Ingredients
4-5 medium potatoes – cleaned and cut into wedges
pepper
salt to taste
1tbsp Garlic paste
4tbsp olive oil
Method
1.Put the cut potatoes into a microwave safe dish.
2.Sprinkle your desired amount of pepper, salt
3.Pain the potatoes with mix of olive oil & garlic paste
4.Microwave covered for 8 minutes or more till tenderngredients 4-5 medium potatoes – cleaned and cut into wedges pepper salt to taste 1tbsp Garlic paste 4tbsp olive oil Method
I was in Germany recently, where it was very cold & raining constantly – result flu. So decided to repost flu remedies from an earlier blog I used to keep , hope they will help
Add a teaspoon of cumin seeds to 1 glass of boiling water. Simmer for a few minutes, strain, and let it cool. Drink it 12 times a day. If sore throat is also present, add a few small pieces of dry ginger to the boiling water.
Take two garlic cloves crushed and boiled in water along with half a teaspoon turmeric powder. This is an excellent antidote for cold.
Grind six pepper corns. Mix it with a glass of warm water, sweetened with 56 batasha (a variation of sugar candy). Take this for a few nights.
Take a concoction of ginger juice and honey, a few times a day. This remedy gives instant relief from cough and cold.
Lemon is excellent for cold. The saying goes, “A lemon a day keeps the cold away.” Mix the juice of two lemons in 2½ cups of boiling water sweetened with honey. Take this at bed time. It is a very effective remedy for bad cold.
For acute cold in the head, boil 1 tablespoon pepper powder in a cup of milk along with a pinch of turmeric.
For severe cold: Take one tablespoon lukewarm honey with 1/4 spoon cinnamon powder daily for 3 days. This process will cure most chronic cough, cold and clear the sinuses. Daily use of honey and cinnamon powder strengthens the immune system and protects the body from bacteria and viral attacks. Scientists have found that honey has various vitamins and iron in large amounts. Constant use of honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles to fight bacteria and viral diseases.
If you get repeated colds, take the Ayurvedic tonic, chyavanprash, to help build immunity.
In case of stuffy nose, the oil of eucalyptus (nilgiri in Ayurveda) is believed to be benefiting. One can have the steam of this oil (by putting a few drops into lukewarm water and then inhaling the steam). This helps in clearing the nasal track and keeps the respiratory tract healthier.
Have five duly washed leaves of Tulsi (known as Basil in English; medicinal name Ocimum sanctum) everyday in the morning. Tulsi has a large number of therapeutic properties. It keeps throat and lungs clear and helps in infections by way of strengthening your immunity.
Giloi (medicinal name Tinospora cordifolia) is a commonly available plant in many areas. Take a one-foot long branch of Giloi, add five to six leaves of Tulsi and boil in water for 15-20 minutes or long enough to allow the water to extract its properties. Add black pepper and sendha / rock or black salt, or Mishri (crystallized sugar like lumps to make it sweet) according to taste. Let it cool a bit and drink this kadha (concoction) while still warm. It will work wonders for your immunity. If giloi plant is not available, get processed Giloi powder from Hamdard or others, and concoct a similar drink once a day.
A small piece of camphor (kapoor) approximately the size of a tablet should be taken once or twice a month. It can be swallowed with water by adults while children can take it along with mashed potatoes or banana because they will find it difficult to have it without any aides. Please remember camphor is not to be taken everyday, but only once each season, or once a month.
Those who can take garlic must have two pods of raw garlic first thing in the morning. To be swallowed daily with lukewarm water. Garlic too strengthens immunity like the earlier measures mentioned.
Those who are not allergic to milk must take a glass of hot or lukewarm milk every night with a small measure of haldi (turmeric).
Aloe Vera (gwarpatha) too is a commonly available plant. Its thick and long, cactus-like leaves have an odorless gel. A teaspoon gel taken with water daily can work wonders for not only your skin and joint pains, but also boost immunity.
Take homeopathic medicines — Pyrogenium 200 and Inflenzium 200 in particular — five tablets three times a day, or two-three drops three times a day. While these are not specifically targeted at H1N1 either, these work well as preventive against common flu virus.
