Monsoon Beauty fixes

Backache is commonly experienced by the middle-aged or elderly population. Improper diet, lack of physical activity, muscle tension, poor posture, arthritis, and excess physical strain can trigger this health problem. Backache can make it extremely difficult for a person to carry out his/her day-to-day activities. These Natural remedies can prove to be very helpful in reducing its impact:

Apply some ginger paste on the affected region, followed by eucalyptus oil. Ginger contains anti-inflammatory compounds which gives instant relief from back pain. Bathing with warm water that contains 15-20 drops of eucalyptus oil is also known to offer some relief from lower back pain

Boil 10 to 12 basil leaves in a cup of water until the water evaporates to half. Allow it to cool down to room temperature then add a pinch of salt to it. Drink this syrup once or twice a day if you have mild or severe back pain.

Herbal oil massage helps in muscle relaxation and gives instant relief from the pain. You can use a mixture of several herbal oils like coconut, eucalyptus, almond, sesame, mustard etc. Heat the oil until warm and massage it gently on the aching area of your back.

Honey is blessed with several healing properties. Consuming 1 tablespoon of honey with a glass of warm water every day is known to be very helpful in relieving backache. A special kind of honey named ‘Manuka’ when massaged gently on the lower back for a period of 2 to 3 weeks can also treat this problem effectively.

Eating 2 to 3 cloves of garlic every morning on an empty stomach has proven to be extremely beneficial in preventing back pain. Heat coconut oil with mustard/sesame oil on low heat. Add 8-10 cloves of garlic to it and fry the garlic until it turns brown. Now strain the oil and allow it to reach room temperature. Massage your back gently with this oil, leave it on for some time and bathe in warm water.

Turmeric is used since ages for treating various illnesses, including back pain. Prepare a paste by mixing 2 tablespoons of turmeric with 1 tablespoon of honey and 2 tablespoons of milk. Rub this paste gently on the lower back area for 5 to 8 minutes for a period of 1-2 weeks until the pain subsides.

Drinking Aloe Vera juice every day is another effective method of reducing the impact of back pain. You can also try rubbing fresh Aloe Vera gel on the lower back for instant relief from the pain.

While the temperature outside is soaring high by the day, it is extremely vital to make sure that our body is equipped to deal with this harsh weather condition. Summer is often accompanied by a plethora of health problems which can be prevented as well as treated with the right measures. Let us take a look at some of the most prominent health concerns of this season:

Heat stroke is a serious kind of hyperthermia that is triggered when the human body absorbs more heat than it can dissipate.

Remedy: When suffering from a heat stroke, it is very important to bring down the body’s temperature as soon as possible. Switch on the air conditioner or take a cold shower. Stay hydrated, avoid physical exertion and wear lose/light-shaded clothes

Prickly heat is a bacterial infection that is triggered by excess accumulation of sweat on a certain part of the skin. It mainly affects the neck & back region.

Remedy: Apply medicated talcum powder to the affected areas. Wear loose clothing and take cold showers twice a day. Keep the infected area dry & clean

Sun burn occurs when ultra-violet rays burns the skin, resulting in dark patches.

Remedy: Avoid direct exposure to sun rays especially during summers, between 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Make a paste from 6 peeled cucumber juice, 2 cups of powdered milk and 2 teaspoons of dried lavender powder. Apply this paste to the tanned skin

Heat cramps occur in the form of muscle pain/spasms and can be a result of strenuous physical activity.

Remedy: Relax your muscles and rest in a cool place. Consume electrolyte-enriched drinks. Even after the cramps subside, wait for some time before getting back to the strenuous activity in order to avoid heat exhaustion

Foot infection: Sweat and humidity often paves way for the build-up of bacteria on the feet, leading to infection during summer

Remedy: Apply a good quality anti-bacterial powder to the affected area. Make sure to scrub your feet properly while taking a shower. This will help you get rid of the bacteria

Sun tan: Tanning is body’s way of protecting the internal organs from any harm caused by exposure to the ultra violet rays. Sun tan makes the skin one shade darker.

Remedy: Prepare a mixture with 5 tablespoons of rosewater and 1 tablespoon of lime. Apply this mixture to the tanned skin before bed time and rinse it the next morning.

Heat Exhaustion symptoms include excessive sweating followed by weakness, nausea, dizziness, muscle cramps, headache and even fainting

Remedy: Just like all other heat related illnesses, this ailment also requires the recipient to make immediate efforts to cool down the body temperature. Cold shower is a must. He/she can also consume chilled non-alcoholic beverages

Rosacea is a skin condition whereby the blood vessels dilate due to direct contact with heat, leaving a reddish appearance on the skin

Prevention: Use a good quality sunscreen with SPF30+. Avoid direct sunlight

Dehydration is a physical state wherein the body almost stops sweating. Symptoms of dehydration also include muscle cramps, feeling of nausea, palpitations and light-headedness

Prevention/Remedy: Always keep water handy before you move out in the sun. If dehydration is accompanied by fever, visit your physician
Dandruff is often aggravated during summer season mainly because of the sweat that is generated and accumulated within the scalp.

Remedy: Apply hot olive/sesame oil on your scalp before bedtime. The next morning, rub little lime juice on the scalp at least an hour before bathing. Rinse your hair well.

Obesity has emerged as a universal health threat that is linked to heart diseases, diabetes, blood pressure and many serious ailments. In addition to adding a distinctive flavor to Indian food, chillies are accompanied by plenty of health benefits. Let us take a look at some of the most prominent health benefits of Chili peppers:

Minimizes Appetite

According to research studies, spicing your meals with chili peppers diminishes appetite which automatically results in less consumption of food, thereby adding less weight to the body.

Boosts Metabolism

Chillies contain a substance called ‘Capsaicin’ which is known to boost the metabolic process, reduce negative cholesterol and decrease fatty deposits in the blood stream.

Promotes healthy bone development

Chili peppers contain high amounts of calcium, which is primarily responsible for bone health. Sufficient intake of chili peppers can provide people who are allergic to dairy products with the same minerals essential to keep their teeth and bones strong.

Reduces sugar levels from the bloodstream

Studies conducted in the past have shown that after consuming meals that were prepared with chili peppers, diabetics needed lower amounts of insulin to regulate their blood sugar levels. This proves the fact that chilies are helpful for diabetes patients and overweight individuals.

Prevents inflammation and Reduces Joint pain

Owing to the presence of a substance called ‘Capsaicin’, Chili peppers are known to reduce inflammation and ease joint pain especially the ones that are associated with arthritis. Many medicated creams & lotions that contain high amounts of capsaicin appear to be extremely effective in the treatment of arthritis, back pain and other similar conditions.

Improves blood circulation

Circulation brings blood to our muscles, color to our skin, focus to our brains, and removes toxins and lactic acid. Chillies assist in thinning the bloodstream which promotes better circulation and provides optimum defense against strokes.

Promotes Digestion

For years health professionals have warned people suffering from acid reflux or stomach ulcers to stay away from spicy foods but the findings of recent research studies prove otherwise. ‘Cayenne’ in chillies play an important role in the production of hydrochloric acid which not only promotes digestion but also cuts down on gas/bloatedness and eases stomach aches associated with ulcers.