So always check the label.

Neem Leaves

  • I know this one is the most difficult. Chew everyday 2-3 leaves of Neem. I know it sounds disgusting. Believe me, it tastes really horrible. I have done it. At last, I could not bear to chew so I started swallowing the leaves. Wash them properly before in taking them. Do not boil them. A help would be take them with honey or jaggery. And, follow it up with a glass of water. Do not worry if you vomit in the starting days. Your body and taste buds will adapt gradually to it. And, the results are too good to ignore. In take of neem leaves would clean your system internally, improve the body metabolism and toxins elimination process. It would clean your blood of impurities and as a result, give you a clear skin. It even helps you get rid of constipation and improves your immune system. 
  • You can boil neem leaves in water and pour the water in your bath tub or use it for bathing. It would get rid of all skin disorders gradually. It helps in getting rid of bacteria at private parts and even the repelling body odor.
  • If you get any skin allergy, boil the neem leaves and apply the water on the allergy after letting it cool. Chilled will work even better. It will soothe your skin. And, the allergy will subside in a day or two. Last September, I had got this severe allergy which my dermatologist could not even diagnose. It had subsided with application of neem water.You can even apply neem paste on your allergies. I think it should be more effective.
  • You can store the neem water in small batches and use it to make face packs. It would be great help with pimples and acne.
  • If you get hold of neem oil, it treats acne really quick. Applying neem oil keeps your skin safe from any bacteria and fungal infection.
  • Of course, I forget to mention. Chewing neem leaves would help with cleaning your teeth also. And, just in case, you are thinking that you can substitute neem leaves with neem water. Do not do that. Because, when you boil neem leaves, a strange pungent odor comes which will repel you from drinking the water. Surely, you would even lose you apetite, the odor is that strong.
  • You can make a neem face pack by grinding the neem leaves with some water. It is a great face mask for anti-bacterial purposes. It heals acne really quick.
  • In case of any nicks and cuts, injuries and skin burns, you can apply neem oil, neem water or neem leaves paste over it. It gives great relief.
  • Neem can also be a part of the refreshing face spray.
  • Dry the neem leaves well under sun and powder them. Make small pouches containing the powder and put several of these pouches in your cupboards. Your cupboards would be free of moth infestation. And, you do not have to bother with changing the pouches everyday. They will work up to an year. You can replace them again after an year. You may put your favorite essential oil in the neem leaves powder to impart a pleasant fragrance to your cupboards and clothes.

    (Source :http://www.perfectskincareforyou.com/2010/03/benefits-of-neem-leaves.html)

Amazing Benefits Of Tulsi/Basil For Skin, Hair And Health



1. Fever and common cold:

The tulsi medicinal uses begins with the ability of the leaves to cure many kinds of fever.
·  Tender Tulsi leaves boiled in water acts as a preventive against malaria and dengue fever.
· In case of acute fever, a decoction of the leaves boiled with cardamom power in half a litre of water mixed with sugar and milk brings down the temperature.

Tulsi is also a good germicidal agent and a disinfectant that protects the human body from all types of viral infection.
2. Cough and Respiratory Problems:
Chewing Tulsi leaves also cures cough and flu. It helps to mobilize mucous in bronchitis and asthma attacks.  A decoction of leaves with honey and ginger is an effective remedy against bronchitis, asthma, influenza and cold. A decoction of leaves, cloves and common salt also relieves influenza.
Water boiled with basil leaves can be taken as a drink in case of sore throat. You can also gargle with this water to soothe sore throat. Tulsi is an important ingredient in the preparation of cough syrups and expectorant.

3. Kidney stone:

One of the tulsi plant uses is that its leaves have a strengthening effect on the kidneys. In case of renal stones, the consumption of juice of basil leaves mixed with honey help removes these stones through the urinary tract.  Tulsi being a detoxifying agent can help to reduce uric acid level which is the main reason behind kidney stones.

4. Heart disorder:

Basil is very beneficial in combating cardiac disease and the weakness resulting from it. It reduces blood cholesterol level. Tulsi also contains Vitamin C and other anti-oxidants such as Eugenol which protects the heart from harmful effects of free radicals. Tulsi can also reduce blood pressure and thus is useful for heart patients.

5. Children’s ailments:

·    Common paediatric problems like cough, cold diarrhea and vomiting respond favourably to tulsi juice.
·    Basil leaves taken with honey keeps chicken pox at bay.
·    If a baby is given tulsi juice regularly before teething, it helps grow teeth easily without any of the usual teething troubles. Massaging the gums with a mixture of tulsi leaves and honey will also help.
·    Giving children a mixture of tulsi juice and honey helps bring relief to cough and sore throat too.
·    Warm tulsi juice gets rid of the worms in the stomach.

