DurgaSravanthi's Blog

Home Remedies to Reduce Appearance of Skin Pores

sravazdurga — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 02:31:21 +0000

Home Remedies to Reduce Appearance of Skin Pores

Large skin pores are usually genetic and are inherited from family members but the other cause of them is oily skin which causes the skin pores appear open and large because of excess sebum production. Nothing much can be done for them but certain things can reduce the size of the pores temporarily.

Large pores should always be kept clean so that there is no dirt and oil left inside the pores to cause pimples, acnes and black heads. One can use gentle facial scrubbers and face packs to tone up the size of the pores. Certain creams have specific ingredients in them to reduce the size of the skin pores LO’REAL PARIS has few creams in their cosmetic range which promises to reduce the size of the pores of the skin. Cleaning too helps in dealing with the situation. Some home made scrubs and packs are good enough in reducing the appearance of the size of the big and opened skin pores.

* Tomato has toning agents in it. If tomato juice has been applied on the skin regularly with a cotton ball and left for 20 minutes, helps in reducing the size of the pores. It shrinks the pores and makes them appear visibly smaller. You can add tomato juice to calamine powder or sandalwood powder, which are good to tone up the skin, which helps in even reducing the size of the pores. These packs help skin to reduce the sebum production and it helps in decreasing the size of the pores.
* Mashed papaya applied on the skin helps in toning the pores. You can directly apply a mashes papaya on your skin or can put it over a gauge. You need to wash it off with lukewarm water.
* White portion of the egg has skin toning and complexion enhancing ingredients. Whipped egg yolk applied on the skin with a few drops of lemon juice, improves the tone of the skin and reduces the pore size. This pack is extremely good for Middle Ages women.
* Honey is equally good to tone up the pores and reduce the oiliness from the skin. It can be applied in any of the facemask or can be directly applied on the skin with a little lemon juice and sugar to it. You can massage it on face and leave it for few minutes. Then rinse it off with lukewarm water. Honey added to milk powder too helps if applied on the skin.
* A paste made of salt and butter is helpful in reducing pore size if applied on them.
* Regularly use toner on your skin with a cotton ball. To some extent it helps in temporary reducing the size of the pores.
* Oatmeal and gram flour are good toning substance. You can add a little lemon juice, rose water and curd to them and apply on the skin. Wash this pack off when it dries. It tones the pores and enhances the complexion.
* If you have breakouts on your skin then avoid using lemon juice or any such thing on your skin without a doctor’s knowledge. Calamine powder and sandalwood powder are safe to be applied on the pimples or acnes.
* Always remove make up while going to bed. Never sleep with your make up on. Let the skin breath. Heavy make up left on the skin for long hours too increase the size of the pores.
* If you do wax your face, you have more chances to get open pores so always be careful while doing it. Always make sure that you apply a soothing face pack based on calamine or sandalwood on your face after waxing it to close the pores.
* You can rub an ice cube on your skin wrapped in a cotton cloth on your face to temporary reduce the size of the pores. Ice shrinks the size of the pores and it’s a good way to make the pores appear smaller if you are going somewhere out as it even decreases the oil production on the skin for sometime.

If you regularly concentrate to care about the skin and make efforts to reduce the size of the pores, it’s not impossible to get the results. If not permanently, but you can temporarily reduce the size of the pores and can help in increasing further in the size. Applying toner, tightening facemasks and using toning creams too helps in decreasing the problem to some extent. Though one cannot cure this problem permanently, one can at least prevent the pores from becoming bigger. Keep the skin clean, don’t use oily make up products and eat healthy food to keep the skin beautiful and young. Natural ingredients are anyways cost effective and very helpful in treating any of the skin problems.

How to Find Ayurvedic Treatments to Acidity,Hyperacidity or Heartburn

sravazdurga — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 09:50:49 +0000

What are the symptoms of GERD?
The four major symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease are:
* Heartburn, which is an uncomfortable rising, burning sensation behind the breastbone.
* Regurgitation of gastric acid or stomach contents into the mouth.
* Difficult and/or painful swallowing.
* Chest pain.

