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Home Remedies for Puffy Eyes

Since we do have control over eye puffiness to an extent, there are some things we can do to keep swelling away: Reduce Salt Cut down on salt during the day and before bed [source].Extra salt = water retention = swelling. Drink plenty of water to keep your system flushed, as this can also help prevent eye puffiness. Cool Cucumber Cucumbers have been used for years as a home remedy for puffy eyes because of their detoxifying and diuretic properties. They contain ascorbic acid (vitamin C), antioxidants, and flavonoids that can help soothe and support the skin Plus, since they’re often stored in the refrigerator, the cooling action can help decrease swelling and tighten skin, at least for a little bit of relief. Place a cool cucumber slice on each of your closed lids, and take a rest for 15–30 minutes. Or try cucumber rose eye mask blended to reach the inner and outer corners of the eyes. Raw Potato Slices Try using sliced potatoes in place of cucumbers. Not only do they stay cool longer than cucumbers, but they also have astringent properties that may help reduce the water buildup under the eyes. You can also make a finely ground potato poultice by grating 1–2 tablespoons of raw potato and place it in a few layers of cheesecloth. Place over your closed eyes. Milk We use milk in quite a few of our homemade skin recipes because it contains lactic acid, which increases skin firmness. Dip a cotton ball into cold milk and squeeze off the excess. Place on each of your closed eyes to help tone under-eye tissue. Green or Black Tea Tea bags are another popular home remedy. Green and black teas contain caffeine, which tightens skin and prevents the excessive accumulation of fat in cells, a common cause of under-eye bags as we age Caffeinated tea also contains tannins, which stimulate blood circulation, and antioxidants that protect skin from the effects of aging. Chamomile Tea Chamomile tea doesn’t have caffeine, but it does have significant anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It can also provide relief for conjunctivitis and pink eye. Egg Whites Beat up an egg white mask and apply it with a brush or your fingers under the eyes (make sure not to get it in the eyes, and wash hands after applying). As it dries, it will tighten and tone the skin. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes, then gently rinse. Aloe Vera Gel It’s not just for burns! Aloe contains a myriad of antioxidants and has numerous antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and other healing properties. It can help soothe tired eyes by moisturizing the skin and providing relief. It might also help minimize wrinkles. Rose Water Rosewater contains vitamin C and A, as well as flavonoids. It is a natural astringent with anti-inflammatory properties It is also incredibly rejuvenating and refreshing. And you can even make your own rose water at home. Saturate a cotton ball with the cooled rose water and dab under the eyes to reduce dark circles and refresh the skin. Witch Hazel Witch hazel is a well-known astringent often used to reduce swelling and redness. Chilled witch hazel is extra refreshing. After cooling in the fridge for a couple of hours, apply a bit to a cotton pad and let sit on closed eyes for 5 minutes for an instant refresh. Cold Water Wake up your face with a cool water wash first thing in the morning. It will definitely get you going! If your eyes feel extra puffy, dunk your face in ice water or dip a washcloth in cold water, squeeze out the excess, and lay it over your eyes. The cold water works as a vasoconstrictor to restrict blood flow to the area, which in turn reduces any redness and swelling. Chilled Spoons If you’re not a fan of cold water, try putting two spoons in the refrigerator before you go to bed. In the morning, you can just pull them out and place them gently over your closed eyes. It will produce the same effect as cold water jelly teething rings are also great. Coffee Erase late nights and tired eyes by adding a dose of coffee to your morning skincare routine. The caffeine in this homemade mask for puffy eyes acts as a diuretic to reduce swelling. Whip a teaspoon or two of ground coffee into an egg white and apply under the eyes. Or try a coffee-infused eye cream. You’ll shrink both eye swelling and fine lines. Turmeric Turmeric eye masks are excellent for brightening complexions, evening out skin tone, and decreasing inflammation Combine with milk for a bit of gentle exfoliation. Mix 1 tablespoon turmeric with 1 tablespoon milk in a small bowl and apply to under-eyes using a cotton ball. Leave on for 15 minutes and then carefully rinse off. Tap ‘Em Away Gently tapping your under-eye area with the pads of your fingers can help circulate lymph and encourage the fluid under your eyes to drain. When applying an eye serum, be sure to gently press it into the skin under your eyes rather than just superficially slathering it on top.. Just be sure you don’t tug at the skin, as this can make eye bags worse! Essential Oils Many essential oils have anti-inflammatory properties that can lessen the appearance of eye puffiness. Try mixing 1–2 drops of argan, chamomile, or and lavender oils and gently applying to the under-eye area. Be careful while applying.

