Castor (Arandi) oil - Health and Beauty Benefits

My grandfather always use to have one spoon of castor oil with milk before sleep once / twice a week. At that time I did not know about health benefits it has, Only thing I knew was he drink it for good joints health and to keep his gut clear (due to constipation). He lived a very healthy life of about 90 years. So today looking at these modern days diseases, I recalled that castor oil bottle my grandfather use to keep with him and explored all the health benefits it can be used for :

It is a vegetable oil, and the plant is largely native to Africa and India. Other Names known are:

1. Aamudamu
2. Erandela
3. Amanakku Enney
4. Avanakkenna
5. Rerira Tela

It has Anti-Inflammatory, antimicrobial, analgesic, antifungal and antibacterial properties. It contains omega-6 and 9 essential fatty acids, vitamin E in it.

Benefits:

1. laxative effect for people with constipation due to ricinoleic acid in it. Take it only for maximum 3 days otherwise you can suffer with diarrhea. It can also be taken with orange juice, but not more than 2 ounces and drink warm water after 20 minutes followed by yogurt after an hour.
2. For gastrointestinal disorders like Inflammatory bowel disease, Appendicitis, Colitis and Liver ailments.
3. Labor Stimulation for pregnant women who have reached full-term.
4. Reduction of pain, inflammation and joint swelling associated with rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. 
5. Back pain relief. Apply externally by soaking it in cloth and place heating pad on it. you can also drink one spoon with milk once a week.
6. Menstrual cramps relief
7. Boost Immune System by increasing white blood and T-11 cells.
8. External application boost blood circulation.
9. Regenerate hairs, promotes hair growth and thickens them. Hair grow darker, smoother, shinier and healthier due to omega-6 essential fatty acid in it. You can apply castor oil overnight and wash and rinse with mild shampoo in morning. You can also apply it on hairs before shampoo in morning. It treats any type of scalp infections.
10. It can cure warts, moles, and cysts.
11. Cleanse the skin and tighten pores. So it can be used as facial cleanser, especially for people who have acne.
12. Heals scars, blemishes, wrinkles, fine lines and even stretch marks and keep skin soft and elastic.
13. Soothes dry lips. It can be used as lip balm.
14. Help heal fungal infections, such as ringworms, minor cuts and scratches. Apply by mixing it with coconut oil.

Side Effects:

Castor oil is deemed safe for consumption in controlled allowed amounts. castor seeds also contains a substance known as ricin, which is a potent protein toxin. If ingested orally ricin can get into the cell’s ribosomes and prevent protein synthesis, which can kill the cells. Even one milligram of ricin (6-10 castor seeds) can be fatal if ingested in body and there is no antidote for it.. But this ricin does not partition in to castor oil. So it is safe to have castor oil.

some people experience castor oil side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach discomfort and faintness. This can happen if you take consume it more than safe amount.

Some people can be allergic to it. So they can experience mild allergic side effects include itching, rashes, redness and a stinging sensation. Severe castor oil side effects include swelling of the face and throat, dizziness and difficulty of breathing.

Taking it regularly can deplete body's potassium and fluid leaving you dehydrated. So consume only once or twice a week or fort nightly.

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Is your make up making you look older? How foundation, bronzer and eyeshadows could be adding YEARS to your face

Makeup is designed to enhance the beauty of women but the wrong technique can add years to your face.

Make up artists have revealed common errors that women make while they get ready in the morning and their vital tips for ensuring they do it right.

Celebrity make up artist, Mikey phillips says that the most ageing thing women apply is the mismatched concealer- either one that is too light or too dark. 

According to him, for more youthful application women should apply concealer that matches her skin tone. They should opt for little concealer and it should be blended well in to the skin. Be wary of not using any dry and cakey products instead go for light reflecting, hydrating ones.

Another big ageing mistake is overdo with blusher- especially very bold red hues.Women should go for peachy shade colours  and the blusher should be applied only on the cheekbones not on the apple of the cheeks.

When it comes to foundation, blending is the key. Blending should be done properly so that the product does not sit on the fine lines.

While applying lipstick, make sure to apply liner before it. As we mature, thin lines starts appearing around the mouth which gets more noticeable by any bleeding lipsticks. Liner will lock in the colour through out the day thus making the lips perfect for a pout.

Thick and healthy eyebrows can transform the face completely just like Cara Delevingne. Go for the waxy palette with a angle tip brush rather than pencils.

