Today's strenuous lifestyle has us on our toes, flitting between one work and another. The mountain of responsibilities with little time in our hands to carry them on, can be quite taxing. No wonder, so many people are suffering from various mental illnesses like anxiety, hypertension and depression. Some serious neurodegenerative diseases like multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's are attacking more people than ever. With science making ground-breaking discoveries every day, a type of drug called nootropic is being hailed all over the globe as the brain medicine. Also known as 'smart drugs', these medications also claim to augment cognitive functions like memory, creativity and concentration. The idea of slipping in a pill to treat any problem is alluring but to what extent we can trust them, still remains debatable.

Manufacturing companies may make tall claims of supplements being safe for ingestion but we can't ignore the fact that these supplements are created from machine-induced procedures. Over-the-counter nootropic supplements are said to be made from food-derived compounds. So, isn't it better if we pick the root source for treatment instead of supplements? There are foods present right there in our pantry that contain the same brain health-benefitting properties as the market-sold drugs.

Here are some foods that you must eat to keep your mind relaxed and your brain functioning normally:

Walnuts
A study published in American Journal of Epidemiology states that walnuts contain a high amount of vitamin E that forms a protective layer around the brain cell membranes and ward off free radicals.

Coffee
This is the most popular natural nootropic food. We all love coffee and tea for their taste and caffeine content, which is widely popular for its psychoactive properties. Caffeine keeps you alert, attentive and relieves fatigue.

Blueberries
This nutrient-dense fruit contains powerful antioxidants that protect the brain from symptoms of ageing. Studies at Tufts Universities, USA suggest that eating blueberries can target and treat the problem of short-term memory loss. Blueberries also improve motor skills and maintain sound mental health.

Green Leafy Vegetables
There's a reason why green foods have been an essential part of our diet since time immemorial. Other than boasting of various healthy properties, veggies like broccoli, kale and spinach fight cognitive damage. The Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology states that green vegetables contain vitamin K, beta-carotene, folate and lutein that play a big role in keeping our brain healthy.

Whole Grains
Brown grains are instant energy boosters. They keep the mind active and an active mind is hard to fall prey to cognitive decline. Researchers of Columbia University Medical Centre, New York advises to include grainy foods like cereals and whole wheat breads in our diets as they reduce inflammation and release loads of energy.

Incorporating these foods in your daily diet will help you deal with neurological issues the same way as nootropic drugs promise. However, if your problem poses a higher risk to your overall health, consult your dietitian and chart a proper diet course to regain a good brain health.

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.

Remember how our mothers used to give us handful of soaked almonds every day before going to school? We know that these crunchy nuts are an excellent source of plant protein, essential fatty acids, vitamin E, and magnesium - all of which are known to improve our overall health. But did you know that almonds could also do wonders to your skin, if applied topically? Yes, that's right! As we know that almonds are packed with vitamin E - they help keep our skin hydrated and further make it soft and supple. Moreover, the presence of antioxidants in almonds keeps our skin wrinkle-free, young and glowing. But if you are still not convinced, then why don't you try these almond face masks and see the results yourself.

Here are some simple and easy DIY almond face masks that you can try this winter to keep your skin youthful and glowing:
1. Almond And Milk Face Mask For Tan Removal
Ingredients:

1 tablespoon almond powder
2 tablespoon raw milk

How to apply:

Take a bowl and mix both the ingredients in it. Mix it well till you get a thick paste-like consistency. Now, wash your face with lukewarm water and apply this mask on your face and neck. Keep this face mask for about 20 minutes. Rinse your face thoroughly with lukewarm water. You may apply this mask on your arms and legs too.

2. Almond, Milk And Grounded Oats Face Mask For Natural Glow
Ingredients:

2 tablespoon almond
1 tablespoon grounded oats
3 tablespoon raw milk

How to apply:

Take a bowl and mix all the ingredients in it. Make sure you have a thick paste without any lumps. Apply this face mask before going to bed. Clean your face with rose water with the help of a cotton ball. Once you are done with that, apply this mask on your face and let it stay there for 20 minutes, or keep it overnight. If you wash your face at night, use lukewarm water and apply your night cream after that.

3. Almond, Turmeric And Gram Flour Face Mask For Instant Glow
Ingredients:

1 tablespoon almond powder
2 tablespoon gram flour
1 tablespoon turmeric

How to apply:

Mix all the ingredients in a bowl to make a thick pasty-like consistency. You may add a little rose water, if you think your mixture is little dry. Apply the face mask all over your face and keep it for about 15 minutes. Rinse it with normal water.

