Search Results for: home remedy

November 25, 2015 By Jyoti Sawant 16 Comments

Home remedies to remove dark circles under your eyes

Are you a workaholic, stressed out at work or due to other reasons and seldom sleep well at night? Then you must have also noticed dark patches under your eyes at times and wondered what are those dark patches and how can you get rid of them?

Dark circles occur when the skin under the eyes becomes discolored or dark. They are mainly caused due to insufficient sleep, genetics, stress and also aging. Dark circles can appear to both men and women, regardless of their age.

Although dark circles are not a serious problem, people find that it comes in the way of their looks. Of course the market has an abundance of expensive cosmetic products that promises to alleviate the problem but, the chemicals they contain can affect the delicate skin underneath your eyes in a negative way. In order to avoid these harsh chemical based cosmetics to cure the dark circles why don’t you try some simple and easy home remedies to get rid of those dark circles.

The causes of dark circles are:

* Lack of sleep

* Mental or physical stress

* Crying for long period of time

* Too much work on the computer

* Certain medications

Home Remedies for Dark Circles:

Tomato

Is a brilliant home remedy that can erase the dark circles under your eyes as it naturally helps in lightening the skin. Mix 1 teaspoon of tomato juice with a teaspoon of lemon juice and apply it under your eyes. After applying it, leave it on for about 10 minutes and wash it off with water. Repeat this remedy at least 2 times a day. You can also drink tomato juice mixed with some lemon juice and mint leaves in order to

D get rid of dark circles.

Cucumber

Is another home remedy that will not only help in removing the dark circles, but also acts as a soothing agent for the eyes. Cut 2 slices of a fresh cucumber and keep them in the refrigerator for a while. Then place the cucumber slices over your eyes for about 10-15 minutes. You can also mix cucumber juice and lemon juice and apply it under your eyes. It is a natural remedy that will help you get rid of dark circles.

Rose Water

Soak cotton pads in rose water and put them over your eyes and leave them there for some time. You can also use rose petals and milk to make a paste and apply it over the dark circles. Rose water is one of the best home remedies for quick removal of dark circles under the eyes as it lightens the skin and also acts as a natural soothing agent.

Potato:

Grate a raw potato, strain it and extract its juice. Soak a cotton ball in the juice and place it on your eyelids. Apply it properly so that it covers the dark area under your eyes. Leave it for about 15 minutes, and then wash it off with water. Potato is a natural bleaching agent, which makes it one of the best home remedies for reducing dark circles under the eye.

Mint leaves:

A paste made of Mint leaves and tomato juice is another good cure for dark circles. Apply this paste on the area under the eyes. This remedy will eliminate the dark patches of skin.

Orange

Who ever thought that orange juice can also do wonders to remove dark circles but it indeed does? Mix some orange juice with a few drops of glycerin and apply the mixture over the dark circles. It will diminish the dark circles and will also give a natural glow to the area around your eyes.

Turmeric Paste

Make a paste using pineapple juice and turmeric powder. Apply the paste on a regular basis to get rid of the dark circles fast.

Practice Yoga or Meditate

While, yoga and meditation can bring down the dark circles in your face, it also helps in rejuvenating our body and also brings a natural glow on your face while, at the same time, removing the dark circles under your eyes.

So instead of spending loads of money on expensive cosmetics to get rid of your dark circles try these easy home remedies and be rest assured that you will be back to looking beautiful in few days.

December 13, 2022 By Kusum Soni 3 Comments

Quick Tips to Reduce Joint Pains During Winter

Do you experience joint pains during winter? While common for some people, the exact nature of cold-induced joint pain is uncertain but we’ve noticed that the symptoms often worsen.

It could be that muscles, ligaments and joints just get stiffer with lower temperatures, as the human body will conserve more heat, more blood would be circulated to the heart and lungs. So when this happens, muscles and blood vessels in the arms, shoulders, knees and other joints will contract, leading to pain. Even muscles lose their range of motion.

Reasons for Joint Pains during Winter

The pain receptors become more sensitive during winter.
The drop in atmospheric pressure causes joint tissues to swell, building tension between joints, causing pain.
Increase in muscle spasms in colder temperatures also worsens the pain and stiffness in joints.
The cold causes fine blood capillaries in the joints and extremities, like fingers and toes, to shrink or contract, amplifying the pain.
Less sunlight during winters means lower vitamin D levels which leads to weakened bones and joints.

Remedies for Relief

Dress Warm: Keep yourselves, especially your feet warm. Wear two or three pairs of thin clothing instead of one pair of heavy warm clothes to conserve body heat.
Stay Active: Exercising is another way to get rid of all joint and muscle stiffness during winter time without overdoing it. Because this will improve blood circulation to your extremities and provide warmth and the necessary micronutrients to relieve pain.
Localized Heating: Use an electric heating pad, hot water bag or an electric blanket to keep yourself warm while resting or sleeping.
Warm baths: Swimming in a heated pool is great exercise and it soothes your joints. You can also get great relief from warm water or steam bath. Avoid piping hot water.
Vitamin D: is essential for bone health. Lack of it can cause body aches. This deficiency may be due to lack of exposure to sunlight. Spending some time under the sun is a great way to replenish Vitamin D and get rid of joint aches. Food sources for Vitamin D include fatty fish, cheese, egg yolk, milk, nuts and seeds, soya products, and legumes. To enable absorption of Vitamin D from food or sunlight, include magnesium rich foods like entire green leafy vegetables (which are abundant in winters), pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, almonds, walnuts, avocado and bananas etc.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: are anti-inflammatory and highly beneficial in reducing inflammation in joints. So include avocados, flaxseeds, walnuts and fish in your diet. You’ll also find good omega-3 in flax seeds, walnuts, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds as well.

