The number one reason that people don’t get what they want is they don’t ask. If there’s something you want, you’ve got to know how to ask for it. You might not always get what you want, but if you don’t ask, you guarantee not getting it. Many times we think that we’d be offered something if it was available to us but it doesn’t work like that. People aren’t mind readers. They don’t know what we want until we put it forward to them.

You can ask for what you want in every situation of your life, at any moment, at any age, in business or personal life. Don’t hesitate to ask.

These are some of the common barriers to asking:

No knowledge of asking: We don’t realise that if only we asked, we’d receive.

Fear of rejection: The number one reason they don’t ask is a big fat fear of rejection, a five letter word called pride. You need to first realize you have nothing to lose. You didn’t have what you want before, and if you don’t get it now, at least you tried. You lost nothing. But chances are, you got what you wanted.

Perceived weakness: Too often we think it shows weakness or vulnerability to ask questions or to ask for something we want. The contrary is true.

Low self-esteem and confidence: A general feeling of unworthiness, a belief that “your needs” are not important.

Ignorance and not knowing how to ask: Sometimes this is the biggest barrier. We don’t know what is available to us, we don’t know what to ask for and how to ask for it.

How to ask:

Be specific: Be detailed about what you would like – what percentage increase, what colour shoes, how many days off. Be vague and receive vague. Be specific and the results will be far more desirable.

Ask for what you want, not for what you don’t want: Be positive in your approach to asking. Don’t ask somebody to stop being late, for you are reinforcing the lateness. Instead ask them to be on time.

Ask the right person: You have to pose the question to somebody who has the power to grant your wish.

But ask thoughtfully. Remember the phrase ‘Be careful what you wish for, for you just might get it’ exists for a reason. It’s absolutely true. To use a much abused cliche, ask and you shall receive.

This article is brought to you by YogacaraShop.com – your source for special Yoga Apparel, yoga inspired clothing , comfort clothing, clothing designed according to the Colors of the Chakras and the best trendy, high quality Fitness Apparel

*Image Credits : Pictures by Moriza, Dustin Diaz, Toni Blay on flickr.

3. Manipura (Solar Plexus Chakra)
The Manipura chakra located in the area of the navel is associated with will and power.
Physical imbalances may include: Problems of the diaphragm, kidneys, respiratory system, hormonal & digestive systems, ulcers and gallstones. Basil is good for the nervous system, intestinal antiseptic and digestion. Bergamot has antidepressant and calming properties and is good for the stomach.

Other Essential oils like carnation, gold chamomile, fennel, Juniper, lavender, sandalwood, Ginger and Lemon  will help to strengthen and keep this center protected, relaxing the body and balancing mood swings.

Oils to relax, balance mood swings, protect the solar plexus and increase confidence such as benzoin, chamomile, clary sage, geranium, jasmine, juniper, lavender, lemon, mandarin, melissa, palmarosa, sage, myrrh, helichrysum, ylang ylang and sandalwood. Collectively these will help balance and heal issues around stress, self esteem, desire, frustration, fear, guilt and doubt.

4. Anahata (Heart Chakra)
The heart chakra is the power house of the human energy system and the center of love and healing.

Physical imbalances include: stroke, angina, arthritis, heart disease, rotator cuff injuries, tendinitis, carpal tunnel, arm and hand pain, chronic restrictions in the upper back and thoracic area. Eucalyptus is an expectorant, anti-infection and a good tonic. Rose has a calming effect, which helps in calming the nerves, headaches and shock.

Marjoram, orange, rose otto, lavender, benzoin, sandalwood and bergamot will help keep the heart area open and receptive to love, and heal the heart. Essential oils that help to balance love of self and others are rose, geranium, palmarosa, neroli, melissa, hyssop, rosewood, chamomile, ylang ylang, galbanum, angelica and jasmine. Other suitable oils for this chakra include sweet orange, frankincense, himalayan cedarwood, heilchrysum and vetiver. These essential oils can help you to balance and heal emotional issues around grief and loss, emotional heaviness, sadness, feelings of despair and depression or anger turned inward, feelings of lack, loss, less than, never having enough or being good enough or not being quite up to the task of your life, feelings of being unloved, unappreciated, unaccepted, disconnected, restricted, or in some way limited and unable to find your niche in the world.

