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01 May, 2013

Herbal Folk Remedies with Fenugreek (Methi)!



Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.): A Herb of Therapeutic Values!
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.)  is an oldest cultivated medicinal plant native to the Mediterranean countries and across Asia. It is aromatic, astringent, carminative, expectorant, mucilagenous, galactogogue and aphrodiasiac in nature. It is high in vitamins A, D, B1, B2, B3 and contains lecithinm, minerals and proteins. Owing to its excellent medicinal properties, fenugreek is used in common folk remedies for the treatment of various health ailments. Find here some of such time-tested folk remedies with fenugreek- 



Fenugreek seeds are a Store House of Medicinal Properties!
  • To treat anemia, cook fenugreek leaves and have it with meals. A tsp of fenugreek seeds can also be taken with water to cure Anemia.
  • Take a cup of fenugreek decoction with a spoonful of honey and fresh ginger juice. This formulation acts as an excellent expectorant during Asthma.
  • Soak about 10 g of fenugreek seeds overnight and consume them on an empty stomach in the morning. Soak another 10 g of fenugreek seeds in the morning and consume them half an hour before dinner. Fiber present in fenugreek swells in the stomach and gives the feeling of satiety. It is an effective remedy for Losing weight.
  • Taking a tsp of fenugreek seeds powder with curd is said to be effective in treating vaginal discharge associated with yeast infections.
  • Consuming about 50g of fenugreek seeds daily, either with water or in diet, is said to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of Heart attacks.
  • Mix a tsp of powdered fenugreek seeds in buttermilk. Drink the mixture to relieve Abdominal pain due to Indigestion. This remedy also works well against Diarrhea .
  • Taking about 1-2 g of fenugreek twice a day is recommended to improve milk flow in Lactating mothers.
  • Consuming about 2 tsp of fenugreek seeds with a tsp of honey and lemon juice, thrice a day, is known to treat Fever.
  • One of the effective remedies against Acid reflux or Heartburn is to have a tsp of fenugreek seeds with juice or water before meals.
  • Consuming a tbsp of powdered fenugreek seeds with lukewarm water gives relief from Joint pains.
  • To get rid of Acne and Blackheads, apply a paste of fenugreek leaves over the face overnight. Rinse off after 10-15 min.
  • To remove Dandruff, mix about 3-5 g of fenugreek seeds powder in a cup of curd and to it, mix 1/2 tsp of lemon  juice. Apply the mixture on scalp for an hour and rinse off.
Fenugreek: One of the Healthiest Indian Spices !



Herbal Remedies for Vomiting!



Treat Vomiting with Herbal Remedies!

Vomiting is a biological defense mechanism, which refers to the forceful oral expulsion of stomach contents. It is multifactorial in origin and can be caused due to spinning too fast on a ride, motion sickness, certain drugs, gastroenteritis, surgery, pregnancy, disgusting sights & smells, etc. 
It includes symptoms like diarrhea, nausea, headache, and other symptoms depending on the reason causing vomiting. Other symptoms may be an elevation in the heart beat or change in the body temperature. 
In this post, learn about some effective natural herbal remedies to treat nausea and vomiting:
Drink Moderate Amounts of Water
to Cover up Loss of Body Fluids! 
  • Boil equal quantities of powdered fennel seeds and dried mint leaves in water till it remains ¼ . Take this decoction thrice daily.
  • Clove bud & fennel seeds masticated with betel leaf also provides relief from the sensation of vomiting.
  • To get relief of nausea and vomiting, one can slowly chew 1-2 cardamoms. A decoction can also be prepared by boiling cardamom with mint leaves. Add honey to taste and administer small quantities at regular intervals.
  • Prepare a mixture of ½ tsp ginger juice, 1 tsp mint juice, 1 tsp lemon juice with a tsp of honey and give to the patient for quick relief.
  • Extract juice from fresh young leaves of jamun and administer 10-20 ml of the same to the sufferer.
  • A decoction prepared by boiling equal parts of fennel and thyme seeds is beneficial for small babies in treating vomiting and indigestion.
  • Prepare a lemon drink with added sugar and rock salt. Administer it to the patient to provide him quick relief from nausea and vomiting. One may also lick a piece of lemon for instant relief. This is quite useful during the nausea associated with travelling.
  • To the freshly extracted basil juice, add equal proportions of mint and ginger juice and administer to the sufferer.
  • To control persistent vomiting, add 5-6 drops of neem leaves juice to a glass of warm milk & drink. 
  • Pound mint leaves and onion together & make a paste. Take 1-2 tsp of the paste thrice daily.
To cover up loss of body fluids during vomiting, one should drink water in moderate quantities from time to time. One should also avoid milk and milk products as vomiting makes body lactose intolerant. Steamed vegetables and vegetable soups in diet should be preferred over heavy meals. Spicy, acidic & high fat content foods can worsen the situation; therefore one should not include such foods in diet. Eating rice, oats, bananas, salads in the diet will provide relief from the symptoms.

30 April, 2013

Herbal Remedies for Hair related Problems!



Try Herbal Remedies for Hair related Problems!

Today’s chaotic lifestyle, improper diet, high stress levels and lack of exercise leads to various hair related problems such as dandruff, dry hair, graying of hair, hair fall and split ends. But don't you think that beautiful, lustrous hair equally boosts up beauty & confidence just like our healthy glowing skin? Then why do we find excuses and ignore this asset of beauty that also reflects our overall health?  Find in this article some of the simple home remedies with natural ingredients that will bring back damaged hair to life.

  • Mix almond oil and castor oil in equal amounts & warm it. Massaging the same into scalp once a week, would be a helpful remedy in case of Hair fall/ loss.
  • For softening hair, soak fuller’s earth in water overnight. Mix into it 2 tbsp of curd and a few drops of lemon juice. Apply this paste over scalp and hair, leave for an hour & wash off with water.
  • Take 3 tbsp of clarified butter and heat it. Mix into it a tsp of finely powdered almonds. Massaging the scalp with the same will strengthen hair roots and impart them a natural luster.
  • Regular massage with mustard, coconut or almond oil for 15 min twice weekly would strengthen hair. Following massage, go for a “steam-towel-wrap” for 10-15 minutes. hair massage is also beneficial in cases of hair fall.
  • For treating dandruff, soak fenugreek seeds overnight. Prepare a paste by grinding them. Now, boil neem leaves in water & strain. Add fenugreek seeds paste to the same & apply  on the scalp. Leave for 20 min and wash off with water.
  • To treat Dandruff, mix a cup of curd & a tsp of lemon juice. Apply it on scalp, leave it on for 20 min & rinse off with lukewarm water. The same formulation can be used as a natural conditioner for hair.
  • Mix a tsp of lemon juice in 2 tbsp of mustard oil & apply over the scalp. Rinse off with a mild shampoo. Follow this treatment twice a week for curing dandruff.
  • Take 3 tbsp of coconut oil and warm it lightly. To it, add a tsp of camphor & massage the scalp. This is another effective remedy for treating dandruff.
Eat Nutritious Diet for Healthy Hair
Other than these natural remedies, one must eat a balanced diet that includes green leafy vegetables, fruits, milk and milk products, sprouts and whole grains. One must not ignore maintaining hygiene and brushing hair daily with a comb with widely spaced teeth. Avoid combing hair when wet. Avoid the use of dryers, synthetic hair colors and dyes. Follow regular exercise regime and meditation to remain healthy and stress-free.