Tips to Keep your Skin Beautiful this Summer

1.Replenish Lost Fluids

The summer heat causes skin dehydration and also takes away the essential nutrients from your skin thus leaving it dry, dull and lifeless. Lack of water and skin nutrients promotes sagging and wrinkled skin.To prevent dehydration of your skin replenish your body with water, juices, cold milk and electrolytes.Drink at least 15-16 glasses of water.Avoid caffeniated fluids.

2.Drink Coconut Water

Coconut water is one of the natural and healthy summer drink.They are packed with numerous vitamins and nutrients that recharge the body and prevent dehydration.They contain antioxidants that helps to remove unwanted toxins from your body.It is packed with cytokines an important elements that minimizes skin ageing and restores your body pH levels.

3. Eat Vitamin-Rich Fruits

You must include a lot of vitamin rich fruits in your diet especially fruits that are rich in vitamin A and vitamin C such as oranges, grapes, watermelon and strawberries.These fruits boost metabolism, fight harmful free radicals and protects your skin from damaging rays of sun.It gives your skin a natural glowing and radiant complexion.

4. Apply Facial Masks

The best way to treat your skin this summer is to go for homemade face masks.Try this rejuvenating face mask that can be prepared by mixing 2 tbsp of orange peel, 2 tbsp of pomegranate peel, 1 tbsp of honey and 3 tbsp of yogurt.Apply this pack on your face and neck and leave it to dry for 20 minutes and then rinse off using cold water.This face masks reduces skin tan, blemishes, it cleanses dust particles trapped in your pores, removes dead skin cells and increases your skin tone. Also check out these hydrating summer face packs that gives your skin instant cooling and freshness.

5. Wear Sun Protection

Never forget to wear sunscreen whenever you step out in the hot sun.Sunscreen protects your skin from the harsh and harmful rays of sun.Always choose sunscreens that are lightweight, non-sticky and have a higher sun protection factor SPF 30+ and in addition it should also provide broad spectrum protection that is both UVA and UVB.To protect your eyes wear sunglasses with UV protection and always carry a umbrella or a wear a hat with a wide brim.

6. Splash Cold Water

Summer harms your skin and your eyes.The hot weather causes skin pigmentation around your eyes and that leads to formation of those ugly dark circkes.To calm your eyes and to get rid of dark circles splash cold water on your face and eyes for 4 to 5 times daily.Cold water also reduces sun tan, soothes skin inflammation and gives you a refreshed and energized skin.

7. Hydrate Your Skin

Keep your skin refresh all day long with hydrating body lotions.Choose body lotions that are light in nature and intensely hydrates your skin.Go for products that contains key ingredients such as cucumber, aloe vera or mint that provides instant cooling sensation and soothes scorched skin.

8. Sleep More

Lack of sleep during summers can lead to skin dullness and wrinkles.Give yourself an adequate sleep for about 8 to 9 hours to boost natural glow of your skin and for younger looking skin.

9. Exfoliate Daily

During summer our skin becomes heavy and thick because of excess oil and clogged pores.Exfoliating your skin helps in removing dust and oil trapped in your pores, dead skin cells and blackheads thus leaving your skin fresh and clean.It also removes pigmentation problem that is caused due to sun burn.You can use a natural homemade scrub or ready-made products.A natural home-made scrub can be prepared by mixing 2 teaspoon of granulated sugar with 1 tsp of lime juice and 1 tsp of honey.Apply this mixture on your face and scrub for 2 to 3 minutes especially your T-zone.

10. Use Water-Based Make up

Avoid using heavy, greasy cream based foundation.Instead go for a liquid water-based foundation that instantly absorbs into your skin, blends flawlessly and prevents white creases or streaks on your skin.Use nude or light shade lipstick with SPF factor and water based formula. 

Pear (Pyrus Communis) and Benefits

Sweet, delicious and rich flavored pears offer crunchiness of apples yet juicy as peach and nectarine. They are widely popular, particularly in the whole of the northern hemisphere, for their unique nutrient qualities.

Botanically, it is a "pome fruit” produced in the Rosaceae family of trees, in the Pyrus genus. Pome fruit plants are an average sized trees found in semi-tropical regions around the northern hemisphere. They bear medium-size fruits that characteristically have several small seeds at its center encased in tough coat. The members of pome family fruits include apple, loquat, quince, medlar...etc.