5. Visuddha (Throat Chakra)
The throat chakra is the center of our communication and rules the neck region including the thyroid, throat, trachea, neck vertebrae and mouth.

Physical imbalances may include: headache, neck tension/pain, ringing ear or tinnitus, thyroid conditions, low immunity to colds and flu, chronic infections, allergic reactions, eye problems, rigid attitudes and various phobias.

Chamomile is soothing, calming, anti-inflammatory and anti-infection. Linden blossom has calming and anti-spasmodic properties.

Other essential oils like benzoin, bergamot, blue chamomile, frankincense, hyssop, lavender, and lemon open communication skills and release stuffed unexpressed emotions that may be trapped.

Oils to enhance communication and creativity include blue chamomile, black pepper, eucalyptus, ginger, jasmine, and myrrh. Helichrysum, frankincense, lavendar, ylang ylang,and petitgrain balance and heal issues around repression of one’s thoughts and feelings, not being able, or feeling safe to speak your truth.

6. Ajna (Third Eye/Brow Chakra)
The third-eye chakra located in our forehead, between the eyes is the key to our wisdom, learning and putting things in perspective.

Physical imbalances may include: pituitary glandular disorders and kidney disease.

Use angelica seed, a general tonic, which encourages inspiration and inner focus. Other essential oils like camphor, eucalyptus, jasmine, lemon, rosemary, frankincense, chamomile blue, sandalwood, clary sage, cedarwood and cypress will help balance: both the right and left hemispheres of the brain, stimulating intuitive thinking and releases rigid, judgmental thoughts.

Oils to stimulate intuition and to clarify the mind such as basil, black pepper, carrot seed, clary sage, fennel, ginger, peppermint and rosemary. Also consider lavender, neroli, petitgrain, spikenard, and ylang ylang which aid in achieving balance and help heal obsessive compulsive thoughts and emotions, recurring nightmares, repetitive unconscious patterns of experience, inability to discern the difference between fact and fantasy, feeling of being ‘out of control’, blocks to creativity, imaginative darkness and inability to focus and manifest your dreams.

7. Sahasrara (Crown Chakra)
The Crown Chakra is our connection to our spiritual nature and connects to the central nervous system.

Physical imbalance include: pineal gland disorders, depressive states of mind.

Frankincense will aid in the handling of emotional problems as it is calming and antiseptic as well as an antidepressant. Other essential oils such as myrrh, viola, sandalwood, lavender and spikenard, petitgrain, ylang ylang are also particularly useful in helping issues around memory loss, breakdown of mental faculties for organizing and perceiving material reality, loss of inspiration; and to create balance in these areas in one’s life. Try cedarwood, linden blossom, neroli, and rosewood for opening the mind and dealing with spiritual issues.

This article is brought to you by YogacaraShop.com – your source for special Yoga Apparel, yoga inspired clothing comfort clothing, clothing designed according to the Colors of the Chakras and the best trendy, high quality  Fitness Apparel

*Image Credits : Pictures by Death Poodle, Opacity, wiccked on flickr.

But what many people aren’t aware of is the effect of aromatherapy on the seven major chakras, the entry gates of the aura.

In previous posts, we’ve covered the influences and imbalances of the chakras, touched on some yoga asanas that will stimulate the chakras and even the effect of color on the chakras. Here we delve into another sensory relationship, the effect of aromatheraphy on the seven chakras. As essential oils are highly concentrated and potent substances, using aromatherapy practices can help one can stimulate the chakras, realigning them and bringing them into balance, relieving stress and any negative symptoms.

Emotionally, essential oils that help to ground you, include cedarwood, rosemary, patchouli and vetiver. Rosewood, frankincense, myrrh, helichrysum, ylang ylang will balance and heal issues around community or family, combating a sense of isolation from the group, the sense of not belonging, frustration, rage and blocked passion; and develop, nurture and stabilize your sense of well-being. They encourage us to feel good about our role in society.

