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Homemade Hair Oil For Long and Healthy Hair

homemade hair oil

Dandruff and subsequent hair fall problems are like a plague. Despite the use of a myriad of shampoos, conditioners and serums, sometimes these problems just don’t go away. While you might be burning through your pocket to find a solution that works, have you tried making your own oil? Oiling your hair regularly is a fantastic way to keep your hair healthy and  strong. In fact, homemade hair oil works better! It’s ideal for men and women and is a one-stop solution to all your hair problems! Most importantly, it is easy to make and light on the pocket. 

How To Make Your Own Homemade Hair Oil 

We can make homemade hair oil by mixing 2 oils, one base oil which is easily available like coconut oil and the second oil is a supplement oil  that can be castor oil. You will need to add some herbs like amla, fenugreek seeds, nigella seeds, etc. This oil acts as a tonic for your hair and rids you from many hair problems like hair fall, dandruff, dry scalp, premature greying, dull and rough hair, etc.

Ingredients

  •       200g extra virgin Coconut Oil
  •       50g Castor Oil
  •       2 tbsp  Amla Pieces (Dried)
  •       1 tbsp Fenugreek Seeds (Methi Dana)
  •       1 tsp Nigella Seeds ( Kalonji)
  •       10-12  Curry leaves (Dried)
  •       8-10 Holy basil (Tulsi) leaves (Dried)
  •       8-10 Hibiscus flowers

How to Make and Use the Oil 

  1. Take an Iron pan and add coconut oil, dried amla, fenugreek seeds and nigella seeds, all types of leaves etc.
  2. Heat it for 10-12 minutes on medium flame.
  3. After some time, dried amla pieces will swell, Fenugreek seeds, nigella seeds and curry leaves too will turn black in colour.
  4. Turn the flame off and let it cool down. If possible leave it like this for a day or two.
  5. Once done, strain it. Though, I do not strain it and prefer it as it is.
  6. Mix castor oil in it and store in an airtight, wide-mouthed bottle because during winters the oil gets hard and might be difficult to remove. 
  7. Shake well before using and massage gently 2-3 times in a week with this oil.
  8. It’s better to heat it a little before applying.
  9. After massaging, give hot towel treatment to your hair for more effective results. 

Amazing Benefits of the Ingredients 

  • Coconut oil: moisturizes dry hair, adds lustre and shine to the hair and prevents hair loss and split ends.
  • Castor oil: works as a natural hair conditioner to keep hair and scalp healthy.
  • Fenugreek seeds: helps in treating scalp issues like dryness, baldness and thinning of hair.
  • Nigella Seeds: promote hair growth, give shine and lustre to hair texture and reduce premature greying of hair.
  • Tulsi and Curry leaves: help in treating dandruff and itchy scalp problems, conditions hair and stimulates hair growth. It also strengthens hair follicles.
  • Hibiscus flowers: boost hair growth, stimulate regrowth from bald patches and treat hair fall.

Anyone irrespective of gender and age can use this hair oil to improve hair health and cure hair problems.

Caution: Some hair shed is normal when you oil your hair. All these will be dead or weak hair. No need to worry. With regular massage using this magic homemade hair oil, a lot of new hair will grow, your hair fall will be controlled and texture your hair will also improve. 

Switch to regularly oiling your hair. It is essential and along with regular massage, eat a balanced diet. We hope this article on homemade hair oil helps you beat hair issues and say goodbye to stress, harsh chemicals and hair dyes! Do leave your thoughts in the comments below! 

For more topics on hair health, check out Healthy Reads or speak to an expert by subscribing for GOQii’s Personalised Health Coaching here: https://goqiiapp.page.link/bsr

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7 Simple Winter Skincare Tips For Dull and Dry Skin

winter skincare tips

With the temperatures dipping, dry winter air zaps the moisture from your skin and leaves it dry and flaky. But it doesn’t mean you have to live with dull and dry skin all through winter. A few effective winter skincare tips and a proper skincare routine can facilitate your skincare game on point even in the chilly months. Let’s discuss some very useful skin care tips to keep your skin healthy and happy in winter.