6. Teeth disorder:

The leaves are also useful in treating teeth disorders. Tulsi leaves dried and powdered can be used for brushing teeth. It can also be mixed with mustard oil and can be used as a tooth paste. It maintains the health of the gums and helps to counteract bad breath, pyorrhoea and other dental problems. This tooth paste can also be rubbed on the gums to hinder gum inflammation.
Tulsi is also used as a mouth wash to relieve tooth ache. Tulsi is an excellent mouth freshener and oral disinfectant and destroys 99% of germs and bacteria found in the mouth. These leaves are quite effective for several mouth infections like ulcer.


7. Eye disorder:
Basil juice is an effective remedy for sore eyes and night blindness, which is generally caused by lack of Vitamin A. Two drops of basil juice can work wonders for the eyes.  It soothes eyes and reduces stress. Also it can protect from conjunctivitis, boils and other problems of the eyes which are caused mainly due to bacterial and fungal infections by washing eyes with water soaked in tulsi leaves.


8. Stomach problems:

Several stomach problems like acidity, constipation and flatulence can also be cured with tulsi leaves. Tulsi supports digestive system and makes you feel less bloated and more comfortable. It also helps people suffering from vomiting and lack of appetite.

9. Diabetes:

Tulsi is one of the many herbs that help to control blood sugar level in a person. It reduces the blood sugar level by causing a sudden or drastic drop.


10. Pain relief:

Tulsi plant acts like a COX-2 inhibitor and benefits people with painful medical condition. Some Compounds found in tulsi helps to ease inflammatory and neurological pain and has no side effects whatsoever. Tulsi is also used in the treatment of ulcers, cuts and wounds because of its beneficial antiseptic and healing properties.

11. Anti-cancer:

Tulsi is anti-carcinogenic in nature and helps to treat some forms of cancer including breast cancer. Tulsi restricts the blood vessels that feed tumours. It also helps to inhibit the growth of oral cancer that it caused due to tobacco. But tulsi should not be used as a sole treatment of cancer however.

12. Stress reliever:

The anti-oxidants present in Tulsi help in balancing different processes of the body. Drinking Tulsi extract daily smoothes the nervous system and helps to relieve stress.

13. Lung disorder:

Several compounds present in tulsi like Vitamin C, camphene, Eugenol can cure lung congestion. They have proven to be effective in healing damage caused by smoking, tuberculosis etc.
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14. Insect bite:

This herb also prevents insect stings and bites. A teaspoon of fresh juice should be applied on the affected areas and repeated after a few hours. A paste of fresh roots is also effective in case of bites of insects and leeches.
Apply a paste of Tulsi leaves and roots ground together on the sting of the scorpion. It will completely eliminate the effects of poison. Also in such cases, crushing a few leaves of Tulsi and mixing it with lemon helps too. Apply it on the area of the sting and it will cure the problem. The pain caused by the sting can be reduced by drinking Tulsi juice and also by applying it on the sting.

15. Helps to quit smoking:

Tulsi can also help you immensely if you are trying to quit smoking. It is more helpful than nicotine gums and candies which claim to keep you distracted from your need of smoking. Keep some fresh tulsi leaves in your pocket and munch whenever you feel the urge to smoke.  The tulsi juice will cool your throat just as the mint drops do and chewing will distract you. The anti-oxidant will actually help you to undo the damage done by years of smoking.

16. Tulsi works very well on eczema, acne and pimples and many cosmetic companies use Tulsi as an ingredient in skin ointments due to its anti-bacterial properties. People suffering from scabies and eczema should drink Tulsi juice to help cure it.
17. Tulsi works great on the skin, whether you eat raw leaves or apply a paste to the face. When eaten raw, it purifies the blood from toxins and prevents appearance of acne and pimples. You can also make a toner by boiling Tulsi leaves in water. Let it cool for 15 minutes and then apply on the acne affected areas. This remedy will not only help eliminate pimples but will also impart an instant glow to the skin and will smooth the skin out completely.

18. Besan and tulsi paste face pack is a popular pack to get rid of scar marks and get a clean and even skin tone. Skin whitening effects of besan lightens the appearance of scars and black marks and Tulsi kills the bacteria that lead to acne.


19. Rubbing finely powdered dry tulsi on the face like a loose powder makes the face glow and
removes dark spots from the face.