Instructions

Acid Reflux or GERD
GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) is when the valve between the esophagus and stomach becomes weak. Normally this valve opens to allow food in and then it shuts tightly. With GERD the valve stays open, allowing stomach acids to flow back up into the esophagus, causing heartburn and many other symptoms. GERD, also known as acid reflux, leads to the condition in which the liquid content of the stomach regurgitates (backs up, or refluxes) into the esophagus. The liquid can inflame and damage the lining of the esophagus although this occurs in a minority of patients. If you have heartburn that occurs more than twice a week and/or does not get better with over the counter antacids, you may have GERD.
What are the symptoms of GERD?
The four major symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease are:

* Heartburn, which is an uncomfortable rising, burning sensation behind the breastbone.
* Regurgitation of gastric acid or stomach contents into the mouth.
* Difficult and/or painful swallowing.
* Chest pain.

The most common manifestation of GERD is heartburn. Other GERD symptoms are regurgitation of gastric contents into the mouth, chest pain and difficulty swallowing. Some GERD sufferers experience pulmonary manifestations, such as asthma, coughing, wheezing and vocal cord inflammation, which causes hoarseness.
Ayurvedic Perspective
According to Ayurvedic philosophy pitta dosha seems to be aggravated. Pitta is an Ayurvedic humor that symbolizes heat or fire. It is hot, sharp, intense, acidic and pungent in nature. The location of the pitta dosha is in the stomach. Aggravated pitta leads to increase of acidic content in stomach fluids. Actually, the reflux of the stomach’s liquid contents into the esophagus occurs in most normal individuals. In such patients, refluxed liquid contains acid more often due to aggravated pitta, which leads to acid reflux.

Triphala is an excellent Ayurvedic remedy for regulating the bowels is a combination of three fruits that tone the muscles in the large intestine. It should be used on a regular basis, however, and not just when temporary constipation occurs.

Amla powder 3 grams mixed with 3 grams of powdered mishri (rock candy) is very helpful solution for acid reflux. Total 6 grams is dose of one time.

About Ayurveda Dosha

sravazdurga — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 09:45:14 +0000

The doshas are the core principle of Ayurvedic medicine. The three doshas are said to be responsible for all the body’s functions as well as personality and emotions. Ayurvedic medicine states that every person has their own natural, individual balance of doshas, and the purpose of Ayurveda is to maintain or regain that balance.

The Concept of Dosha

The concept of dosha is not unlike the concept of chi or of yin and yang. The doshas are forces that are made up of combinations of the five Ayurvedic elements (fire, water, earth, air and ether or space). There are three doshas; Pitta, Vata and Kapha. Together, the doshas are known as tridosha. These forces are said to be present in all living things. The doshas are constantly rebalancing themselves based on environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, taste, smell, color and sound. Ayurvedic medicine holds that these doshas can cause illness and emotional distress when they are unbalanced. However, when a person’s doshas are in optimum balance, that person will be healthy and happy. The whole of Ayurvedic medicine rests on the principle of balancing the doshas according to individual need.

Vata

Vata is associated with ether, or space, and air. It is thought to be the force that allows the other doshas to work. The seat, or main area, of Vata is said to be the colon, but is also resides in the hips, thighs, bones, pelvic cavity and ears. Vata is believed to govern breathing, blinking, muscle and tissue movement, heartbeat and the impulses of nerve cells. Too much Vata is believed to result in nerve irritation, high blood pressure, gas and mental confusion. Too little, on the other hand, can lead to congestion, constipation and thoughtlessness. Emotions associated with unbalanced Vata are nervousness, fear and anxiety. The life stage associated with Vata is old age, when people tend to shrink and shrivel up. In plants, Vata is associated with leaves and flowers.

Pitta

Pitta is a combination of water and fire. It governs digestion, metabolism, body temperature, skin color and intelligence. Pitta is said to be found in the small intestine, stomach, sweat glands, blood, fat, skin and eyes. Too much Pitta is thought to result in ulcers, hormonal imbalances, skin irritations and consuming emotions. It can lead to anger and jealousy. Too little Pitta is characterized by indigestion, sluggish metabolism and poor cognition. The life stages associated with Pitta are the teenage years and adulthood, when hormones are causing changes in the body and moods. Kapha is said to be found in the essential oils, sap and resins of plants.

