Saturday, 29 March 2014

Easy Ways to Get rid of Acne at Home


Acne is a common problem that normally affects most adolescents and teenagers. Many people are prone to acne and pimples in their adolescent years of life. But even if it’s a natural occurrence, acne can be very unpleasant to look at and many people wouldn’t consider an acne-filled face as attractive. Can you really get rid of acne at home? Absolutely! Using natural and cheap kitchen ingredients and simple practical measures, you can easily get rid of acne at home!
So what are some of the remedies to get rid of acne at home? Here are two lists of how you can easily get rid of acne at home –
1) Using kitchen ingredients, or Natural Remedies, and;
2) Using practical measures, or Good Habits.

Get rid of acne at home using Kitchen Ingredients

Here are some great Natural Remedies straight from your kitchen to help you get rid of acne naturally at home:
Yogurt contains a powerhouse of nutrients that are especially good for skin and can help you get rid of acne at home.
Yogurt contains a powerhouse of nutrients that are especially good for skin and can help you get rid of acne at home.
  • Fiber is good for you! Eating fiber rich veggies and fruits like oranges, spinach and the like will not only stave off irritable bowel syndrome but also help you get rid of acne and also prevent acne. How? Through regulating bowel movements, fiber helps eliminate harmful and toxic body wastes from the body. These body wastes, if accumulated and have no way out of the body, end up popping up as acne breakouts on your skin.
  • Take a lot of fluids. Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day and regularly take fluids to keep your body hydrated. Drinking water also helps regulate bowel movements and clear out toxins from the body thereby keeping acne at bay.
  • Yogurt for acne. Eating yogurt can work against acne just as applying it on your face. Yogurt is a super food containing a multitude of vitamins and nutrients. It also contains good bacteria that help to fight off the bad acne-causing bacteria from within the body. Applying yogurt on your face can moisturize, soften your face and even lighten freckles and blemishes!

Honey has strong anti-bacterial properties that can help put a stop to your acne in its early stages.
  • The Honey Healer. Using honey is a wonderful ingredient in most face masks to get rid of acne at home. What’s so special about honey is that it is very mild and can be used on all skin types! Apply honey on face regularly to see your acne diminish like never before. Additionally, honey moisturizes skin, keeping it radiant, soft and subtle.
  • Tomato Pulp. Apply tomato pulp on your face or acne areas, wait for 3-5 minutes and gently wash off. Tomato has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce the red swellings on and around pimples.

Get rid of acne at home using practical measures:

When I say get rid of acne at home using practical measures, all I mean is just following good habits that will keep you acne free for a lifetime. Following these good habits will help ensure you keep acne to a minimum.
  • Don’t touch your face. That’s right! Touching your face can intensify acne! Acne can be triggered by dirt and germs that most definitely cling to your hands during the course of the day. So whether it’s to brush a few tendrils of stray hair away from your face or rub an itchy spot, resist the temptation!
  • Comb your hair away from your face. Your hair contains natural oils that will make your face oily and thus acne prone. Further, throughout the course of the day, your hair gathers dust, smoke particles and even bacteria that when stick onto the face, trigger acne.
  • Don’t scrub your face too hard. Most people think vigorously rubbing their faces will reduce acne. But this is very wrong. In fact, this actually aggravates the acne, causing it to multiple (as you’re spreading the bacteria everywhere on your face) and even forming more acne!

It's hard to believe but washing your face more than once or twice a day can lead more acne flare-ups.
  • No popping pimples! I’m sure some people immediately feel like popping a bulbous and ugly pimple when they see one. But please refrain from doing that! When you pop a pimple, all the pus-filled contents are released. This causes other pimples to form on your skin if the gruesome ‘pus’ comes in direct contact with your skin. What’s worse is popping pimples also forms ugly scars!
  • Over washing your face. What?! Isn’t over washing your face very hygienic and helpful in preventing acne? Sad to say, the answer is no. If you’re thinking that cleaning your face more than 10 times a day will reduce acne, then think again. Your face produces natural oils that moisturize your skin. Now if you’re cleaning and soaping your face like crazy very 15 minutes, then you’re stripping your face of the natural oils and thereby causing your face to produce more oils and more acne!
Out of all these remedies to get rid of acne at home, at least one of them won’t fail to give you good results in clearing acne. I have to say one important thing though – be consistent. Whether it’s drinking lots of water or applying yogurt on your face, if you truly want to see results, then make sure you are consistent, without quitting or feverishly working on remedies to get rid of acne at home only when you’re motivated.

Caution:

You may be allergic to some of the ingredients listed above, for example, yogurt. Before applying it on your skin, be sure to use a test patch to see if it’s okay for you to continue rubbing it on a bigger portion of your skin.

