Any Indian who has grown up around her grandparents will have a wealth of home remedies or gharelu nuskhe that are like quick fixes for almost every physical ailment. These remedies involving natural ingredients like everyday spices and herbs have been passed down through generations of Indians, who still believe that these work better than any chemical medicine or treatment. There are certain lesser known yet magical concoctions and potions prepared in various ways by different communities across the subcontinent, which are yet unknown to others.One such preparation is the 'chaata churan' that is fed to infants in Punjabi and Sindhi households. I remember a small steel container sitting on my one-year-old nephew's bedside cabinet. My aunt would often feed him just a little bit of the greyish white powder from that steel container, before every meal. It was only later that I came to know that even I was fed the churan, when I was a kid, and that it is supposed to improve digestion and prevent constipation in babies.

The churan is a powder made by grinding several Indian spices including cumin or jeera, carom seeds or ajwain, dried ginger powder or sonth, crushed almonds, cardamom or elaichi, rock sugar or mishri and finally fennel seeds or saunf. All the ingredients are ground very finely, mixed together and fed to kids, either mixed with a spoonful of honey or in a bowl of milk. But how safe is this churan for toddlers?

According to Ayurveda expert Dr. Dhanvantri Tyagi, the churan is ideal for kids between ages one and eight and that it's good for multiple reasons. "This is a traditional preparation and all the ingredients in it are great for digestion and also promote liver and stomach health." Dr. Tyagi says that the powder can be a great immunity booster for kids and adds, "The dried ginger or sonth in the powder is a good appetite stimulant and it also regulates body temperature, while mishri acts as a tonic for the kids. This powder can also give an energy boost to the kid. Moreover, this churan is also anthelmintic in nature, which means that it has anti-parasitic properties and it can kill germs in the body."

Dr. Tyagi says that all the ingredients in this churan are cooling for the kids' bodies, adding that there's a similar preparation for kids between ages eight and 14 called trikatu. "This powder is made from three ingredients- sonth, kaali mirch (black pepper) and pippali or Indian long pepper. But this is not good for toddlers as the pepper can result in vomiting and diarrhea in kids that small."

The chaata churan, on the other hand, is perfectly safe, is easy-to-prepare and store and is extremely beneficial for newborns. It should be stored in air tight containers and just a pinch of it can work wonders for the digestive health and immunity of your toddler.

Mint or pudina is a common feature in Indian drinks and dishes during summers. The cooling properties of the bright green leaves are very well known. Mint leaves are also added to teas, for a soothing elixir. The leaves of the plant are packed with a number of health benefits, from boosting digestion to keeping bad breath away. No wonder it finds its way into a range of cocktails, mocktails, dips and even desserts. But did you know that mint or pudina is very beneficial for the skin as well? When applied on the skin, mint paste can help soothe the skin and keep acne away.

Mint is rich in menthol and also has anti-bacterial properties. Summer is the season when we tend to face a number of skin problems, like frequent acne and pimple breakouts, sun burns and rashes and mint is one ingredient, you can count upon to come to your rescue. From cleansing to toning and hydrating your skin, mint performs a number of functions in a summer face pack.
Here are some mint face packs to try out this summer:

1. Mint and cucumber face pack
Mint and cucumber are both amazing for the skin during summers, for their powerful cooling and hydrating properties. All you need to do for this face pack is take a few fresh pudina leaves and a few slices of cucumber, along with some honey and put them all in a mixer to form a smooth paste. Apply this face pack for about 15 minutes and rinse off with cold water. This removes blemishes and calms inflammation on the skin.
2. Mint and Fuller's Earth (Multani Mitti) face pack
Fuller's earth or multani mitti is great for the skin. Add mint leaves to the mix to enhance its cleansing and oil control properties. All you have to do to make this face pack is mix a little bit of multani mitti with honey and curd and throw in some crushed mint leaves. Apply this face pack and leave it on for 20 minutes, or until the pack has completely dried. This face pack is great for cleansing out pores, regulating oily skin and restoring the moisture of the skin.

3.Mint and rosewater face pack
Rosewater is important for maintaining the skin's pH balance and also controls excess oil. It is also anti-inflammatory. Add mint and honey to a little bit of rose water and apply it to your face for some time. Rinse it off after some time for an even toned, hydrated and soft skin.

4. Mint and turmeric face pack
Turmeric face mask can act on acne and may help reduce the pimples. Because of anti-inflammatory properties, the spice acts on acne scars and can also clear the face. Grind a few fresh and clean mint leaves, with a little bit of water and add just a dash of turmeric to the mix. Apply this face pack on your skin and leave it on for about 15 minutes, before washing it off.