Scientific name: Pyrus communis

Types of Pears:

Pears are classified into Asian pears and European pears. Asian pear varieties have a firm texture, which does not change after harvesting or storage. European pears turn soft and juicy when they ripen completely. There are almost 3000 varieties of pears found across the world. Some of the most common varieties of pears include:

Bosc: It is a cinnamon brown colored pear, with a long, tapered neck and honey-like flavor.

Bartlett: Bartlett is considered the best variety of pear. It comes in colors like yellow and green.

Comice: Comice is a round, short pear with red or green colorings. It has a soft and juicy flesh.

Forelle: Forelle is a green pear and is speckled like a trout. It is a small-sized pear which turns yellow as it ripens.

Green Anjou: Green Anjou is a short-necked and compact pear which doesn’t change color while ripening.

Red Anjou: Red Anjou, as the name indicates, is rich red in color. This variety of pear has high amounts of anthocyanin in it.

Red Bartlett: Red Bartlett is bright red in color with brown vertical stripes.

Seckel: Seckel is the smallest variety of pear available. It is usually yellow or olive green in color with broad red patches.

Starkrimson: Starkrimson is a narrow-necked pear, which is bright crimson red in color. This variety of pear looks amazing in salads.

Health Benefits of Pear Fruit:

The humble fruit is packed with tons of health benefits. Some of the most popular pear health benefits include:

1. Mental Health:

A medium-sized pear provides about 15 percent of our daily recommended copper requirement. Copper is an essential mineral required for a healthy central nervous system. The copper ions affect the component that is responsible for making the neural synapses stronger or weaker. This change affects our ability to learn and remember. The antioxidant, quercetin, found in pears also protects us from Alzheimer’s disease.

2. Antioxidants:

The skin of the pear comprises of more phenolic phytonutrients than the flesh. These include antioxidants, anti-inflammatory flavonoids and even anti-cancer phyto-nutrients like cinnamic acid. Antioxidants prevent infection and keep the immune system strong. It also protects the cells from the damage caused by free radicals.

3. Vitamin K:

Vitamin K in pears prevents blood clotting and improves blood circulation in the body. A study has found that the risk of developing lymphoma was around 45% lower in people who regularly consumed high amounts of Vitamin K.

4. Cancer:

The health benefits of pear extend into the area of cancer risk as well. Fiber in pear binds together with a special group of secondary bile acids. Excessive amounts of secondary bile acid can increase the risk of colorectal cancer. By binding together with the secondary bile acids, pears help to lower the risk of cancer. The hydroxycinnamic acid found in pears prevents lung and stomach cancer. Quercetin, an antioxidant found in the skin of pears, also prevents cancer.

5. Macular Degeneration:

Eating three or more servings of pear daily lowers the risk of macular degeneration, the primary cause of vision loss in elderly people.

6. Heart health:

Pears are a good source of glutathione, an antioxidant, which controls high blood pressure and reduces the risk of strokes. It contains potassium, a mineral, which maintains the health of the heart. Quercetin also prevents artery damage that can cause heart disease. The high levels of pectin in pears lower cholesterol in the body.

7. Anti-inflammatory:

Pears contain phytonutrients, which are known to have anti-inflammatory properties. The anti-inflammatory properties are very beneficial for relieving stomach pain and other common chronic inflammations.

8. Fiber:

Pear is one of the best fiber-rich foods. A medium-sized pear provides up to 30 grams of fiber, including pectin, which helps in toning the intestines and lowering the cholesterol levels. A high fiber diet prevents a bloated belly caused by constipation, while preventing painful hemorrhoids. Fiber also helps to absorb vitamins and minerals from the food.

9. Diabetes:

Certain flavonoids found in pear improve insulin sensitivity in the body. This decreases the risk of type 2 diabetes in both men and women. Therefore, consuming pears fro diabetes helps.

10. Bone Health:

Pears contain boron, a mineral which aids the body to retain calcium. The fruit may, therefore, help in preventing osteoporosis.

11. Folate:

Folate is an essential mineral required for the well-being of the fetus and pregnant women. It prevents neural tube defects in infants. Thus, it is advisable for pregnant women to eat one pear daily during their pregnancy.

12. Throat:

The anti-inflammatory properties of pears help to clear the phlegm from the body for the proper functioning of our respiratory organs. Boil two Chinese pears with raw honey and drink this while warm to soothe the throat and vocal cords. Drink pear juice twice daily to prevent further throat problems.