7 Simple Winter Skincare Tips 

  1. Cover Up: Winter brings along dry and itchy skin that can be annoying to deal with it but you can prevent them from stripping away your skin’s natural oils. Always wear gloves and cover your mouth and nose with a scarf or the collar of your jacket, especially if it’s  windy. You can apply Vaseline or lip balm and sunscreen of SPF – 15 to lessen direct contact between the cold air and your skin (especially your lips) as the sun’s harmful UV rays can still cause damage in winters. 
  2. Watch your Diet: Your skin texture depends not only on external treatments but also on your food intake. A proper nutritious intake helps in rejuvenating the skin from within. Sometimes, when the skin is incredibly dry, it can also be helped by whole grains, pulses, brown rice, oatmeal and sprouts. Foods containing omega 3 fatty acids like chia seeds, almonds, walnuts, fish oil and flaxseed oil help increase blood flow to the skin, thus making it smooth and supple.
  3. Make Hydration Easy: You’ve probably been told to drink plenty of water during winter, so don’t forget the ‘drinking 8 glasses of water’ rule that applies to winter as well. 
  4. High Water Content Foods: Vit. C rich fruits like guava, papaya, Amla, oranges, lemon juice, green tea, avocado and green veggies such as spinach, beetroot or carrot, broccoli soups and stews made with broth, can also help keep your body and skin from getting too dry by synthesising collagen. Collagen is the protein that holds the skin cells together, thus promoting the generation of clear skin and a fresh complexion.
  5. Moisturize & Apply Natural Butters: Moisturizing is one the pretty basic winter skincare tips. Take it a step further by selecting moisturizers or natural butters like Shea, primrose, kokum, coconut oil or ghee, and almond butter. These can be applied to the skin after showering. Treating dry lips can also be done using a few common home ingredients like aloe vera gel and honey or Vaseline.
  6. Practice Abhyanga: Abhyanga is an important aspect of Ayurveda, a treatment that involves self-massaging the skin with oil. You can use cold-pressed oils like olive oil, sesame seed oil, mustard oil, coconut oil, almond oil and castor oil, etc. that offers a great healing treatment for dry skin, bringing comfort and balance to the entire body.
  7. Avoid Hot Baths: Always use lukewarm water instead of hot water while bathing to revive natural oil from the skin. You can also use mild soaps, bath oils or a good home-cleanser just like the top of the milk cream blended with a few teaspoons of gram flour (Besan) and a pinch of turmeric powder rather than a harsh soap which can dry out the skin. 

These are some simple Winter Skincare tips to help you keep your skin moist, supple and healthy all season long. Include the easy changes above to your everyday routine to be able to feel your best! 

We hope this article helps you. Do leave your thoughts in the comments below. To read more on how to stay healthy during winters, check out Healthy Reads or speak to an expert by subscribing for GOQii’s Personalised Health Coaching here: https://goqiiapp.page.link/bsr

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The Different Uses and Benefits of Banana Peels

banana peels

Banana is one of my favourite fruits because it is delicious and rich with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals like magnesium, potassium, etc. We have all eaten bananas since childhood but have you ever realized that banana peels are also a healthy part of the fruit? Banana peels have enormous health benefits and we can use the peel in several ways to lower cholesterol, eliminate wrinkles and improve sleep. Banana Peels can even be eaten raw! That’s right! They are not only edible but good for your health and skin as well. 

How To Use Banana Peels 

  • Boil them in water for 10 minutes to make a tea
  • Put them in a  juicer with water 
  • Use them as an ingredient in chutney
  • Cook them with water and sugar to make candy
  • Blend banana peels into a fruit smoothie

Health Benefits 

  1. Whitens Teeth: Ripe banana peels are very rich in potassium, which can remove yellow stains from your teeth. To whiten your teeth, rub the inner part of the peel for 2-3 minutes on a regular basis for at least 2-3 weeks after brushing and you will see positive results! 
  2. Good for Skin: They work great for skin as they have antioxidants which remove wrinkles and nourish the skin. It also fades acne scars and hydrates the skin. Simply rub the banana peel gently on the desired areas of your face, and leave for a half-hour before washing off. 
  3. Treats Warts: No need to use harsh chemicals for treating warts. Just tap a piece of ripe banana peel over it and leave it overnight for a few days.  Isn’t it an amazing natural way to treat warts?
  4. Remove Splinters: Banana peels are rich in enzymes and these enzymes have a pulling action that draws foreign objects to the surface of the skin which makes it much easier to grab the splinter. Just apply the peel to the affected area of the skin and let it sit for 15 minutes. Then remove it gently, then remove the splinter.
  5. Good for Eyes: Banana peels are good for the eyes and lower the risk of cataract. Placing it close to your eyes helps reduce puffiness. The peel also helps to lighten up under-eye dark circles and reduces the appearance of fine lines.
  6. Lower Cholesterol: They have soluble and insoluble fiber which helps lower cholesterol, stroke and prevent cardiovascular disease and prevent cholesterol from sticking to the wall of arteries. A person who needs to lower cholesterol can include banana peel as a part of a healthy diet.
  7. Boost mood: They are packed with Serotonin that helps in making you feel good. Using banana peels continuously in the diet is a natural way to increase serotonin levels.
  8. Good Sleep: If you have sleep disorder, try banana peels as they are full of tryptophan that helps to induce  more relaxed sleep.
  9. Relieves Constipation: They are loaded with high fiber which helps keep your bowel movements regular. It has 12 percent of your daily fiber requirement which helps in good digestion.
  10. First Aid: It has antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties which gives relief from ivy rash, itching and bug bite. It is a natural way to treat migraine, helps to reduce headache by placing a frozen banana peel on the forehead and across the back of the neck.

Hopefully this article will make you think twice before throwing banana peels away! Do use this unusual knowledge and peel the benefits to good health! Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. 

For more useful information, check out Healthy Reads or speak to an expert by subscribing for GOQii’s Personalised Health Coaching here: https://goqiiapp.page.link/bsr

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5 Winter Drinks and Beverage To Keep You Warm

winter drinks

During this nice chilly winter weather, there’s nothing more warming than a hot bowl of soup or a nice healthy drink. So why not take that warm feeling to the next level with some healthy winter drinks and beverages? 

