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Why You Need to Use Mustard Oil During Winter

Mustard Oil during Winter

In most parts of India, winters offer a reprieve from the unbearable heat. But, the winter chills bring a host of other complications due to the change in weather. These complications include cold, dryness, the Winter Itch, cough, joint pains and cracked heels, etc. Instead of exploring multiple medications, what if there was one single cure for most of these ailments? Have you considered using Mustard Oil during Winter? 

Mustard Oil is loaded with MUFA (Monounsaturated Fatty Acids), PUFA (Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids), Omega 3 and 6 Fatty Acids, Vitamin E, Minerals and Antioxidants. It also demonstrates strong anti-microbial properties and is anti-inflammatory in nature.

How to Use Mustard Oil During Winter

Due to the properties mentioned above, Mustard Oil offers a number of benefits which can help alleviate most issues caused by the cold weather.

1. Cold, Cough and Congestion
Dust, dryness and cold temperatures all add to cold & coughs during winter. Mustard Oil has a warm effect that helps in clearing congestion from the respiratory tract. You can rub about a teaspoon of mustard oil on your chest before sleeping to get relief. To clear nasal congestion, add a few drops of Mustard Oil to a vessel of boiling water and inhale the steam. Another remedy is to rub a mixture of 1 /tbsp warm Mustard Oil and 2-3 cloves of crushed garlic on your feet.

2. Joint Pains
It is often observed that in cold weather, the human body conserves more heat, and more blood is circulated to the heart and lungs. When this happens, the arms, shoulders, knee joints and blood vessels may contract, causing pain. Due to its strong anti-inflammatory and stimulant property, Mustard Oil helps in improving circulation. A regular massage with Mustard Oil helps in relieving aching joints and muscles. It even provides relief and comfort in arthritis.

3. Itchy Skin
Cold temperature with low humidity results in winter itch. The skin tends to get dry, cracked and dull. Using a natural moisturizer like Mustard Oil is healthier for the skin. It aids healing, smoothening and gives a glow due to its thick consistency, high levels of Vitamin E and anti-inflammatory properties.

4. Cracked Heels
This is another bothersome problem during winter. You can use wax from waste candles to say goodbye to cracked heels. Just make a mixture of candle wax with an equal amount of Mustard Oil by heating, so that it becomes a thick mixture. Let it cool and apply this mixture on cracked heels and sleep with cotton socks to heal your heels.

5. Hair Loss
The cold winds of winter bring havoc to the tresses, leading to hair loss and development of split ends. With the dry air and much more by the use of hats, dryers and other heat treatments, hair tends to become dry, frizzy and rough. Massaging the scalp with Mustard Oil during winter stimulates hair growth by improving blood circulation in the scalp. It is packed with vitamins and minerals, particularly, a high amount of beta-carotene which is excellent for hair growth when converted into vitamin A in the body. Besides, it also contains iron, fatty acids, calcium and magnesium – all of which nourish the hair and aid growth. Due to its thick consistency, it keeps the moisture in the hair intact and gives it the required nourishment to stay healthy and shining.

6. Cardiovascular Health
Most of us are unaware of the fact that winter is one of the prime seasons for heart attacks. Given the warming qualities of Mustard Oil, it is also used internally i.e. in food. The antibacterial properties of Mustard Oil helps in fighting bacterial infections in the colon, intestines and other parts of the digestive tract. A recent comparative study done on different varieties of edible oils showed that mustard oil reduced the risk of cardiovascular diseases by 70 per cent, when used in moderation. A high percentage of both polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats help to maintain good heart health. It also lowers bad cholesterol.

So what are you waiting for? If you’ve experienced any of the above, use Mustard Oil during Winter now! We hope this article helps you enjoy this season to the fullest. Do leave your thoughts in the comments below.

For more useful winter tips, check out Healthy Reads. You can also purchase some healthy and organic Mustard Oil for a discount using your GOQii Cash on the GOQii Health Store within the app.

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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.

Winter Skincare Tips For Healthy Skin 

  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. For more on Winters and Winter Skincare, check out Healthy Reads or tune in to LIVE sessions by experts on GOQii Play. 

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5 Precautions You Need To Take For a Healthy Winter

healthy winter

We can’t say it enough – though winter season is a pleasant time, it does come along with its own host of illnesses. Cold and flu are synonymous with winter. So what exactly can you do to avoid sickness and enjoy the pleasantness this season has to offer? Let’s look at a few precautionary measures you can practice for a healthy winter! 