2. Svadisthana (Sacral Chakra)
The second chakra known as the sacral chakra is your sensing power station, connecting you to your feeling sensitivities, creative sensibilities or your inner child.

Related physical imbalances may include: lumbar tension, chronic lower back pain, toxic and infectious conditions, kidney and bladder infections, immune disorders, chronic fatigue, cancer and diabetes. Clary sage is a tonic which helps in menstrual problems. Cardamom with its antiseptic and stimulant properties eases abdominal pain by relieving flatulence.

Ylang ylang has antidepressant, aphrodisiac, calming properties and aids confidence. Jasmine, patchouli, tangerine, bergamot, vanilla, sandalwood, nutmeg, oakmoss, cedarwood and rosewood also help to balance  the male/female energies and draw out the creative essence.

Aphrodisiac oils which include such as jasmine, neroli, rose otto, sandalwood, ylang ylang, and also marjoram are suitable here to assist with impotence or lack of sexual drive.

Other suitable oils for this chakra include: vetiver, myrrh, patchouli, petitigrain, sweet orange, and helichrysum. Strengthen your immune system, disperse negativity and heal issues around self esteem, rejection and victimization, toxic environmental conditions, anxiety, fear and worry.

This article is brought to you by YogacaraShop.com – your source for special Yoga Apparel, yoga inspired clothing comfort clothing, clothing designed according to the Colors of the Chakras and the best trendy, high quality  Fitness Apparel

*Image Credits : Pictures by breezeDebris, A30_Tsitika, Eggybird on flickr

There are many different types of beans – lima beans, kidney beans, red, black, soy, garbanzo beans, butter beans, broad beans, fava beans, haricot, mung and of course, lentils. Where you live will probably determine which beans are easily attainable by you, but canned varieties of just about any bean are readily available in any supermarket.

All types of beans have significant amounts of dietary fiber with one cup of cooked beans providing between nine to thirteen grams of fiber. They contain both types of fiber – soluble and insoluble which the body requires.

Insoluble fiber or ‘roughage’ is the kind that the body cannot process and therefore removes it, taking with it waste products and toxins. Insoluble fiber is necessary for elimination of waste. Soluble fiber however, remains in the body and helps with the processing of fats, lowering cholesterol and slowing the release of sugar into the bloodstream. The risk for heart disease may be reduced by as much as 22% in bean eaters.

Beans also are a great source of B vitamins and folate, calcium and even potassium, which helps reduce the risk of high blood pressure and stroke.

Extremely low in fat (3% or less) with a low glycaemic index, giving you energy for longer, beans also help you feel more full, so you’re less likely to binge on other, unhealthy foodstuffs. They’re also great for boosting metabolism. Beans are complex carbohydrates but also happen to be good sources of complete proteins, a rare quality in plants.

Beans are also full of antioxidants. Their ability to protect the body from free-radicals and outside agents means beans have cancer reducing properties!

If just the health benefits aren’t enough to make you choose beans for your next meal, remember that beans are cheaper than chips. Probably the most inexpensive addition to your pantry, even organic beans cost less than most other foods. Considering their benefits, they’re a bargain.

Secondly, they’re delicious. And they’re also super versatile.

If you’re wondering how to utilise the bean in your kitchen, there are countless dishes you can conjure up. Apart from the ubiquitous breakfast dish – baked beans, you can make all sorts of soups and salads with beans, they add a lovely texture to both and are a great accompaniment to greens. Beans are used widely across cultures – Indians love a creamy ‘rajma’, slow cooked kidney beans; while Mexican food like tacos and enchiladas would be nothing without the humble bean; stewed, casseroled, in chillis; bean dips to go with crusty bread or crunchy vegetables; you can even bake with bean flours or make a chicken or tofu dish with bean sauce. Why, plenty of Asian cultures even used beans in desserts – like red bean icecream!

