Tuesday, 30 April 2013

Oily Skin

Overactivity of the oil-producing glands in the face often occurs as a result of hormonal imbalances. It commonly develops during pregnancy or when taking oral contraceptives, stress, poor diet, and using the wrong cosmetics can also contribute.
Practical Advise:
Oily skin requires gentle treatment, so avoid using soap. Try washing with a mild lotion cleanser that does not contain drying agents, Rub it onto the skin with your fingers, wipe it off with tissues, then rinse the face with cold water. Use a light moisturizer and water-based cosmetics.
Once a week, make up a face mask with 1 teaspoon of brewer's yeast and enough water or plain natural yogurt to make a paste. Apply the mask after cleansing the face, allow it to dry completely, then rinse with warm water.
Dietary:
Avoid fatty food; eat plenty of fruits, raw and cooked vegetables. Vitamin B-complex is important for healthy skin. It is found in whole-grain cereals and liver. Brewer's yeast is also an excellent source: take 1 tablespoon mixed in a drink 3 times daily. Zinc helps regulate the oil-producing glands.
Aromatherapy:
After cleansing, morning and night, dab the face with a solution made up of the following: 4 drops of essential oil of lavender with 4 drops of bergamot or lemon, well-mixed with one third cup of spring water.

Thursday, 18 April 2013

Dry-Skin

Dry skin usually occurs when the oil glands are inactive as a result of a hormonal imbalance or a nutritional deficiency. It can also be caused by exposure to harsh sun, wind, or cold, indoor heat, or air-conditioning. Crash dieting sometimes results in changes to skin condition.

Treatment
- Practical Advice
Use a moisturizer day and night to protect against water loss. Avoid using detergents on the skin. Use a lotion, not soap.
Add 2 cups of oatmeal to a lukewarm bath, and soak in it to soften the skin. Pat youself dry almost dry, and apply moisturizer to seal in the dampness. Distribute bowls of water around your home and workplace during the winter, or use a humidifier. Keep the temperature in your home as low as possible.

Dietary
Increase your intake of essential fatty acids, found in olive, sunflower or safflower oils. Increase your intake of vitamins A, D and E. Rubbing vitamin E oil on the skin will also help.

Aromatherapy
Essenial oil of geranium added to the bath, or used in a steam bath, helps balance the skin and regulate sebum secretion.

Tuesday, 2 April 2013

Some Uses Of Ginger

  • To sharpen appetite and aid digestion: Chew a sliver of fresh ginger before meals.
  • To relieve trapped gas or colicky pains: Make a tea with one quarter teaspoonful of ginger powder and sip. You can also use 1 teaspoonful of freshly grated ginger and boil for 5 mins, honey can be added before drinking ginger tea, but let it cool to drinking temperature.
  • For a fever that starts in the morning or evening with goosebumps and shivering, body ache, backache, constipation, stiff joints and a rapid pulse: Take one half teaspoonful ginger powder plus equal amounts of cumin powder(geera) and myrrh powder, steep the herbs in a cup of hot water for 10 mins before drinking. It will help induce a healing sweat to reduce temperature.
  • For Headache: Make a paste with 1 teaspoonful of ginger powder and water, apply to forehead and lie with it in place for half an hour. This can also help some types of migraines also.
  • For cough, colds, congestion, runny nose, post-nasal drip, fever with chills and heaviness in the head: Take a tea of ginger, cinnamon and fennel. Make a mixture of equal parts of these and store it in a tightly sealed jar in a cool, dark cupboard. When needed make a tea with 1 teaspoonful of the mixture in hot water, drink 2-3 times daily.