Mikey shares other anti ageing tips inclues applying mascara on to the lower lashline, avoiding contouring and shunning eyeshadows with glittery tones in them.

  

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Sufferng from Hair Fall: Try these natural remedies

Hair loss has become a common topic of discussion among women.Losing 50-100 strands a day is considered normal but if your start loosing more then that, it can be a problem of concern.

Hair loss occurs when the hair follicles from which hair emerges gets  blocked or ceases to function properly.These hair follicles gets blocked by dandruff, sebum, dirt, dead skin cells,deficiency ,medication or illness. So it very important to treat the desired cause of hair loss otherwise it can lead to hair baldness.

Today market is flooded with various hair products for hair loss but that comes with certain side effects. Fortunately, there are number of simple home remedies that can be used to prevent hair loss.

Causes of Hair Loss

• Physical stress
• Pregnancy
• Lack of protein
• Excess intake of Vitamin A
• Hereditary
• Female Hormones
• Climatic Conditions
• Anti Depressants pills
• Aging
• Vitamin B deficiency
• Emotional Stress
• Anemia
• Overactive Immune system
• Thyroid
• Over styling

Natural Home Remedies

Indian Gooseberry

Indian Gooseberry also known as amla is rich source of vitamin C. Deficiency of Vitamin C in the body can lead to hair loss. The anti bacterial,anti inflammatory, antioxidant and exfoliating properties of amla promotes healthier,shinier and long hair.

How to use:Mix one tablespoon of Indian gooseberry or amla pulp with lemon. Massage your scalp and leave it for overnight and shampoo your hair in the morning.

Onion Juice

Onion is one of the effective remedy in treating hair loss due to the high sulphur content found in it. This sulphur content improves blood circulation to hair follicles thereby promoting hair growth. Its anti bacterial, anti fungal characteristics treats various scalp infections.

How to use:Extract the onion juice by grating it and then applying it on scalp.Leave the juice for 30 minutes and then wash it off with your shampoo. Use this remedy twice a week for effective results.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is very beneficial for hair growth. Its alkalizing properties brings the scalp and hair's ph to a more desirable level which in turn generates hair growth. Aloe vera makes your hair shiny, smooth and more healthy.

How to use: Apply the aloe vera gel or juice on to the scalp. Leave it for few hours and then wash it with your regular shampoo. Use this 2-3 times a week for desired results.

Garlic

Like onion, garlic too has sulphur content in it which brings hair growth.

How to use: Crush few cloves of garlic and mix it with coconut oil. Boil this mixture for few minutes. Let it cool down and apply this on to your scalp, leave it for 30 minutes and then wash it off. Repeat this twice a week.

Coconut Milk

Coconut milk is rich in protein and essential fats which brings growth of hair. Coconut milk gives you instant results when applied onto the scalp.

How to use: You can make home made coconut milk by just grating the coconut and putting it in pan of water. Boil it for few minutes.Let it cool down. Apply this on your scalp and leave it for 20 minutes. Wash the hair after 20 minutes. For good results use this twice a week.

Hibiscus

Hibiscus is also know as shoe flower.This flower treats dandruff, prevents premature graying, controls hair loss and provides healthy, soft hair growth.

How to use: Crush few flowers and mix it with sesame or coconut oil to make a paste. Apply this paste on your scalp and leave it for few minutes. Wash it with your shampoo.

Egg

Egg acts as a rich source of sulphur, ahs phosphorus, selenium, iodine, zinc and protein which are very useful for generating hair growth.

How to use: Take a white portion of an egg and mix it with teaspoon of olive oil, beat to make a thick paste, apply this paste on your scalp and keep it for 15-20 minutes. Rinse it with cool water and mild shampoo.

Heena

Heena is one of the best natural remedy for hair problems.It helps you in getting rid of dandruff ,scalp itching and unhealthy hair. Heena is very effective in preventing hair loss.

How to use:Take 250 ml of mustard oil and put 60g of washed and dried henna leaves. Now boil this mixture.Wait till until the mixture cools down. Now massage the scalp using this mixture. Store the rest of the mixture in an air tight container for further use.

Flax Seeds

The omega 3 fatty acids are found in abundance in flax seeds which strengthens the hair and prevents hair loss.

How to use:You can use flax seed oil to massage your scalp. Apply the oil on your scalp and leave it for overnight. Rinse your hair in the morning with your shampoo.