This article is brought to you by YogacaraShop.com – your source for special Yoga Apparel, yoga inspired clothing comfort clothing, clothing designed according to the Colors of the Chakras and the best trendy, high quality  Fitness Apparel

Photo credits: Francesco Desideri, He-Boden, Su-lin, Elana’s Pantry and jessicafm on flickr

We’ve  established the connection between Yoga and Ayurveda in our previous post. In Ayurveda there are three elemental humors or doshas (meaning ‘that which changes’), basic qualities or attributes which characterize their effects on the human body. These are Vata, Pitta and Kapha. They are the biological principles by which the body’s functioning is ruled. The belief in Ayurveda is that the three doshas must be in a state of equilibrium within the body, for a person to be healthy. Vata dosha is made up of space and air. Pitta dosha is made up of fire and water. Kapha is made up of water and earth.

Below are the more common physical and physiological attributes of each of the doshas. See if you can identify your predominant constitution type, keeping in mind that we are made up of more than one.

Characteristics of the Vata type
Physically underdeveloped, people of vata constitution tend to be thin and wiry, and either too tall or short. The complexion is usually dark, the skin is cold, rough, dry and cracked. The hair, scanty and brittle. Eyes are small and sunken.

When in balance, Vata people are vibrant, lively, enthusiastic, clear and alert mind, flexible, exhilarated, imaginative, sensitive, talkative and quick to respond.

When out of balance, they’re restless, unsettled, light interrupted sleep tendency to over-exert, fatigued, constipated, anxious, worried and underweight.

Factors that increase or aggravate vata include irregular routine, staying up late, irregular meals, cold, dry weather, excessive mental work, too much bitter, astringent or pungent food, traveling and injury.

Characteristics of the Pitta type
Pitta people are of slender build and medium height. Muscle development is moderate and bones are only slightly prominent. Hair is thin and silky and can be prone to early graying or hair loss. Eyes are sharp and penetrating.

When in balance, pitta people are warm, loving, contented, enjoy challenges,  have good concentration, articulate and precise speech and are courageous, bold, sharp witted and intellectual.

When out of balance, they’re demanding, perfectionist, have a tendency towards frustration and anger, get skin rashes, are irritable and impatient.

Factors that increase or aggravate pitta are excessive heat or exposure to the sun, alcohol, smoking, time pressure, deadlines, excessive activity, too much spicy, sour or salty food and skipping meals.

Characteristics of the Kapha type
People with Kapha constitution tend to have well developed bodies and hence a tendency to be overweight. They have excellent muscle development, thick skin and broad chests. Heavy builds make them physically strong. Pale complexions and soft, cold skin are common. The hair is soft, thick and lustrous. Large, soft eyes.

When in balance, Kapha people are affectionate, compassionate, forgiving, emotionally steady, relaxed, slow, methodical, have good memory, good stamina, stability and a natural resistance to sickness.

When out of balance, they’re complacent, dull, oily skin, allergies slow digestion, lethargic, possessive, over attached, tendency to oversleep, overweight

Factors that increase or aggravate kapha, include excessive rest and oversleeping, overeating, insufficient exercise, too little variety in life, heavy, unctuous foods, too much sweet, sour or salty food, cold and wet weather.

This article is brought to you by YogacaraShop.com – your source for special Yoga Apparel, yoga inspired clothing comfort clothing, clothing designed according to the Colors of the Chakras and the best trendy, high quality  Fitness Apparel

*Photo Credits: photo by Mara ~earth light~ on flickr

Here are a few things you can incorporate into your life to show you care for the environment. You don’t have to change everything about you. Make changes where your lifestyle allows. The most important thing is to remember that every little thing counts. Feel free to share with us your ideas too.

• Buy in season produce. In season produce is abundant, hasn’t traveled hundreds of resource wasting food miles, tastes much better and costs less. Shop at farmer’s markets where possible.
• Grow your vegetables. It’s free and organic! Anyone can start a small veggie or herb garden in their backyard, balcony, windowsill.
• If you have your own garden, start a little compost heap with all your biodegradable food matter. It’ll work magic on the rest of your garden.

• Eat less prepackaged foods. Remember, you are what you eat. If you put chemicals inside you, it will show on the outside. As well as being full of nasties, have layers and layers of packaging.
• Say no to packaging. Avoid plastic containers and disposable cutlery where possible. There are entire surviving cultures that make do without. Give back the extras. If you’re ordering takeaway, and they shove a bunch of cutlery, napkins and condiments you don’t need in the paper bag, return it and reduce waste. Even better, ask  if they’ll fill your own container. They rarely say no.
• Refuse plastic bags. Tuck a muslin shopping bag into your handbag so you never have to use plastic bags when making unexpected grocery purchases.