Kapha

Kapha is a mixture of water and earth. Practitioners of Ayurveda believe that Kapha is responsible for the balance or “stirring” of the doshas, and acts as a kind of cement, providing physical structure and stability. This dosha is said to lubricate joints, bolster immunity, heal wounds, provide moisture to the skin and eyes and give energy to the heart and lungs. The seat of Kapha is the chest, but it is also found in the throat, sinuses, nose, mouth, stomach, joints and bodily secretions. Too much Kapha is associated with mucous buildup and mental fixation. Too little may result in a dry respiratory tract, a burning sensation in the stomach and an inability to concentrate. Kapha is associated with childhood, when the body is growing and increasing in physical substance. It is found in the roots of plants.

Prakruti and Vikruti

Everyone is thought to be born with their own specific balance of doshas. This natural balance is known as Prakruti, and represents a person’s natural optimum state of health. Ayurveda practitioners believe that it is Prakruti that accounts for the differences between individual’s personality and predilections; everyone is different based on the respective quantities of their doshas. However, Prakruti does not necessarily remain unchanged. According to Ayurvedic principles, the balance of an individual’s doshas will change based on environmental factors. The current state of an individual’s doshas at any given time is known as Vikruti. A person’s Vikruti, it is believed, can be brought back into alignment with their Prakruti through Ayurvedic medicine. The closer a person’s dosha balance is to their Prakruti, the happier and healthier they are thought to be.

How to Do Ayurvedic Water Therapy

sravazdurga — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 09:40:06 +0000

Do Ayurvedic Water Therapy Do Ayurvedic Water Therapy Ayurveda is one of the oldest health care science. This ancient science of health and diseases believed to be around 5 to 6000 years B.C. old. Ayurveda is not only based on physical health but also makes human being healthy by mentally and spiritually. Many of you might have heard about Ayurveda. Ayurveda is actually combination of two different words. Ayus+Vedas = Ayurveda. The meaning of Ayus is life and Veda means Science. According to Hinduisam, human body are composed of five elements that is known as (Panchmahabhutas) – Here Panch means Five and Bhuta(s) means Elements. The five elements describes are Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Ether. Objective of Ayurveda is to help balance these all five elements of the human body.

Today we will learn about one of the amazing Water therapy of Ayurveda which is known and described as ‘Usha Paana Chikitsa’.

Usha means early morning, Paana means water and Chikitsa means therapy so basically this is early morning water therapy.

According to Ayurveda if person follow this therapy in their daily life then they can stay away from doctors visits! This water therapy cures list of diseases but rather then to go to each and every list of the disease let me tell you that it cures Constipation within two days! a person should start seeing the result immediately.

Instructions

Things You’ll Need:

Cup of Water!

This therapy is unique and must be done in early morning right after you get up from bed. Without even brushing your teeth, person should drink around 1.5 litres of water which equals 5 to 6 regular glasses of water.
The most important thing is do not eat or drink anything before or after drinking this water.

People should brush the teeth the night before go to bed.

It may be difficult to drink 1.5 litres of water at one time but eventually one will get use to it. To start with, you may drink at least two glasses of water.
Use copper mug to follow this water therapy, the copper mug can be found in any asian store or Indian market. To follow authentic Ayurveda method, you should leave water in copper mug overnight and drink that water in early morning.
Brush your teeth before you go to bed and Wash the copper mug properly.
Fill the water and put the mug/glass/jar next to your bed table and cover it.
Take the copper mug or glass of water that you left overnight right after you get up and drink it slowly, you may take a 15 to 30 seconds gap during two glasses.

By my own experience I never need to use any kind of viral infection medicine or I rarely get a cough or cold. I request you to just follow this water therapy 30 days and see the difference. The cost to do this therapy is zero! This is one of the best and basic technique for Obesity too because it helps purifies your body from inside.

Benefits of Turmeric Milk

sravazdurga — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 09:34:56 +0000

Coming down with a cold? Instead of reaching for a bowl of chicken soup, try a cup of turmeric milk, a time-tested Ayurvedic treatment and Indian folk remedy for colds, coughs, runny nose from allergies, throat irritation, and even asthma.

Making Turmeric Milk

In its most basic form, turmeric milk is simply a cup of milk heated with about half a teaspoon of powdered turmeric. Many recipes also call for a pinch of black pepper, salt, saffron, cardamom, caraway seeds, cinnamon, or ginger powder. A little sugar, honey or maple syrup offsets the astringency of the turmeric.

Taking Turmeric Milk

To relieve symptoms, drink a cup of warm turmeric milk two or three times per day. Indian naturopath Dr. H. K. Bakhru recommends taking it on an empty stomach for best results.