Friday, 28 March 2014

7 reasons why you should chew your food well


REASON 1: Chewing aids the digestion process

The perception of considering intestine being wholly responsible for the digestion process is a little unfair. The actual process starts when you chew your food in your mouth. The process of chewing results in the release of digestive enzymes which are helpful in the food breaking process. So the more you chew, the more these enzymes release and aid the digestion process while saving you from indigestion issues.

REASON 2: Makes food channelizing easier

If the food is not chewed properly, the job of digestion becomes difficult. Breaking down of food takes more time and energy and may cause stomach ache or other disturbances. For this reason it is important that your food is chewed well and the lower stomach gets some time to relax so the food can be channelized further.

REASON 3: Avoids bacterial growth

Trying to finish the plate early or taking another bite while there is still food in your mouth means probably you will swallow larger food particles. The unbroken food particles may be left unprocessed and this increases the risk of bacterial growth in the intestine which leads to gastric issues, constipation, and abdominal pain. In some extreme cases it may cause diarrhea and bloating too.

REASON 4: Absorbs nutrients easily

Some foods like raw vegetables, bread and foods rich in fiber are comparatively slow in being digested. For this reason it is better you must chew your food well as this makes the energy absorption process speedy and the nutrients are absorbed easily.

REASON 5: Assists in weight control

When you eat fast, you eat more! Overeating is directly related to weight gain. This means if you eat slow and take some time to chew your food properly you can avoid overeating which helps in maintaining your calorie intake. This slow eating formula is also recommended to people who wish to reduce weight and control the calories intake.

REASON 6: Avoids tooth decay

When you chew your food the saliva produced helps in washing away the bacteria in your mouth. This avoids tooth decay and keeps them strong and healthy. The dentists suggest that the food should be chewed properly with both sides of your mouth. In normal practice we chew with the right side of our teeth due to this the left side is mostly affected by tarter and bacterial attack. For this reason, chewing your food well can also help to protect your teeth from bacteria.

REASON 7: Helps you enjoy food

Food breaks should be relaxing while indulging in the pleasure and taste with every bite should be the real essence of eating. This can be achieved if your go slow with the chewing process. Take a bite and enjoy the texture, taste, and flavor till it breaks down and swallowed.

Thursday, 27 March 2014

9 Simple Home Remedies For Dandruff

1. Yogurt and pepper:

You’ll be running into the kitchen for this one. This is one of the simplest dandruff home remedies ever! The ingredients are so simple that you never would have guessed. Yogurt, when applied onto the scalp, acts as a soothing agent. Yogurt prevents the aggravation of scaling on the scalp. Pepper is an anti fungal agent. It is always better to use fresh ingredients. Grind finely about 2 teaspoons of black pepper. Add this powder to one cup of curd. Mix them thoroughly and apply all over the scalp. Apply on the scalp and not the hair. Leave it on your scalp for about an hour and rinse off. Follow it up with a mild shampoo.

 2. Olive oil

Probably man’s greatest discovery is olive oil. Out of the multitude of uses of olive oil, its use in curing dandruff is the most widely popularised. Olive oil is an excellent moisturiser. Olive oil also has natural clarifying properties. As dandruff is caused mostly by a dry scalp, using olive oil is an obvious home remedy for dandruff that you can think of. Massage warm olive oil onto the scalp in gentle circular motions at night before going to sleep. Keep the olive oil overnight and cleanse with a mild shampoo in the morning. Remember to use an old pillowcase to absorb the oil or wrap your head in a cotton cap. Take care that the olive oil is warm but not hot. You can also apply olive oil on your hair before a wash; let it stay for 15-20 minutes before shampooing. Olive oil is truly an excellent home remedy for dandruff.

3. Lemon juice and oil: 

Lemon juice is assumed to be natural bleach because of the citric acid content in the juice. Due to this reason, many people assume that using lemon juice on their hair can result in bleaching of hair, thereby causing grey hair. But this very popular belief is just that! A belief. A myth. Lemon juice has extremely beneficial antifungal properties which make it an essential weapon in the kit for dandruff home hair masks remedies. Mix coconut oil and lemon juice such that for one part lemon juice, add five parts coconut oil. Smear this mixture gently onto your scalp and leave this mixture on the scalp for about twenty minutes to half an hour. Wash off the mixture using a mild shampoo. Treat regularly to get rid of dandruff using lemon.

