guide to indian health and beauty enchantess

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Guide to Indian health and Beauty AN E-BOOK FROM Enchantess.com Includes wonder herbs super foods beauty remedies 11

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Free e-book by Enchantess.com giving you beauty secrets from India. Subscribe and share on our website www.enchantess.com or visit us on our facebook and twitter handle 'enchantessindia'.

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Page 1: Guide to indian health and beauty enchantess

Guide to Indian healthandBeauty

AN E-BOOK FROM Enchantess.com

Includes

wonder herbssuper foodsbeauty remedies11

Page 2: Guide to indian health and beauty enchantess

Visit us at www.enchantess.com All rights reserved.

For any information, contact us at [email protected]

NOTE: This e-book is very special to us and you as our registered member are equally special. Therefore, you have full redistribution rights to this special e-book. Feel free to send a copy of this e-book to your family and friends, and let them benefit from the knowledge. The only thing is you cannot modify this e-book in any way. With Lots of Love, Team Enchantess

DISCLAIMER While attempts have been made to verify the information contained in this e-book, the author does not assume any responsibility for errors, omissions, interpretations or usage of the subject matter herein. This e-book contains the opinions and ideas of the author and is intented for informational purposes only. The author shall in no event be held liable for any loss or other damage incurred from the usage of this publication. The reader is encouraged to seek expert advice before engaging in any activity.

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ABOUT ENCHANTESS

Enchantess.com is India’s top beauty subscription program. We help our members break down the clutter existing in thebeauty industry through our unique and personlised subscription program.

You experience a completely new retail format where we matchbeauty products to your individual profile under a different theme each month and send you 4-5 beauty samples in ourattractive, re-usable and eco-friendly Bag at the convinience of your home. All this for as low as Rs.399 per month. (Imagine someone doing the ground-work for you and all you have to dois sit back and get pampered).

Not only this, we also provide you with loads of relevantinformation on what’s cool in the market, how to use the products, which brands and trends to watch out for; useful makeup & skincare tips and advice from our Experts; and lots and lots of exciting gifts and prizes. But you’ll have to keep yourself updated with us so that you don’t miss out any offer.

Register for FREE on our website and complete your profile.You can start or cancel your subscription anytime. Visit our Online Shop to buy full-sized versions of any product.

Suruchi Bamba(CEO & Founder)

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Ancient Indian Beauty• The Three Doshas• Top 11 Wonder Herbs o Amla o Ritha o Bhringraj o Triphala o Aloe Vera o Brahmi o Neem o Rose Petals o Sandalwood o Shikakai o Turmeric• Top 11 Super Foods o Lemon o Sweet Potato o Honey o Eggs o Yogurt o Dark Chcocolate o Almonds o Sprouted Seeds o Coconut Water o Strawberry o Oats

• Top 11 Beauty Remedies o Gauri o Shobana o Mandakini o Radha o Padmini o Maya o Leela o Amodini o Kamala o Mohini o Uma

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ABOUT ENCHANTESS

Enchantess.com is India’s top beauty subscription program. We help our members break down the clutter existing in thebeauty industry through our unique and personlised subscription program.

You experience a completely new retail format where we matchbeauty products to your individual profile under a different theme each month and send you 4-5 beauty samples in ourattractive, re-usable and eco-friendly Bag at the convinience of your home. All this for as low as Rs.399 per month. (Imagine someone doing the ground-work for you and all you have to dois sit back and get pampered).

Not only this, we also provide you with loads of relevantinformation on what’s cool in the market, how to use the products, which brands and trends to watch out for; useful makeup & skincare tips and advice from our Experts; and lots and lots of exciting gifts and prizes. But you’ll have to keep yourself updated with us so that you don’t miss out any offer.

Register for FREE on our website and complete your profile.You can start or cancel your subscription anytime. Visit our Online Shop to buy full-sized versions of any product.

Suruchi Bamba(CEO & Founder)

Ancient Indian beauty

eauty in ancient India was a divine and luxurious affair. Indian Goddess like Gauri, Padmini and Radha have been idolised for their beauty, not to forget Enchantresses like Mohini and Mandakini. Indian princesses had elaborate beauty and bath routines. The lustre of their skin contributed to their divine appearance.

For centuries, Indian women have depended on nature for all their needs. Their knowledge and practices were impeccable and time-tested. We have the privilege of having that knowledge alive through Ayurveda and other sciences. The ingredients they used were simple, all natural and tropical including therapeutic oils, aromatic herbs and delicious edible ingredients which were blended together to create exfoliating scrubs, enriching facial masks and stimulating body wraps.

These ingredients consisted of fruits, rose petals, nuts, milk, yogurt, honey, neem, clay, sandalwood, and most of all, Ayurvedic herbs We have all those ingredients available with us today as well - we just need to expose ourselves to the practices.

We will guide you how to use these basic ingredients in the later pages through our Top 11 Beauty Herbs and Top 11 Wonder Foods, followed by 11 stimulating Or-ganic Beauty Recipes suiting every skin and body type.

B

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The Three Doshas

eauty starts with knowing about your body. For this, we can look backwards to the ancient science of Ayurveda. According to Ayurveda, every object in the natural world is composed of three elements, also known as Doshas and it is the relative proportion of each Dosha that determines its uniqueness and differentiates it from another objects.

If the three are in equilibrium, a person is healthy and will radiate inner beauty. Imbalance means when one or more Doshas get aggravated- so to get back the balance, we need to reduce the aggravation by increasing the opposite. E.g. excessive cold (Vata) gets reduced by getting warm (Pitta). The ultimate aim of Ayurveda is to restore and maintain this balance.

