Skin is the largest organ in the body and it is responsible for shielding all the vital organs from the harshness of the outside world. So, it is very important to pamper and nourish your skin not only to enhance your appearance but also to ensure everything inside stays intact.

Though the market is flooded with several cosmetics and numerous skin treatments, the real essence of life could still be found in the simplest tricks of nature. One such blessing in disguise for the skin is salt water. It is phenomenal in closing pores, balancing oil and rejuvenating skin bringing back the glorious youthful look. Purified water and high-quality salt that’s all it takes to caresses your skin naturally.

The secret of salt water therapy has been passed on for centuries and it works wonders on the skin. Its antimicrobial and antiseptic properties help to exfoliate and cleanse the skin, treat acne, heal minor wounds, soothe pain and tackle bad odour. 

Wonders of Salt Water

Heal Wounds

It’s hard to believe something as simple as salt water solution can heal cuts and wounds. But yes that’s true; the antimicrobial and antiseptic property of salt water not only cures the wound but also leaves no scar behind. Salt water is marvelous in killing off bacteria and speeding up the healing process. 

Gently apply the salt water solution to the wound, let it soak, and clean the wound keeping the nasty infections at bay.

Treats Acne

Salt water is extremely efficient in cleaning pores, soaking excess oil, balancing oil production, and killing bacteria, all of which leads to the stubborn zits. Its anti-inflammatory properties calm the skin and prevent breakouts. 

Prepare a salt-water solution and soak a cotton pad in it. Gently dab the cotton onto the skin to get clear acne-free skin.

Relaxing Salt Bath

Unleash yourself with a relaxing salt bath after a tiring day at work. Its anti-inflammatory properties shoo away all the tiredness and pain thereby giving a fresh zeal to the body.

 Add one-third cup salt to a tub filled with warm water and enjoy the relaxing spa bathe.

Exfoliate Skin 

Regular exfoliation helps keeping off the dead skin cells adding a lively vigour to the skin.  The added minerals in the salt help in softening and restoring skin hydration. 

Combat body odour

Body odour is the result of bacteria thriving over your body sweat. Salt has antibacterial properties which help to kill and neutralize bacteria. Rub some salt water in the sweaty areas and wipe off with a clean dry cloth. Adding fragrant essential oils to it further adds an aromatic effect.

Treats Dry Skin

Saltwater hydrates the skin moisturizing it from deep within. It gives a glowing touch and rejuvenating effect on the skin instantly.

Foot Care 

Soaking your feet in a tub of hot salt water is the most efficacious and preferred way of giving a treat to the feet. It relaxes the body, heals cracked heels and removes dead skin off the feet.

Weight loss is not about starving your body and saying no to food. It’s about making smart choices and eating a healthy diet. Weight loss should be a fulfilling and pleasing journey rather than a depressing and gloomy experience.

One of the smart ways for amplifying weight loss is adding more fiber to your plates. High fiber foods are very filling, thus leaving very little appetite for other calories. Fiber further boosts the bacterial fauna in the body, supports cardiovascular health, and help support healthy blood sugar levels by slowing the absorption of sugar after a meal.

Check out some of the high fiber food that can be easily incorporated in your diet. These are easily available and simple to prepare.

HIGH FIBER FOODS:

Avocado

Avocados are rich in healthy fats that help reduce inflammation. Packed with fiber, potassium, fats, and vitamins, this mystic fruit works wonder for your weight loss regime. Satiate your hunger and reap the nutrients with an avocado a day.

Figs

Figs are a good source of fiber that keeps the system regulated and casts a positive effect on your weight loss programme. They are also a good source of several essential minerals, including magnesium, manganese, calcium, copper, and potassium, as well as vitamins, principally K and B6.

Guava

The super fruit is an excellent source of dietary fiber that aids in weight loss. It is also rich in vitamins B, C, A, and E and contains minerals such as potassium, manganese, magnesium, and phosphorus. Guava containing numerous phytochemicals is a blessing for humans’ health. 