4. Vinegar:

Using vinegar as a cure against dandruff control has been around for the better part of the last century. When using vinegar for dandruff treatment at home, never pick a chemically prepared one. Always choose vinegar made from natural ingredients such as apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar. Vinegar is rich in potassium and active potassium enzymes which help to curb all your cravings for a good itch on your head. Vinegar is effective in curing itchy dandruff the best. Massaging apple cider vinegar onto your scalp gently benefits blood circulation as well as cures dandruff. Apple cider vinegar helps in getting rid of the dead skin which forms the flakes of dandruff and clogs the hair roots. Another easy way of including vinegar in your dandruff treatment routine is to add about a tablespoon of vinegar in your last mug of water as a rinse when you are washing your hair. Take care that this does not get into your eyes. Don’t worry about the smell as it will go away once your hair is dry.

5. Baking Soda:

Surprising isn’t it, the variety of cures present for dandruff? Would you have ever imagined finding baking soda to be listed as a potential among the various home remedies for dandruff? Baking soda clarifies the scalp and helps clear off the flakes on the scalp. But this does not mean you start washing your hair with baking soda instead of shampoo. Just add about one teaspoon of baking soda to your shampoo and wash your hair with this newly prepared shampoo. One wash is enough for you to see that the stubborn flakes hiding in the strands of your hair are also removed by the baking soda.

6. Aloe Vera:

We just cannot get enough of this miracle plant. Aloe Vera gets another feather in its hat. Aloe Vera repairs raw broken skin on the scalp caused due to repeated itching of our scalp. Aloe Vera gel also has anti bacterial and anti fungal properties. It acts like a clarifying agent on our scalp and keeps dandruff out. Apply the Aloe Vera gel obtained from the plant directly on your scalp. Leave it on for about a quarter of an hour and wash it off using a mild shampoo. Do this daily till you get satisfactory results. Aloe Vera cleans up the scalp, and also soothes and heals the scalp which makes it the perfect dandruff home remedy.

7. Apples:

Another unconventional and unheard of cure among the other dandruff home remedies is an apple. Squeeze out the juice from a fresh apple, add about two tablespoons of this juice to an equal amount of water and apply it on to your scalp. Leave on this juice for about ten minutes on your scalp and wash your hair normally with a mild shampoo. Apples have an enzyme called phenolase which helps fight dead skin accumulation that can clog the hair roots.  Eliminating the dead skin helps gradually cure dandruff.

8. Garlic:

Another dandruff treatment to try at home is garlic. The smell of garlic that is so effective in driving people away is also very effective in keeping dandruff away. Garlic has natural antibiotic properties which help in killing any bacteria present on the scalp. This helps fight dandruff. Mash garlic and make it into a smooth paste. Apply it on the scalp and leave it on for about half an hour. Wash your hair as usual with a mild shampoo.

9. Fenugreek seeds:

Soak fenugreek seeds overnight and make a fine paste out of this the next day. Apply this on your scalp and leave for half an hour followed by shampooing. Try this treatment for a month to do away with your dandruff problem.
One thing to keep in mind when gearing up to fight dandruff is that none of these cures are miracle cures, that is, you will have to have patience to see results. The best way to fight dandruff is to keep fighting until it gives up and runs away for good.
Hope you find these remedies useful. If you want to add to the list, you are welcome. Do leave me your feedback below in shaa Allah. 

Wednesday, 26 March 2014

Organic Remedy for Dark Circles Under Eyes



The Dreaded Dark Circle Under Your Eyes
Yes, there are ways to cover up the dark circles under your eyes. Orange makeup is notorious for concealing dark circles when a more natural colour is added on top, as the orange tint will help neutralize the ugly dark splotch and the neutral colour will even the false skin tone. However, you can actually rid yourself of dark circles under your eyes completely, rather than merely covering them up, by using a friendly and an organic remedy such as parsley. With the parsley organic remedy, you'll never have to resort to using chemicals to fight an odd facial mark or worry about makeup smudging ever again.
Why Parsley is an Organic Remedy Parsley is a great organic remedy because it contains a high concentration of vitamin K. As vitamin K decreases blood flow when applied topically, parsley is a wonderful contender in reducing the primary cause of dark circles under eyes. While this organic remedy is still somewhat of a secret, dermatologists agree that parsley can dramatically reduce the swelling and visible blood flow under the eyes, which cause dark circles when treatment is consistent.
How to Use Parsley as an Organic Remedy Using parsley as an organic remedy is simple, a procedure that takes little over 20 minutes. Simply mix a small handful of fresh parsley with one tablespoon of plain yoghurt in a a food processor until a paste has formed, and your homemade organic remedy has been made. To apply, just rub the paste under your eyes and allow it to set for about 20 minutes, after which it can be rinsed off with lukewarm water. For this organic remedy to work most efficiently, the parsley and yoghurt paste should be applied liberally and once a week.
Why Some People Prefer Parsley As a Remedy Because parsley is an organic remedy, some people take comfort in knowing that they are not introducing strange chemicals which are not completely understood or even known into their body. This may be an especially compelling reason for using an organic remedy, as the remedy by definition must be placed very near the eye. As the paste is all natural, the worry about an allergic reaction from foreign substances, or about smudging, is also greatly decreased (unless of course someone is allergic to parsley). Also, some prefer parsley as an organic remedy because it's something they already have in their kitchen, along with yogurt. This means users of this organic remedy won't have to think about buying products to reduce the dark circle under eyes or worry about that product expiring.