We will provide you simple guidelines for recognising your Doshas and body-type, most importantly, how you can rectify them through diet and lifestyle adaptaions.

1. Vata Dosha Governs Mind and body

2. Pitta Dosha Responsible for the density and structure of our body

3. Kapha Dosha Transformation in the mind and body like digestion, metabolism of food into energy or assimilation of thoughts and ideas into actions

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Vata needs to be balanced if you have By following these tips

Dry, rough and thin skin

Poor blood circulation with cold hands and feet.

Anxious, restless and agitated feeling.

Unsettled sleep, insomnia and disturbing dreams.

Poor endurance and fatigue.

Take hot cereals, milk, soups, ghee, coconut oil, olive oil, herbal teas like camomile, basil & fennel.

Relax, meditate, use calming aromatic oils or incense like orange, geranium, lavender, basil.

Give yourself an Abhyanga massage using warm sesame oil each morning.

Avoid dry, cold foods, pungent, astringent tastes.

Avoid loud, noisy environments.

Pitta needs to be balanced if you have By following these tips

Oily skin- prone to acne, rashes and inflammation.

Excessive hunger or thirst.

Prone to anger and frustration.

Frequent eyestrain, tension or headaches.

Drink pomegranate juice, aloe vera juice.

Exercise moderately in pleasant climate.

Massage the head with coconut oil at night.

Avoid very hot, spicy or sour foods, red meat, alcohol and tobacco.

Avoid excessive fasting and don’t skip meals.

Kapha needs to be balanced if you have By following these tips

Trouble losing weight.

Asthma, bronchitis or frequent colds and flu.

Stiff, heavy, bloated and un-refreshed feeling.

Feel discomfort in cold, damp weather.

Eat salads, rice cakes, rye breads, chapattis, cornbread, pumpkin, sunflower seeds, almonds andwalnuts.

Have post-digestive tea after main meals.

Exercise vigorously each day.

Use stimulating essential oils and incense suchas pine, eucalyptus, clove, orange & basil.

Avoid heavy, oily, cold foods and reduce salt intake.

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TOP 11 Wonder Herbs

he herbs mentioned below contain some names which you might have heard otherwise but here we provide simple steps to use them in your daily routine. If not daily, then on some special occasions when you would like to feel pampered and enjoy the benefits of traditional techniques. They are not very hard to aquire and you can find them at your nearest drugstore or grocery store in powder, liquid or raw form while some big brands have also introduced capsules for the same.

1. AMLA

Amla (also known as Emblica officinalis, or Indian Gooseberry, or Amalki in Sanskrit) is a powerful herb which is mentioned in the Charak Samhita as a Rasayan- a thing that prevents ageing and promotes longevity. Just to tell you how powerful this herb is- In ancient India, it was believed that Amrit (heavenly nectar) was something that contained all rasas and could impart immortality and an Amla posses five out of these six rasas.

Amla is classified under fruits and is one of the highest natural sources of vitamin C. It can be eaten directly but can be sour to taste. Its oil has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine to treat the hair and scalp and is useful is suppressing all the three aggravated Doshas. It is said to penetrate the scalp and strengthen hair at its root, to stop and reverse abnormal hair loss and to promote stronger, healthier new growth. It also keeps us away from all diseases by boosting our immune system.

Amla softens the hair and can be made into great hair conditioner by soaking it overnight with one of the two commonly used soapnuts like Shikakai or Ritha, then boiling and straining it to be used to rinse the hair after shampooing. You will find that it prevents dandruff, stimulates hair growth and retards premature greying.

T

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2. RITHA

Ritha (also known as Sapindus marginatus or Soapnut or Aristaka in Sanskrit) is a fruit derived from the Soapnut tree and can be used as a substitute for soap. The pulp of the fruitcontains high level of saponins that act as natural foaming agents. Its powder can be used to wash sensitive skin and hair, so is a great recommendation for people with sensitive skin.

During the festival of Holi in India, people decorate each other with different colours of spring but sometimes these colours contain dyes and paints which are difficult to get rid of. Traditionally, Soapnut has been used to wash out the colours while conditioning the hair and the scalp at the same time. Indian women have concocted their own shampoos using the Soapnut as a base frequently mixing it with a medicinal combination of other ingredients such as turmeric or coconut pulp.

Ritha powder can be used in the same way as Amla powder to wash body and hair. One fruit in forty parts of water provides a hair wash which promotes the growth of hair and removes dandruff. It has to be soaked a long time before you can use it, but when it is softened and boiled in water it makes absolutely natural suds that are good not only for hair but also for washing delicate clothes and jewellery, especially for cleaning delicate pearls.

3. BHRINGRAJ

Bhringraj (also known as Eclipta prostrate or Bhringaraja in Ayurveda) is an herb used in case of hair loss, premature greying and skinallergies. It vitalizes skin and hair as it invigorates peripheral blood circulation of skin. It has an anti-inflammatory effect and may be applied on insect bites, stings, swellings and other skin diseases. The taste of the plant is sweet-sour and it contains nicotine. The plant possesses a bluish-black dye and elderly women use an herb decoction as a hair darkener.

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Bringraj can be used externally or consumed internally as a juice. In Ayurveda, it is mainly used in hair oil by making a coconut oil infusion to use as a conditioning oil treatment. Alternatively, use Bhringraj powder in combination with amla, shikakai, and neem powders for an herbal hair rinse. Bhringraj can also be added to Ayurvedic soaps, facials and body wraps.