Peach

Peach is a marvelous source of soluble and insoluble fibers. It is also a rich source of vitamins A, C, and K, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, and calcium. It not only aids in weight loss but also gives you a healthy body and glowing skin.

Gooseberries

Gooseberries are abundant in fiber. They are also ample in vitamin C and phytochemicals that help maintain optimum health.

Coconut

This fibrous one-seeded drupe is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is a natural electrolyte and is great for rehydration, weight loss, and better skin. 

Carrot

Carrots are good for your eyes as they are rich in vitamin A. They are also rich in dietary fiber, which is why you should consume them at least thrice a week. 

Flax seeds

Flax seeds are bundled with dietary fiber and fats. It is one of the richest sources of omega-3 fats that aid in reducing inflammation, fighting mood swings and preventing heart disease and diabetes. 

Almonds

Almonds are also a great source of dietary fiber and healthy fats. It also takes care of your magnesium and iron requirements. 

Raspberries & Blackberries

These berries are packed with healthy fibers. Rich in several other essential nutrients, they provide armour against many diseases.

There are several other food items that act as a rich source of fiber e.g. apples, dates, pumpkin seeds, lentils, beans, prunes, green peas, etc. Try these foods and find out what suits your taste buds most.

Being fit and getting the best body is no more a confined concept to a particular profession or passion, rather it has become a way of life for many. With the hype of six packs and bulky bodies, muscle building is gaining popularity among all.

As per experts, muscle building is all about good nutrition. Diet rich in protein, carbohydrates, and fats helps in gaining muscles. Protein provides the amino acids that are used as the building blocks of muscle. While most protein-rich sources come from animal meat, there is a wide range of plant-based foods rich in complex carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats. Here is a list of food items that the vegetarians and vegans can swear by.

1. Nuts

Nuts are a rich source of protein, calories, and calcium which makes them one of the best bodybuilding foods. Nuts particularly peanuts, almonds, cashews, and pistachios are loaded with protein, fats, and fiber, which are great energy boosters. 

2. Beans

Beans are the second-richest source of protein after meat. Beans such as kidney beans, pinto beans, etc. are exceptionally low in fat, and are loaded with proteins and fiber. Beans also contribute to muscle growth by enhancing the absorption of nutrients by the body. 

3. Legumes

Legumes are the best option for vegetarians and vegans looking for muscle building foods. They are low in fat, have no cholesterol, and are a great storehouse of protein.

4. Leafy Greens

Green leafy vegetables are brimming with optimal nutrients. Leafy greens such as kale, spinach, lettuce are loaded with calcium; folic acid; vitamins A, B, C, D, and E which are crucial in improving muscle concentration, reducing inflammation and neutralizing the harmful effects of oxidative stress. 

6. Cruciferous Vegetables

Cruciferous vegetables are abundant in proteins. Broccoli is blessed with potent antioxidant and possibly anti-inflammatory qualities which aid in reducing muscle damage and helps in muscle building.

7. Quinoa

Quinoa is the traditional go-to carbohydrate for muscle-building diets. It is a complete food for muscle growth as it is bestowed with all the 9 essential amino acids that the body cannot produce by itself. It is also rich in proteins and complex carbohydrates.

8. Seeds

Flax seeds, chia seeds, sesame seeds, and sunflower seeds are packed with essential fatty acids, proteins, and fiber. The essential fatty acids in these seeds reduce inflammation and promote the recovery of tissues. 

9. Fruits

Fruits such as bananas, cantaloupes, and apples are extremely beneficial for muscle building. Rich in carbohydrates, fiber, minerals and vitamins, fruits are pivotal in increasing lean muscle mass. 

10. Fermented Dairy Products

Fermented dairy products are wondrous for muscle building. They are rich in calories and the presence of probiotics in these foods improves digestion thereby enhancing the absorption of nutrients in the body. 

