Periodontal disease is second only to the common cold as the most prevalent infectious ailment in the United States of America. It is the major cause of adult tooth loss and it affects 75 per cent of adults over the age of thirty-five. Periodontal disease therefore can refer to a disorder of the gums or other supporting structures of the teeth. Gingivitis or inflammation of the gums is the early stage of periodontal disease.

The disease is progressive as one ages, and, after awhile, the bones supporting the teeth begin to erode as a result of the gum infection. Poor nutrition may be a leading cause of gum infections. Red, bleeding gums, bad breath and receding gum lines are all symptoms of periodontal disease.

Clove oil is good for temporary relief of gum pain if rubbed on the gums generously. Sage sage_flower_01is good for gum disease because of its anti-inflammatory properties. Observe these instructions on how to use sage to treat periodontal inflammation:

1. Boil 2 tablespoons of dried, crushed sage leaves in one cup of water.
2. Steep for 20 minutes.
3. Strain.
4. Then rinse your mouth several times per day.

Use your clean fingertips to massage your gums and avoid sugar and all refined carbohydrates. Sugar causes plaque buildup and inhibits the ability of white blood cells to fight off bacteria.

Damiana may enhance sexual stimulation in both sexes. It may counter impotence for men and frigidity in women. Damiana can be consumed as a tea. It is also found as a potent extract in capsule form. Its scientific name is Turnera aphrodisiaca. Damiana has an aroma similar to chamomile.

Damiana has several other benefits:

* it increases energy and fights lethargy.
* it fights asthma.
* it balances mood swings and fights depression.
* it counters neurosis.
* it lowers blood sugar.
* it helps ease menstrual disorders.
* it helps to suppress coughs and it may help in fighting bronchitis.

As a psychoactive substance, damianadamiana_1-yellow-flower contains the following bio-chemical properties:

* volatile oils
* flavinoids
* gonzalitosin
* arbutin
* tanins
* damianin
* thymol
* cyanogenic glycosides
* essential oils
* trace amounts of phosphorous

Many content and happy couples continue to use damiana for a life of shared intimacy and closeness.

The main ingredient in exotic chai tea is made from black tea which contains rich antioxidants. These antioxidants boost the immune system and prevent illness as they help to lower blood pressure and cholesterol.

Both Ayurvedic and Chinese cultures place a high value on the spices that make up a good cup of chai tea. Such spices include:

* cardamom
* cloves
* ginger
* pepper
* cinnamon

Some people put a mixture of milk and honey in their chai tea, which give it a very sweet taste. It is not recommended that anyone with ulcers drink chai tea as the sweet flavor could possibly irritate the ulcers. However, the ingredients in chai tea generally promote healthy digestion for the majority of tea drinkers.

Exotic chai tea takes the chai to a much higher level by adding even more spices to this delicious beverage. It has much less caffeine in it than coffee, thus making it safer to drink; you can consume a few more cups of exotic chai tea (than coffee) per day due to its lower caffeine content. It can be sipped as either a hot or cold drink.

Recent research review, published in the Cochrane Library, which studied 25 over-the -counter cough medicine, has determined that here is no good evidence either for or against the effectiveness of formulas such as Robitussin or Mucinex or any other brand of cough syrup.

For a change, try herbal alternatives as recommended by Tieraona Low Dog, M.D. (director of education at the University of Arizona’s Program in Integrative Medicine). The ingredients featured are sage and thyme, which alleviates chest congestion. This recipe also has vitamin- C rich- lemon and throat-soothing honey. Just follow these simple steps:

1. Pour hot water over 2 teaspoons of organic lemon rinds, 1 teaspoon of sage and one-half teaspoon of thyme.herb-thyme-silver-queen
2. Dried or fresh herbs can be used.
3. Cover and steep for 15 minutes.
4. Strain the tea.
5. Then add the juice of on-half lemon and 1 tablespoon of honey.

Drink two to three cups daily for cough relief. Relax and see how quickly your cough improves.

This summer, make your own iced chai tea. Any kind of black tea will do, however, Darjeeling is the best choice if you want an authentic Indian taste. Prepare the following ingredients:

* 2 1/2 Cups water
* 2 cinnamon sticks
* 14 cardamom pods
* 2 cups whole milk
* 6 whole cloves
* 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
* 3 black or Darjeeling tea bags
* 1/4 cup honey

Follow these directions:

1. In a medium saucepan, bring water, cinnamon, cardamomimages-cardamom-pods, cloves, and ginger to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer covered for 20 minutes. Turn off the heat.
2. Add tea bags and steep for 15 minutes, covered. Remove tea bags. Add honey or agave and stir until dissolved. Stir in milk.
3. Strain the mixture into another container. Allow to cool and then refrigerate for about an hour. Serve over ice. Enjoy. It is simply delicious.

I remember the first time I tried Rooibus tea, I took my first sip and the aroma smelled so distinctive and good. It had a citrus flavor. I asked the tea expert what the pleasant smell was and he said it was bergamot that was infused into the tea leaves to give it a better, improved taste. Wow – I liked it right away.