Ayurvedic Tradition

Ayurvedic medicine classes turmeric as a Kaphahara drug—that is, it is effective against conditions involving an imbalance of kapha (phlegm). Ayurvedic tradition recognizes turmeric as an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, antimicrobial, and antiseptic.

Western Medical Evidence

According to Medline Plus, laboratory and animal studies suggest that turmeric and curcumin (the compound that gives turmeric its distinctive yellow color) have anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric may also help in treating viral infections, although confirmatory human research is pending.

Precautions

While turmeric is safe in regular dietary amounts, it can cause stomach upset at high doses. Ask your doctor before using turmeric if you are pregnant or suffer from gallstones or bile duct obstructions. Do not take turmeric milk if you are allergic to dairy products.

How to Use Triphala Churna

sravazdurga — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 09:09:50 +0000

Triphala is an Ayurvedic herb that promotes healthy bowel movements. It is used as a laxative, rejuvenator and detoxifier particularly for the liver and blood. The term “churna” refers to the herb in its powder form, which is the traditional method of using the herb although it is also available in pill form. Triphala has been used in Ayuvedic medicine in India for thousands of years. In addition to being a powerful laxative and cleanser, triphala has also been used to treat cardiovascular diseases like high blood pressure and ulcerative colitis.

How is Badam Oil Good for Head Massage?

sravazdurga — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 09:01:28 +0000

Badam (Hindi word for almond) oil is often used for head massages and achieving beautiful, lustrous hair due to its rich vitamin E content. Badam oil has been used for hundreds of years in Ayurvedic care. Badam oil is used in massage therapy because it suitable for all skin types and provides many soothing benefits when massaged on the head.

Benefits of Badam Oil

Badam oil is easily absorbed by the skin, but does not penetrate too quickly so that the lubrication is lasting for massage purposes. Badam oil has a natural, pleasant fragrance and has been found to be suitable for all skin types. The rich vitamin E content in badam oil nourishes the hair and moisturizes the scalp, making it a good oil to massage the head with for shiny, silky hair and ridding dry scalp. Vitamin E stimulates oxygen circulation to the scalp to decrease hair loss. Badam oil also contains vitamin A to nourish and smooth hair cuticles so that hair grows long, strong and thick. The anti-inflammatory properties when massaged on the head eases inflammation, muscle pain and promotes relaxation.

How to Massage Using Badam Oil

Place three to four drops of badam oil in your palm. Gently rub the badam oil in the palm of your hand to warm the oil. Massage the head slowly, using circular motions.

Treatments Using Ayurvedic Herbs

sravazdurga — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 08:54:40 +0000

Ayurveda is a holistic system for good health, developed in India and used worldwide, that treats common illnesses and ailments with herbal remedies. Ayurveda employs herbal healing to balance the body’s energies, which is a basic principle of Ayurvedic herbal medicine, but herbs should not be used on their own to treat serious conditions.

Identification

The Ayurvedic system is a whole-body approach to health. Ayurveda incorporates diet, exercise, routine, psychotherapy, herbal medicine and a variety of other treatments to achieve and maintain complete health. According to “The Way of Ayurvedic Herbs” by Karta Purkh Singh Khalsa and Michael Tierra, the basis of Ayurvedic care is the maintenance of good health. However, when sickness does occur, the most commonly prescribed medicine in Ayurvedic practice is herbal medicine.

Energy Balance

Ayurvedic herbal medicine is based mainly on the balance of Ayurvedic energies. Individual conditions and illnesses require unique blends of their own for treatment. Many common conditions have natural Ayurvedic treatment options. Acne, allergy, hair loss and menstrual cramps are among the conditions that can be treated with Ayurvedic herbal formulas, Khalsa and Tierra say.

Types

Herbs used in Ayurvedic medicine range from common household foods to obscure plants that can be difficult to find. According to Khalsa and Tierra, types of herbal remedies used in Ayurvedic medicine include celery juice and cucumber juice for acne, turmeric for back pain and cinnamon bark for menstrual cramps. Other common herbs used for Ayurvedic healing include pomegranate, mustard and poppyseed. Some herbs have side effects and interactions with health conditions and medications, so check with your doctor before taking anything new.