Skin Benefits of Pear Fruit:

13. Treats Acne, Pimples & Other Skin Infections:

Pears are recommended for the treatment of acne due to the high amounts of vitamins and minerals in it. This fruit boosts the immunity system and enables the skin to fight against acne, pimples and other skin infections.

14. Indirectly Keeps Skin Smooth & Supple:

Pears are full of fiber, a nutrient which prevents fluctuation of sugar spikes. Sugar spikes can damage collagen, a protein that keeps the skin smooth and supple.

15. Regulates Skin’s pH Balance:

You can use pears in the form of a face pack for oily skin. Add a teaspoon of honey and one teaspoon of whipped cream to a mashed pear. Apply the mixture on the face and neck, and wash it off after 15 minutes. The minerals present in pears neutralize skin acids and help in regulating the pH balance of the skin.

Hair Benefits of Pear Fruit:

16. Nourishes, Scalp, Hair Roots & Follicles:

Pears contain several hair-friendly nutrients, which are beneficial for maintaining the health of the hair. Ripe pears contain natural sugar called glucitol, which nourishes the scalp, feeds the hair roots and keeps the hair follicles hydrated.

17. Treats Dandruff & Scalp Psoriasis:

The moisturizing properties of pears are useful for reducing the dryness of the scalp. This keeps dandruff, scalp psoriasis and flaking at bay.

18. For Shiny & Smooth Hair:

You can also prepare a natural hair mask for treating dull and dry hair. Mix the extract of one ripe pear with two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and water. Apply this hair mask on the scalp and hair, half an hour before shampooing. Wash it off to witness shiny and smooth hair.

Custard Apple (Sugar apple ) and Benefits

Custard Apple is a semi-evergreen tree. The average height of this tree is 8-10 meters. Their leaves can be 10-20 cm long and 5-7 cm wide. The flowers are greenish-yellow and are about 2-3 cm in diameter. The fruit sizes vary. They can be 8-12cm depending on the species and climate. Ripe fruits are brown-yellowish. Very sweet in taste. 

This plant is now abundantly found in many tropical countries like Bangladesh, India, Chaina, Phillippines, Egypt, Australia, Pakistan and Africa but it is believed to be a native of Central America. 

They like warm, frost free climate and humidity. 25oC - 28oC temperature are good for them with 70% - 80% humidity level. They like summer-rain. They grow best in sandy well-drained soil. Planting is mainly done during rainy season. 

Health Benefits of Custard Apple :

Health benefit of eating this luscious fruits are- 

· Vitamin C: Custard apple contains anti-oxidant vitamin C, which fights free radicals thereby preventing diseases. This vitamin is also known for its innate anti-inflammatory and immune boosting properties. 

· Vitamin A: Keeps skin and hair healthy. It is good for eye sight. 

· Potassium: Potassium boosts energy level & helps to fight muscle weakness. 

· Magnesium: Magnesium helps to maintain water balance in the body. It is good for arthritic patients as it removes acids from joints. Prevents heart-attacks. 

· Copper: Works against constipation. Copper being a part of hemoglobin is highly recommended for pregnant women. Copper contribute towards formation of melanin, which prevents premature gray-hair 

· Fiber: Fiber helps in smooth digestion and eases constipation. It is good for diabetic patients. 

· Iron: Iron helps to cure anemia. 

· Niacin: lowers bad cholesterol and increases good cholesterol. 

· Vitamin B6: Helps fight stress, tension, irritability and depression. Improves brain health 

· Calcium : Good for bone health 

Sugar apple also helps under-weight persons to gain weight. This fruit may be used as substitute of milk. It Controls Blood-Pressure. 

1. Pinks Mammoth:

 Pinks mammoth is a huge custard apple with an outstanding taste. It is named after Mr. Pink, the man who introduced it to Australia. Its sweet and melting flavor makes it the most popular variant across the world. It is quite huge and could produce fruit weighing as much as 3 kg. This variety of custard apple is renowned for possessing almost no seeds.

2. African Pride:

African Pride is a ten feet tall tree, bearing small sized custard apple. The tree bears heart shaped fruit with a relatively thick skin. The fruit has more seeds than pinks mammoth and yields are quite high. It is an early maturing fruit that makes it the most commercially popular variety of custard apple. The fruit weighs between 500 grams to 800 grams and is mostly utilized for preparing salads and other savories.

3. Late Gold:

Late Gold is a stunning golden bronze custard apple with a soft skin. This variety of custard apple is quite rare and is mostly available in Northern Rivers.