A Quick Home Remedy

A mixture of turmeric, fenugreek/methi seeds and ginger has a positive impact on reducing joint pains and arthritis because of the anti-inflammatory properties.

Ingredients

Ginger powder – 20 gm
Methi seeds – 50 gm
Turmeric powder – 50 gm

How to have: Take half or one tablespoon in the morning, preferably on an empty stomach for wonderful results.

Enjoy winter while following the above tips, for joint pains during winter. If you face extreme discomfort in your joints, do consult a doctor for Bone and Joint health.

For more tips and remedies for winter, check out Healthy Reads or ask a GOQii Coach by subscribing for Personalised Health Coaching here: https://goqiiapp.page.link/bsr

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May 26, 2022 By Madhu Soni Leave a Comment

6 Foods That Help Reduce Acid Reflux

Ever felt that burning sensation in your chest after a big meal or when you eat after a long gap? That feeling is known as acid reflux. Acid reflux is a condition where the acid content of the stomach flows up to the esophagus and pushes the food out from the mouth.

This is often called a heartburn but has nothing to do with the heart. One of the major reasons for this condition is a weak lower esophageal sphincter – which acts like a valve to prevent the food in the stomach from going back to the food pipe. Besides this, other factors contributing are excessive caffeine intakes, erratic meal patterns, eating in large portions, excessive junk food, sleeping immediately after meals and obesity, etc.

How Can You Reduce Acid Reflux?

Modifying our diet is the easiest way to reduce acid reflux. Try these simple and easily available foods from your kitchen to get some relief.

1. Fruits
Alkaline food will help to reduce the backflow of acid and fruits are the best example. Fruits like bananas, watermelon, pomegranate and cantaloupe help to neutralize the acid content and numb the effects of reflux. Banana is a natural antacid. The high fiber content of fruits helps to improve the digestion and ward off indigestion.

2. Herbal tea
Herbal tea with ginger, licorice, mint and Tulsi [Holy Basil] helps to curb acidity. Ginger has anti inflammatory properties and along with Mint leaves, stimulates the digestive system to produce more bile for better digestion. Ginger has the capability to destroy the acidity triggering pylori bacteria. Licorice is said to increase the mucus lining on the esophagus and thus have a calm effect on the stomach. Tulsi leaves are a natural cure for acidity and burning sensation in the stomach.

3. Curd & Buttermilk
Curd is a probiotic which help in digestion and has a soothing effect on the stomach. It keeps discomfort at bay. Being a good source of protein it helps digest the food and boost the immune system.

Cold buttermilk is a good antidote for acidity. The good bacteria in buttermilk helps in digesting the food well and prevents bloating and gas formation which eventually leads to acid reflux. Adding a pinch of jeera powder and pepper makes it more beneficial.

4. Coconut Water
One of the lesser known reasons for acid reflux is less intake of water. Sipping on coconut water is a great way to stay hydrated. Coconut water is rich in potassium which regulates the pH balance crucial for acid reflux. Having coconut water daily helps to reduce bloating drastically.

5. Aloe Vera
The antibacterial compounds of Aloe Vera fight the bad bacteria in the digestive system which cause bloating and belching. The bad bacteria present not only weaken the digestive system but also reduces the digestion ability of the body. Aloe Vera juice and gels work very well on acid reflux condition. Aloe Vera soft gel and powder can also be tried.

6. Lemon Water
Although lemons are acidic in nature, they have an alkaline effect on the stomach and help in neutralizing the acid and thus reduce acid reflux. For better results, replace the sugar with rock salt in the lemon water and feel instant relief. Lemons are rich in Vitamin C, which help fight infection and boost immunity.

Was this article helpful? Do you have your own home remedy? Want to know more? Drop us your thoughts and queries in the comments below!

For more tips on how to reduce acid reflux, check out Healthy Reads or ask a GOQii Coach by subscribing for personalized health coaching here: https://goqiiapp.page.link/bsr

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December 15, 2021 By Saba Mirza 1 Comment

Tea is for Therapy

When you hear someone say tea, you are bound to picture that wonderful, aromatic concoction made from milk, sugar and tea leaves. Have you ever felt a slight amount of guilt for loving this enchanting drink when the rest of the world is telling you it is unhealthy? Tea has evolved so much over the centuries from the first time when it came to India, that its original shape and taste is only restricted to additives and the harmful effects of the additives are attributed to tea.

Does it feel like we’ve forgotten the true meaning to tea, which as per Merriam Webster dictionary is – “an aromatic drink, prepared by soaking the part of various plants (such as leaves or roots) and is used medicinally or as a beverage!’’