Note: Some of the almond face masks can be a little messy, especially the almond, milk and grounded oats face mask; therefore, you may rinse the mask off before you sleep. Also, don't forget to check with your doctor for any allergies.

Exfoliation is an important part of skin care regime. With time, skin develops a layer of dead skin with accumulated dirt and oil, which in turn clogs the pores. It also serves as a breeding ground for bacteria that leads to skin problems like blackheads and acne. Scrubbing peels off the outermost layer of the skin unveiling a fresh, glowing skin sans debris. With the recent wave of naturopathy and Ayurveda in the beauty industry, more and more people are substituting chemical-laden over-the-counter products with their natural, homemade counterparts. Moreover, store-bought products are full of sulphates and parabens, which can do more harm than good to the skin. The hero of any scrub is the abrasive grainy substance, which sloughs off dirt and dust from the skin. The same can be achieved with the help of sugar, a common grainy product found in every kitchen. You can try some homemade sugar scrub packs for your regular exfoliation process.


Sugar contains hydroxyl acids and glycolic acid, which are known to have great cleansing properties. Since sugar contains active exfoliating properties, you need to balance it with an emollient to prevent excessive drying up of the skin. Though it should not be much of a concern as the natural sweetener has intrinsic moisturising properties as well!

Why Is Sugar A Good Skin Exfoliator -

-It is a natural humectant, which hydrates the skin by drawing moisture from the air and pumping it into the skin.
-Glycol acid present in it protects the skin against sun damage and delays ageing.
-Being an excellent exfoliator, sugar sweeps of all the dirt and bacteria and promotes skin regeneration.
-It is gentler on skin than other salt scrubs, therefore ideal for sensitive skin as well.
-It fights ingrown hair and prevents them from growing back.
-It can be safely used to cleanse and nourish the whole body including hands and feet, and not just the face.
-Sugar is equally effective on all skin types - oily, dry, combination and sensitive.

A sugar scrub, if applied at least once a week, brings to the fore a cleaner, radiant and youthful skin. Remember to gently rub the scrub in soft circular motions on the body skin for 2 minutes and wash it off with cold water.
You can make DIY scrub with sugar as the main ingredient and other common products readily available in your kitchen to provide a well-rounded treatment for your skin.

Here are some easy, DIY skin scrub recipes, which can be made in less than 10 minutes and applied anytime in the comfort of your home. Be careful not to get tempted as these scrubs are sweet enough to eat!

Honey, Green Tea And Sugar Scrub

Brew some green tea with leaves and not bags. Add 2 tablespoons of the tea with 2 tablespoons of honey. Then add 4 tablespoons of sugar to the mixture, adding 1 spoon at a time. Mix till you get a thick paste. Honey is naturally anti-bacterial. Apply this scrub 2 times a week to get the glow from honey and freshness from the green tea.

Peppermint And Sugar Scrub

This is a godsend for those suffering from perpetual dry skin. Mix together 3 tablespoons of warm coconut oil, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 2 drops of peppermint essential oil and half a tablespoon of Vitamin E oil. Your sweet, minty homemade sugar scrub is ready.

Banana And Sugar Scrub

Banana contains essential vitamins and minerals that are highly beneficial for the skin. This magical scrub can be easily made by adding 2 tablespoons of sugar with 1 mashed banana. This paste will make skin softer and suppler with regular application.

Lemon And Sugar Scrub

Pour in the juice of 2 lemons to a mixture of 2 tablespoons of sugar and half cup of olive oil. Relieve your skin from sun damage, tanning and blemishes. This works just as well as a hand scrub for your manicure routine.

Beetroot And Sugar Scrub

This is the ultimate scrub for chapped and discoloured lips. It leaves the skin on lips soft and makes it appear naturally pink. Mix equal parts of beetroot juice and sugar and apply it on your lips. Rub gently for 1-2 minutes and wash it off with water.


Yogurt And Sugar Scrub

Add 2 tablespoons of sugar to half cup of fresh yogurt. Yogurt helps in clearing the pores and tightening them.

Oatmeal And Sugar Scrub

Grind half cup of oats and mix the powder with 2 tablespoons of sugar, 2 tablespoons of honey and 1 tablespoon of coconut oil. Oats works well for sensitive and acne-prone skin, fighting the pimple-causing bacteria residing in the skin.

Isn't it great how easy these natural, homemade sugar scrubs are to make?

So, give those long, costly spa sessions in salons a miss! Grab that pack of sugar right away and give your skin an organic treat!