5. Mint, oats and cucumber face scrub
When the skin tends to collect a lot of dirt and oil, bring this face scrub to your rescue. All you need for this cleansing and hydrating scrub is some mint leaves, some unsweetened oats, a few cucumber slices, honey and some milk. Oats are known for their exfoliating action on the skin and can effectively remove dead skin cells from the face. To make this face scrub, mix milk and oats in a bowl, add honey, grated cucumber and crushed mint leaves to it. Mix it all thoroughly and apply the scrub on your face in a gentle circular motion. Once done, rinse off your face and gently dab it with the towel to dry it.

Although there are no side-effects of using mint on your skin, for people who have an extra-sensitive skin, which is prone to frequent rashes, it's advisable to consult an expert dermatologist before adding anything to your skin routine.

If you think that your busy life is keeping you away from your well-deserved beauty sleep and monthly salon visits, then we have something interesting for you. Try these overnight face masks that will not only give you that amazing glow on your face naturally, but will also save big bucks on all store-bought products you lay your hands on. All you need to do is to set aside few minutes before you go to bed and apply these face masks for that dreamy soft and supple skin. So, without further ado, let's look at these easy, effective and natural overnight face masks.


Overnight Turmeric And Milk Face Mask
Raw milk is an excellent anti-tan agent. It proves to be an excellent natural remedy to treat sun tan at home. Moreover, raw milk comprises lactic acid, which helps in getting an even skin tone. Whereas, turmeric has antiseptic and antibacterial properties and also helps with skin brightening.

Ingredients: 4 tsp turmeric powder and 5-6 tsp raw milk.

Method: Take a bowl and mix turmeric and raw milk in it. It will be like a runny paste. Now, with the help of your fingers, apply it all over your face and neck (sun-exposed area). Leave it on overnight. Rinse your face with cold water the next morning. For better results, apply it 3-4 times a week.

Overnight Egg White Face Mask
Are you looking for a soft, supple and nourished skin? Bring egg white to your rescue. Egg white is rich in vitamin A, which is known to tighten the skin, close pores, and, in fact, fights anti-aging issues.

Ingredients: One egg white.

Method: Take a bowl and add the egg white in it. Apply the egg white evenly to your face. It will take around 15 minutes to dry. You could either leave it on overnight or wash it off. If you are keeping for overnight, then wash it off with cold water the next morning. Use it 2-3 times a week for better results.


Overnight Oats And Honey Face Mask
Oats contain compounds called saponins, which act as natural cleansers. Oats can soak up the excess oil on your skin and helps reduce acne. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties help treat dry skin and remove dead skin cells. Honey is a fantastic moisturiser and works wonders on patches of dry skin. If you have dry knees and elbows, or even chapped lips, apply honey on it.

Ingredients: 1 tbsp. oats and 1 tbsp. honey

Method: Start with mixing oats and honey in a bowl. Leave the mixture to rest for five minutes, until the oats soften. Now, mash the oats and mix well. Apply evenly on your face. Keep it for overnight. It will moisturise and repair your skin from damage done by the harmful rays of the Sun.

Overnight Tomato Face Mask
Tomato works as an astringent. It is best for acne-prone skin. It also helps in reviving the glow on dull skin and is an excellent remedy for sunburn.

Ingredients: Medium-sized tomato and 2 tablespoon raw milk.

Method: Take a medium-sized tomato, cut it into two halves. Take about 2 tablespoon of raw milk in a bowl. Now, dip the tomato into the milk bowl and apply it all over your face. Once the layer is dried up, repeat it again and apply the second layer. Better still, blend the tomato along with raw milk and apply the paste to your face. Leave it on overnight and rinse off with cold water in the morning.

Some of the masks can be a little messy like the oat and honey mask, whereas, some may have an overpowering smell like egg white mask. In such case, you may rinse the mask off before you sleep - the choice is yours; they will still do wonders to your skin. Contact your dermatologist before you use these face masks to check for any allergies.

Herbal teas have a lot of takers nowadays, as more and more people come to know about the potential side effects of caffeinated drinks like regular tea and coffee. A number of herbal teas have made their mark on tea lovers across the world, including those made from flowers like chamomile and blue pea. While chamomile is very well-known for its mild and soothing flavour that acts as a stress buster, tea made from blue pea flowers is not that well known. Dried blue pea flowers yield a brew that is stunning in colour and that can be enjoyed cold or hot. Blue tea, made from blue pea flowers, also has a number of health benefits. Some people even use blue tea for weight loss, other than its antioxidant properties and its ability to fight stress.