Do Pranayam daily (preferably under guidance if you are already not initiated into it) and go for morning jog/walk regularly to keep your throat and lungs in good condition and body in fine fettle. Even in small measures, it will work wonders for your body’s resistance against all such diseases which attack the nose, throat and lungs, besides keeping you fit.
Have citrus fruits, particularly Vitamin C rich Amla (Indian gooseberry) juice. Since fresh Amla is not yet available in the market (not for another three to four months), it is not a bad idea to buy packaged Amla juice which is commonly available nowadays
Onion & Garlic Soup Ingredients – Remember to try and use Organic products
• 3 large onions • 3 cloves of garlic • 1 sprig of fresh parsley finely chopped • 4 cups of filtered water Method Chop the onions and garlic into small pieces. Or alternatively liquidize them. Bring a stainless steel saucepan with 4 cups of filtered water to the boil and then add the chopped onions and garlic and the parsley to the saucepan and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the saucepan and then let it simmer for 15 minutes. Until the onions have cooked until they are very soft. Serve it either as is or liquidize with a thickening agent for a creamy soup. Thickening Agent Add 1 tablespoon of chick pea flour and whisk it up in 2 tablespoons of filtered water. Add to the soup and stir, until the desired thickness is obtained, then simmer for 5 minutes. Getting the full Healing Process of this Soup Serving Instructions Climb into bed and keep well covered, drink the soup while hot, keep the remainder of the soup warm until later. The soup will cause your body temperature to rise, so expect some sweating, remain well covered and rest. Try and have another serving about 15 minutes after finishing your 1st serving.
Like any girl I too suffer from vanity , and when your parents are hunting for a groom for you ( the hunt can be quite literal at time – but that’s for another entry) , they expect you to take care of yourself… After all the guys don’t want an intelligent nerd as wife…so out come the old home remedies…
Decided to share some related to eye care with you here…Enjoy…
USINING BANANA SKIN FOR SKINCARE
Banana Peels for Managing Psoriasis
Dry and itchy skin that eventually turns scaly is a condition known as psoriasis; it is a genetic disease that affects both the skin and the joints, and the severity of the condition varies from person to person. People who suffer from psoriasis of the skin experience inflamed lesions that cannot be treated with standard moisturizers, oils, or other topical treatments.
The skin condition can be treated with prescription-strength creams and moisturizers, but each person reacts to the products in a different way. The inside of the banana peel has been used to treat psoriasis for many years, and most people will see results within a few days and weeks. The skin is replenished with natural moisture, nutrients and compounds that reduce itchiness and help make scales disappear. Rubbing the inside of the peel on the affected area or areas once or twice per day may help relieve or eliminate the symptoms of psoriasis and restore the skin back to a healthy state.
In addition to psoriasis, banana peel can help to alleviate several skin conditions including:
Irritation from mosquito bites – banana peel helps soothe the skin after a bug or mosquito bite
Treating poison ivy rashes – banana peel soothes and cools the skin after an allergic response and can help reduce the outbreak of rashes.
Reducing bruises – banana peel can speed up the natural healing and recovery process so that the skin cells can regenerate and restore themselves.
Getting rid of warts – banana peels can be used to cover up a wart and provide relief from skin irritation. The peel helps to heal the wart and surrounding skin so that the skin cells can regenerate naturally. The banana peel can be cut down to size and taped over the wart to secure it in place. It can take approximately 5 – 7 days for the wart to heal completely, but the compounds in the peel can help speed up the healing and skin regeneration process.
Getting rid of plantar warts – in addition to getting rid of regular warts that form on top of the skin, banana peels may help reduce the pain and irritation of plantar warts located on the soles of the feet. The peel can be placed directly on the wart to help reduce inflammation and pain and restore the skin.
Treating acne – since acne is involves skin inflammation and irritation, the inside of the banana peel can be used to soothe the skin and reduce acne outbreaks.
Banana Peels for Managing Wrinkles
Banana peels contain many nutrients and minerals that can help restore the skin. When applied across the forehead, they may also be a valuable headache treatment. Regularly pressing the inside of the peel on large areas of the skin such as the forehead or sides of the cheeks may help tighten up the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Results will not be instant, but the skin will look fresher, more toned and healthier.
USING BANANAS
Nutritious masks
Banana nutritious masks can help to fill the skin with vitamins, to improve the complexion and smooth the small wrinkles.