Bergamot is actually an essential oil from the rind of the bergamot orange, a citrus fruit from Asia which is grown commercially in Italy. The bergamot essential oil has many health benefits; it helps with indigestion and flatulence. It has a fresh, invigorating essence. It feels very uplifting and has antiseptic properties which helps one to relax.

Bergamot used to flavor only black tea such as Earl Grey. In present day, bergamot oil is infused with many other types of teas, such as oolong, green, white and rooibus teas. Bergamot gives a subtle pleasure and it is delightful for soothing both body and mind.

As the weather becomes hot and sticky this summer why not use some herbal alternatives to kill odor-causing bacteria and bust body odor? Commercial under arm deodorants and anti-perspirants contain harmful chemicals which are not usually healthy for us. These chemicals block skin follicles and cause uncomfortable allergic reactions for many of us.

Try some natural techniques for alleviating body odor:

* Zinc - It has immune-stimulating effects. Take 30 mg. in supplement form or increase your intake of food sources like shellfish and legumes. If you take a supplement, also take one mg. copper ( present in multi-vitamins).
* Baking Soda - This is sodium bicarbonate which soaks up moisture and helps stop bacteria from forming on the skin. Sprinkle a small amount onto your hands and apply directly to your underarms.
* Tea Tree Oil - This awesome and incredible essential oil is loaded with anti-bacterial compounds. Mix a couple drops of tea tree oil with a teaspoon of almond oil and rub onto your armpits. Sometimes tea tree oil can be irritating to skin, so always do a skin patch test to see if your skin is sensitive to this essential oil.

Psoriasis is a skin disorder which is characterized by a red discoloration of the skin, covered with silver-white scales which become flaky. This condition can be rather painful, itchy and sore. It is caused by faster-than-normal buildup of skin cells which grow at a more rapid rate than normal skin cells. Psoriasis is difficult to get rid of and it is very unpleasant.

Neem oil5623-azadirachta-indica-veppam-maram-neeb-nimtree-azadirachtin-neem-extract-oil-cake-ne-2 is an Ayurvedic herb which helps to clear up various skin problems. I use it on my dog to alleviate and prevent fungus, mange and other skin conditions caused by allergies. Neem Oil also keeps insects from biting my dog. I mix neem oil with water and spray it onto my dog’s skin. Her fur is much shinier and healthier-looking now.

Last week I traveled to Atlanta to visit Elena and Richard, some good friends of mine. They showed me how they apply neem oil to their poodle’s skin to heal bug bites and to keep fleas and ticks away. They reported that the neem oil really works. Then they showed me how Richard was suffering with an annoying case of psoriasis on the tops of both of his feet. He applied the neem oil directly onto his feet (full strength), and within 12 hours, his scales had disappeared. The itchiness and discomfort went away also.

Elena and Richard also concurred that their dog’s fur was shinier and thicker than ever due to the neem oil. I also give one teaspoon of neem oil to my older dog so that she eats it with her food. As a result, her arthritic symptoms clear up and she is better able to walk without limping.

Neem oil is highly reccommended for all kinds of skin disorders and as an effective insecticide.

Here is no evidence that chocolate causes acne, kidney stones or infant colic. Cocoa’s contibution to tooth decay has been blown out of proportion. Some research even suggests that cocoa contains substances which inhibit the growth of bacteria that causes tooth decay. The substances that create toothe decay is the sugar and other, sweet ingredients that are mixed in with the cocoa.

The USA consumes three billion pounds of cocoa per year and the rest of the world uses a million tons of cocoa annually. The Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry released a study done in 2003, co-sponsored by Cornell University showed that cocoa is two times better than red wine as an antioxidant. Cocoa is five times better than black tea as a powerful antioxidant.

Cocoa, scientific name Theobroma Cocoa, is known as the “food of the gods.” Organic, dark cocoa is the healthiest form of antioxidant in the entire world. It is ranked as “number one” when compared to the other rich and potent antioxidants available to us today. Below is a list of the world’s most potent antioxidants ranked in order of their effectiveness:

Amla is a tree native to India.

Amla is a member of Euphorbiaceae plant family. This is a small deciduous tree. The leaves are small, linear, and obtuse and appear like pinnate leaves. The flowers bloom in February to May. The flowers are greenish yellow in color. The fruits are fleshy, globular with 6 obscure, vertical furrows. The fruits when ripe are yellow in color.

Usage:

The fruits being very rich in Vitamin C are extensively used in man formulations of Ayurveda. The fruits are good tonic for general vitality. Amla forms an important part of Triphala a well known Ayurvedic medicine for good health and improving body resistance.The fruits either fresh or dried are used as Ayurvedic medicine.

Musk Okra is a plant found in many parts of India, it is also found in USA, Peru, Egypt, and South Asia.

This is a plant of Malvaceae family. Synonym Hibiscus abelmoschu.