20. Tulsi leaves contain anti-bacterial and anti-fungal compounds. A paste made of Tulsi leaves along with sandalwood paste and rose water can be applied on the face as it helps to prevent inflammation.


21. The antioxidants present in Tulsi makes you look younger and fresher. Tulsi is very healthy for the skin. It works well as a skin and hair moisturizer too.

22. Skin with blemishes can also benefit from Tulsi leaves. Make a face pack using one egg white and Tulsi leaves paste. Then rub the mixture gently on the face particularly on the infected areas of the skin. Wash off the face pack after 20 minutes scrubbing it gently. The egg white used will tighten the pores while the tulsi paste will disinfect the skin and prevent infections which cause pimples and acne.

23. Using tulsi paste and lemon helps to cure ring worms.

24. Continued ingestion of powdered tulsi roots and leaves is believed to cure all skin diseases.

25. Another good remedy for treating all types of skin diseases is boiling tulsi in mustard oil till the oil turns black. Let it cool, then strain the oil and apply all over the body during winters. This promotes quick healing. Application of tulsi juice on the boils is beneficial and gives relief too.

26. Apply tulsi paste for relief from skin irritations caused due to plucking of the hair.

27. Dry tulsi leaves in a shade, add alum, grind and sieve well and store the powder in a clean 
glass bottle. Apply the powder on wounds and cuts. Pain due to burns can be alleviated by applying equal amounts of Tulsi juice and coconut oil mixed in it.

28. Rubbing tulsi leaves on areas that itch gives quick relief. Itching can also be soothed by applying a mixture of Tulsi and lemon juice.

Dry and damaged hair is often a cause of concern for beauties. Further high pollution in cities and several other factors combine to wreak havoc on our crowning glory and damage our hair to the very roots. It is highly important to keep ourselves hydrated and eat a balance diet to ward off hair problems.  Always rely on herbal products and homemade remedies for hair problems rather than using over the counter, chemical laden hair care products which do nothing but make the matter worse for us. Tulsi is a wonder herb which helps to achieve lustrous shiny and healthy hair.

29. One of the major causes of hair loss is dandruff and dry scalp. Add a small quantity of Tulsi oil to regular carrier oil like coconut oil and massage well on your scalp. Tulsi helps to improve the blood circulation and keeps your scalp cool reducing itchiness and dandruff and promotes hair growth. You can also apply tulsi paste which keeps the scalp, roots clean and keeps the dandruff at bay.

30. A paste of tulsi, hibiscus and neem leaves can be applied on the hair to keep it healthy and itch free.

31. Regular massage of tulsi oil in your scalp energizes you and your hair.

32. Tulsi has a complex constitution that includes immunity booster, adaptogens and anti-oxidants. Hence, tulsi juice when taken every week keeps our scalp healthy and hydrated.
Apart from all these benefits, it has been recently discovered that tulsi has environmental benefits too. Tulsi apparently gives out oxygen for 20 hours and ozone for 4 hours along with the formation of nascent oxygen which absorbs harmful gases like carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and sulphur dioxide from the environment.


After knowing all these amazing benefits of this herb, I’m sure all of you would try these home remedies. It will work wonders on your life and living habits.


(Source : http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/amazing-benefits-of-tulsibasil-for-skin-hair-and-health)


Benefit of Curry Leave


Curry Leaves (a.k.a. Curry Patta) are dark shiny green, aromatic and flavorful leaves of plant scientifically called Murraya Koenigi. These leaves make the south Indian curry flavorful and aromatic. They are slightly bitter in taste and used in making salads, Chutneys and spices in Indian/Asian Food.

Curry leaves consist of 66.3 per cent moisture, 6.1 per cent protein, carbohydrates 16.0 per cent, 6.4 per cent fiber and 4.2 per cent mineral matter per 100 grams. They are rich in vitamin and mineral content with calcium, phosphorus, iron, nicotinic acid and vitamin C.

Curry Leaves have a special place in Ayurvedic Medicines, because of their many health benefits.

Digestive Disorders: Buttermilk with paste of curry leaves, common salt and cumin seed powder is a common home remedy for digestive upset in Indian Homes. The curry leaves juice is also effective against heartburn.
A paste of these leaves with limejuice and honey/sugar/crystal sugar powder is a time-tested medicine in the treatment of “morning sickness” (hyperemesis graviderum). This paste is also useful for treating excessive vomiting and nausea in pregnant women.