4. Geffner:

Geffner is an Israeli variety of the custard apple with an exceptionally amazing taste.

5. Hilary White:

Hilary White has a relatively smooth skin and is average in size. It tastes same like the other varieties of custard apple.

Benefits Of Custard Apple for Health:

1. Helps To Gain Weight:

Custard apple is an ideal snack and/or dessert for those who wish to put on some weight. A calorie-laden fruit, the sugars present in it make peps up the metabolic rate, thus, stimulating the appetite levels. The more your appetite is, the better the food intake will be. This, in turn, can help you gain weight.

2. For A Better Immune System:

Custard apples are excellent sources of the natural antioxidant Vitamin C. This vitamin is also renowned for its innate anti-inflammatory and immune boosting properties. Include just one serving of this creamy fruit in your daily diet for a better resistance against infectious agents. It scavenges harmful free radicals in the body, preventing the onset of various illnesses and diseases.

3. Replenish Your Energy Levels:

Custard apple is an excellent source of energy. It helps to fight exhaustion and eliminates muscle weakness.

4. Natural Anti-cancerous Properties:

The bark of custard apple contains astringent properties and tannins, which is utilized for making herbal supplements. These supplements help in the treatment of several types of cancer and tumors. The fruit contains compounds like acetogenin and alkaloids that reduce the risk of cancer and renal failure. It acts against cancer cells, without adversely affecting healthy cells. Antioxidants such as asimicin and bullatacin are also found to have anti-cancer and anti-helminthes properties. These antioxidants neutralize the effects of free radicals, preventing cancer. It also contains significant fiber, which protects the colon membrane by warding off toxic substance from the gut, reducing the risk of liver and colon risk. It also provides protection from breast cancer.

5. For Better Brain Health:

Custard apple is a good source of B complex vitamins, which controls the GABA neuron chemical levels in the brain. This helps to calm down stress, tension, irritability and depression. It also protects from Parkinson’s disease. 100 grams of custard apple contain 0.6 grams of vitamin B6, amounting to about 20% of the daily recommended value.

6. For A Strong Dental System:

The skin of custard apple is helpful for fighting against tooth and gum pain.

7. Keep Anemia Away With Custard Apple:

The high levels of iron in custard apple are very beneficial for curing anemia. The fruit is excellent in treating vomiting, gout and vitamin B6 deficiency.

8. For A Better Vision:

Custard apple contains riboflavin and vitamin C, which helps to combat free radical destruction. This helps in maintaining good eyesight.

9. Lower The Risk Of Arthritis:

The high amount of magnesium in custard apple equalizes the water balance in the body and removes acids from the joint, reducing the symptoms of rheumatism and arthritis. Regular consumption also helps to fight muscle weakness. Custard apple also contains a decent amount of calcium, which is vital for bone health.

10. For Better Cardiovascular Health:

The well-balanced ratio of sodium and potassium in custard apple regulates and controls blood pressure fluctuations in the body. The high levels of magnesium in custard apple unwinds the smooth muscles of the heart and calms the jerks and cramps, thus preventing heart attack and stroke. Niacin and fiber in custard apple lowers bad cholesterol and increases good cholesterol in the body. It also prevents the absorption of cholesterol in the gut. Custard apple also prevents the free radicals from attacking lipid, promoting heart health.

11. Thwarts Off Diabetes:

The fiber in custard apple slows down the absorption of sugar in the body, reducing the risk of Type two Diabetes.

12. For A Stronger Digestive System:

This delicious fruit is very effective for treating indigestion. It flushes out the toxins from the intestine, aiding in proper functioning of the bowels. It also prevents stomach related diseases like heartburn, ulcer, gastritis and acidity. Custard apple in its unripe form is further dried and crushed to treat diarrhea and dysentery. One medium sized custard apple contains 6 grams of dietary fiber, amounting to almost 90% of the recommended amount. Fiber adds bulk to the stools, relieving constipation.

13. Good For Fetal Skin And Hair:

Custard apple contains high amounts of vitamin A and C, which is very beneficial for maintaining the skin, eyes and hair of the fetus.

14. Prevents Premature Labor:

Custard apple is an excellent source of copper. It is a trace mineral which helps the body to form hemoglobin. Pregnant women need 1000 micrograms of copper each day for proper development of the fetus. Low levels of copper in the body can lead to premature birth in the child. Consuming custard apple during pregnancy is very healthy.