This is a perennial plant, which grows to a height of about two meters. The stem is covered with hair throughout. The leaves are simple and alternate, of the size 12x18, about 5 lobed and ovate.

The yellow flowers are about nine cm. in size, and axillary, solitary and in terminal raceme. The flowering season is from August – December.

The capsules are acuminate and villous. The seeds are blackish brown reniform, and horizontally striate. Plasmic acid is obtained from the oil.

Usage:

The fruits, seeds, and the roots are useful in Ayurvedic preparations. They are nutritious, demulcent, emollient, and diuretic. The seeds are stimulant and antispasmodic. The seeds yield an essential oil, which is very valuable in perfumery for the musk or ambrette type fragrance.

chemical compounds Obtained:

Plasmalogen, plasmic acid, essential oils, volatile oils, musk scented.

Rauvolfia serpentina is a shrubb commonly found in India,. It is also found in many parts and climates of the world. It is found in Indonesia, Java, Sri Lanka,Thailand and other far east countries.

This tree is a member of Apocynaceae plant family.

Sarpgandha is an eract upright perennial shrub about 1 meter in height. The stem is green in color, erect, usually unbranched and slender. 3-4 Leaves are generally whorled and more condensed in the upper part of the stem, simple, glabrous, lanceolate or obovate. The inflorescence is generally a terminal, dense flowered cyme forming a hemispheric head on the ends of the peduncles. The flowers are white to pinkish in color. Fruits are round, sometimes single but generally didymous, united halfway, oval, 4-5 mm long and 3-4 mm broad. Ripe fruit is purple black in color. The seeds are single in each fruit, oval, with a rough and dull surface.

Usage:

In Ayurveda the plant is useful as treatment for Hypertension, Insomia and other mental disorders. Precaution is to be taken if givent to preganant woman. Decoctions of the leaves can also be applied externally to injuries, ulcers and scabies.

Chemical compounds obtained:

Reserpine derivatives are obtained from this plant.

Basil holy is a plant native to India. Holy Basil is the most sacred of all the plants to the Hindus. The plant is grown in the most of the houses in India.

This herb is a member of Lamiaceae plant family. This is an annual Many branched herb. The stem is hairy and purplish. The leaves are opposite, decussate, elliptic-oblong, obtuse or acute. The flowers are in racemes. The flowers bloom in September to December. The flowers are violet in color. The seeds are surrounded by persistent calyx. The leaves and the seeds have a pleasant aromatic flavor.

Usage:

The juice of the leaves is used in treatment of bronchitis and gastric disorders. All the five parts i.e. the roots, the stem, the leaves, the flowers and the seeds are useful in Ayurvedic preparations.

Herbs and human health can never be separated. The vegetables, and the fruits are herbs in a way, they are essential for good health. However, there are many herbs, which have medicinal values due to presence of certain enzymes, amino acids, alkaloids, vitamins etc. We have put information about some of the herbs and many more will be added in future. If you do not find the herbal information you are seeking, please email us and we shall try to locate it for you.

Medicinal plants, herbs, spices and herbal remedies are known to Ayurveda in India since long times. The value of medicinal plants, herbs and spices as herbal remedies is being lost due to lack of awareness, and deforestation. The result is many valuable medicinal herbs are becoming rare and precious information is lost. Less pollution we make, more ecological balance we maintain, will add to happiness of humankind. Preserve the knowledge of medicinal plants, herbs, spices and herbal remedies, which humankind has received from the past generations, for posterity.

History of herbal remedies is very old. Since old times before modern medicine, people became ill and suffered from various ailments. In absent of modern medicinal remedies people relied on herbal remedies derived from herbs and spices. There are many medicinal herbs and spices, which find place in day-to-day uses, many of these, are used as herbal remedies. Many cooked foods contain spices. Some minor ailments like common cold, cough, etc. may be cured by herbal remedies with use of medicinal properties of spices. Herbal remedies can be taken in many forms. Infusions are steeping herbs or spices, with parts like leaves and flowers with boiling water for some time. Filtered or unfiltered use this water extracts of spices as herbal remedies. Decoction is boiling roots, bark and hard parts of herbs and spices with water for along time. Infusion and decoction both are known as herbal teas. Some times essential oil of herbs and spices are also used as herbal remedies. Action of herbal remedies may vary from human to human and care should be observed in using it. Always inform your healthcare professional while taking any of the herbal remedies or consuming large quantity of medicinal herbs or spices as medicinal product.

Summer season, the heat waves, causes discomfort to the whole body and it becomes essential to follow some special tips for health and beauty in summer. Ayurveda states that summer is the season of increased pitta dosha. Pitta is a fire element responsible for governing metabolism and changes in the body, including digestion. Summer brings with it many health problems such as heartburn, excessive body heat and sweating, skin problems like skin rashes, prickly heat and acne, excessive stomach acidity, peptic ulcers, rough hair, irritability and anger. As such, it is important to balance rather "pacify" Pitta from within with the help of some home remedies for cool summer.
Home Remedies for Cool Summer
How to Keep Cool in Summer? This is a million dollar question but there are certain very easy home remedies for summer that will keep you cool from within.