- Mash 1 ripe banana with a fork and mix it with 1 egg yolk and 1 teaspoon of sour cream. Apply on your face for 15 minutes and then wash off with warm water.
- Grind a banana properly with a fork, add 2 tablespoons of cream, 1 tablespoon of liquid honey and stir it in blender. Apply the mixture on your face skin, neck and chest area and leave it for 20-30 minutes. Remove the mask with soft cosmetic napkin.
- Take half a banana and mash it with the fork. Add 1 egg yolk, 1 tablespoon of flour and starch, 2 teaspoons of olive or peach oil. Put the mixture on your face for 10-15 minutes, and then wash it off with warm water. It is suitable for dry skin.
Skin care masks
Banana masks can help you to remove greasy luster and reduce the size of your pores.
- Mash one small ripe banana with a fork and mix with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. Apply the mixture at your face for 15-20 minutes. Then wash it off with cool water.
- Mash a half a banana with a fork, add 1 teaspoon of honey, 1 teaspoon of lemon juice, and pour the oil from one capsule of vitamin A. Apply on your face for 20 minutes. Then wash the mask off with warm water.
- Whip 1 egg white with a fork. Mash 1 banana and mix it . Add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and some drops of walnut or peach oil. Apply on your face for 20 minutes. Then wash the mask off with warm water.
- For Acne – Mash 2 bananas with a tablespoon of milk, a pinch of nutmeg, a tablespoon of oatmeal and apply it on a clean face. Wash it after dry.
Banana Bath
Make a banana mash of 1-2 kg of ripe bananas. Add 3-4 tablespoons of almond oil into derived pulp. Add a few drops of any essential oil of your choice. Massage the above mixture on your skin & leave for 30 minutes , gently rub the skin & wash off the mixture. After such nourishment your skin becomes soft and smooth.
Banana for hands and legs
- Mash a banana, add 2 tablespoons of milk; mix the pulp and put it on your hands/legs, wrap them in plastic layer or put on rubber gloves and extra woolen mittens above rubber gloves. Wash it off with cool water in an hour.
- -Mash 1 small banana with a fork; add 4 tablespoons of cream or yogurt, 1 tablespoon of natural honey and 1 tablespoon of oatmeal. Mix all properly. Spread it on your hands and legs, wrap them in plastic layer, if possible take heat treatment. Wash it off with cool water in an hour.
Choosing an Apartment
1> Security: Make sure that the area is safe (check with your new colleagues), apartment block is secure, has guards on duty (who actually o the job), check with current residents if they feel safe (in general you will too), check if approach road is well lit and has people moving around at the time you will be going out and coming back from office. A safe apartment may cost more, but is an essential not to be compromised on.
2> Budget : Decide on a budget and be clear about money you can afford to and want to spend on rent, based on these you’ll need to find out what types of apartments are available in your price range. You may even want to share your place, so you can afford a bigger / safer apartment, or one that is in a more desirable neighborhood.
( check out my single girl’s guide to aprtment hunting for more information )
Household Chores
1> Food : Living alone, food is going to be a major problem even if you know cooking – simple reason you won’t feel like cooking for yourself, after a long tiring day in office. If possible invest in a basic microwave & freezer (you can cook your meals on weekends & freeze the stuff), you can also get dabbas or join a mess. If no such option exists ask your neighbor (aunty) if she can give you dinner on payment basis.
2> Maid : Hire a maid , your house will be clean & clutter free -believe me despite your best promises , you won’t be cleaning your house as often as you would like & washing dishes & clothes will make you feel burdened and lonely.
3> Shopping: Find the nearest discount shopping store (a D-Mart may come out to be cheaper than Big Bazaar for you) do all your shopping in bulk – this will get you better discounts. For small stuff your neighborhood kirana shop is a good bet.
Beating the Loneliness
Work hard at making new friends, with your new colleagues. Gym can be a great place to start new friendships & to keep you looking great. Join a hobby club or take up some extra classes (you will have fun doing something you wanted to learn & make friends).