Home Remedies for Acne

Acne develops when pores become clogged or infected with bacteria. Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, affecting around 80 percent of people in their lifetimes. People can use specific home remedies to help balance the skin’s oil levels, reduce inflammation, kill bacteria, and prevent future acne breakouts. Home Remedies for Acne  Some of the most popular home remedies for acne involve the use of natural herbal extracts, many of which traditional medicine practitioners have used for hundreds of years. Tea Tree Oil Applying tea tree oil to the skin can help reduce swelling and redness. Tea tree oil is a natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, which means that it might kill P. acnes, the bacteria that causes acne. Tea tree oil’s anti-inflammatory properties mean that it can also reduce the swelling and redness of pimples. People can apply tea tree extract to their acne in creams, gels, or essential oils. If people use essential oils, always dilute them in a carrier oil first. Jojoba Oil Jojoba oil is a natural, waxy substance extracted from the seeds of the jojoba shrub. The waxy substances in jojoba oil may help to repair damaged skin, which means it may also help speed up wound healing, including acne lesions. Some of the compounds in jojoba oil might help to reduce skin inflammation, which means it may reduce redness and swell around pimples, whiteheads, and other inflamed lesions. Try mixing jojoba essential oil with a gel, cream, or clay face mask and applying it to acne. Otherwise, place a few drops of jojoba oil on a cotton pad and rub this gently over acne sore. Aloe vera Aloe vera is a natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, meaning it may reduce the appearance of acne and prevent acne breakouts. Aloe vera contains lots of water and is an excellent moisturizer Aloe vera also contains salicylic acid and sulfur, which are both used extensively in the treatment of acne. Try cleaning the acne sores and then applying a thin layer of cream or gel with aloe vera. Honey Honey has been used to treat skin conditions, such as acne, for thousands of years. It contains many antioxidants that can help to clear waste and debris from clogged pores. Doctors use honey in wound dressings because of its antibacterial and wound-healing properties. Using a clean finger or cotton pad, rub a little honey into pimples. Otherwise, add honey to a face or body mask. Garlic Many traditional medicine practitioners use garlic to treat infections and boost the body’s ability to fight germs and infections. Garlic contains organosulfur compounds, which have natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Organosulfur compounds can also help to boost the immune system, which helps the body fight infections. To fight the inflammation and infections caused by acne, people can add more garlic to their diet. Some people chew whole garlic cloves, rub it on toast, or make it into a hot drink. Apple cider vinegar Apple cider vinegar contains several organic acids that have been shown to kill p.acnes.In particular, succinic acid has been shown to suppress inflammation caused by P.acnes, which may prevent scarring is important to note that applying apple cider vinegar to your skin can cause burns and irritation, so it should always be used in small amounts and diluted with water. Cinnamon cinnamon has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties. Because of this, they may be beneficial for acne-prone skin. Mix 2 tablespoons honey and 1 teaspoon cinnamon together to form a paste. Apply for 10-15 minutes. Wash off with water. Green tea Green tea contains high concentrations of a group of polyphenol antioxidants called catechins. Antioxidants help the body break down chemicals and waste products that can damage healthy cells. Green tea may help clear out some of the debris and waste that has built up in open acne sores & controls sebum production. Green tea might help either when people drink it or use green tea extract on their skin. Rosemary Rosemary extract, or Rosmarinus officinalis, contains chemicals and compounds that have antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties…. rosemary extract can reduce inflammation from the acne-causing bacteria P. acnes. Coconut oil Like other natural remedies, coconut oil contains anti-inflammatory and antibacterial compounds. These properties mean that coconut oil may destroy acne-causing bacteria and reduce redness and swelling of pimples. Coconut oil may also speed up healing in open acne sores. Along with home remedies, specific lifestyle changes can have a powerful effect in reducing acne flare-ups. Lifestyle Changes to Improve Acne Include:  Never Touching Pimples It can be very tempting, but touching acne sores will irritate the skin, may make the pimple worse, and can spread pimples to other areas. Touching, rubbing, squeezing, or popping acne sores can also introduce more bacteria into the lesion, causing further infections. Choosing the Right Cleanser Many regular soaps have an acidity, or pH, that is too high and can irritate the skin, making acne worse. Choose cleansers, rinses, and washes with a pH closer to the skin’s natural pH of around 5.5. Using Oil-Free Skincare Oil-based or greasy products can block pores, increasing the risk of them becoming clogged and forming acne sores. Staying Hydrated Staying hydrated is extremely important because it makes it easier for acne sores to heal and reduces the overall risk of outbreaks. When the skin is dry, it can easily become irritated or damaged, resulting in pimples. Being hydrated also ensures new skin cells develop correctly assures heal. Tips for Managing Stress Include:  Talking to family, friends, a doctor, or other supportive people Getting enough sleep Eating a healthful, balanced diet and avoiding skipping meals Exercising regularly Limiting alcohol and caffeine consumption Practicing deep breathing, yoga, mindfulness, or meditation People can choose from a wide range of home remedies to treat their acne. Not all remedies will work for everyone or in every case, However always consult a doctor before using natural remedies for severe, chronic, deep, or painful acne.