Cool Summer Drinks- Natural cool summer drinks help pacify Pitta. However don't go for artificial carbonated cold drinks that aggravate indigestion. Also avoid hot beverages like tea and coffee. Here are some home made cool summer drinks that you can have to keep you cool in summer.

* Drink enough water during daytime in summer, preferably a glass of water every hour.
* Boil milk with a pinch of cardamom or some rose petals. Cool it and enjoy this excellent summer drink!
* Have fruit juices like those made from watermelon, orange, pineapple etc. You can add some leaves of mint in them as it has excellent cooling effect.
* Make 'lassi' from curd (yogurt). Mix curd and water in ratio of 3:1 and add sugar and/or rose petal to beat the heat.
* Have herbal tea made from mint leaves to keep cool in summer.
* Make 'aam panna' or the 'raw mango juice' by first roasting or boiling raw mangoes and then mixing the pulp in cool water with a pinch of salt, some sugar and half tsp roasted cumin powder.
* Have 'chanch' or buttermilk in the morning with your breakfast. This keeps cool from within and save you from the heat waves outside.
* Make 'Thandai' ( it means 'one that cools') with milk and some cool spices. Take one liter milk, 2-3 cups of water, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 tbsp aniseed, 1 tbsp almonds, 10-12 peppercorns, a few saffron strands, 1/2 tsp cardamom powder, 1 tbsp dried watermelon seeds, 1/2 tbsp poppy seeds, and 1/4 cup fresh rose petals. Soak aniseed, almonds, watermelon seeds, poppy seeds and rose petals in two cups of water. Boil the milk and let it cool. Make a smooth paste of the soaked ingredients by grinding them with some water. Pour remaining water into this paste and strain through muslin strainer. Add sugar, peppercorns, powdered cardamom, saffron in the extracted liquid and mix well. Now mix it with cold milk. Chill and drink it.


Cool Summer Food- Foods with sweet, bitter and astringent tastes are best to keep cool in summer. Foods with sour, salty and pungent tastes should be avoided. Have more of fruits that have high water content like melons, pears and grapes and vegetables like broccoli, cucumber, bitter gourd, and zucchini. Avoid sour foods such as sour cream, vinegar and ketchup. Also avoid much spicy dishes. Use more of cool natured spices like mint, fennel, anise and cardamom while cooking. Dry the mint leaves and store them after crushing. Use this powder mixed in curd with meals. You can also store roasted and powdered cumin seeds to be used in curd which is a very cooling food.

It is very important to keep your skin hydrated in summer season. Here are some natural skin care tips for this summer.

* When out in sun, keep your self covered with the help of umbrella or soft cloth like a scarf. Specially, keep your head covered to avoid heat stroke.
* Use rose water to keep your skin refreshing. You can mix some rose water in plain water and wash your face and other exposed body parts with it. You can even mix rose water in your bathing water to have a real cool shower in summer.
* Massage your body with cooling herbal oils like grapefruit, sweet orange and lavender oil in a coconut oil base.
* Use sandalwood paste (by mixing water with sandalwood powder) as face mask. Sandal wood has a calming, cooling effect on body and mind and helps in restricting excessive sweating.
* Boil Margosa (Neem) leaves in water. Cool it and use it to wash the face and hands. It has antibacterial effect on skin and keeps you away from getting prickly heat boils.
* For clearing skin blemishes, apply watermelon juice on face and leave it for 10-15 minutes. Wash it off with cool or slightly warm water.

Yoga to Keep Cool in Summer
If anytime you feel the heat too much to bear, try 'Shitali Pranayama'- an excellent breathing exercise prescribed in yoga- that lowers the overall temperature of the body and also reduces fevers naturally. For doing 'Shitali Pranayama,' roll your tongue into a tube and stick the tip of the tongue out of the mouth. Breath in through the mouth, through the tongue and as the cool air enters, swallow the breath and press the chin against the chest. Exhale using Ujjayi Pranayama (through the nose). Reapeat for 5-10 times. See this video to know how to do Shitali Pranayama

We all long for a healthy and peaceful life. Ayurveda, which in its name contains the term “Ayu” meaning life, tells about how to keep balance in all our bodily aspects so that we can get health
and longevity. These are very simple things regarding such basic activities as breathing, eating, sleeping etc. However, due to our hasty lifestyle, we often forget to observe these simple rules Here's a list of five basic rules, which, if included in our daily routine, can prevent us from many diseases. Ayurveda defines therapy as any method that involves the process of balancing the doshas.