Here I am enlisting a few authentic teas which have some magical benefits on your health!

1. Wake Up Call Tulsi Tea
Tulsi or holy basil is one of the most sacred herbs in India, also known as “queen of herbs”. Chewing on a few Tulsi leaves is beneficial for you! Imagine sipping on hot Tulsi tea in the morning! The antioxidants in Tulsi Tea clean your body off all the accumulated toxins after the wear and tear which happens during deep sleep.

Its metabolism booster effect helps in optimizing your fasting blood sugar levels while anti-cortisol action is great to reduce the levels of stress hormones in the body, making you ready to welcome the day with a super refreshed and rejuvenated mind!

How to Brew: Take a cup of water in a saucepan. Add 2-3 Tulsi leaves and bring it to a boil till the water absorbs its colour and flavor. After about 2-3 minutes, strain the tea and sip it hot! You can add honey and lemon for more added flavor and nutrients.

2. Mid-Morning Green Tea
Known as one of the world’s healthiest drinks, we are aware of the numerous health benefits of green tea and how it boosts the metabolic process. But do you know that there are some specific times in a day when green tea can do more harm than benefits? For example, drinking green tea early morning on an empty stomach can increase the acidic environment in the gut or very close to the meals, when the tannins present in it can hamper the absorption of essential nutrients like iron, calcium, proteins from the food. An ideal time to drink this elixir is mid-morning, around 2 hours after your breakfast or 2 hours after lunch.

The natural antioxidants, catechins, which make about 30% of green teas’ nutrient content protect the body from cell damage, and prevent the occurrence of a variety of cancers and degenerative nerve cell disorders like Alzheimer’s.

How to Brew: Pour hot water over loose tea leaves or teabag. Let it steep for 3-5 minutes. Three minutes for mild flavor, five minutes for a robust full flavour as per your taste.

3. Afternoon Black Tea
Afternoon, around 1-2 hours after lunch is the time when we crave for tea the most. The feelings of dizziness, lethargy, sleepiness, heavy headedness all attack the body together and the need for an instant stimulant is unavoidable. At that time, ditch the harmful additives altogether (milk, sugar) and go for pure, super brain stimulant black tea. L-theanine, the amino acid present in tea increases alpha activity in the brain, resulting in relaxation, better focus and alertness. Black tea is also found to have positive effects on heart health by reducing the levels of LDL – the bad cholesterol when taken consistently.

How to Brew: Pour hot water over a tea bag or boil 2-3g of tea leaves with one cup of water. Let it steep for 3-5 minutes, depending on the flavour you prefer. Strain it and sip to enjoy the rush of energy!

4. Before bed Chamomile Tea
This is one of the best non-caffeinated drink which you can have at bedtime. Chamomile is a herb which comes from the daisy-like flowers of the Asteraceae family which have been used for centuries to reduce inflammation, anxiety and treat insomnia. The best time to relish this naturally sweet tea is 30 minutes before bedtime, as the antioxidant ‘epigenin’ present in it binds to benzodiazepine receptors in the brain that may decrease anxiety and cause mild sleepiness. Some studies have found it effective in positively reducing the anxiety during the postpartum period.

How to Brew: Pour hot water over tea bag or infuser. Let it steep for 3-5 minutes. Add in the flavour of your choice like lemon or mint leaves if needed and enjoy the calmness.

Tea For Home Remedies

Let’s see some age old remedial teas from our grandma’s kitchen!

1. Lemon Honey Tea for Cold and Sore Throat
It is one of the most popular drinks, especially in winters, which instantly soothes a sore throat and reduces congestion. Lemon helps in reducing congestion because of its anti-inflammatory action, while honey helps in soothing the throat.

How to Brew: Add the juice of half a lemon and one teaspoon of organic honey to one cup of hot or warm water and drink instantly!

2. Ginger Tea for Nausea
The active components present in ginger i.e. Gingerol and volatile oils have been found to be effective in reducing nausea caused by pregnancy, chemotherapy or post-surgery. It can also help in calming down the symptoms of motion sickness like dizziness, vomiting and cold sweats.

How to Brew: Add 3-4 slices of peeled, raw ginger in one and half cup of water and let it boil on medium heat for 10-20 minutes, depending on how strong you want it. Remove from heat and add in lemon and honey as per your taste.

3. Peppermint Tea for Bloating
Peppermint is one of the most widely used herbal tea all over the world as a home remedy for various health conditions. It is sometimes known as ‘stomach healer’, as it is known to soothe various gastrointestinal ailments, including stomachache, heartburns, bloating, indigestion and diarrhoea and to promote healthy digestion. It is particularly effective after a meal if you experience heartburn or at the onset of stomach problems.

How to Brew: Add fresh (preferably) or dried peppermint leaves to boiling water. Steep it for 5-10 minutes. Strain the leaves, drink it warm and not scalding hot.

Did you find this article helpful? Try some of these and share your experience with us in the comments below. For more on tea, check out Healthy Reads. You can also buy our select teas, curated by experts from the GOQii Health Store within the GOQii App. Download the app now!

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