4. TRIPHALA

Triphala means "three fruits," and is a blend of Amla, Haritaki (or Hirada), and Bibitaki (or Bhaira). It is one of the most popular Ayurvedic herbal remedies as it is something of a universal solution for a wide range of complaints as it balances the three doshas. It is said that Triphala is able to care for the internal organs of the body as a mother cares for her children. Each of the three herbal fruits of Triphala are traditional gentle detoxifiers that nourish and removes toxins from the body.

Triphala is high in vitamin C, linoleic oil, phospholipids and other important nutrients. It is rich in antioxidants that fight free radicals and has anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties. It tones and protects the heart while reducing fat and cholesterol. It is said that regular intake of triphala retards the aging process and assures a long and healthy life

Traditionally triphala is taken as a churna or powder as the taste on the tongue is important to its action. Two or three grams of the powder can be taken daily with warm water or clarified butter.

When used in masks and skin treatments, Triphala is said to rejuvenate, balance, tone and nourish the skin at the cellular level. Add it to facials, body treatments, wraps, soaps and washbags.

5. ALOE VERA

Aloe Vera (also known as Aloe Vera Barbadenis or Ghrit Kumari in Sanskrit) is a cactus-like plant with thick leaves that was originally found in North

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Africa and neighbouring countries. The Egyptians referred to it as the "plant of eternal life" and included it among the funerary gifts buried with the pharaohs. The healing benefits of aloe were also recognized by the ancient Indian, Chinese, Greeks, and Romans.

There are over 240 species of aloe, however only 3 or 4 of them have medicinal properties; the most potent one is Aloe Vera Barbadenis. It is traditionally used to heal wounds, relieve itching and swelling, and is known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and antibacterial properties. It is effective in suppressing Pitta dosha disorders and has also been shown to reduce blood sugar in diabetics. If you cut open a leaf, you will find a translucent gel that is 96% water and 4% other ingredients like vitamins A, B, C, E, calcium, amino acids for protein building, and enzymes used in the digestive system.

Aloe Vera is now widely used in facial treatments, where it is promoted as a moisturiser, hydrant and an anti-irritant. It is common practice for cosmetic companies to add sap or other derivatives from Aloe Vera to products such as makeup, tissues, moisturizers, soaps, sunscreens, incense, shaving cream, and shampoos. The best way is to use it directly from a cut-open leaf and applying it to your skin. The gel is odourless and colourless and gives a gentle, cooling effect.

6. BRAHMI

Brahmi (also known as Bacopa Monnieri or Mandukaparni in Sanskrit) is a tri-dosha to be used by any of the three doshas, and has been used for at least 3,000 years in traditional Ayurveda. Iharak Samhita, one of the oldest Ayurvedic medicine texts lists Brahmi as a healing tonic for brain, nerves, liver and digestion. "Brahmi" has been named in honor of Lord Brahma, the creator, in the trinity with Vishnu, the preserver, and Shiva, the destroyer. Obviously, it is held in great esteem in the science of Ayurveda to earn this title, and rightfully so due to its multitudinous effects on the body and mind.

The anti-aging effects of Brahmi are beneficial not only for the mind, but also for the skin. It is used for rejuvenating and nurturing the skin and its underlying con-nective tissues. It has been used to treat eczema, skin ulcers, burns, wounds and

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bruises. It increases the synthesis or collagen which is responsible for the skins elasticity and strength and aids the prevention of wrinkles.

Brahmi can be used to make an oil infusion that can be added to healing balms and salves. Add Brahmi powder to clay masks, facials and body wraps to rejuve-nate and regenerate the skin and strengthen the tissues.

7. NEEM

Neem (also known as Azadirachta indica or Arishtha in Sanskrit- meaning 'reliever of sickness') is regarded as a Twacha (skin) Rasayana in Ayurvedic literature. The roots, bark, gum, leaves, fruit, seed kernels and seed oil are all used in therapeutic preparations for both internal and topical use. Neem is nature's systemic purifier, supporting the natural cleansing mechanisms of our skin and internal organs. Neem also helps to remove toxins, purify blood and prevent damage caused by free radicals in the body by neutralizing them. Apart from being a general health promoter, it helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

The Neem bark has cool, bitter, and astringent properties. It is traditionally used to treat tiredness, Kapha-dosha imbalance. It has a purifying and clarifying effect, drawing out excess oil and smoothes out blemishes, so it is wonderful for people with Kapha (earth or water predominant) skin. It is also helpful for Pitta-related skin issues as it soothes for dry, irritated skin when combined with Aloe Vera or Rose water.

To use Neem, a paste is made by pounding the leaves. In India this paste is used to cure chicken pox, smallpox and warts. A poultice is effective for boils, ulcers and eczema. Neem twigs have been used a ‘toothbrush’ for dental care for a long time. Neem powder can be added to cosmetic clays to make a face pack or body wrap that is suitable for acne prone skin. It works well as a hair oil treatment for scalp conditions.

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8. ROSE PETALS

Rose (also known as Rosa Centifolia, or Gulab or Shatapattri in Sanskrit-meaning ‘a hundred petals’) is known for its balancing effect on female hormones, its ability to calm the mind and comfort the body. The rose enlivens inner beauty, helps the skin radiate inner glow, and enhances all seven Dhatus (body tissues). When used over time, the essence of rose pacifies the heat in the blood, thus keeping imbalances in the skin from erupting.