Rule # 1: Breathe Properly
Breathing is the most basic condition for survival. If we breathe in a right manner, we give ourselves more prana (life-force). Always breathe deeply, slowly and smoothly. This way you relieve stress and send more oxygen to the blood, brain and muscles increasing your energy levels and mental performance. Never breathe through mouth. If possible, learn ayurvedic therapies like “Pranayam” which is a traditional series of breathing exercises. Even if you do not learn it, always pay attention to how you breathe. Gradually, you will develop the habit of breathing deeper and slower. Set aside some time in your daily schedule for aware breathing. When stressed, sit down for a while in a relaxing position and breathe deeply before you react.

Rule # 2: Drink Plenty of Water
Drink WaterWater is not only essential for rehydration but also leads to purified blood, glowing skin and healthy body tissues. Thus, you look beautiful, the natural way, when you drink plentiful water. Ayurveda suggests observing urine as a guide to know how much water you need to drink daily. If your urine is not clear or it looks too concentrated, you should increase your daily intake of water. Inadequate water leads to headaches and fatigue as also to dehydration which has serious health consequences. Sip water over time rather than gulping it down in large quantities. Do not have too much water just before or during meals. Drinks containing caffeine and alcohol do not substitute water. Fruits and vegetables with high water content can be taken but plain and pure water is essential.

Rule # 3: Eat the Right Food
Healthy fruitsAyurveda recommends right kind and right quantity of food planned according to one's own body constitution. Inappropriate foods and poor eating habits can result in many diseases like diabetes
, obesity etc. If you want to reduce weight by natural ways, you should control your eating habits and exercise regularly. Food needs are unique to one's body. So, be attentive to what you eat and how these affect your overall health. Avoid those foods which do not suit you. Eat pure, fresh, whole, natural foods. Make an eating routine and follow it. Make eating your meals an important activity and don't neglect it for other works.

Rule # 4: Exercise Regularly
Walking-JoggingAdequate physical and mental activity are significant for health and longevity. As food should be taken according to one's body needs, exercise should also be structured in a way that is ideal to your needs. Walking and yoga are beneficial for all as they can be adapted according to individual needs. Exercising early in the day is best. Do not exercise on an empty stomach or immediately after meals.
Do not pain or exhaust yourself while exercising, do it moderately. Mental exercise should also be followed. Anything that keeps our minds engaged or where you can learn something new, such as traveling, reading, solving puzzles, taking up a new hobby or project etc. will give your mind the much needed exercise. Such activities like gardening, music, teaching and volunteering are examples of activities that enrich you mentally as well as emotionally and spiritually.

Rule # 5: Sleep Adequately
SleepingAll work and no play, makes Jack a dull boy- Ayurveda too believe this. Learn to relax and take adequate sleep as it recharges mind and body for the next day. Sleep deprivation leads to high blood pressure, obesity and depression. How much sleep do you need should be determined by yourself- eight hours sleep theory doesn't fit for all. Quality sleep is what refreshes you. It is when your mind completely disengages from other senses. 'Early to bed and early to rise' is not only a phrase- it's a universal fact for getting sound sleep because the sleep that you get in the earlier hours of night is the most productive sleep. You can adopt many techniques for getting better sleep like a cup of lukewarm milk, deep breathing and a bedtime lower limb massage. So, follow these simple five rules and stay healthy for ever!

From among all the festivals of India, Holi is the most colorful festival. In fact, Holi is essentially the festival of colors. In ancient times, the festival of holi was welcomed by making a lots of natural holi colors with the help of flowers and household ingredients. With time, people became busy and also in want of permanent colors, started using chemical laden holi colors sold in markets. This had a negative health effect on people in form of skin rashes and allergies, dry brittle hair, eye injury etc. Whatever be the harms of playing with colors, people in India cannot let go the occasion of merrymaking with colors. So, play holi and use a lots of holi colors but take some precautions before holi and some measures after holi to keep your skin, hair, eye etc. intact from harmful effects of Holi. Here are some hair care
and skin care tips for a safe holi this year.
Use Herbal Holi Colors
Use only herbal holi colors. Its true that you can't tell people coming to your home to bring herbal colors. However, you can buy a lots of herbal holi colors and offer to play holi with them only with your guests. Remember, this may cost you a little more but your skin and hair will be safe. Moreover, the cost of dermatologist
and other medical expenses resulting from use of chemical holi colors will be saved. When buying herbal holi colors, feel them. They should be soft and must feel powdery, like talc or refined flour (maida) and not grainy or gritty. For a cheaper option, you can even make natural colors by doing it yourself. Tips for making such DIY herbal holi colors are given in the last section of this article.
Apply Protective Lotions or Oils Before Playing Holi
Skin Care Tips
Skin Care Tips
Prepare yourself for the holi colors. Although its good to wear comfortable clothes but ensure that your clothes cover the maximum of your body. Apply some oil (best ones are coconut oil and mustard oil) all over the exposed skin of your body. Paint your nails with nail polish. Apply petroleum jelly under nails, behind ears, on lips- wherever, there is the possibility of colors getting stuck. If possible, use shower cap to cover your hair. Apply some hair oil (olive oil or coconut oil) on the scalp and hair length. Oil forms a layer on your skin and hair and prevents the color from going deep into skin or hair roots. Also the holi colors come off easily when washed later. Also apply sunscreen lotion on skin after letting the oil absorb for 15 minutes. This will prevent UV rays from doing harm to skin by mixing with colors. Remove Holi Colors Gently After Playing Holi
Try to wash off the wet holi colors as soon as possible. For dry holi colors, just rub them off gently. If you can not remove the colors immediately, don't worry about it. Enjoy the Holi with herbal colors and use the following tips to remove the colors from your skin and hair.