• Buy earth friendly household products
• Go paperless where you can. Back up your files on an external hard drive and don’t print them out. Get your statements online. If you must print, do so on recycled and unbleached paper and use both sides. Reuse items like envelopes, folders, files, paper clips.
• Dispose of electronics properly. They can be very harmful to the environment if they end up in landfill so Google your nearest recycling center.
• Don’t forget to participate in Earth Hour, a simple initiative with great magnitude. Turn off all your electrical appliances and lights for an hour, and encourage those in your community to do the same.

• Quit smoking. Cigarettes are merely toxins that are bad for the atmosphere and you. And you do your part to banish gross butts that ruin the landscape and contaminate water sources.
• Always turn off lights, appliances and taps that aren’t in use. Make sure you use eco bulbs and have your showerhead fitted with a water saving low flow device.
• Sun and air dry your laundry. If you must use your dryer, make sure the lint filter is clean.
• Use public transport. Convenient and cost effective, the more users, the most likely they are to keep improving it. Ride a bicycle when traveling short distances.
• NO bottled water. Lucky enough to live in countries where tap water is renowned for it’s purity and we’re still water buying cultures. It can take ten gallons of water to make a single half gallon bottle of water. Plus fuel to ship and countless other resources. Just say no thanks. Buy a durable water bottle and refill.
• Invest in quality versus quantity. Buy
• Start an eco-conversation. Spark a discussion and debate about the environment, about recycling and reducing waste, you never know who will listen and make a difference. Raise consciousness about these issues, it’s unfortunate and unbelievable how many people are so ignorant to them.
• And lastly, practice yoga. It’s a life altering regime and a fitness routine that requires no fancy gadgets or resources. Just you and a yoga mat.

This article is brought to you by YogacaraShop.com – your source for special Yoga Apparel, yoga inspired clothing comfort clothing, clothing designed according to the Colors of the Chakras and the best trendy, high quality  Fitness Apparel

*Photo credits: Matt Hannon, MissMalaprop, Iced Buddha, Leo.prie.to

Mango Lassi Recipe:
1 cup plain yogurt
1/2 cup mango pulp (fresh or canned)
1 cup crushed ice
3 table spoons sugar / Use sugar substitute for a healthier option (or if the mangoes are sweet enough don’t use any at all)
A sprig of mint or a slice of mango to garnish

Blend all of the above. Add a little water if the consistency is too thick. Keep refrigerated. Serve chilled. Garnish with a sprig of mint. Makes 4 servings. It’s as Simple as that!

*Can’t find mangoes? Try strawberries or your favorite fruit and it’ll be just as good!

Nimboo Pani (Lemonade)
Loved in the US as pure simple “Lemonade”. Nimbu Pani is the Indian version of the same. It’s Lemonade with an Indian twist of Jaljira, a spice blend with cooling properties that packs a real flavor kick!

Nimbu Pani Recipe:
Juice of 4 lemons
Sugar/honey to taste
2 tbsps Jaljira powder (available at most Indian groceries)
Chilled water
Crushed ice
Lemon slices and mint to garnish

* Squeeze all lemons to remove juice and strain the juice to remove seeds. Pour into a large jug.
* Add all the remaining ingredients to get desired strength and sweetness and mix well.
* Serve in chilled glasses garnished with lemon slices.

Kairee Panha (Raw mango drink)
Made with fresh raw mangoes known for their cooling effects on the body and abundantly found in the summer months in India, Kairee (raw mango) Panha originates from the state of Maharashtra in Western India. It is a sweet-sour-spicy drink you’ll just fall in love with! This recipe makes 6 tall glasses.