You can also take a tablespoon of freshly grounded flax-seeds in the morning with a glass of water.

Potato

Lack of Vitamin A,B,C in your body makes your dull, dry and brittle. Potatoes are rich in Vitamin C,B6 and fibre which gives you relieve from dandruff, baldness, dry hair. Potato makes your hair shiny, healthy and silky.

How to use: Extract the potato juice of three potatoes by grating it. Add 1 egg yolk and 2 tablespoon of lemon juice in it. Apply this on your scalp and leave it for 30-40 minutes. Wash it with lukewarm water without using any shampoo.

Lemon 

Lemons are richest source of vitamin C which make hair stronger and healthier. Lemon clears dandruff owing to its anti fungal properties. Limonene in lemons gives shine to dull and dry hair. Lemon juice strengthens the hair follicles thus stimulating hair growth.

How to use: Squeeze the lemon juice from the lemon wedge on your scalp and hair. Massage the scalp with lemon wedge for 5-10 minutes. Keep it as such for another 10 more minutes. Rinse Your hair with mild shampoo.

Follow these natural home remedies and see the soft, silky, shiny and healthy texture of your hair. Feel free to provide the feedback in the comments section.

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The hidden beauty secrets of baking soda

Baking soda also knows as Sodium Bicarbonate is found almost in every kitchen.This crystalline natural substance when used for skin,hair and body provides wonderful results.Baking soda has antibacterial,anti-fungal,antiseptic properties that aids in providing various beauty benefits.

Baking soda should be used for a short time to get effective results.Excess use of it can damage skin,hair or body.Prior patch test should be know to examine the sensitivity of skin towards it.

Beauty Benefits of Baking Soda

Natural Deodorant

Baking soda acts as a great deodorant. It neutralizes the acidic odor and maintains the neutral PH level which commercial products are not able to do effectively.

Mix 1/8 teaspoon of baking soda,1 tablespoon of water and any essential oil.Place it under your arms or where you sweat excessively.

Teeth whitening

Baking soda can be used for teeth whitening. It helps you in getting rid of yellow stains on your teeth and also treats plaque/tartar owing to its anti bacterial properties.

Mix a pinch of baking soda with your regular toothpaste and brush as usual for few days. Dont use it regularly as it can harm the natural enamel of your teeth.

Facial Scrub

Baking soda is an excellent exfoliator to treat the uneven skin tone. It brightens the skin complexion by removing the dead skin cells. It maintain PH level of the skin also.

Mix 1 or 2 teaspoon of baking soda with plain water or rose water to form a paste.Apply that paste on your face and leave it for 1 minute.Gently rub the paste with your fingers tips,wash the face with lukewarm water ,pat it dry and apply moisturizer on your face. Use this exfoliator once a week for even skin tone.

Nail Scrubber

Baking soda clean your nails by scrubbing of the dead skin around the nails. Its bleaching and exfoliating characteristics removes the yellow stains from the nails and provides you with healthy glowing white nails.

Put ½ cup of water, 1 teaspoon of 3% hydrogen peroxide and 1 tablespoon of baking soda in a small bowl. Stir well, until the baking soda dissolves.Dip your nails into the solution.Repeat this once in every two weeks.

Foot-bath

Soak your tired feet in the baking soda solution to have soften and soothe the feet.

Mix three tablespoon of baking soda in water and soak your feet for 10 minutes. Apply a good lotion on your feet and wrap it with towel and let sit for 5-10 minutes.You will get salon like results.

Hair Protector

Mousses,serums,sprays and other hair products  makes your hair unmanageable, rough and sticky. Baking soda gently removes residue that styling products leave behind and gives you shinier, soft and manageable hair.

Mix small amount of baking soda with the your regular shampoo. Wash, rinse and condition your hair as usual. Your hair will become more clean and manageable.

Treats Acne

The antiseptic and anti-inflammatory qualities of baking soda treats the causes and reduces the symptoms of acne and other breakouts.

Mix one teaspoon of baking soda with little water to form the paste. Apply the paste on the affected area for 1 or two minutes and then rinse it off. Repeat once daily for 2 -3 days.

Insect bites and Skin Irritation

Baking soda reacts very well to insect bites. Its neutralizing properties helps you in getting rid of skin irritation and itching.

Mix one or two teaspoon of baking soda with water and form a paste. Apply that paste on the affected area. You can also rub a dry powder onto your skin.

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