Rose was Lord Krishna's favourite flower and Hindus wash the alters of their Gods with Rose water. From Queen Cleopatra to most of the Persian, European and Indian Queens, everybody used rose for its wonderful healing qualities. They also found it useful in reducing extra fat from the body.

Though there are over 100 species of roses, but Rosa Centifolia is used in cosmetic purposes, from which the purest and the most exclusive rose oil is derived. Rose petals are an excellent source of vitamins A, B3, D and E. They also contain ascorbic acid, citric acid, malic acid, bioflavonoids, tannins, zinc and fructose.

Under aromatherapy, Rose oil is used in anti-depression blends as it adds a nice relaxing aroma. It is used in facial formulations, body powders, body wraps, facials, salt scrubs, milk baths, and soaps as it nourishes dry, maturing skin. Cold poultices with rose and sandalwood paste are sometimes prescribed to cool any burning and enhance beauty by cooling, moisturizing, and toning the skin. Massaging the body with rose and sandalwood sachets gives pleasure and adds to the glow and complexion of the skin. Gulkand is a tasty alternative for consuming rose internally. It is made from fresh rose petals cooked with granular sugar without water under hot sun-light through a special process. It has a jam-like consistency. It is good for memory, eyesight, cheerfulness and it is a good blood purifier. It reduces extra heat from the body and calms the body and mind. These days, rose can also be taken as Sharbat for a refreshing drink.

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9. SANDALWOOD

Sandalwood (also known as Santalum album or Chandan in Sanskrit) has a beautiful rich, woody, heavy, sensual aroma. It has been used since earliest times as incense, perfume, in embalming and cosmetics. It relieves itching, inflammation of the skin and acts as an astringent for oily skin. It is also a cooler, deodorant, disinfectant, stimulant and tonic. It balances the mind and spirit, aids in meditation, calms the nervous system, and works as an aphrodisiac, especially for men.

Sandalwood is indigenous to South India where it is found. It is interal to rituals and ceremonies, to mark religious utensils and to decorate the icons of the deities. It is also distributed to devotees, who apply it to the forehead or the neck and chest. The paste is prepared by grinding wood by hand upon granite slabs shaped for the purpose in which water is added slowly, resulting in a thick paste, which is mixed with saffron or other such pigments to make Chandan.

According to Buddhism, Sandalwood is considered to bring one closer to the divine. It gives a cool soothing effect to the body thus reducing the body heat. It is considered to be of the Padma (lotus) group and attributed to Amitabha Buddha. Sandalwood scent is believed to transform one's desires and maintain a person's alertness while in meditation. Sandalwood is also one of the more popular scents used when offering incense to the Buddha.

Sandalwood paste can be used to treat skin diseases, dry skin, premature wrinling, acne and external infections. Use sandalwood in facial blends to help balance the skin. It acts as an antiseptic against skin diseases, it removes skin blemishes providing a fairer, softer skin, and it invigorates peripheral blood circulation in the skin. It blends well with florals, bergamot, vetiver, patchouli, clove and orange oils.

10. SHIKAKAI

Shikakai (also known as Acacia Concinna) is referred to as "fruit for the hair." Shikakai is an herbal powder made from the fruit pods of the Acacia Concinna tree-which is a shrub-like tree that grows in the hot, arid plains of Southern India.

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Shikakai is extremely mild and is an excellent natural hair cleanser and astringent which also acts as a natural detangler. Used as a hair wash in lieu of soaps & shampoos, it promotes lustrous hair growth, removes dandruff and strengthens hair roots. Our scalp is made out of hair follicles, sebaceous glands, pigments and thousands of sweat glands. Good hair growth is a result of an optimal environment in the scalp and ample nourishment to its glands. Shikakai works well on both of these accounts. Astringent in nature and with a low pH, it creates a favourable pH- balanced environment in the scalp that fights dandruff and other infections. Shikakai is rich in vitamins C, vitamin D and other micronutrients. Additionally, being a mild cleanser, it doesn't strip the scalp of its natural oils.

Use Shikakai Powder as a natural hair wash for sensitive scalps or to control dandruff. In order to prepare it the fruit pods, leaves and bark of the plant are dried, ground into a powder, then made into a paste. While this traditional shampoo does not produce the normal amount of lather that a sulfate-containing shampoo would, it is considered a good cleanser.

11. TURMERIC

Turmeric root (Curcuma longa) is a wonder herb in its true sense and has been used in ancient medicine for over 2500 years as a natural anti-bacterial to treat skin infections, boils, wounds and burns. It was first used as a dye and then later for its medicinal properties. It is one of the key ingredients for many Indian, Persian and Thai dishes.

Turmeric is considered highly auspicious in India and has extensively in various Indian wedding ceremonies and religious ceremonies. It is used in Pujas to make a form of Hindu god Ganesha. Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, is invoked at the beginning of almost any ceremony and a form of been used Ganesha for this purpose is made by mixing turmeric with water and forming it into a cone-like shape.

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Turmeric is a traditional, natural skin care home remedy to cure ailments and skin problems. The main benefits of turmeric- are to cure skin problems like acne, hyper pigmentation, dark complexion, tan and fights radical damage on the skin. Turmeric paste is traditionally used by Indian women to keep them free of superfluous hair and as an antimicrobial. During wedding ceremonies, it is mixed with besan for beautifying the bride and forms part of the ‘Solah Shingar’. Turmeric is currently used in the formulation of some creams.

It has been found that the benefits of turmeric is due to its ingredients which cuts the skin melanin production and helps sun tanned skin return to its normal skin colour easily. A natural scrub mixed with besan is beneficial for the skin. The bright yellow colour of the root, however, does stain the skin. Use Turmeric Powder in skin care preparations and to achieve a bright yellow natural colour in your soaps and other formulations.