Kairee Panha Recipe:
4 medium-sized raw green mangoes
2 cups sugar
1 cup water
1 tbsp coarsely ground black rock salt
1 tsp freshly ground pepper
2 tbsps Aniseed/fennel seeds ground coarsely
2 tbsps cumin seeds roasted and ground coarsely
Chilled water
Crushed ice
Sprigs of mint to garnish

Preparation:
* Wash, peel and grate the raw mangoes. Mix the mangoes, sugar and water in a deep saucepan and boil till the mangoes are soft.
* Put this mixture into a food processor and blend till smooth.
* Put the blended mix back into the saucepan and on a medium flame.
* Add the remaining ingredients and cook for another 20 minutes.
* Take off from the fire and allow to cool completely.
* Pour into glasses, dilute with a little chilled water if needed, mix well and add crushed ice.
* Garnish with a sprig of mint and serve.

Masala Chaas (Spiced buttermilk)
Chaas is Buttermilk. Masala Chaas is it nothing but a spiced buttermilk is served as an aperitif and digestive drink.It’s traditionally served in a small clay glass which adds an earthy flavor to it. While yogurt itself has cooling properties, the cumin is what makes this drink so special for the summer. Boiling a teaspoon of cumin in a glass of water to make a tea cures problems in the urinary tract, cleans the bladder and kidneys. And eaten simply or chewed it promotes digestion and boosts immunity making this an all round drink.

Masala Chaas recipe:
1/2 cup yogurt
4 glasses chilled water
1/4 cup of chopped coriander (cilantro)
1/4 cup of mint leaves
1 green chilly
1 tea spoon cumin seed powder
2 tea spoon Black Salt
Salt to taste

Method
Put all the ingredients in a blender till coriander and mint leaves crush very well. Serve cold.

Tender Coconut Water
No Recipes here. The absolute best cooling and refreshing drink there is! All natural- No artificial sweetening, no added flavors or colors….just plain Coconut Water straight from a coconut.

This article is brought to you by YogacaraShop.com – your source for special Yoga Apparel, yoga inspired clothing comfort clothing, clothing designed according to the Colors of the Chakras and the best trendy, high quality  Fitness Apparel

*Photo Credits: blueSkySunHigh, elana’s pantry, DraconianRain, ampersandyslexia, feministjulie on flickr.

Here’s a look at some Home remedies for some common Ailments:

Home Remedies for Acne

• Gently apply fresh limejuice on pimples and blackheads.
• Apply a paste made of nutmeg and raw milk on acne and wash it off after 20 minutes. Do this for about 10-12 days and see the magical effects.
• For people with oily skin, the perfect home remedy is to apply a paste made by mixing sandalwood and few drops of rosewater on the acne affected area for about an hour and then wash off gently.

Home Remedies for Asthma

• Honey is one of the most common home remedies for asthma. It is said that if a jug of honey is held under the nose of an asthma patient and he inhales the air that comes into contact with it, he starts breathing easier and deeper.
• Among fruits, figs have proved very valuable in asthma. They give comfort to the patient by draining off the phlegm. Three or four dry figs should be cleaned thoroughly with warm water and soaked overnight.
• Garlic is another effective home remedy for asthma. Ten garlic cloves, boiled in 30 ml of milk, make an excellent medicine for the early stages of asthma. This mixture should he taken once daily by the patient. Steaming ginger tea with two minced garlic cloves in it, can also help to keep the problem under control, and should be taken in the morning and evening.

Home Remedy for a Body Rash

• The best home remedy for body rashes is to apply olive oil on the rash affected area.
• As a part of skin rashes home remedy treatment, baking powder is applied gently on the rash affected area.
• Wash the rash affected body part with chamomile tea.
• Take Aloe Vera gel, cod liver oil and Vitamin E and apply on the rashes.

Home Remedies for Burns

• After a burn, the very first thing that you should do is to reduce the temperature of the burnt area. Put lots of chilled water or dip that body part into chilled water for 15 to 30 minutes.
• Apply honey to the wound once you have washed the wound properly. It will prevent infection and will heal the wound.
• Papaya contains enzymes that help to remove dead cells from the wound.
• Aloe Vera is good for treating burns. Cut some fresh aloe Vera leaves and put it on the burnt area.Once the wound starts healing, break a capsule of vitamin E and pour the liquid on it. This will prevent scarring.
• Applying lavender oil is also found to be effective for burns.