Make 1 cup Coffee in Microwave
• Heat ½ cup milk for 2 minutes in microwave
• Add ½ cup water, sugar & 1 tsp coffee to the milk & heat for 40 seconds
• Your coffee is ready
Make 1 cup Tea in Microwave
• Heat ½ cup water with tea-bag & sugar and heat for 2 minute
• Add milk and heat for 1 minute
• Your tea is ready
• You can also heat the milk & water together but the tea may taste a bit different
Boil Milk in Microwave
• Take 1 packet milk (500ml) in microwave safe bowl
• Heat for 4 minutes
• If not boiled heat for 30 seconds more.
• Keep your eye open to avoid spillages
Make Paneer in the microwave
• Micro on high 4 cups of milk in a doubly sized microwave safe bowl for 5 minutes.
• Stir every 2 minutes in between.
• Now add 2 tbsp of curd and micro on high for 1 more minute. Leave it to cool for five minutes and then drain out the water.
1 pear, peeled, cubed
1 apple, peeled, cubed
2 bananas, sliced
1/2 pineapple, cubed
1/2 tbsp chhat masala (available in Indian Stores)
1 tbsp. lemon juice
Salt to taste
Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and serve. Its healthy & yummy.
As I mentioned in an earlier post, I was madly in love with a guy. A guy who was my knight and made me feel like a princess. He was my best friend, the one guy who could make me laugh at any time, the one who gifted balloons and chocolates to street kids.
Then, he broke up with me for a girl, a girl who was a common friend, a girl he had sex with one night because she was depressed.
The whole thing just blew in my face and I went into depression.
For a long while all I could do was replay the scenario in my mind asking “what if” questions and crying into the night. There were so many questions and no answers.
I wanted to get over the pain, but something or other made me think of him and set me crying. It was a difficult seemingly unending phase, and this is what it taught me on getting over heartbreak.
1> Avoid him like plague: Sounds kiddish but seeing/talking with him will bring out emotions and you may end up saying/ doing things you will regret. I used to call him & then spend the night crying, it’s so not worth it.\
2> Cry: A break-up is tough, and it’s OK to cry over a loss. Just a find a place where you can be alone, like crying into your pillow at night or in the shower when you’re getting ready for the day. Remember, the purpose here is not to make your lover come back, but to heal u.
3> Talk & share your feelings: Talk it over with your close friends – just talking and having someone to listen to your pain, hugging you and just being there 24*7 is a huge help. Nights were the toughest time, as just before you sleep, all the memories will come crawling, call your friend and talk.
4> Letting go ritual: Recognize that you have been hurt, you may be angry, feel cheated, totally sad. Accept those feelings – write them all down on a piece of paper. Collect all the mementos – those small cards/ love letters / dried flowers etc. Create a bonfire and burn all the above mementoes and the paper with your feelings. Visualize – your pain burning away with the stuff. Have a shower and visualize yourself being cleansed and healed. This ritual helped me feel whole again. Also donate all his gifts to charity, the goodwill will help you heal while looking at them will hurt you.
5> Indulge yourself: Do things that you always loved, get yourself pampered in a spa, go shopping, join a gym, take a hobby class – do anything you enjoy, it will keep you busy and release hormones which will make you calmer & happier.
6> If nothing helps change: I changed my city, got a great new job which I loved. The whole getting used to a new life, pretending to be happy in front of new colleagues helped me a lot. You may not want to be so drastic, you can go in for a new haircut/change your wardrobe, get yourself a complete makeover.
Hope, that the steps help you. Remember, being single is not a crime or punishment. True love, will come into your life soon but till then let’s have a blast.
TEETH
1> Tooth Paste: Mix 3 parts Baking Soda with 1 part salt. Add 3 teaspoons of glycerin to form paste. Just before using add little water & use like normal paste.
2> Tooth Whitener: Once a week, mash a ripe strawberry and add a tsp of baking soda to it. Apply the paste on your teeth and brush after 15 minutes. This will keep your teeth naturally white. Baking soda will remove all stains from tea, coffee and tobacco.
3> Mouth Wash: Add 2 teaspoons Baking Soda to 250 ml of water. Gargle in mouth swirling through teeth. Spit don’t swallow.
4> Toothbrush: Soak tooth brush in a mixture of water and baking soda, overnight for a hygienic, teeth friendly toothbrush.