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TOP 11 Super Foods

1. LEMON

Bright as sunlight and seductively fragrant, Lemon is indispensible when it comes to the benefits it provides for beauty, health and nutrition. Lemon has four times the amount of vitamin C than oranges. Vitamin C boosts collagen levels, and the citric acid in the fruit will help your body rid itself of toxins. Lemon is rich in enzymes, sugar, and fruit acids that aid to eradicate dead cells from the skin. The beauty benefits of lemons include shiny hair, glowing skin, invigorating fragrance, as well as bleach and an astringent. It is good for dry, sensitive and parched skins, but it is extremely good for oily and blemished skin.

Lemon juice helps in digestion and aids the liver to get rid of impurities, which is very important to lose weight, and keeping off excess weight. Drink daily glass of warm lemon water mixed with honey. You'll catch the beauty benefits of lemons in numerous products, such as shampoo, conditioners, colognes, astringents, skin creams and moisturizers.

It can be used in various ways by ingesting or applying externally. • Use lemon peel powder to add fragrance to milk baths, salt scrubs, hair oil packs and facials. • Take a slice of lemon and rub it directly. The lemon will act as a great tonic for the skin, and will tone and refresh your skin immensely. Using lemon on face is the quickest way to get a natural glow.• To have strong, shiny and bright fingernails soak your fingernails in lemon juice for about 10 minutes. Then brush them properly with a nail brush dipped in a mixture of 1/2 vinegar and 1/2 warm water. In the end rinse your hands with warm water. • Add a few drops of lemon juice added to shampoos leaves the hair shinier and clean smelling. The beauty benefits of lemons make them a great addi tion to hair rinses, because lemon helps the hair shine by cutting away remaining soap film. Its high citric acid content also helps combat excessive oiliness. • Try half a lemon squeezed into a glass of cold water for a boost.

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2. SWEET POTATOES

Sweet potatoes are a yummy alternative to traditional starchy potatoes. They’re full of vitamin C which will give your skin a healthy boost in terms of collagen. They also contain beta-carotenes (fights free radicals in the body) which nourish the fat beneath the skin, plumping out fine lines and wrinkles. It is rich in fiber, iron apart from vitamin B6, C, E, magnesium, phophorus, potassium (lowers blood pressure), sodium and zinc. The fibre in Sweet potatoes is almost twice as much as other types of potatoes- this gives them a "slow burning" quality. This basically means their caloric energy is used more slowly and efficiently than a low-fiber carbohydrate. Vitamins C and E contribute to a healthy, glowing complexion and vibrant hair.

Here’s how you can use them externally:• Boil sweet potatoes and mash them. Add a bit of honey apply to your face. Let it stay for half an hour and wash off. Sweet This will provide you with a fresh looking skin.• Soak your hands and feet in the water boiled with sweet potatoes. Here are some serving tips:• Fresh sweet potatoes can be eaten raw.• Baking in water with a pinch of salt would give rich taste to them. Peel off the skin before eating.• It sweet flesh used in soups, curries and stews.• The tuber also used to prepare different kinds of baby foods.• Sweet potato chips are enjoyed as favourite snacks.

3. HONEY

Honey comes from ancient Hebrew word meaning ‘Enchant’ and it surely is an enchanting wonder food. A swarm of bees fly about 24,000 kms and visit 3 to 9 million flowers to get ½ kg honey. Honey is made up of fructose, glucose, water, pollen, enzymes and proteins. It has very little pesticides and other toxins because bees exposed to such toxins usually die before returning to the hive. Look out for darker honey as it contains more antioxidants. The antioxidants in honey are beneficial for coughs and colds and give weak immune systems a boost, while

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honey’s soothing power can suppress coughs and relieve throat pain.

Honey has an enzyme that produces hydrogen peroxide, which can disinfect the wound and keep bacteria from growing. It is said to be a natural antiseptic due to its tendency to absorb the life-sustaining moisture out of bacterial cell walls. Honey can also stimulate production of new capillaries and tissues, helping wounds to heal faster. Honey's ability to absorb and retain moisture makes it an ideal ingredient in a lot of cosmetics as it helps keep skin hydrated, leaving it soft and supple and prevents drying. It helps fight sun’s damaging UV rays. Honey can treat mild acne accruing from aggravated body heat. It also relieves indigestion, increase stamina and strengthen the heart.

Use honey Note: Honey should not be consumed internally by diabetics.• Apply honey directly on your face with face blends or in your creams, lotions, soaps, scrubs, facials, masks, body wraps, bath teas, milk baths and bath salts.• Honey and raw sugar mixed in equal proportions makes a good exfoliator. Rub it gently over wet face in circular motion and rinse.• Ancient beauties regularly applied a mixture of honey and milk to the face to keep the skin young-looking, radiant, and smooth.• For lustrous, silky, healthy hair and scalp, simply combine 1/2 cup honey and 2 tablespoons to 1/4 cup olive oil. Massage scalp with this conditioner, shampoo and rinse as usual.

4. EGGS

Eggs are one of the oldest of beauty aids. Eggs are packed full of antioxidants and loaded with essential nutrients such as proteins, Vitamin B12, iron, zinc and Omega 6 fatty acids. Not just skin, but the egg is probably one of your best friends for a head full of healthy hair as it’s also a good source for biotin (Vitamin B7) which is a great aid to fight hair loss. The white of the egg is used for toning and tightening one’s skin where as the yolk contain sulphur is great at nourishing and enriching it. Eggs have lutein, which is immensely useful to make your skin elastic and hydrated. Egg protein has an important role to play for repairing of

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tissues and tightening the skin. Proteins contained in eggs, are also helpful in improving the appearance of hair and imparting strength as well as luster.