Signs that You are Eating Too Much Salt

According to dietary guidelines from AHA, We should consume 2300 mg of salt in a day. However we consume more than 3400 mg per day which is way more exceeding than the limit, and the worst part is that 70 percent of it is coming from processed & junk food. Too much salt can have unpleasant effects both in the long & short run. Your body shows multiple signs in case you are eating too much salt: Puffiness Excess salt in blood results in fluid imbalance.drawing water out of cells into the bloodstream. This causes water retention & puffiness. Bloating Bloating is characterized by a buildup of gas & discomfort in the stomach…making your stomach to balloon out. This is more common in people having a high sodium diet. Excessive Thirst When you consume salty food water is drawn out of cells triggering thirst. Trouble in sleeping Excessive salt negatively impacts your sleep. It causes frequent nightmares & frequent urination. Also, water retention caused by excessive salt consumption makes it difficult to lie down comfortably. Chapped lips Sodium contributes to the dehydration of cells. this includes cells of your lips & skin. Make sure to drink more water & avoid over salty food for smoother softer lips. Acne Acne is linked to inflammation, as is excess sodium consumption. Thus there seems to be an inter relationship. Poor gut health Eating excess salt results in the growth of bad bacteria such as Helicobacter pylori there attack the stomach lining & cause infection. It may lead to ulcers as well. Weak Bones Excessive salt elevated urinary calcium excretion. This leads to calcium loss from your bones. It may also result in osteoporosis. High blood pressure Eating food high in sodium results in high blood pressure …in overtime leading to CVD, stroke, or heart failure. Kidney stones Diet high in sodium can result in a concentration of calcium in the kidney. Leading to stone formation. Cognitive Problems According to studies excessive salt intake is linked to an increased risk of dementia &cerebrovascular diseases. Keep your brain healthy by limiting sodium heavy foods. Here are simple ways to fix this : ⁃ Avoid all kind of processed or packaged foods ⁃ Use a mix of common salt and black salt for cooking ⁃ Avoid adding salt to salads or fruits or juices ⁃ Avoid eating papads, chutneys, pickles loaded with salt

How Much Weight Lose When You Walk 10,000 Steps a Day?

Do you also find it difficult to take out time for exercise or hit the gym? But are still worried about how to lose those extra kgs. Then my dear friend walking10,000 steps a day might be the solution to your problem. Get on your feet. Walking the recommended 10,000 steps day boosts overall health without too much burden on your already crowded calendar. Move closer to a healthy weight. Eat less, move more is the age-old formula for weightloss – walking is an easy way to achieve that goal. A 2017 study published by the NationalInstitutes of Health shows that physical activity is important for healthy weight. Aiming for that 10,000-step mark is a good way to ward off weight gain and even lose a few pounds. Completing an extra 10,000 steps a day typically burns out 2000- 3500 calories in a week .1pound ( half a kg ) of body fat equals 3500 calories, so depending on your weight & workout intensity, you could lose about 1 pound ( half a kg) per week simply by completing extra 10,000 steps each day. This means you 3 easily lose2- 3 kgs in a month. I think this is a great physical activity as you don’t need any special equipment or preparation for this. This is something easily achievable. Benefits of 10,000K Steps: Reduces anxiety The simple act of walking can help to ease anxiety. Just 10 minutes has been shown to promote feelings of well-being. Stabilize blood sugar Regular physical activity, such as walking 10,000 steps a day, leads to lower glucose and insulin response after a meal. This is important for managing or reducing the risk of diabetes. Reduce the risk of heart disease Bodies are designed to move, and the consequence of not moving them enough often comes in the form of poor health outcomes. When you walk more, say 10,000 steps rather than the typical average of 3,000 to 4,000, you are effectively improving your cardiovascular health. That means less risk of heart attack, stroke, and high blood pressure. Tone up Walking doesn’t just boost your heart health; it is also good for toning your whole body. Your legs and glutes get a good workout and if you pump your arms as you walk, they also benefit. Boost mood The simple act of walking improves clarity for better cognitive performance, boosts mood, and your overall feelings of well-being, and even reduces stress. If you are looking for strategies to improve your body and mind, walking is the ticket. Walking is easy to do and good for you, too. Not only do you get the benefits of weight-management and better cardiovascular health, you’ll also sleep better and feel less stressed. There isn’t a magic bullet for good health and healthy weight but walking 10,000 steps is a pretty good step in the right direction.