Taking Herbs

In Ayurvedic herbal medicine, herbs are commonly dosed as a tea, powder or paste. Some common herbs are available in your grocery store as a vegetable or spice. You can also take herbal extracts in tincture form, which is the form recommended by Alan Keith Tillotson and Robert Abel in “The One Earth Herbal Sourcebook” as the most effective for absorption of the healing herbal components. A tincture is a mixture of carefully measured herbs soaked in purified drinking alcohol, such as vodka, for about two weeks. If you have a specific condition, an Ayurvedic herbalist can mix a tincture with a special blend of herbs to treat it.

Warning

Ayurvedic medicine is a comprehensive plan for better health. While many of its practices are safe and easy to incorporate into your daily life, Ayurveda is not a substitute for medical attention in case of an acute condition. If you have any illnesses or take any medications, talk to your doctor before taking any medicinal herbs, or before making any big changes that might affect your health.

Ashwaganda Side Effects

sravazdurga — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 08:47:58 +0000

Ashwaghanda is a popular component of Ayurveda, a traditional Indian system of medicine. It is widely viewed as an adaptogen and has few known side effects in humans.

Toxicology

Animal studies have shown that very large doses of ashwagandha can negatively impact the heart, spleen and adrenal glands. These side effects have not been found in human clinical trials.

Pregnancy

Ashwagandha has been used traditionally to enhance fertility; however, it may stimulate contractions of the uterus, leading to miscarriage.

Placebo-Type Side Effects

In most controlled studies, ashwagandha has shown similar side effects to a placebo. These include mild nausea, headache and upset stomach.

Drowsiness

Ashwaghanda has a history of use as a sedative, so it may cause drowsiness or fatigue. However, no clinical trials have documented this side effect.

Drug Interactions

There are no known drug interactions associated with ashwagandha, but it could theoretically interact with sedative drugs or stimulants.

Benefits of Medicated Ghee

sravazdurga — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 08:22:08 +0000

For those who follow an Ayurvedic lifestyle, medicated ghee proves to be an important source for healthy oils. Ayurveda incorporates the five elements–earth, water, fire, air and ether–all of which, its users say, are found in the human body. Medicated ghee, ghee with herbs, may also provide health benefits when used both topically and orally.

Identification

For those who follow the Ayurvedic lifestyle, ghee is at the top of the oil-foods list. Revered in India, ghee is simply clarified butter, and medicated ghee is a type of ghee that combines the clarified butter with herbs. Because of its oily nature, it penetrates and rejuvenates lipid membranes in the body, according to Dosha Balance, a resource site for those following the Ayurvedic lifestyle.

Benefits

According to the Yoga Journal, medicated ghee may loosen up tight hamstrings and aids in poor digestion, promotes memory, intelligence and quantity and quality of semen. The Dosha Balance says that ghee harbors phenolic antioxidants, which boost the immune system.
Because it’s combined with herbs, Dosha Balance says medicated ghee creates a healing energy, and the high fat content helps those suffering from weakness or as a medicine for quick restoration of physical strength and vitality.

Dosha Balance says that nerves are covered in myelin, and if impaired, nerves may be attacked. Severe infections and other health maladies can occur when these nerves aren’t protected. Oils work to protect these nerves, and Dosha Balance says ghee works even better than other healthy oils, such as olive and safflower.

Health Uses

To protect the nerves and receive health benefits associated with medicated ghee, take two teaspoons orally daily to meet oil requirements for the Ayurvedic lifestyle. Take medicated ghee with warm milk and not in tea form.
In addition, medicated ghee can also be used topically as a base for massage oil to calm sensitive skin. Mix it with honey for application to wounds, inflammation and blisters. Ghee can also be used in eye washes and nasal rinses.

Cooking with Medicated Ghee

The herbs used in medicated ghee will add flavor to dishes. Fry curries, beans and nuts in medicated ghee (instead of other oils) for added flavor. Because ghee is fat, modify your diet appropriately, and eat less fat from other sources.

Making Medicated Ghee

To make ghee, simply place one to two pounds of butter in a saucepan over low heat. Melt the butter until the curds separate and sink to the bottom. Discard curds and store the remaining oil in a jar. As long as it doesn’t get near water, it doesn’t need to be refrigerated.
To create medicated ghee, add fennel, dill, cumin, coriander, ajwan seeds or turmeric to the ghee.