11. Protein Shakes

Whey protein shake is the magical ingredient for every bodybuilder. The combination of carbohydrates and protein reduces excessive muscle breakdown, improve protein synthesis in the body, boost up blood flow to the muscles and act a steady supply of energy.

Body odour is disturbing, irritating and a complete turn off! If people are keeping a distance from you or shouting at you for no apparent reason, then my friend it’s time to check your odour. Body odour is an embarrassment and so it’s hardly spoken about openly. But a constant pungent smell sticking up the nose not only causes irritation, but may trigger headache, nausea, anger and several other problems.

Body is the temple where the soul lives. So, it is very important to keep it clean and healthy. A clean body with mild soothing natural fragrance attracts positivity and happiness. It boosts your confidence and makes a good first impression.

The main reason for this nerve-racking situation is some nasty bacteria thriving on your skin. Here are some awesome Ayurvedic tricks that eradicate the issue from the roots.

Incredible herbs

Herbs are just a boon to mankind. Coriander, licorice, rosemary etc. are great for combating body odour. These herbs when rubbed on armpits inhibit the growth of bacteria and remove any nasty smell.

Turmeric

Turmeric is ladened with antibacterial and antifungal properties. Applying a paste of turmeric and besan on the armpits and genitals helps in removing body odour. 

Fenugreek Seeds And Fuller’s Earth

Fenugreek seeds have great antifungal and antibacterial properties, and fuller’s earth helps in controlling sweat whilst leaving a mild fragrance on your body. 

Rose Water

Roses are blessed with an alluring aroma. Rosewater cools down the body, reduces sweating and keeps you refreshed all day long.

Sandalwood

The classic smell of sandalwood soothes all. It has antiseptic, antibacterial and antifungal properties that keep the skin dry and reduces sweat. It also kills the odour causing bacteria. 

Neem Leaves

Neem leaves work wonder for the skin. Its antibacterial, antifungal and antiseptic properties kill the bacteria and make your body odour free. 

Lavender Oil

Lavender oil kills the bacteria on your skin and helps you to get rid of body odour. The amazing smell of lavender also adds a tint of enduring fragrance.

Vinegar

Vinegar is one of the best home remedies to get rid of body odour. It balances the pH value and eliminates body odour.

What else works?

Apply a paste of sandalwood and rose water to your palms, soles, and underarms.

Regular baths are the best way to remove body odour.

Regular body massages with yashtimadhu taila or chandanadi taila.

Avoid consumption of pitta aggravating foods.

Limiting alcohol and caffeinated drinks rather switch to green tea or tea prepared with coriander seeds which help.

Water is a great detoxifier and it helps to keep the body cool.

Lemon, watermelon, and sariva juice are great coolants.

A decoction prepared of triphala and yashtimadhu works wonder.

Yoga, pranayama, and meditation help in balancing the stress hormones and removing the toxic smell of your body.

Yogurt is a great probiotic that kills unwanted bacteria on the skin.

Cucumber is an excellent astringent and it reduces sweating.

Greying of hair is probably the most painful aspect of aging as you see your lustrous tress thinning and fading. However, with the stress of modern life, poor diet, pollution, dust and dirt, greying of hair is no more limited to old age. Though dying or coloring seems like the only option for grey hair, the chemical reactions create a hesitation. Dying not just deters the quality of hair but its continual application may also cause skin troubles, hair loss, and several other troubles.

Here are a few safe alternatives to address this heart-wrenching problem of grey hair.

Coffee

Coffee is one of the best natural hair dyes as it not only adds hues to the hair but also strengthens the tresses from the roots making the hair soft, smooth and shiny. 

Black Tea 

Black tea helps in combating greying of hair as it darkens the colour and add shine to the hair.

Henna

Henna is probably the most common natural dye as it not only beautifully colours the hair but also strengthens it. It is a natural conditioner that restores the pH balance of the scalp, clears impurities and fights dandruff. Its anti-fungal and antibacterial properties add life to hair. 

Potato Peel Rinse

It might come as a surprise that everyday waste like potato peels have some great benefits for delaying greying of hair. The starchy solution helps mask greys by adding pigment. 