Ways to Use Banana Peels

The most common thing to do with banana peels is to throw them in the trash. However, there are various miraculous uses for this frequently-overlooked product. The peels can be used in your kitchen as a cleaning product or in your beauty routine. They help reduce acne Banana peels contain vitamin C and vitamin E and they also contain potassium, zinc, iron, and manganese. These nutrients can calm inflamed skin and reduce acne outbreaks. Also, banana peels contain lutein and carotenoids which are fat-soluble compounds that help fight inflammation and acne breakouts. – Rub the banana peel over your skin and leave for 5 to 10 minutes. – Rinse your skin They help reduce wrinkles Facial wrinkles occur when the skin loses its elasticity and it loses its firmness. The antioxidants and vitamin C in bananas can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles.Rub the banana peel over your skin and leave for 30 minutes or overnight repeat 3 times a week. Help to polish your silverware When your silverware loses luster.. try using a banana peel. The inside of the banana peel contains potassium that helps to cleanse metal. Make a paste of banana peel & water. Leave for some time & then rinse it off with water. Remove Splinters Banana peel has enzymes that draw foreign subjects to the surface of the skin. This makes it easier to remove Splinters. Fertile compost for plants Adding banana peel to your compost will help introduce calcium, magnesium, sulfur, phosphate& potassium to the soil. Which are vital for the healthy growth of plants. For this, you can bury the banana peel piece near the root of the plant. Whitens teeth The potassium found in ripe banana peels helps to reduce the yellowness of the teeth caused by tea, coffee, etc. For this brush your teeth properly. Now take the inside of the banana peel & rub for 2 minutes. Then wash off, Repeat daily. Help reduce appearance of Scar Banana peel contains esterified fatty acids that diminish the visibility of scars. For this apply the peel to the affected area. Wash after some time. Help in treating headaches Banana peel is a natural way to treat your headache. This is because of its potassium content. Put banana peel into the freezer & apply it on your forehead. Help to tenderize meat The banana peel works as a blanket to your meat. It helps in cooking while keeping the moisture from evaporating. Hence the meat cooked is more juicy. Help relieve itchy skin Banana peel contains histamine lowering nutrients such as magnesium, vitamin c, vitamin E.Use banana peel to relieve itching from rashes or mosquito bites, or psoriasis. Help in removing warts For this rub banana peel over the wart. Leave it overnight. And wash in the morning. Do it daily. I know now you will think twice before throwing the banana peel.