* Wash off your hair first with plain water so that most of the color comes off. Then use a mild herbal shampoo or home made shampoo ( made with shikakai, reetha and amla or Indian gooseberry soaked overnight, boiled and strained in the morning). If you have taken hair care and had applied oil before, you will not have any difficulty in washing off the holi colors from your hair.
* For removing the holi colors from skin, first wash with cold water. Rub some lemon wedges over the skin (lemon is a natural bleaching agent that helps remove stains). Wash it off. Apply lots of moisturizer and leave it for at least 15 minutes. You can even use cleanser for the purpose. Put some drops of lemon juice in your lukewarm bathing water (not hot) and have a bath using a mild moisturizing soap. Take care to rub the skin gently.
* If the color doesn't come off, apply some warm olive oil. Rub the skin with a soft cloth gently. Apply curd or a herbal pack made with gram flour and milk afterwards. It will soften the skin. Use face pack made by mixing gram flour & curd till it becomes a smooth paste then apply it on face & massage gently to take out the traces of color left. Avoid bleaching, waxing or facial for a week after holi (even before holi).

DIY Herbal Holi Colors
Natural Herbal Holi Colors
Natural Herbal Holi Colors
Make your own natural herbal holi colors! And this can be done with the help of flowers, herbs, leaves and other household ingredients found in the kitchen. Here are some tips on how to make herbal holi colors?

Yellow Color- In ancient India, Palaash or tesu flowers were used for making bright yellow color. The Vedas say, “"If clothes soaked in this color are worn, then that color will have its effect on our bodies by entering through the pores of the skin, and will save us from contagious diseases." Soak these flowers overnight and boil to get natural rich yellow holi color. More easily available Marigold flowers can also be dried and their paste can be used for yellow color. Turmeric powder or raw turmeric can also be soaked in water to get yellow color. To make light yellow color mix it with gram flour.

Green Color- Take Henna leaves, dry and powder them to get dry holi color. For wet color, soak it in water. For lighter and darker shades, mix it with wheat flour or refined flour. Leafy vegetables like
spinach and coriander can also be used after grinding them with water. This green color paste is a natural wet holi color.

Red Color- Use red sandalwood powder or vermilion for red color. Dried rose petals can be used for making gulal or dry color. Soak red hibiscus flowers or grated beetroot in water overnight for getting wet red color.

Blue Color- Dry Jacaranda flowers in shade and ground them to get a beautiful blue holi color. The blue Hibiscus can also be dried and powdered. For wet color, crush berries of Indigo tree and add them to water for desired shade of the color blue. Leaves of some species of Indigo tree give rich blue color when boiled in water.

* Eyesight
Regular use of honey mixed with the carrot juice helps to improve the eyesight. It should be taken one hour before meals in the morning.

* Cough
Mixture of equal quantities of honey and ginger juice is a good expectorant. It gives immediate relief in symptoms like cold, cough, sore throat, congestion of chest and runny nose.

* Asthma
Mix half a gram of black pepper powder with honey and ginger juice mixture (equal quantity). Take this mixture at least three times a day. It helps to cure asthma.

* Blood Pressure
Take one teaspoonful of garlic juice mixed with two teaspoonful of honey. It can be taken twice a day in the morning and evening. Regular use of this mixture is beneficial for high blood pressure.

* Blood Purification and Fat Reduction
Take one glass of warm water and mix 1-2 teaspoonful of honey and one teaspoonful of lemon juice. Take this preparation daily before evacuation. It helps to purify the blood. It also helps to reduce fat and to clean the bowels.

* Heart Tonic
One teaspoonful of anise powder mixed with one or two teaspoonful of honey acts a very nice tonic for the heart. It strengthens the heart muscles and improves its functions.

When one speaks of Ayurvedic Natural Health, it is not only about the absence of diseases or alternative health achieved through natural treatment. In fact, Ayurveda ancient science is all about achieving holistic health by means of understanding one's body and listening to its urges thereby conducting one's daily routine ideally. Health in ayurveda is something to be achieved on a continuous basis- there is no short cut to it. One has to conduct life with discipline. Not only body but surrounding atmosphere is also important. A person must follow his/her daily routine according to seasons. Apart from these ayurvedic concepts, there are triads or pillars of health too.