Blue Tea - All You Need To Know
Blue tea, or butterfly pea flower tea, is a caffeine-free herbal concoction, made by seeping dried or fresh leaves of the Clitoria ternatea plant. The butterfly-pea is also known as blue pea or pigeonwings and it is a plant common to most South East Asian countries. The deep blue colour of the flower's petals has traditionally been used to make dye. The tea is popular in Thailand and Vietnam, where it is served post dinner, usually with lemon and honey added to it. Adding lemon juice to the tea changes the pH of the drink, making it change colour from deep blue to purple. Thanks to popularisation through travel blogs and shows, the blue tea leaves are now available in stores and supermarkets for purchase by tea connoisseurs around the world. The tea leaves are also used to change colour in cocktails as well.

Weight Loss And Other Benefits Of Blue Tea
Blue tea contains catechins, which are said to be instrumental in burning belly fat and aiding weight loss. Drinking butterfly-pea flowers seeped in warm water is said to be an effective way to rev up the metabolism, which in turn, makes the body burn more calories. Here are some other benefits of blue tea that you may want to know, before trying it out:

1. The tea is rich in antioxidants, which makes it a great beverage to include in your detox diet. Antioxidants protect the body against free radical action.

2. Blue tea is said to be great for the skin, due to its claimed anti-glycation effects, which fight skin ageing. The flavonoids present in blue tea may also stimulate collagen production.

3. The earthy flavour of butterfly-pea flower tea is said to be a mood enhancer. The tea is said to have stress busting effects that may also help reduce symptoms of anxiety.

4. Blue tea is said to help in losing water weight as it is a natural diuretic drink.

5. Blue tea is also said to have a role in regulating blood sugar levels, although there is not much scientific evidence to suggest that it is helpful in managing diabetes.

Some people have also claimed that blue tea is helpful in managing fatty liver diseases and reducing levels of cholesterol in blood, but there is not enough research that suggests the same. Blue tea can be a great alternative for caffeinated beverages like tea or coffee and you may consume it as such, in order to reduce your caffeine intake. The tea is now available for purchase in a number of supermarkets, grocery stores and on websites online.

Hair thinning can turn out to be quite daunting and painful; thanks to the increasing level of pollution, stress and poor quality of water. Not only this, thinning of hair can happen due to various other factors like sedentary lifestyle, nutritional deficiencies, allergies, hormonal imbalances, poor hair care, and genetics. According to experts, many people are facing hair-related problems like hair loss and hair thinning, which are at an all-time high. But fret not; there are foods that may help you increase your hair volume naturally. And the best part is that they are right there in your kitchen.



Home Remedies For Hair Thinning

1. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is packed with proteolytic enzymes, which are known to repair dead skin cells on the scalp. It helps stimulate hair growth from dormant hair follicles, increasing hair volume. It also acts as a great conditioner and leaves your hair all smooth and shiny. It not only promotes hair growth, but also prevents itching on the scalp and reduces dandruff. Oral consumption of aloe vera juice helps maintain smooth, radiant skin and promotes hair growth too.

How To Use Aloe Vera To Prevent Hair Thinning

- Slice aloe vera leaf with a knife and extract about 2 teaspoons of aloe vera gel from its leaf.
- Whisk the gel till you get a smooth consistency.
- Now, massage the gel into your scalp with your fingertips.
- Massage it for about 5-7 minutes; leave it on for 15-20 minutes.
- Rinse it out with warm water.

2. Eggs

Eggs are considered to be great for hair growth and thickness. They are loaded with essential nutrients such as proteins, vitamin B12, iron, zinc and omega-6 fatty acids. This home remedy is used to accelerate hair growth and volume.

How To Use Egg To Prevent Hair Thinning

- Take a bowl and add one egg along with one tablespoon of olive oil. You may use coconut oil too for this mask.
- Stir the mixture till you get a smooth mixture.
- Now, apply the mixture to your hair and scalp, working it in from the roots to the tips.
- Leave it on for about 30 minutes.
- Wash your hair with shampoo and cool water. Make sure you don't use warm water to wash your hair.

3. Amla (Indian Gooseberry)

Amla is nutrient-dense and has a lot of health-benefiting properties. Applying it or even drinking it may make your hair thicker and bouncier. Amla is rich in vitamin C, which is assisted by various minerals, nutrients, amino acids, and antioxidants, etc. that help amla in fighting against all the hair weakening factors.

How To Use Amla To Prevent Hair Thinning

In a bowl, add 2 teaspoon amla powder and lime juice and mix the two ingredients until you get a smooth mixture.
Now, apply the mixture to your hair and scalp, working it in from the roots to the tips.
Leave it on until it dries up.
Wash it off with a shampoo and cool water. You may also use conditioner post washing your hair.

Whether you eat them, drink them or simply apply them, these foods can do wonders for your hair and the results can be seen so quickly that you wouldn't want to let go of it!