Domestic Use of Aloe Vera

Do you know the domestic uses of Aloe Vera plant? Here I am giving some useful tips to use and get benefit of it.

The Aloe Vera plant can be separated into two basic products: gel and latex. Aloe Vera gel is the leaf pulp, a thin, opaque jelly-like substance obtained from the inner portion of the leaves.

Aloe latex is bitter yellow exudates just beneath the outer skin of the leaves.

Aloe products for internal use have been “promoted” for constipation, coughs, wounds, ulcers, diabetes, cancer, headaches, arthritis, immune-system deficiencies and many other conditions. Aloe Vera gel is useful for eczema and sensitive facial skin.

The leaves closest to the roots should be used first. Peel off the green layer, get rid of the yellow latex that oozes out, then slice the transparent gel; wash repeatedly with water.

This gel can be applied directly to the affected area or blended to a liquid and then used. The gel/juice will feel more refreshing if it’s cool, so keep it in the refrigerator.

Aloe juice can add lustre to hair and heal dandruff. Before bedtime wet hair thoroughly with Aloe Vera juice and allow to dry.  Rinse thoroughly in the morning. People who suffer from hair loss can drink 30 ml of Aloe Vera juice, or take a tablespoonful of Aloe Vera gel with a pinch of cumin twice daily for one to two months.

Take 2-4g of the leaf pulp to cure menstrual pains and cramps. Consume with sugar on an empty stomach for three days prior to the expected date of menstruation.

For scrapes and abrasions, gently slide a split leaf over the area. Reapply several times. For lightening minor scars, apply Aloe Vera juice daily. It’s good for soothing and healing burns and sunburn, and lightening stretch marks.

A daily intake of 2-3 tablespoons of Aloe Vera gel will act like a general tonic and as a mild regulator of the bowels.

Dab the gel/juice on your face two to three times a day to clean pores, clear pimples and acne scars. Aloe gel is a tonic for the liver and spleen; two teaspoons of fresh gel can be taken with a pinch of turmeric.

Aloe can cause allergies. Do a patch test: apply a small amount of Aloe Vera juice on the inside of your arm before beginning therapy.

Due to its astringent property it may cause skin to dry. You can apply oil along with the Aloe to help prevent this dryness. Consult an Ayurvedic doctor before taking Aloe Vera internally.

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Indian spices that prevent cancer

8 Indian spices that prevent cancer

 

Turmeric/Curcumin: This is the king of spices when it comes to dealing with cancer diseases, besides it adding a zesty colour to our food on the platter. Turmeric contains the powerful polyphenol Curcumin that has been clinically proven to retard the growth of cancer cells causing prostrate cancer, melanoma, breast cancer, brain tumour, pancreatic cancer and leukemia amongst a host of others. Curcumin promotes 'Apoptosis'- (programmed cell death/cell suicide) that safely eliminates cancer breeding cells without posing a threat to the development of other healthy cells. In cases of conventional radiotherapy and chemotherapy, the surrounding cells too become a target in addition to the cancer cells. Therefore, the side-effects are imminent.

Fennel: Armed with phyto-nutrients and antioxidants, cancer cells have nothing but to accept defeat when the spice is fennel. 'Anethole', a major constituent of fennel resists and restricts the adhesive and invasive activities of cancer cells. It suppresses the enzymatic regulated activities behind cancer cell multiplication. A tomato-fennel soup with garlic or fresh salads with fennel bulbs make for an ideal entree prior to an elaborate course meal. Roasted fennel with parmesan can be another star pick.

    

Saffron: A natural carotenoid dicarboxylic acid called 'Crocetin' is the primary cancer-fighting element that saffron contains. It not only inhibits the progression of the disease but also decreases the size of the tumour by half, guaranteeing a complete goodbye to cancer. Though it is the most expensive spice in the world for it is derived from around 250,000 flower stigmas (saffron crocus) that make just about half a kilo, a few saffron threads come loaded with benefits you won't regret paying for. Saffron threads can be used in various ways:

  
Cumin:   Yes, it aids digestion and probably that is why we like chewing a handful of cumin seeds at the end of every meal. However, its health benefits go beyond. A portent herb with anti-oxidant characteristics, cumin seeds contain a compound called 'Thymoquinone' that checks proliferation of cells responsible for prostate cancer. So, instead of loading your usual snack options with calories and oil, add this seasoning to your bread, fried beans or sauce and make the dish rich in flavour and high on health. You can rediscover the magic of cumin in your regular bowl of tadka dal and rice too!

Cinnamon: It takes not more than a half teaspoon of cinnamon powder every day to keep cancer risk away. A natural food preservative, cinnamon is a source of iron and calcium. Useful in reducing tumour growth, it blocks the formation of new vessels in the human body. Some of the effective ways of including cinnamon in your diet are:

-Start your day with a cup of cinnamon tea (in leaf or sachet)
-Make your breakfast meal a super healthy one; just add this wonder spice to your
morning oatmeal and you are going well!
-A fruity delight comprising chopped apples, a few walnuts and your magic potion cinnamon
-Honey and cinnamon in your glass of milk before going to bed; no cancer nightmares assured!

Oregano: More than a pizza or pasta topping, oregano confirms its worth as a potential agent against prostate cancer. Consisting of anti-microbial compounds, just one teaspoon of oregano has the power of two cups of red grapes! Phyto-chemical 'Quercetin' present in oregano restricts growth of malignant cells in the body and acts like a drug against cancer-centric diseases.

 

Cayenne Pepper/Capsaicin (Chilli peppers): A promising spice with anti-cancer properties, an overdose of chilli peppers however should be restrained. Capsaicin induces the process of apoptosis that destroys potential cancer cells and reduces the size of leukaemia tumour cells considerably. It can be concluded that apart from setting our tongues on fire, chilli peppers can scare cancer pathogens off too.

Ginger: This humble spice boasts of medicinal qualities that help lowering cholesterol, boost metabolism and kill cancer cells. Easily added to vegetable dishes, fish preparations and salads, ginger enhances the flavour in cooking. Chew on fresh parsley if the odour bothers you.

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Thank you.

How to make rose water at home

How to make rose water at home

 Rose water is very good for our skin, but do you know that how can you make it?

In times when even fruits and vegetables are not spared of adulteration it is difficult to trust the authenticity of  rose water that is fiercely marketed by umpteen cosmetic brands.

Not sure how good the rose water bought off the shelves actually is? Here's an easy DIY recipe to make rose water at home. All you need is rose petals  and distilled water.

Instructions:

1. The petals must be freshly picked. Pesticides or chemicals should not be used while growing them, which is why it makes sense to use roses that you have grown yourself.

2. Pick flowers two to three hours after sunrise when the morning dew has evaporated.

3. Use only petals, not the stem and leaves.

4. Wash thoroughly to remove bugs and dirt particles.

5. Place the rose petals in a large pot of distilled water.

6. Add just enough water to cover the petals. Too much water will give you very diluted rose water.

7. Cover the pot with a lid and simmer on a low flame. The water should be steaming hot not boiling hot.

8. Allow the water to steam until the petals have lost their colour and the water has taken on the colour of the rose petals. You will see the rose oil floating on the surface.

9. Strain the water and collect in a container. Store it in a refrigerator. It will last longer this way.