Our skin faces a constant barrage of chemicals everyday from pollution to harsh chemically formulated products that strip the skin of its natural balance. These simple Ayurvedic home remedies help you to attain a clear, healthy and glowing skin complexion. Ayurveda
mentions many simple natural ways to maintain a healthy and glowing skin. Using these natural ways, one can stay beautiful for a longer period without having to suffer the side effects of the chemicals.
Below are some simple 'secrets' to achieve a naturally beautiful skin.

* Mix equal quantities of cucumber juice, rose water and lime juice. Wash the face and apply it overnight. Rinse off in the morning. This clears the complexion and keeps it healthy.

* Take 50 ml. of raw (not boiled) milk and mix a pinch of salt and two teaspoonful of lime juice in it. Use it as a cleansing lotion. It helps to clean the deep pores of skin.

* Mix equal quantities of lime juice, glycerin and rose water. This lotion if applied to the face regularly at bed time is very useful in removing pimples, blackheads and other stains of the skin. It makes the skin soft, and can also be applied to other parts of the body (hands, feet etc.)

* Take 50 ml. of tomato juice and mix with one teaspoon of lemon juice. Apply this mixture to the face. It helps to make the skin soft and glowing.

* Take equal quantities of turmeric powder and wheat flour and make a paste with sesame oil. Apply it to the face to remove unwanted hair.

* Apply orange juice to the face for smooth and soft skin.

* Take 30 ml. of cabbage juice and mix one teaspoon of honey in it. This mixture, if applied regularly to the face, helps to keep the wrinkles
away.

* Make a paste of raw carrots and apply it to the face. Wash it after one hour. The skin will become glowing.

* Regular application of mint juice to the face helps to remove stains.

Try out some of these simple natural remedies for smooth, clear and radiant complexion.

Dry skin makes the whole appearance of a person dull. The lack of glowing skin not only is a hindrance in getting overall beauty but also leads to various skin problems
like itchy skin, dry skin spots and patches, skin rashes and ultimately fast aging of skin due to wrinkles
. Dry skin conditions are due to the inability of skin to retain moisture. There are many natural dry skin treatments that can change dry skin from luster less skin to rejuvenated healthy skin
. However, before knowing the various home remedies and herbs for dry skin, it seems right to know the Ayurvedic dry skin concept.
Ayurvedic Dry Skin Concept
According to Ayurveda, dry skin is the result of Vata Dosha or Vata vitiation. When vata dosha rises in a body, it leads to reduced kapha and makes body and facial skin dry and wrinkled. Kapha is the element responsible for keeping skin soft and smooth. Dry skin problem aggravates due environment and weather conditions also. Most of the people experience excessively dry skin in winters when the dry and cold weather does not let the skin remain moist enough. However, dry skin problems are not absolutely absent in summers when it is too hot and dry. Skin getting dry in summers is due to pitta vitiation and not due to vata vitiation. Thus, Ayurvedic dry skin concept lists some of the main causes of dry skin as under.

* Exposure to cold and dry climate (sometimes hot and dry climate too)
* Suppressing natural urges such as urination, defecation, hunger, thirst, etc.
* Sleep disorders, staying awake till late night.
* Irregular and unhealthy food habits
* Excessive physical and mental exertion.
* Excessive intake of spicy, dry, and bitter food.


Understanding the causes of dry skin makes one able to avoid them so that the natural dry skin treatments in the form of home remedies and herbs for dry skin can prove most beneficial to them.