HAIR
1> Clarifying Shampoo: Add a teaspoon of baking soda to shampoo bottle to remove buildup and to improve manageability
2> Clean brushes and combs: To remove natural build up of oil and hair product residue, soak combs and brushes in a solution of 1 teaspoon of baking soda in a small tub or basin of warm water. Rinse thoroughly and allow them to dry before use
3> Dry shampoo: Mix 1 part baking soda, 1 part baby powder. Apply the mixture to the roots of your hair and comb through. This mixture will absorb excess oils and freshen up your hair. (For a fragrant touch add 3 drops of your favorite essential oil to the mix)
4> Chlorine-damage: Mix 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda with 50ml warm water. Apply to hair & rinse off.
FACE
1>Exfoliate1: Scrub your way to a brighter skin by scrubbing the face gently using a paste of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. Wash with cold water.
2> Exfoliate2: Mix baking soda with oatmeal in your blender, add water to make paste, scrub face gently & rinse with cold water.
3>Exfoliate3: Mix some baking soda with facial cleanser. Use circular motions to apply gently then rinse as usual for visibly soft skin.
4> Aftershave Rinse: Make a solution of 1 tablespoon baking soda in 1 cup water for a soothing aftershave rinse.
5> Acne Mask: Combine baking Soda with just enough purified water to form a thick paste. Apply the paste on acne prone areas for 10-15 minutes. Rinse with cool water. Moisturize with oil free moisturizer. Repeat daily for 1 week, then on every 3rd day.
OTHER USES
1> Soothing Bath: Add ½ cup of baking soda to your bath water for smooth, refreshed skin.
2> Smooth Feet: Mix 3 tablespoons of baking soda in a tub of warm water. Soak your feet for desired amount of time. Then, create a paste of baking soda and water and gently scrub your feet with it.
3> Bath Oil: To create bath oil, you will need 4 tablespoons of baking soda, ½ cup of honey, ½ cup milk, 16 tablespoons of sea or cooking salt, and ½ cup of baby oil. In a large bowl, mix the baking soda, honey, milk, and salt; stir well. Massage with mixture and bathe as usual.
4> Soft knees & elbows: To smooth rough skin elbows & knees make a paste of baking soda and water and rub on skin. Rinse away with warm water.
5> Soften cuticles: Apply a paste baking soda to your cuticles, leave for 5 minutes
6> Odor remover: Remove fish, onion, or garlic odor from hands with a solution of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water or liquid soap. Rub mixture in your hands, and rinse off
7> Antacid: Take 1/2 teaspoon baking soda in 1/2 glass of water to relieve acid indigestion or heartburn.
8> Deodorant: Apply some baking soda like the talcum powder, after bath to avoid smelly armpits, without clogging the pores.
Hope this series has been of use , check again for summer skin care routine, tips, recipes and remedies.
I have been talking with a couple of guys selected from Jeevansathi/Shaadi or selected by my parents. During my phone calls which usually happen, before I have met the guy I realized that the first phone call can be tough. Its awkward speaking to someone whose biodata is the only thing you have seen. So, here is my list of tips for that first call to know the person & retain the interest (try it if you want but remember I’m still single)
1> Ask open ended questions – guys love to feel important, by showing questioning him & listening to what’s important to him you are engaging him.
2> Normally any guy who is calling you will want to make a good impression. He will try hard to carry on witty, fun, and pleasant conversations and use it to discover your interests and feelings –laugh at his jokes, have some of your own to share.
3> Don’t talk about breakups/past relations etc in the first phone call. Any unpleasant stuff you may be asked, should be answered wrapped in layers of humour
4> When you speak with energy, and enthusiasm (don’t explode with enthusiasm or giggle like a crazy)
5> Don’t go on and on about a subject. If asked a question, give some information, and then smoothly point the conversation back to him
6> Disconnect the call on a high to make it memorable for him
Things you can talk about
1> Hobbies – Any shared interests will give you ideas for your actual date and an insight of the person he is
2> Growing-up years including education
3> General items in news that you can talk about
4> Likes & dislikes / habits – how do you match up, you may discover things that are a strict no to you ( chain smoking, eating habits etc)
5> Family – If you people end up getting married, they will play a huge role. His relations with his family will tell you what you may be getting into
6> Career plan – To give you an idea of his ambitions and all
Wish you all the best for your first phone call.