Winter is a season of abundance – abundance of holidays, festivals, love and gratitude. This abundance is extended with the availability of a variety of fresh produce and a high metabolic rate that keeps making us feel hungry. A perfect opportunity to replenish your body stores of some crucial nutrients that you might need throughout the year. This makes it even more imperative for one to opt for healthy options and make the most of it.

While hydration and drinking water or fluids is considered to be a summer thing, it is equally important to keep yourself hydrated in the winters! Winters are dry and windy, and it takes more of your body to keep your skin moist and supple. Moreover, infection rates are higher during these times and hence, it is crucial to keep up your immunity game strong. Water is a simple tool for hydration and flushing out the infectious agents from the body. However, warm fluids give an added comfort, soothing the throat, warming your insides and a very filling effect on the stomach.

5 Winter Drinks and Beverages To Keep You Warm 

1. Soup
With bountiful fresh produce, seasonal vegetables and liberty of spices and herbs, it is the most convenient time of the year to cook soups and relish a hot bowl. Gourd soups with pumpkin, bottle gourd and tomatoes; The CBT soup with carrot, beetroot and tomatoes; Dal and tomato soup that has the goodness of moong dal proteins; Lemon coriander soup; Spinach soup; Broccoli almond soup.; Mushroom soup are just a few examples from the wide array of choices for this season, as all of these vegetables are easily available during this time. It has the benefits of vitamin A from the gourds, Vitamin C from lemons, and they both help build immunity. Quercetin from tomatoes and anthocyanins from beets enhance heart health. While spinach and broccoli have the goodness of calcium and vitamin K essential in bone health. Season soups with ginger, garlic and herbs like pepper, basil and oregano; some whole spices like bay leaf, star anise. Drizzle the bowl of soup with good fat like olive oil or sesame oil and you are good for a slurpy meal. Keeps you full for long, helps in weight loss and easy on the gut. Avoid packaged and ready to eat/cook soups, they contain very little natural ingredients and are very high in sodium which causes more damage to the body than benefiting it.

2. Spiced Turmeric Lattè
Our traditional Haldi doodh got glorified recently and became the turmeric lattè, which is simply hot milk with turmeric and a dash of cinnamon and pepper powder. It is the best remedy to find relief from sore throats and respiratory diseases. Turmeric invariably has the benefits of curcumin on heart, kidneys, helps control diabetes and wards off infections. For a subtle sweetness, one can add some honey or dates pureè. Sprinkle some dry rose petals and sliced nuts over it.

3. Hot Lemon Gingeràle
Hot water infused with lemon and ginger extract and slightly sweetened with honey gives the hot comfort of the lemon ginger water, soothes the throat and has a relaxing effect on the brain. Ginger has a compound called gingerol and the antioxidants as well as vitamin C from the lemon gives your immunity a boost. A pinch of cinnamon can enhance its flavour.

4. Black or Green Tea (variant: Kashmiri kahwa)
Black or green tea with a slice of lemon can be the most comforting thing ever. Black or green tea are a great source of antioxidants of the catechin family and lemons are rich in vitamin C and limonin, all involved in maintaining the metabolic rate and good blood circulation. The heaven on earth Kashmir is also home to some of the best culinary magics, and one of them is the Kahwa. Kashmiri Kahwa is Kashmiri green tea, boiled with saffron, cardamom and almonds. This drink has the ability to warm you up in the coldest of the winters, like those of Kashmir. 

5. Kaadha
It is an age-old method of curing or preventing winter diseases with a kaadha. Kaadha is a term in Ayurvedic medicine that stands for a concoction or extract of medicinal plants and herbs. Our Indian culture is blessed with a number of spices and other food additives that are not just food but have medicinal benefits too. Indigenous adjuncts and methods of cooking are appreciated worldwide. One can create a simple and beneficial kaadha at home with the following ingredients that can be easily found in any Indian household: 

  • 5-6 tulsi leaves
  • 2-3 mint leaves
  • A small piece of dalchini (cinnamon)
  • 2-3 laung (cloves)
  • 1 elaichi (cardamom)
  • 2-3 kalimiri (black pepper pearls)
  • 1 teaspoon of sauf (fennel seeds)
  • 1 teaspoon of jeera (cumin seeds) 
  • Small piece of ginger
  • Half a lemon
  • 1 teaspoon of honey

Boil all the whole spices in 1 litre of water and let it reduce to half a litre. Then slightly cool down this water, strain it and squeeze half a lemon over it, then add the honey. Sip this water throughout the day for at least 3 times a week. It will keep away common cold, sore throat, maintains your digestive health, eliminates flatus (gas) or bloating, and helps you lose weight by speeding up metabolism.

We hope these easily available winter drinks and beverages help you have a healthy winter! For more tips on staying healthy during winter, check out Healthy Reads or speak to an expert by subscribing for GOQii’s Personalised Health Coaching here: https://goqiiapp.page.link/bsr 

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From Terminal Illness To Complete Wellness! Ananda Mukherjee Health Story

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