Curry Leaves for Hair

Remember the aroma wafting through your kitchen with that special sizzle when the curry leaves are put in a tadka? The curry leaves not only helps your digestive system but can create wonders for your hair? Curry leaves are rich in antioxidants. These antioxidants moisturize the scalp, and also remove dead hair follicles. Apart from that, curry leaves are beneficial for the hair since they are high in beta-carotene and protein content, which are instrumental in preventing hair loss and thinning of hair. Proteins are also essential for hair growth since hair is made of protein. Curry leaves are also high in amino acid content which strengthen the hair fiber. Curry leaves help in speeding up hair growth by restoring the health of your scalp. Curry leaves, when used correctly, can open up clogged hair follicles on the scalp. Benefits of Curry Leaves: Control Hair Loss It is normal to lose about 50 to 70 strands of hair daily since it is a part of the regeneration process of the body. If anyone, however, suffers from something much more severe than this, then care needs to be taken. . The antioxidants in curry leaves provide strength to the hair follicles and control hair loss. They also moisturize the scalp and improve blood circulation in the scalp, which helps prevent hair loss. For this use, the concoction of curry leaves with coconut/ olive oil. Use this twice weekly. Curry Leaves Strengthen Hair Besides promoting hair growth and controlling hair loss, curry leaves also help strengthen the hair fibers. The proteins, vitamin B, and beta-carotene improve the quality of the hair shaft and boost hair health and shine. For this, you can boil the curry leaves and hibiscus petals in water for an hour and use the thick liquid to wash your hair. Prevent Premature Greying Want to prevent premature greying? Curry leaves to the rescue! Curry leaves promote the natural production of melanin and prevent premature greying. Boil curry leaves in about two cups of water till it reduces to half a cup. Blend this and wait till it cools down. Mix this blend with coconut oil and massage it on your hair. Leave it for half an hour and wash it off with lukewarm water. Clears Dandruff Curry leaves have several anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. When used on the scalp, these properties help fight dandruff and minor scalp infections. Mix the paste of curry leaves with two to three tablespoons of fresh yogurt, and blend until you get a thick paste. Apply this hair mask over your entire scalp and the length of your hair and leave it on for 20 to 25 minutes. Wash it off with a mild shampoo and lukewarm water. Repair Hair Damage The environment causes a toll on your hair. Curry leaves can help repair this. Curry leaves help fight the negative effects of pollutants and free radicals. Heat three tablespoons of coconut or olive oil and add eight to 10 curry leaves when hot. Cool the oil, strain, and use on the scalp and hair. Control Thinning of Hair Curry leaves are high in protein, which is also the essential ingredient for hair. They help prevent the thinning of hair with the protein and beta-carotene. The antioxidants in the curry leaves can get rid of the dead follicles from the scalp. Boil a cup of coconut oil in a vessel and add curry leaves powder to it. Let it boil for a few minutes. Turn off the heat and cool it. Strain and store the oil in a cool place. Use this oil to massage the hair and scalp. Control Frizz in Hair Say goodbye to dull, frizzy hair with the magic of curry Besides using curry leaf oil, you can create a curry leaf rinse. Include Curry leaves in your Diet Apart from using curry leaves in an external manner, make them a part of your daily diet to get wonderful results. , your body and hair will reflect all you eat. Use fresh, young, and tender curry leaves so they are not chewy. If you still don’t like it, then dry out the curry leaves and grind them into a powder & use.

How to Increase Your Height

Height is often associated with attractiveness & prestige. So it’s natural that people aspire to add a few more inches to their height. Do you know that 80% of your height depends on genetic factors that are not under our control but 20% of it depends on environmental factors that are under your control? The pituitary gland in our body secretes human growth hormone (HGH) which is responsible for muscle & bone growth. Let’s understand how we can stimulate our HGH & push our height. Diet Giving proper fuel to your body improves your growth. Make sure to have a balanced meal. The most important nutrients required for growth are Protein& Calcium. For Protein include these foods in your diet- Egg white, chicken breast, homemade paneer, fish, pulses, tofu, soya bean. All the dairy products & green leafy vegetables are great sources of calcium. To absorb the calcium you need to have vitamin D …so make sure to spend some time in the sun daily. Include zinc & iron also in your diet. 2. Sleep Our body grows when we are sleeping. Growing children& teenagers need 8-10 hours of sleep. It’s best to sleep on your back without the pillow. So try to have a sound sleep. 3. Exercise It stimulates the nerve endings which are associated with the pituitary gland, which is responsible for HGH secretion. The best exercise time increases height are: Cycling, Skipping, sprinting, jumping exercises, and aerobics. Stretching exercises help to elongate your spine to full length which can increase your height. Some of the stretching exercises are Suryanamaskar, cobra stretching, Toe touching or just hanging over the rod. Sports such as swimming & basketball also helps to stretch. 4. Posture This is absolutely important. A slouched posture not only makes you look unimpressive but also results in a deformed spine. Always sit or stand in an upright position. 5. Things to avoid Avoid things such as alcohol, steroids, drugs, junk & processed food as they act as growth inhibitors & result in stunted growth.

The Social Media Summit & Awards 2018!

Our Youtube channel WON an Award from the Government of Andhra Pradesh for ‘BEST EDUCATION CONTENT CREATORS – ALL INDIA’The Awards Night witnessed leading actors including Kareena Kapoor, musicians and various entertainers from Indian film and social media fraternity who were recognized as the best practitioners and influencers in Social Media!#ProudMoment

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