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Remedies
At the first sign of cold, cough
or sore throat the following concoction never fails to work. Boil
some tulsi (basil) leaves, a few black pepper corns and cloves
(crushed) a little ginger (also crushed) in some water till
the mixture becomes dark brown. Add a little honey and sip
it piping hot. For only colds, juice of half a lemon added to this
gives quick relief. A few tulsi leaves boiled in water for
the first cup of tea in the morning, taken regularly is good
for the heart and prevents frequent colds.
Isabgol (flea seed husk) taken with some hot liquid like tea or
even water before going to bed is quite helpful. Haldi
(turmeric) boiled in milk along with figs also helps in
relieving constipation.
If there is discomfort in the stomach the immediate remedy is to
quickly boil some a/wain (organo), zeera (cumin) in water,
acid a little kala narnak (rock salt) and a few drops of
lemon.
Isabgol taken with yoghurt is good for loose motions. A banana.
(not very ripe) also helps.
To keep bowel movement smooth and to avoid a constipated stomach
eat plenty of fibre found in green leafy vegetables,
popcorn, porndge etc.
There are some food items which are worth more than their weight
in gold. For instance garlic — very useful for lowering high
blood pressure, cholesterol, acidity; also acts as a blood
purifier. Amla (Indian gooseberry) contains the highest amount of
Vitamin C and can be taken raw or in juice form or made into
chutney during season or as a morraba (sweet pickle) out of
season. Karela (bitter gourd) also contributes in keeping a check
on blood sugar. Papita (papaya) is yet another fruit with
sterling qualities; it helps to reduce cholesterol level and if
taken daily keeps the stomach in top working condition. For
lowering blood sugar nothing to beat jamun (Indian blackberry).
The fruit may be eaten during season and the seeds can be
dried and powdered together with Methi (Fenugreek) seeds and a
tea-spoon of the mixture should be taken with water before
going to bed.
As for beauty aids, you can make a moisturizer at home by mixing
equal volumes of glycerine, rose water and lemon juice. Keep
in a bottle and apply on face, arms and legs to keep the
skin soft and smooth.
For an effective face pack, mix sandalwood paste with a pinch of
turmeric powder and a few drops of lemon juice. Apply on
face for 15- 20 minutes and wash with water. Please note that
sandal paste should be freshly made at home.
For rejuvenating dry skin use gram flour mixed with fresh cream, a
pinch of turmeric powder and a few drops of lemon juice. For
oily skin use milk instead of cream.
Tomato juice, cucumber juice, orange peels can also be used for
acquiring a healthy glowing skin.
To bring sparkle to your eyes add a few drops of lemon in a glass
of water and splash your eyes with it. It might smart a little but
see the result.
For strengthening the hair roots and getting rid of dandruff rub
lemon juice into the scalp after oiling the hair. Leave it
on for 20 minutes or SO and then wash as usual.
Amlas (Indian gooseberry) are also very good for the hair. So if
you have thin or falling hair, eat a few amlas every day and
also apply them to the hair roots. Boil six amlas in a cup
of milk till soft. Remove the seeds and mash into pulp. Apply into
the hair roots and leave for 20 minutes and then wash.
These are some of the tips in the khazana. If followed correctly,
these will definitely make a difference to your health and beauty.
The author is a senior civil servant.
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