15. Good For Fetal Brain Development:

Regular consumption of custard apple is also good for the growth of the baby. It also helps in the development of the brain of the fetus.

16. Excellent Source Of Iron:

Custard apple is a rich source of iron, which reduces the risk of premature birth of the baby. It reduces the extent of labor pain in expectant women. It is also known to increase the milk production in pregnant and lactating women.

17. Keeps Infections At Bay:

Custard apple contains high amounts of antioxidants, which keeps infection at bay.

18. Natural Antidote For Morning Sickness:

It also cures morning sickness in pregnant women. It fights nausea, numbness, food cravings and mood swings during pregnancy.

Custard apple is believed to be a good alternative to milk. Therefore, it is a perfect choice for pregnant women who are allergic to dairy products.

Benefits of Custard Apple for Skin:

19. Good For Skin Rejuvenation:

Custard apple is not only a delicious fruit, but is excellent for the skin as well. It contains nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin B, antioxidants, which are required for rejuvenating the skin’s health.

20. Naturally Heals The Skin Infections:

The paste of custard apple is used to treat ulcer, abscesses, and boils. Vitamin C in custard apple helps in the healing of wounds and forming cartilage, tendons and ligaments. Consuming custard apple juice on a regular basis stimulates the development of new cells in the layers of the skin. It also assists in healing of abrasion and cuts. The latex of custard apple tree when applied on the skin treats skin diseases like inflammation, eczema and psoriasis.

21. Delays Ageing And Keeps Skin Youthful:

Regular consumption of custard apple thickens and stimulates the collagen to reduce wrinkles and fine lines. It increases the deposition of collagen and slows its breakdown, improving the elasticity of the skin. It also improves hydration in and around the cells. Vitamin C in custard apple combats free radicals in the body, providing a healthy, flawless and glowing skin. It promotes a healthy cell membrane. The antioxidants in custard apple neutralize free radicals, hastening the process of regeneration. It helps to delay the signs of ageing like age spots and blemishes. The antioxidants fight the harsh rays of the sun, protecting from sun damage. Consumption of custard apple helps in the regeneration of skin cells and contributes in making the skin youthful.

22. Keeps Skin Cancer Away:

The acetogenin compounds in custard apple help in the eradication of pre-cancerous skin lesion, preventing skin cancer.

23. Lowers Pigmentation Problems:

Custard apple decreases the clustering of melanin granules, reducing brown spots and pigmentation. It also helps to reverse the pigmentation caused due to the free radicals.

24. Eases Rosacea Symptoms:

The high levels of iron in custard apple increase blood circulation, reducing the symptoms of rosacea.

25. Good For Pimple-Prone Skin:

Consumption of custard apple decreases sebum production, controlling acne and pimples. Mix custard apple paste with lemon juice and use it three times a week to control sebum production. The anti-inflammatory properties of custard apple fight acne and clear the pores to prevent further breakout.

26. Natural Detoxifying Agent:

Custard apple is loaded with soluble fiber and antioxidants, making it an excellent laxative. Regular consumption of custard apple helps to get rid of toxins and waste, giving you a healthy and glowing skin.

Drinking custard apple juice evens out the skin tone and makes it firm by rejuvenating its appearance.

Benefits of Custard Apple for Hair:

Custard apple contains vital nutrients like iron, magnesium, vitamin A and phosphorus, which can benefit the hair in multiple ways.

27. Helps To Eliminate Lice:

Unripe custard apple fruit powder can help you to get rid of lice. Mix the powder with water or coconut oil and apply it on the scalp. Wash it off after 10 minutes to treat hair lice and nits.

28. For Better Collagen Levels:

Vitamin C in custard apple contributes to the development of collagen, a protein which makes up the major portion of our hair and scalp.

29. For A Luxurious, Moisturized Hair:

Custard apple seed oil is useful for taming wavy and coarse hair. It hydrates and moisturizes the scalp, making the hair lustrous, voluminous and shiny. The high levels of vitamin A in custard apple seed oil hydrate the hair without weighing it down.

30. Prevents Premature Graying:

The high levels of copper in custard apple contribute to the formation of melanin, preventing premature hair graying. It also maintains the natural color of the hair.

31. Natural Antidote For Scalp Infections:

The vitamin C and antioxidants in custard apple regulate the sebum production in the scalp, reducing dandruff and flaky skin.