Thursday, 14 March 2013

Stresss

Being under a constant state of tension as a result of daily pressures. The stress reaction is a natural reaction to fear, and it prepares the body for "fight or flight" by tensing the muscles and constricting the blood vessels. Today the most stressful experiences we encounter  leaves the body in a state of tension that can result in a loering of immunity that makes us more susceptible to disease.
Common signs of stress include: recurrent headaches, dizziness,rashes, colds and infections: panic attacks or anxiety, palpitations: sexual problems; indigestion; aches and pains in the neck, shoulder or back; loss of appetite; compulsive eating; irritability; fatigue; tearfulness; sleep problems;lack of concentration.
There are many ways to tackle stress, and most complementary therapies will help. It is a question of finding out which is best for you. Listed are some of the methods below which are commonly used.
People who eat a diet high in whole- grain breads and cereals, fruits, and vegetables, and low in refined carbohydrates, sugar, and caffeine, show greater ability to cope with stress.
Aromatherapy: Essential oil of lavender has been shown in studies to reduce stress. Add 5-6 drops to a bath; or 2-3 drops on a handkerchief or tissue and inhale periodically.
Chinese Medicine: Acupuncture brings deep relaxation.
Massage: Massage relieves many of the physical symptoms of stress, tense muscles, aching neck, shoulders and back, and headaches. By relaxing the mucsles and improving blood circulation, it also relaxes the mind.
Exercise: Exercise is what the body instinctively wants to do under stress, and it is extremely beneficial in relaxing the mind and body. regular running, walking, cycling, swimming, or any othe aerobic exercise ideally carried out for at least 30 mins, 3 times a week.
Relaxation techniques: Yoga is very helpful and will divert your mind from stress, relax tension muscles, stretching, and teach you to breathe more completely.
Meditation takes you into a deep state of relaxation. Chanting simple phrases can also help and divert the stress response. Counseling may be a good idea, but try to avoid tranquilizers and alcohol at all costs.

Friday, 1 March 2013

Frankincense(Boswellia or Olibanum)

The essential oil of Frankincense is extracted from the Gum exuded from a small North African tree. It was highly prized in ancient times, along with myrrh which were one of the first gum incenses to be burnt in the temples of Egypt. The incense is yellowish with a balsamic, slightly spicy aroma. Franckincense is very valuable for its effectiveness on the mind, it's penetrating aroma and its ability to deepen the breathing makes it a helpful aid in meditation. It helps one to see which path to take and therefore is useful in the type of depression where a person is confused and needs to get moving. Franckincense is also used in aromatherapy for skin care and respiratory infections.
Uses: Bronchitis, Cattarh, Coughs, Laryngitis, meditation aid, skin care,(particularly dull, wrinkled or ageing skin), wounds.
Emotional: Indecision and fear of the future, dwelling on past unpleasant events.
Blends well with: Cedarwood, lavender, myrrh, neroli, sandalwood, orange, lemon, and all the spices.

Wednesday, 20 February 2013

Herbal medicines

More people are turning to natural and herbal medicines..here is one that I would reccomend.
BRAHMI: This is used especially to help benefit us in memory capacity, increase concentration and reduce stress-induced anxiety. It is used to enhance cognitive ability. Bramhi is used as a nerve tonic that enhances learning, academic performance and improves mental ability. It is used in treating several mental disorders, it also calms restlessness in children.
Available@ Radhas Healing Center.

Sunday, 10 February 2013

Jaundice

Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes are a result of an underlying liver disorder that leads to an accumulation of bile products in the body. This may be due to (hepatitis), Cirrhosis blockage of the bile duct by a stone or tumor: or the abnormal destruction of the red blood cells, which leads to the release of large quantities of red pigment into the blood.
Dietary: Eat plenty of fruits and raw vegetables, along with vegetable protein(soy, cooked dried beans, peas, whole grain cereals) Drink lemon juice and carrot juice daily. Reduce your intake of all fats, including nuts and seeds. Avoid alcohol, caffeine and smoking.
Herbs: Dandelion-root decoction is a gentle liver tonic: Put 3 teaspoons of the chopped dried root into 1 cup of water, bring to a boil, and simmer for 10 minutes: drink 3 times daily.

Please consult a physician before starting any treatment