Egg yolks are an easy, inexpensive, all-natural way for you to repair your hair and leave it healthy, beautiful, and strong. To use it-• Take egg white and whip it up till you get the foam. Apply it all over your face and neck and let it dry. In the end simply wash with lukewarm water. Instantly, you will feel the difference just in one application.• An age old facemask is egg white mixed with grounded barley and honey. It is great and very useful for all skin types.• To strengthen and repair hair, mix two egg yolks with two teaspoons of castor oil. Massage into hair, let sit, then rinse thoroughly and style as usual.• Whip eggs with white wine vinegar to form a foamy mix. Pour the mixture over your hair and rinse with cool water. Try this once a month to keep hair smooth and lustrous. 5. YOGURT

According to Ayurveda, dairy products like milk and yogurt are the basis for women's beauty and should be taken in the evening before bedtime, as this time is the most soothing and relaxing time of the day. Indian women usually flavor it with various spices such as cardamom or nutmeg. They believe that it helps them to fall asleep more quickly and has a positive effect on their skin. Just like in many other regions, sleep in India is also considered as essential thing for woman’s beauty.

Yogurt is a great source of calcium, an important mineral for hair growth. It contains whey and casein, two high-quality protein sources. Yoghurt is an excel-lent probiotic and can improve the balance of bacteria on your skin and in your gut. When the balance of bacteria on skin is improper, acne and related skin blemishes can dominate the skin. The skin can repair and heal itself from blemishes, when the balance is adequate. Yogurt, can help reduce abdominal fat and promote weight loss as it contains calcium, and calcium-rich foods have been shown to help burn fat.

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You can use it in the following ways-• Add a cup of yogurt or cottage cheese to your snack list and to help prevent hair loss, stir in a few tablespoons of flaxseed or walnuts for your required dose of omega 3 fatty acids and zinc.• The zinc in yogurt helps cool the harsh bite of sunburn. • When used regularly, yogurt has mild bleaching powers that can smooth out discoloration. Reduce blotches and age spots associated with sunburn by rubbing a few tablespoons of yogurt mixed with a squeeze of lemon juice onto skin for 30 minutes, and then rinsing off the mixture. Repeat three times a week.• For anti-ageing benefits- Add a tablespoon of olive oil to three to four table spoons of yogurt. Apply the mixture to your face for about 30 minutes, three times a week.• Blend dried orange peel to granular form. Mix it with yogurt and make your own exfoliator. Apply on to skin and gently scrub your skin in gentle circular motion.

6. DARK CHOCOLATE

Dark chocolate (chocolates with over 70% cocoa) is an indulge that you can be proud of. Chocolate comes from the bean of cacao fruit. Cacao beans have been used medicinally for thousands of years. Fresh cacao beans are super-rich in anti-oxidants (molecules that protect skin from environmental damage) containing 10,000 milligrams of flavanol antioxidants for every 100 grams of cacao. Flavanols help keep blood platelets more fluid- decreasing your risk for heart attack or stroke from a clot. In one study, flavonols even improved skin hydration, which is important for young-looking skin. The antioxidants in chocolates protect your skin from UV damage, fight free radicals and sun spots and increase the blood flow in the body.

Dark chocolate stimulates the production of endorphins-chemicals in the brain that bring on feelings of pleasure. It also contains the chemical serotonin, which acts as an anti-depressant. You might have come across cocoa butter and chocolate-based products in your daily skin regimen while many spas now offer

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chocolate body wraps and other chocolate treatments because the key ingredients in chocolate can nourish the skin with essential nutrients, detoxify, rejuvenate and also reduce inflammation.

Chocolate and cocoa are often combined with caffeine and other detoxifying ingredients to help promote circulation and soften the skin.

7. ALMONDS

Almonds were first introduced many centuries ago by Persian and Afghan traders. They were sold throughout India as a valuable source of protein in a country where many people don’t eat meat. Almonds in India are considered as “brain” food that increases thinking ability. It is a rich source of protein, fibre, vitamin E, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, calcium, magnesium and zinc. Soaking almonds in water overnight makes them softer and easier to chew. This means better digestibility, easy absorption and assimilation of nutrition in the nut.

Almonds are considered the best nut to eat for your health. It regulates cholester-ol and regular consumption of Almonds increases HDL (Good cholesterol) and reduces LDL (Bad Cholesterol. Magnesium in almonds calms down anything going haywire with your skin and body. Almonds are rich in Vitamin E which is good for beautiful skin and hair.

You can eat it throughout the day as a snack. Externally you could- • Apply Almond oil to massage your hair. It will add lustre, nourish the cuticles, promote hair growth and prevent it from breaking.• Almond oil makes the skin smooth as well. You can prepare a mixture of almond oil, honey, and lemon juice, and keep it.• Almond milk is also available, and is good for the skin, besides being a nourishing and useful substitute for people who are allergic to milk. • Use almond milk on your face to control excess oil production on your skin.• You can soak almonds for a few hours, then grind them, and use this paste with milk or rose water as an excellent face scrub to remove dirt, dead cells and other impurities. Your facial skin becomes clean, soft and radiant.