skin is one of the challenges before those who want to keep their skin youthful for longer periods of their lives. People, especially women, take many anti aging measures for skin care so that they may delay the process of aging which is represented by loosened skin. Ayurveda has deeply addressed this issue of aging skin. It says that premature aging of the skin is caused due to the aggravation of vata dosha, which naturally increases with age. Dryness of skin is a predominant trait of a Vata dosha body type constitution. Even in other people, Vata causes dryness of the skin when it is vitiated due to seasonal influences. In fact, skin ages due to both- internal as well as external factors. Internal factors may be listed as inability of skin to retain moisture, low levels of elastin production, lesser production of new skin cells etc. External factors include lifestyle choices and surrounding environment such as smoking, prolonged exposure to sun or extreme cold, poor diet, stress, lack of exercise
etc. Here are some herbal remedies for skin. They are, in fact, home remedies for skin tightening which include usage of common household materials found in kitchen as well as some common Indian herbs.
* Massage face with clarified butter (ghee), almond oil or coconut oil before going to bed. An oil massage is the best remedy for dry skin. Almond and coconut oil are best Ayurvedic remedies for aging skin as they improve complexions, reduce fine lines and wrinkles apart from curing crow's feet. For better absorption, anti-aging oil massages should be done at night.
* Ghee or clarified butter contains vitamin E, beta-carotene, and antioxidants that prevent cell damage and fight free radicals. Rub ghee all over your body to get it absorbed in the skin. The best way to get benefits of ghee is to include it in your daily diet. Mix 1-2 teaspoons of ghee while cooking vegetables, dals etc.
* Apply fresh Aloe Vera juice to the skin. If you can't get fresh aloe vera, get aloe vera gel from health care shops.
* Skin TighteningThere are many benefits of honey, one being its anti aging property. Take 1/2 tablespoon of honey and mix it with 1-2 tablespoon of rose water. Apply this mixture on face, neck, and other dry skin area. Leave it for about 15-20 minutes. Now wash it off with tepid water. Honey moisturizes and soothes dry skin. This mixture will clean your skin and tone it to give you a glowing complexion with wrinkle free skin.
* Take one teaspoon each of egg yolk and honey, and 1-2 teaspoon milk powder. Mix them well to make a smooth paste. Apply this paste on face, neck and other dry skin area. Leave it for 10-15 minutes and then wash with cold water.
* Mix one egg yolk, 1 teaspoon each of honey, olive oil and vitamin E oil to make an anti aging lotion to be used as moisturizing facial mask. Apply it to face and other areas and leave for 15 minutes. Then wash it off with lukewarm water.
* Avoid too much of sun exposure as it is one of the main causes of wrinkles. Use umbrella, scarves or any other protective cover when going out in sun.
* Quit smoking Cigarette smoke ages skin by releasing an enzyme that breaks down elastin and collagen- vital components of skin.
* Get adequate sleep. Sleeping position is also important. Try to sleep on your back, as it prevents wrinkle formation. Sleeping on sides may cause wrinkles on chin and cheek and sleeping with face-down will result in furrowed brow.
* Eat lots of fruits and vegetables. They have anti-oxidants that help fight damage caused by free radicals. They keep skin younger and radiant.
* Drink lots of water during the day to provide optimum supply of moisture to the skin.
* Do not over-wash your face. Washing face too often removes skin off its natural barrier oils and moisture that protect against wrinkles.
* Basil herb or Ocimum Sanctum (tulsi) has effective anti-aging and anti-oxidant properties. Follow the traditional Ayurvedic method of boiling fresh tulsi leaves and water until the water reduces to half. Then drink the resulting water. The other ayurvedic way of having basil leaves is to eat the crushed herb when it cools.
* Switch to green tea. Green tea has anti-inflammatory, anti-ageing, and healing effects on skin which helps in skin rejuvenation.

West Australian Sandalwood has been one of the state’s most valuable exports since the 19th century. It’s value as a fragrant wood was thought to be discovered by chinese labourers working in the newly established Swan River Colony in Perth. At a time when there was a serious trade deficit, the revenue accrued from the harvesting of Sandalwood for export provided a booming economy and the search for it resulted in most of Western Australia being “opened up”. In 1847 the West Australian government imposed a tax on Sandalwood which in return paid for infrastructure (such as roads) to support the industry.

Sandalwood oil is highly prized for its exotic and powerful calming fragrance. Sandalwood’s rich golden colour embodies the natural elements of sensuality, spirituality and vitality. It has delicate floral sweetness combined with a rich woody aroma.

Renowned for it’s calmative nature it is widely used by Aromatherapists and is particularly favoured in Ayurvedic medicine for its healing properties. It also has sedative and relaxation effects, beneficial for relieving anxiety, tension and lifting depression.

The Sandalwood used for the production comes from natural growth reserves which are renowned for their superior quality of oil. The procurement of this wood is managed by Steve Darley who has been harvesting regenerative native Australian woods used in the essential oils industry for more than twenty years.

Steve has established environmentally responsible harvesting techniques and procurement supply chains for the Western Australian Sandalwood and Tea tree timber industries. In harvesting the natural Sandalwood considerable care is taken to ensure there is minimal disruption to the surrounding eco systems and to ensure smaller Sandalwood trees are not harvested or damaged to protect future natural stocks.

Steve has also been involved with farmers, plantation managers and the Western Australian Government in planting broad acre plantations of these timbers to ensure long term supply requirements and to counter the growing problem of salt affected land in rural WA.

AustOils produces high volume organic Sandalwood oil using the latest technological steam distillation processes from its distillery in Bibra Lake, Western Australia. The Sandalwood (Santalum Spicatum) is sourced from native Western Australian trees.

AustOils can supply large commercial quantities up to 200kg per week down to small individual requirements. This is achieved through utilising the latest best practice distilling processes, technologically advanced new distilleries and naturally grown quality Sandalwood.

AustOils recognised there was a need to improve the distillation processes being used to obtain oil from Australian Sandalwood in order to meet the highest quality standards required by buyers of the Sandalwood oil and ultimate perfumery end users. Few producers in the world consistently achieve these standards and the processing plant constructed for AustOils has been designed to achieve and exceed these standards.

AustOils aim to consistently produce one of the highest quality Sandalwood oil from natural Australian Sandalwood. It is striving to lift this industry in Western Australia to the forefront of world standards and seeks to ensure all of its suppliers and key alliance partners are committed to the same vision.

AustOils is a Western Australian owned and operated Company which is committed to providing an ethically sourced and premium produced Sandalwood oil, to meet the demands of an ever increasing global market.