Tuesday, 18 March 2014

DIY Tomato Lemon Face Mask


Whether it’s hormones, humidity, or just bad luck, breakouts are no fun at all. You feel self conscious about your blemishes, and often those zits just plain hurt! Boo!
The best way to fight breakouts is by preventing them in the first place, both from the inside out and on the surface. A healthy diet full of fruits and veggies can go a long way towards healthier skin, and drinking plenty of water can also help prevent breakouts. On the outside, it’s of course important to keep your face clean, but you can add a little oomph to your breakout-fighting routine with this tomato lemon face mask!

You Need:
  • 1 over-ripe tomato
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp instant oatmeal
  • 2 tbs of coconut milk


Method Of Application:
Put all ingredients in blender, blend this until smooth. Apply to face,get relax and let it on your face for 20 minutes, rinse with Luke warm water.After the application of this mask avoid to go out under direct sun light for 2 hours after that apply sun block. 

Don't Skip Breakfast


Fiber in the morning means less hunger late in the afternoon, when you're most likely to feel tired and gorge yourself on sugar. My morning dose comes from steel-cut oatmeal, usually mixed with raisins, walnuts, and flaxseed oil. An early start on eating also keeps your metabolism more active throughout the day; breakfast eaters are thinner than people who just rush out the door.

Saturday, 15 March 2014


DIY Milk Beauty recipes 


Milk is an amazing topical skin care ingredient found in many beauty products. Queen of Egypt, Cleopatra took milk baths to look beautiful and keep her skin soft. 

Benefits of milk include:

  • improves complexion
  • excellent cleanser
  • shrinks pores
  • nourishes and softens skin 
  • smoothens fine lines and wrinkles
  • exfoliates dead skin cells
  • cures irritation 

Here are a few DIY recipes that are quick, easy and great for your skin. 

Nail strengthener


This one is easy to do. All you need is the following: 

  • 1 cup milk
  • microwave safe bowl

Place the milk inside the bowl and heat on high for 30 seconds in your microwave. Make sure that it does not boil/burn (you'll notice a funky smell). It should smell sweet and be warm to the touch. After washing your hands, dry them off with a towel and place your fingers/hands in the bowl of milk. Leave them there for 5 minutes. After your finished, your nails will be stronger, look beautiful and glossy and your hands will be softer. Told you it was easy!

Milk Honey and Turmeric  Mask 


  1.  Mix flour, turmeric, honey and milk to make a paste. (If you have a fair or light skin make sure you use a tiny bit of tumeric). 
  2. Wash your face with lukewarm water 
  3. Apply a thin layer to your face and let it dry for 20 minutes
  4. Wash your face with lukewarm water and for the final rinse use cold water to close your pores. 

Milk and Rose Bath Soak
Have you ever had one of those days where all you want to do is curl up under the covers and melt away into sweet dreams? Well here's another option! Try diving into a milk and rose infused bathtub. Simply light a few candles. 
Here's what you need:
1 cup whole milk
a pinch of cinnamon
½ teaspoon Vanilla
½ cup of rose petals
Once you've got everything, the rest is  easy. Draw yourself a nice warm bath. While the bathtub is filling up, make your mixture. In a medium sized bowl,  Combine all the ingredients except the rose petals.  Mix well.
Your bath should be ready to crawl into by this point. Simply pour the mixture into the water and swirl it around . Sprinkle your rose petals on top and climb in. Don't forget to relax!


Good luck with this recipes! Let me know how they work out for you. 

Friday, 14 March 2014

Assalamu Alaikum and welcome to my new blog!



Before I introduce myself I would just like to say welcome to my new blog and thank you for visiting!  

I have been posting through my Facebook page for a while now and tonight I just had an idea to create a blog! 

The main focus of my blog is health and beauty; I'm a huge fan of using natural ingredients from my kitchen. I have grown up oiling my hair and applying  food ingredients to my face . This is essentially what I am going to share with you. I will be giving you simple beauty tips and ideas, and most will stem from things you can already find in your kitchen that you can put together yourself!  


I love staying fit, eating healthy foods and living an active life. I will share with you recipes and tips on staying fit as well in shaa Allah. 



Remember to Say NO to Toxic Chemical beauty products. Love your body and work hard to stay healthy and beautiful.