32. For Better Hair Growth:

It inhibits scalp inflammation, preventing hair fall. It also facilitates the absorption of nutrients, providing nourishment to the hair. The high amount of iron in custard apple improves blood circulation in the scalp, stimulating the follicles to promote hair growth.

Nutritional Facts of Custard Apple 

Every 100 gram of custard apple contains the following nutritions: 

· Calories (80-101) 

· protein (68g) 

· Fat (0.5g) 

· Carbohydrate (20g) 

· Fiber (0.9 g) 

· Calcium (17.6 mg) 

· Phosphorous (14.7mg) 

· Iron (0.42 mg) 

· Carotene (0.007 mg) 

· Thiamine (0.075 mg) 

· Riboflavin (0.086 mg) 

· Niacin (0.528m) 

· Ascorbic Acid (15 mg) 

· Nicotinic acid (0.5 mg) 

· Vitamin B6 (0.6 gm) 

Medicinal Uses of Custard Apple 

· The paste of the flesh is beneficial to treat boils, abscesses and ulcers. 

· The dried crushed parts of custard apple are good in curing of diarrhea and dysentery. 

· Eating custard removes expectorants. 

· The bark of the custard apple tree is used for herbal medicine because it contains astringents and tannins. These medicines helps to cure cancer and tumors and its also used in treatment of toothache and gum pain.

Home Remedies Cold and Cough

1. Honey

Honey soothes throat inflammation in children and suppresses cough, in a natural manner. Dosage hinges on your child’s age. If your tot is 2-5 years old, give ½ teaspoon, and if s/he is more than 12 years old, give 2 teaspoons of honey. It is suggested to give this therapeutic ingredient before bedtime.

Note : Refrain from giving honey to infants below 1 year as it may cause botulism.Avoid buying honey cough syrups from the medical stores, as they contain chemical preservatives which alter its “natural flavor”.

2. Lemon Juice

A combination of 1 teaspoon each of fresh lemon juice and honey in 1 cup of warm water can also work great. Give this solution to your child twice or thrice a day.

3. Ginger

Mix ¼ teaspoon each of cayenne pepper and crushed ginger, 1 tablespoon each of apple cider vinegar and honey. Add 2 tablespoons of water to this mixture. Give 2 teaspoons of this syrup to your little one.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar

Take a glass of water. Add 1 teaspoon each of honey and apple cider vinegar to it. Stir well. It’s one of the best remedies for quick relief from cough for kids.

5. Steam

Give your toddler a steam bath. Run a hot shower and shut the doors of the bathroom. Sit inside with your kid at least for fifteen minutes before going to bed at night. It will not only help getting rid of cough, but also provides sound sleep. In the morning, repeat the same procedure for 15 minutes. It will loosen nasal and chest congestion, and make it easy for the child to blow the cough out.

Or else, add a few drops of sage or eucalyptus oil into the tub filled with warm water. Bathe your child with this water, in order to open up the chest and soothe a cough.

6. Keep Her Head in Upright Position

If the age of your baby is more than one, put a few pillows underneath his/her head, back and shoulders so as to keep head elevated. It will facilitate easy breathing.

7. Use a Humidifier

Run a cool-mist humidifier for a night in your child’s room. It will keep the airways of the tot moist and clear. Open the windows in the morning to let humid air go out of the room, otherwise, it may result in the growth of molds.

8. Chicken Soup

Serve warm chicken soup to your kid. According to a research, chicken soup has anti-inflammatory properties that temporarily thin mucus, relieves congestion, soothes throat and reduces cough. It also effectively alleviates the symptoms associated with cold.

9. Let Him/ Her Rest

Cough can exhaust a child, as it requires a lot of energy to wrestle with an infection. The more your child will rest, the sooner s/he will recover.

10. Keep Your Baby Well Hydrated

Assist your baby drink lots of water and other fluids such as decaffeinated tea, warm or cold juice. Fluids thin the secretions of the body and make it easy to blow the nose and cough.

11. Suction Bulb

Take a suction bulb, squeeze it, put it inside one nostril of your baby and release gently. It clears the airways and stuffy nose by removing the clogged mucus. Utilize it in a gap of few hours. It works wonders for 6 months old or even younger kids.

12. Warm Saline Water

Take a cup of warm tap water and add ½ teaspoon table salt to it. Put 2-3 drops of this saline water in each nostril one-by-one. Now, ask your child to blow. This remedy will clear the nasal congestion.