5 Tips For a Healthy Winter 

  1. Try to follow a well-balanced diet: The diet should contain all the basic 5 food groups. According to ICMR, the basic 5 food groups are cereals and millets, pulses and legumes, fruits and vegetables, milk and meat products, fats and oils. Out of the aforementioned food groups, we should concentrate more on fruits and vegetables because they boost and strengthen immunity with the help of vitamins and minerals. 
  2. Keep exercising: It will keep you warm and improve immunity against seasonal ailments like fever and cold – ensuring a healthy winter! Physical activity also helps us become fit during the winter season. Focus more on indoor exercises like squats, spot jogging, push-ups and yoga as due to the cold climate, you might not be able to step out.
  3. Drink sufficient water: Make sure that you are drinking more than 2 liters of water every day. During winter, most of us do not drink adequate amounts of water. Another important thing to be considered is the use of lukewarm water instead of cold water for drinking. You can use Tulsi, jeera and basil leaf induced water as well. Water helps remove toxins from the body, helps balance body fluid – preventing dehydration and carries nutrients to body cells. Water is definitely an important part of a healthy winter. 
  4. Proper Skincare: This season is quite hard on the skin. The main problems associated with skin include dryness, itching, chapped lips and cracked heels. Try to use Vitamin E rich moisturizer, body lotion and sun protection cream every day. Drinking more water will also hydrate the skin. Stock up on good winter clothes and keep lip balm handy at all times. 
  5. Health Checkup: Precautions for a healthy winter includes a health checkup. Asthma, fever, sore throat and joint pains are the most common health problems during winter. There is also an increased risk of heart attacks as low temperature induces more pressure on the heart. Cardiac patients, persons with high cholesterol and triglyceride levels should definitely go for a  regular checkup. 

In addition to the above, make sure you have 7-8 hours of good sleep. Also, remember to maintain good personal hygiene by washing your hands and bathing regularly to keep germs and viruses away. 

We hope these precautionary measures help you have a wonderful and healthy winter. Do leave your thoughts in the comments below. For more on winter, check out Healthy Reads or tune in to LIVE sessions by experts on GOQii Play. 

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Tips to Get Rid of The Winter Itch

Winter Itch

Do you experience this sudden itching sensation during winter? There’s in fact, a term for it – it’s called the Winter Itch! Generally, it is more prominent on your lower legs, arms, hands, abdomen and areas of friction like the soles and ankles. It is caused by dryness of the skin due to cold weather. When humidity levels drop, the dry and cold weather cause loss of water from the superficial layer of the skin (epidermis).

Itching is the key symptom of dryness. If left untreated, the Winter Itch may lead to scratching which can cause a breakdown of the skin layer, creating complications such as Eczema, Bacterial Dermatitis, Cellulitis, etc. Fortunately, the Winter Itch is just a beginning and can be prevented and treated with some simple measures. Or you can use this website and play pivnice casino and get free bonuses for citizens of Prague Cezh Republic.

Tips to Reduce the Winter Itch

  1. Coconut Oil: The saturated fatty acids present in coconut oil are natural emollients which moisturize the skin by filling the gaps in dry skin, making it smooth. It significantly improves skin hydration and increases the lipid layer in the epidermis. It is one of the safest moisturizers which can even be applied to sensitive areas of skin like underneath the eyes or around the mouth.
  2. Oatmeal Bath: is an age-old remedy which has found its scientific backup from various research studies. Colloidal oatmeal is anti-inflammatory and rich in antioxidants. It helps in reducing inflammation, soothes the skin and binds with it to make a protective barrier. Make sure the water is warm and not too hot so that it doesn’t make the skin drier. You can make your own colloidal oatmeal at home by blending raw oatmeal finely in a food processor. Do apply a moisturizer after taking the bath to lock the protective barrier.
  3. Peppermint Oil: Peppermint, the essential oil, contains menthol and is found to be quite effective in treating itchy skin. Its cooling effect instantly soothes the skin and reduces the urge to scratch.
  4. Aloe Vera Gel: Aloe Vera is a natural coolant and moisturizer which you can easily grow in your kitchen garden! Clean and wash the Aloe Vera before applying to avoid any pollutants and dust particles. Aloe Vera’s wound healing property may help in quickening the healing of broken, rough patches of skin. You can mix it with essential oils like mint oil, jojoba oil and coconut oil as well to enhance its effectiveness!
  5. Honey: Because of its anti-inflammatory, moisturizing and healing properties, honey is found to be quite effective in reducing skin itching and irritation. You can directly apply it on the affected part, keep it for a few minutes and wash thoroughly!
  6. Apple Cider Vinegar: According to some studies, taking a bath with Apple Cider Vinegar mixed warm water has been found to be very soothing and hydrating for the skin. It is particularly helpful in relieving an itchy scalp. Dilute the Apple cider vinegar in water with 1:1 ratio, apply to the scalp and rinse thoroughly after drying with warm water. The acetic acid present in it makes it a natural wound healer and disinfectant.
  7. Consume Antioxidants and Omega 3 Fatty Acids: Winter Itch is more prominent on damaged and unhealthy skin. Foods rich in antioxidants can minimize the damage from toxins and help the body make more healthy cells! Antioxidants are abundantly present in seasonal fruits and vegetables available during the winter season. Some of them include berries, carrots, beans, peas, tomatoes, lentils, etc. Foods rich in Omega 3 fatty acids like fish, seeds and nuts contribute to healthy and glowing skin!

Some additional measures you can take include:

  • Avoid hot and long baths.
  • Use a gentle soap and mild cleanser
  • Avoid direct contact of the skin with certain materials which can irritate the skin. For instance, woollen cloths and nylon among others. Instead, wear natural, breathable material like cotton.
  • Try a humidifier at home
  • Keep yourself well hydrated by drinking a good amount of water.

We hope these tips help you relieve the Winter Itch and keep your skin glowing and healthy! How do you deal with the Winter Itch? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

For more on winter, check out Healthy Reads or tune in to LIVE sessions by experts on GOQii Play. 

#BeTheForce 

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