Amla 

Amla is a rich source of vitamin C and antioxidants that help to preserve the melanin in hair follicles, thereby slowing down the greying process. Combining amla with coconut oil or almond oil offers more benefits. 

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a wondrous remedy to maintain healthy scalp and curbing greying. It helps to preserve the melanin in hair follicles.

Fenugreek Seeds

Fenugreek seeds are bestowed with many perks. Apart from delivering medicinal aid in many conditions they also work well in greying of hair. The lecithin and amino acids content of fenugreek seeds curb premature greying.

Oils For Gray Hair

Oiling of hair is the easiest and most essential technique of addressing hair troubles. Regular oiling helps keep the hair follicles healthy and prevents greying of hair. Some oils like black seed oil can also help in darkening of grey hair. Oil your tresses 2 to 3 times a week.

Kombucha 

The Kombucha mushroom is breakthrough alternative medicine for many diseases. It is hailed for as  the fountain of youth. Kombucha has a phenomenon effect in restoring the melanin in hair follicles and aiding in hair growth. It boosts the growth of healthy and strong hair. Apply Kombucha twice a week to get best results.

Onion Juice 

Onion works miraculous remedy for grey hair and thinning of hair. It is a great scalp cleaner and follicle stimulator. Onion juice has a rich content of Catalase enzyme which helps to reverse the growth of grey hair. It is recommended to follow this regime twice a week to get the best results.

The mesmerizing sight of descending snowflakes, foggy mornings, bond fires, descending leaves, nature playing its cards with festive around the corner, winter is a time to cherish. But the tenderly disguised winter winds can cause a lot of harm to our skin.

Dry – dehydrated skin, hair fall, dandruff, and chapped lips can be really stressful. Winter is the time when our skin craves for our attention and what’s better to do it the ayurvedic way!

The old sages knew the forest’s secrets and they formulated facile natural remedies from the extracts of trees, fruits, flowers, grasses and other elements. Here we share the ayurvedic techniques to armour the winter plight.

Abhyanga 

Religiously following a regime of ayurvedic massage before drenching in the morning shower releases toxins, purifies the body and improves circulation. Abhyanga enhances transdermal absorption of the healing qualities of the oil releasing stress and lending a radiant glow to the skin. 

Fight the dry scalp.

Dandruff is often an indication of dryness caused by the lack of blood flow to the scalp. Let your fingers do the magic by massaging the scalp for a few minutes every evening. This improves blood circulation in the scalp and strengthens the roots combating hair fall and dandruff.

Face masks

Face masks made from natural elements are a good way to keep the skin moisturized and glowing. Rose water, turmeric, aloe vera or amla coupled with milk and cream is generally used to prepare a simple face mask. 

Bath products

Ayurveda suggests avoiding the use of hot water and harsh chemicals in winters; as they steal essential oil and moisture from the skin. A fusion of cream, turmeric, besan and milk will keep the skin soft, supple and glowing.

Healthy eating

The way you eat is the way you look. This is so true when it comes to our skin and body. A healthy diet ladened with a variety of herbs, fruits, vegetables, and spices works like medicine. Ayurvedic herbs like triphala, amla, ashwagandha and shatavari absorb toxins and flushes them out through the natural process. 

Foot care

Foot care is very essential to avoid the pain of cracked heels. Rejuvenate the feet by soaking them in warm water with any combination of rosemary, eucalyptus, or lavender essential oils. Use a moist pumice stone to remove any dead skin and end the routine by rubbing a few drops of castor oil on the feet. 

Apart from the above, indulging in a few lifestyle adjustments that can make a whole lot of difference to your health and appearance.

• Sleeping well
• Meditating
• Practicing Yoga and exercising
• Drinking enough water
• Eating lots of veggies
• Soaking in the sun
• Applying glycerine and lime juice

Why spend a thousands for something that the nature offers for free. It does not take much to accommodate these little care tips in your daily routine but they can make you a whole new person.