Alternatively, fill a neti pot with warm salt water. Tilt the head of the child to one side and put the pot’s spout inside the nostril. Allow the water to flow through the nasal cavity gently. It will flow out from the other nostril. Instruct your child to breath via mouth during the rinsing process. Repeat the same procedure on the other side of nostril.

Ask your baby to gargle with warm saline water twice or thrice a day. Add a few drops of lemon juice to make it tasty.

13. Suck on Popsicle

If your child is 4 years old or more, you can give him/her sugar-free hard candies, frozen berries, Popsicle, cough lozenges or crushed ice to suck on. These cold things will relieve him/her from scratchy throat.

Herbal Remedies for Cough in Children

Herbal remedies are free from side-effects and works wonders for kids.

14. Vapour Rub

Massage vapor rub or balms containing essential oils, beeswax, aloe and other herbs on the back, neck and chest of the child. Don’t apply it around the eyes, nose or anywhere else on his/her face.

You can also prepare your own chest rub. What all you need to do is mix a drop each of sage, peppermint and eucalyptus essential oil in 2 tablespoons of organic olive oil. Massage it gently on the chest and neck of the kid.

15. Herbal Cough Syrup

In one quart of filtered water, add 1 tablespoon cinnamon, ¼ cup marshmallow root, ¼ cup chamomile flowers and ¼ cup dried or fresh grated ginger root. Boil it down till the solution reduces to half. Strain it. Mix honey and lemon juice when the liquid is warm. Let it cool. You can store it for 2 months, in an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. Give 1 teaspoon to the child when required.

Steep 1 teaspoon each of thyme leaves and fenugreek seeds, ½ lemon (cut up and deseeded), 1 tablespoon of feverfew in 1½ cups of water for at least half an hour. Strain the liquid. Simmer the resultant liquid till it reduces to 1 cup. Then, add 2 tablespoons of vegetable glycerine and 2 cups of honey. Allow it to cool. Transfer it in a jar and store this jar in the refrigerator. Give one teaspoon for a 50 lbs. baby, two teaspoons for a 75 lb kid and one tablespoon for a 100 lb. tot, every 4 hours.

Steep 1 tablespoon each of oregon grape root, mullein, thyme, pleurisy root and cherry bark in 1 quart of water for ½ an hour. Strain it and again put on flames. Turn off heat when the liquid reduces to 1 pint. Add two pints of honey in warm solution. Give one teaspoon to a 50 lbs. kid, two teaspoons to a 75 lbs child and one tablespoon to a 100 lbs child, every 4 hours. It will alleviate dry cough.

Horehound has been used since ages to cure cough in children owing to its expectorant properties. A compound, called marrabiin, found in horehound triggers the secretion of bronchi and aids unclogging the nasal congestion. Take a pint of boiling water and add 1 ounce of horehound leaves (dried) to it. Steep for ten minutes and then strain. Finally, mix honey (twice as much as liquid). You can keep it in refrigerator for 2 months.  Give ½ to 1 teaspoon to your child, 4 times per day.

In 1½ cups of water, add one teaspoon each of lemon balm leaves, thyme leaves, horehound leaves, marshmallow root, rose hips, mullein leaves and licorice root. Steep the mixture for 30 minutes. Strain it and add ¼ cup vegetabe glycerin, 1 cup organic fruit syrup or brown rice syrup and 1 cup honey. When the liquid cools down, fill it in a jar and place the jar in the refrigerator. For a 50 lbs. child, 1 teaspoon would suffice. If your kid is 75 lbs. or 100 lbs, give 2 teaspoons and 1 tablespoon, respectively.

16. Herbal Decoction

Prepare a decoction by combining equal amount of Acorus calamus roots, Cuminum cyminum seeds and Coriandrum sativum leaves. Give 10 ml of this decoction to your kid after meal.

17. Herbal Powder

Take Cyperus rotundus roots, Pistacia chinensis leaves, Piper longum fruit, Aconitum ferox bud and Ocimum sancum root. Churn them into a powdered form. Give it to the kid along with honey.

18. Allium Cepa

Mix 1 teaspoon of Allium cepa juice with1½ teaspoon of honey. Leave it for 3-4 hours and then give it to the child. It will give immense relief in cough and cold.

19. Abrus precatorius

Scrub 10 grams of roots of this herb in 10 ml of water. Give it to your kid two times a day for at least 3 days.

20. Aloe barbadensis

Roast some leaves of Aloe barbadensis and extract its juice. Add Syzgium aromaticum powder and honey to it. Give this to your kid 2 times a day.