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8. SPROUTED SEEDS

Sprouted seeds are considered as the most live, pure and nutritious food imaginable. Sprouts contain hundreds of molecules of oxygen, which is essential for healthy cells. Sprouts are alkaline in nature and help your body achieve a balance with ease. They are natural sources of fibre and help you keep feeling fuller between meals.

Sprouted seeds contain 400% more protein than lettuce and over 3900% more beta-carotene. Sprouts contain a greater concentration of vitamins, minerals, proteins, enzymes, phytochemicals, antioxidants, trace minerals, bioflavonoids and chemo-protectants than they will as a mature plant. The abundant enzymes in sprouts also makes them easily digestible as their delicate cell walls easily release elemental nutrients. Sprouted seeds are cheap and easy to grow. All grains cannot be sprouted so you should use sunflower, pulses, kidney bean, gram, soybean, fenugreek, and wheat seeds.

To prepare the sprouts- Wash the grains or lentils thoroughly in water at least three to four times. Remove the bad seeds and place the good ones in a glass jar and fill it with four times water. Soak overnight, and spread on a cotton cloth, tie it nicely and keep it aside. During summer season, sprinkle cold water on the sprout bag prepared in this manner to retain the moisture. Sprouts appear the next morning. The sprouting process takes more time during winter season than summer season. Sprinkle water inside the jar also at regular intervals.

Sprouts should be taken raw as boiling, cooking or roasting destroys its nutrition value. However, it can be steam cooked. Old people, who cannot chew sprouts, should grind it and eat the paste. This will not reduce the nutritional value of sprouts. Eat it in form of a chaat mixed with onion, cucumber or add them to sandwiches, salads and stir-frys.

9. COCONUT WATER

Second to water, coconut water is the purest liquid that you can drink. Coconut water can

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only be sourced by draining the liquid from unripe coconuts.

You probably know that dehydration can lead to illness and other health disorders but what many do not know is that dehydration can also cause skin problems. If you are dehydrated, your kidney and other bodily systems have difficulty ridding your body of toxins and other harmful substances. So instead of exiting your body through your urine, this toxic build-up makes its way out of your body through your other organs – including your skin. This is one of the explanations behind the development of acne. If you suspect that you are not getting enough water daily or if you regularly work out, be sure to get plenty of coconut water that will detoxify you and replace the minerals that you lose after much physical activity.

Coconut water is rich in nutrients that can boost your metabolism by providing more oxygen to your body. This proper metabolism will also ensure proper regulation of your blood sugar. Once you incorporate coconut water into your diet, you will find that it will become easier for you to lose weight and keep the weight off. Because of its effects on blood sugar, coconut water is also a recommended drink for diabetics.

Wash your face with it or mix it with other face masks to clean and tone your skin.

10. STRAWBERRY

Strawberries are goodness of nature in heart-shaped red colour. They are packed with soluble fibre, folate, iron, potent antioxidants, vitamin C and anthocyanins making it an all-round, must-eat superfood. Soluble fiber attaches to cholesterol and helps remove it from the body, which therefore lowers your body’s cholesterol levels and reduces your risk for heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular health problems. Folate is a B vitamin that contributes to strong, healthy hair and vibrant skin. Doctors recommend that pregnant women increase their folate intake during gestation, so strawberries are an excellent food choice. Folate can help prevent osteoporosis. Antioxidants also offer another health benefit: they help fight age-related memory loss, cataracts and other eyesight problems.

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A key part of the health benefits of strawberries is this fruit’s high water content. Like many nutritious fruits, strawberries are composed of more than 75 percent water. This means that by eating strawberries, you feel fuller on a smaller amount of calories than foods with less water content.

It's a natural exfoliant that takes care of flaky dead cells on top of the skin. The salicylic acid in it makes a good combatant for acne and black heads. They are excellent to reduce any dark circles under the eyes. It also rejuvenates the skin and gives you back more of a youthful appearance. Moreover, strawberries have the effect to fight and eliminate free radicals that attack your skin. Strawberries help provide strong tissues in the skin.

There come numerous cosmetics and other products made from strawberries to make the skin glow supple and soft. But you can try your own at home-• A strawberry skin mask is made by mashing-up few strawberries to a pulp and applied to the face.• Take 3-4 ripe strawberries, 1 tablespoon fresh cream and 1 tablespoon honey. Mash the strawberries and add the cream and honey to form a thick mixure. Apply to the clean face and neck, avoiding the area around the eyes, and leave on for 10 minutes.• Or you could Just place a few strawberry slices under your eyes and relax for 10 minutes, then remove the slices and moisturize.

11. OATS

Don’t think Oats are just for breakfast- Oats make a great skin treatment as it has soothing, hypoallergenic and anti-inflammatory properties, which helps heal itchy and dry skin. They are derived from ground oats— that has the hull or husk removed. While oatmeal is about half soluble fiber, benefiting the cardiovascular system, the other half is insoluble fiber, which is extremely beneficial to the regulation of bowel movements. Insoluble fiber prevents constipation and regulates the system. Although dietary fiber is a very important element in the human body, most people don't consume enough. The recommended intake of dietary fiber is 25 grams per day. In Hindi, oats are known as "jaoo" or "jaee”.

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Oats come with an abundance of anti-oxidants which helps promote blood circu-lation, thus adding that extra glow to your face. They are high in calcium, potassi-um, magnesium, vitamin E, B vitamins, protein and more. Oats are an age-old ingredient in the relief of irritated skin. Oatmeal baths work to relieve the itch that accompanies chicken pox, poison ivy, eczema, insect bites, dry skin, and many other skin irritants.