Diabetes: Scientists are finding more about curry leaf – as it contain agents that slow down the rate of starch-to-glucose breakdown in people with diabetes. The curry leaves could control the amount of glucose entering the bloodstream. Ayurvedic research suggests a paste of about 8 to 10 fresh, fully-grown curry leaves is to be taken on an empty stomach in the morning for a minimum of 3 months for controlling non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. It also cures diabetes due to obesity, as the leaves have weight reducing properties.

Hair Tonic: These leaves nourish the hair roots. Add twenty leaves to a cup of coconut oil and heat the oil till the leaves turn black. Apply this blackened residual oil to the scalp 2-3 times a week. This oil forms an excellent Ayurvedic hair tonic to stimulate hair growth. This oil stops premature graying.

Herbal Mouth Wash: The fresh curry leaves contain 2.6% volatile essential oils along with chlorophyll, beta-carotene and folic acid, riboflavin, calcium and zinc. All these are excellent for keeping good oral health. Chewing 2 to 4 fresh curry leaves with 10 to 15mls water in the mouth, swishing for 5 to 7 minutes and rinsing the mouth out with water is a great herbal Mouthwash.

Kidney Disorders: Ancient Indian Medicine for kidneys recommends the juice of the curry plant root.

Insect Bites, Burns and Bruises: Curry leaves applied as a poultice can be effectively used to treat burns, bruises and skin eruptions. Fruits of the Curry Leaves with lime juice are used in treating insect bites and poisonous stings.

(Source : http://www.indusladies.com/forums/nature-cure/77544-curry-leaves-benefits.html)


Curry patta and its endless benefits

Curry leaves popularly called curry patta are a rich source of vitamin A, calcium and folic acid and among other things can prevent early development of cataract.

Several old Indian texts date the existence of curry leaves to ancient times. Tamil literature specifically mentions the significance and various uses of curry leaves, which are native to south India and Sri Lanka. Their use in Indian cuisine is also given special mention in old Kannada texts. Popularly known as curry patta, it is also referred to as meethi neem — owing to its resemblance to the  neem leaves. However, the curry tree is not in any way related to the neem tree. These leaves are highly valued for their distinctive flavor, making them very popular in the cuisines of south and west India and Sri Lanka. They are also used as an herbal tonic in ayurvedic medicine.

Curry leaf is a good source of vitamin A, calcium and folic acid. Its richness in vitamin A and antioxidants may help explain its use in preventing early development of cataract. Being a fairly good source of folic acid, the leaves can also help in absorption of iron. Other proposed benefits include boost in circulation and anti-inflammation. It is also anti-diabetic, antioxidant, anti-microbial, hepatoprotective, hypo-cholestrolemic, and delays premature graying. With its anti-inflammatory benefits, it is used in treating bruises and skin eruptions. It can also be used as a sedative and a hair tonic. Its mildly laxative properties aid digestion too. While some of these benefits have been documented in preliminary scientific trials, more studies are required to establish them in human trials. 

In a study published in Plant Foods for Human Nutrition in 2009, several Indian leafy vegetables were compared for their antioxidant activity. Interestingly, total antioxidant activity and free radical scavenging activity were highest in curry leaves. This shows that curry leaves and their extract hold great promise to mediate the immune system and metabolic processes. A study published this year has found potent anti-bacterial properties in curry leaves, which encourages further studies on the use of curry leaves as a viable therapeutic agent. Other studies have also found anti-fungal activity in curry leaves, which explains why it is used to fight bad breath and gum disease.

It is perhaps a good idea to include curry leaves in your diet. They can be used both raw and cooked. Typically, in Indian cooking, a whole bunch is tempered with ghee or oil. It combines well with vegetables, lentils, fish, meats, curds, butter and coconut milk. They can also be ground and used as paste in curries. Leaves dried in open air lose their pungency, while vacuum-dried ones can retain their odor with flavor for up to two weeks. However, the leaves are best consumed fresh. A curry leaf tree is easy to grow in soil or earthen pots in a house garden.

Some practitioners of herbal medicine advise consuming a few leaves in the morning, while others recommend therapeutic doses as juice. However, it should not exceed more than 15 grams. As several metabolic diseases and age-related degenerative disorders are closely associated with oxidative processes in the body, the use of curry leaves as a source of antioxidants warrants further attention.

Like other herbs and spices, curry leaves have a history and a strong presence in our cultural heritage, including food and health. While several health benefits are known, research must focus on identifying the curry leaves' bio-active substances, validating its traditionally known health effects. With increasing interest in alternative therapies, this information can prove to be hugely beneficial.

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