21. Anise Seed

Anise loosens the secretions of bronchi, thereby making it easy for the child to cough up. Take 1½ cups of boiling water and add 1 tablespoon of crushed anise seed to it. Let it steep for ½ an hour. Strain it. Simmer the liquid till it reduces to 1 cup. Then, add two cups of honey. When it cools, transfer it in a jar and store it in the fridge. You can keep it for 2 months. Give ½ teaspoon to your baby to soothe cough.

22. Herbal Tea

Mix 1 table spoon each of dried thyme leaves, mullein and white horehound. Store this mixture in a jar. When required, steep 1-2 teaspoons of this herbal mixture in 1 cup of boiling water for 8-10 minutes. Use ½ cup for 25 lbs. children and 1 cup for 50 lbs. kids, thrice a day. It’s one of the best remedies for whooping cough.

Take 1 cup of hot water and add ½ teaspoon of licorice root to it. Steep it for ten minutes and then strain. Give 1-2 cups each day to your child. The expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties of the licorice will soothe the symptoms associated to cough.

Prepare lemon balm tea by steeping 2 teaspoons of lemon balm leaves (dried) in 1 cup of boiling water. Strain the tea and give it to your little one. It is considered as one of the excellent herbal remedies.

In a cup of boiling water, steep 2 teaspoons of dried hyssop for 10-12 minutes. Finally, strain it. Feed the tea hot to your baby, in order to relieve congestion.

Do’s

Teach your child to wash his/her hands frequently. Ensure that s/he scrubs well. When you are on the go, use sanitizers or alcohol-based hand wipes.

If your baby has caught cough, there are chances that other family members may get sick because virus spreads rapidly from one person to another. So, be extra vigilant about hygiene and cleanliness of your house.

Don’ts

Don’t smoke when your kid is suffering from cough and cold, as it may irritate the airways making it difficult for the child to breathe. Besides, keep him/her away from other sources of smoke, like wood-burning fires and grills.

Avoid use of nasal decongestion sprays or other over-the-counter medications without doctor’s consultation.

Natural Remedies for Oily Skin During Summer

Just as winter bids us goodbye for the year and the warm breezes of summer start blowing, people get ready to get out and enjoy the sun in beaches and parks. But for many of us blessed with oily skin, it almost seems like the end of pimple and acne free days, as we reach out for our blotting sheets, oil-free sunscreens, cleansers and cooling gels to keep the sebaceous glands under control. Although, oily and combination skin needs a lot of extra care and attention, but to look at the brighter side, it ages much slower than normal and dry skin and keeps away fine lines and wrinkles for a longer period of time.

9 Basic Points to Keep in Mind for Care of Oily Skin:

These are some of the basic tips of skin care that you need to introduce into your skin care routine if you have oily skin.

• Try to use lukewarm water for cleansing oily skin, as it dissolves oil more effectively than cold water.

• Cleansing your face twice a day is enough for keeping it clean. Don’t overdo the cleaning as it can over dry skin and trigger oil production from the sebaceous glands.

• Use a gel based cleanser containing salicylic acid, citric acid and glycolic acid that help in reducing dead skin cells that clogs pores and leads to pimple outbreaks.

• Don’t scrub too much. Exfoliating the skin 2-3 times a week is more than enough for removing dead cells and black heads. Skin produces natural oils to store moisture, keep it hydrated and fight irritations. Over doing on the scrubbing strips the skin of its natural oils and moisture.

• As the summer season starts, go low on makeup. Substitute the heavy foundation for tinted moisturizing creams containing silicone that does not dissolves in to the pores and clogs them. It also creates a barrier between skin and heat.
• Use a soothing face mask made of fuller earth (multani mitti) or sandal wood once a week to soak up excess oil, remove impurities and cool the skin.

• Control the temptation of touching your face with your hands, as it transfers additional oil, dirt and germs to your face making it prone to outbreaks. Scalp and hair produces oils too, so try to pull it back and keep away from your face during summer.

• Watch what you eat. Those alluring cocktails and fried oily food might appear tempting, but they add extra oil to the skin making it susceptible to acne and pimples. Try to avoid food rich in oil and substitute them with food rich in vitamin A, such as, sweet potatoes, carrots, leafy greens such as kale, spinach, lettuce, red peppers, and fruits like cantaloupe, apricot, mango, etc.

• Supply enough water to your body and skin by drinking 8-10 glasses of water every day.