In beauty preparations- Oats being highly absorptive in nature, help remove dirt and dead cells when used as a scrub or a mask. It contains saponins that naturally cleanse pores, and its texture makes it ideal as a gentle exfoliant. It also has mois-turizing properties thanks to its proteins and polysaccharides, and makes a won-derful natural facial mask that soothes and smoothes skin.

Mix 2 tablespoons Oats and 1 tablespoon sugar. Add a bit of honey to make a paste. Gently massage the mixture in circular motions on your face and rinse it off.

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TOP 11 Beauty Remedies

1. GAURI skin polishing

Ingredients:1 tablespoon gram/chickpea flour

¼ teaspoon of turmeric2 teaspoons of milk

few strands of saffron

Directions:

Take chcikpea flour, haldi turmeric powder and one or two strands of saffron, powder them in a little mortar and pestle, then add a teaspoon of fresh, unboiled milk and mix this powder into a paste. Apply this paste on the face and leave for about an hour. Gently wipe off mask with fingertips, and then rinse the face with lukewarm water. Turmeric is known as ‘Kanchani’ in ayurveda as it gives skin a glow of gold.

2. SHOBHANA pore tightening

Ingredients:1/2 cup yogurt

2 tsp rose water1/2 tablespoon honey

Finely grounded almond paste or sweet almond oil

Directions:

Mix the ingredients and apply to the face for 15 minutes and rinse. Almond oil is good for dry skin and it is which are very light. Honey has antibacterial and anti- inflammatory properties and has been used to treat wounds and skin problems. It is also a natural skin hydrator.

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3. MANDAKINI anti-tan blend

Ingredients:1 teaspoon poppy seeds (khuskhus)

Sandalwood paste3 Almonds

Directions:

Grind together 1 teaspoon each of poppy seeds, khuskhus, and sandalwood powder with 3 almonds. Apply the paste on the face and leave for 20 minutes. Wash off with lukewarm water. Poppy seeds and almonds are rich in oils and nutrients while sandalwood is cooling.

4. RADHA total refreshment

Ingredients:1 tablespoon yogurt

1 tablespoon multani mitti1 teaspoon crushed mint

Directions:

Mix the ingredients and apply for 15 minutes and wash off. You will instantly see an instant glow. Curd helps in making the skin soft and one can apply as it is on the face, hand, legs, whole body it will cool, soften and refresh your skin.

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5. PADMINI gentle exfoliation

Ingredients:1-2 tablespoon oatmeal

2 tablespoon buttermilk (chaas)

Directions:

Butter Milk is a great beautifier; mix one or two tablespoons oatmeal with enough butter milk to make a smooth paste apply on the face it’s a great scrub to exfoliate your skin. For open pores soak a cotton wool pad in butter milk and pat on the face. Leave the milk for about ten minutes and wash with cold water. To get rid of freckles pat on butter milk and leave to dry. For removing summer tan or dark circles around the eyes: beat together equal proportions of oatmeal, honey, white of egg, and almond oil and thoroughly massage into the face and neck, arms and legs. Wash off the pack after 20 minutes.

6. MAYA dandruff removal

Ingredients:1 cup yogurt1 egg white

3 tablespoon lemon juice

Directions:

Take an egg white and mix it with lemon juice and yogurt. Apply this to the hair roots and rub it in. Wash it off with lukewarm water after an hour. Repeat 4-5 times a month.

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7. LEELA hair rejuvenation

Ingredients:1 tablespoon shikakai powder

1 tablespoon amla powder1 tablespoon bhringraj powder

1 tablespoon aritha powder

Directions:

Add the ingredients to 1 cup boiling water. Allow the infusion to sit for 10 minutes. Then apply to your hair and leave it for 30 minutes. If you have dandruff or scalp problems, you can add 1 teaspoon of Neem Powder to this mixture. Once cooled, use this mixture to wash your hair. Rinse well with warm water.

8. AMODINI acne removal

Ingredients:1 tablespoon rose water1 tablespoon lemon juice

10 gms neem powder1 tablespoon pureed strawberries

Directions:

This mixture will pull oils from the skin and stimulate circulation. Mix well and keep it for 15-20 minutes and wash it off. Add a little Neem Powder to this recipe for acne prone skin. Rose Powder can vary in color ranging from dusty rose to beige to dark brown. It does not remain red after the roses are dried.

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9. KAMALA effective revitalization

Ingredients:½ cup ripe papaya½ cup mint leaves

½ cup green tea leaves2 teaspoon lemon juice

½ teaspoon turmeric powder

Directions:

Boil all the ingredients together with three times the quantity of water. Gently dab the liquid on the face using either a soft piece of cloth or a cotton swab. Let dry and then wash with lukewarm water. Papain, the enzyme present in the fruit, helps remove dry and dead cells on the skin.

10. MOHINI blemish free-skin

Ingredients:1 teaspoon Masoor(Whole black lentils)

1 teaspoon olive oil

Directions:

To remove freckles and keep skin clear of blemishes: Soak 1 teaspoon of masoor in water for half an hour. Grind together with 1 teaspoon of olive oil and apply on face. Keep it for 20 minutes and wash off. Follow this treatment for seven days.

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11. UMA exquisite fairness

Ingredients:Sandalwood pastePinch of saffron

2 tablespoon milk1 teaspoon honey

Directions:

Make paste of sandalwood by ribbing the sandalwood stick with a little water. Take all the ingedients and apply to the face for 30 minutes before washing it off. This helps to reduce acne, pimples, dark circles, pigmentation and leaves fairer looking skin.