Home Remedies for the Common Cold

• Lemon is the most important among the many home remedies for common cold. It is beneficial in all types of cold with fever. Vitamin C-rich lemon juice increases body resistance, decreases toxicity and reduces the duration of the illness. One lemon should be diluted in a glass of warm water, and a teaspoon of honey should be added to it. This should be taken once or twice daily.
• Turmeric is an effective remedy for colds and throat irritations. Half a teaspoon of fresh turmeric powder mixed in 30 ml of warm milk, and taken once or twice daily, is a useful prescription for these conditions
• For a stuffy nose prepare a solution using 4 drops of Lavender Essential Oil and Pine Essential Oil, 3 drops of Peppermint Essential Oil and 7 drops of Eucalyptus Essential Oil. Inhale vapors of this solution by putting it on a cotton ball or an aromatherapy diffuser.

Home Remedies for a Cough

• Extract the juice of a raw onion, Take one teaspoon of the juice mixed with one teaspoon of honey and keep it for four or five hours-it will make an excellent cough syrup that should be taken twice daily.
• Onions are also useful in removing phelgm. A medium-sized onion should be crushed, the juice of one lemon added to it, and then one cup of boiling water poured on it. A teaspoon of honey can be added for taste. This remedy should be taken two or three times a day.
• On a hot pan, burn a clove by stirring. Keep it in your mouth and suck it.
• Take 1 cup water and bring it to a boil. In this add on 1 tsp turmeric powder and 1 tsp carom seeds. Boil till half. Add 1 tsp of honey and drink it twice a day.
• Almonds are excellent for dry coughs. Soak about seven almonds in water and keep them overnight. Next morning peel off the brown skin. Now grind them to form a powder and add twenty grams each of butter and sugar and form a paste. Consume it twice a day, once in the morning and the second time in the evening.

Home Remedies for Dandruff

• Dilute cider vinegar with an equal quantity of water and dab this on to the hair with cotton wool inbetween shampooing. Cider vinegar added to the final rinsing water after shampooing also helps to disperse dandruff.
• Beets have been found useful in dandruff. Both tops and roots of white beets (not the red) should be boiled in water and this water should be massaged into the scalp with the finger tips every night.

Home Remedies for Diarrhea

• Buttermilk is one of the most effective home remedies to treatment diarrhea. Buttermilk is the residual milk left after the fat has been removed from yogurt by churning. It helps overcome harmful intestinal flora. The acid in the buttermilk also fights germs and bacteria. Buttermilk may be taken with a pinch of salt three or four times a day for controlling this ailment.
• In case of diarrhea caused by indigestion, dry or fresh ginger is very useful. A piece of dry ginger should be powdered along with a crystal of rock salt, and quarter of a teaspoon of this powder should be taken with a small piece of jaggery (unrefined sugar).
• A glass of fresh tomato juice, mixed with a pinch of salt and pepper, taken in the morning, also proves beneficial. for diarrhea

Home Remedies for Headaches

• The herb rosemary has been found valuable in headaches resulting from cold. A handful of this herb should be boiled in a litre of water and put in a mug. The head should be covered with a towel and the steam inhaled for as long as the patient can bear. This should be repeated till the headache is relieved.
• Cinnamon is useful in headaches caused by exposure to cold air. A fine paste of this spice should be prepared by mixing it with water and it should be applied over the temples and forehead to obtain relief.
• The rind of lemons, which is generally thrown away, has been found useful in headaches caused by heat. Lemon rinds should be pounded into a fine paste in a mortar and applied as plaster on the forehead. Applying the yellow, freshly pared-off rind of a lemon to each temple will also give relief.

Home Remedies for Hair Loss

• One of the best home remedies for treating hair loss is to massage your scalp with fingers gently. It will also aid in increasing blood circulation and lend glow to your hair.
• For nourishing your hair, apply coconut milk all over your scalp and massage it into the hair roots
• Liquorice ground in milk with a pinch of saffron should be applied to the affected patches before bedtime and washed in the morning
• Try using Indian gooseberry (Amla) oil as a hair tonic and Amla juice with equal amount of lime juice as a substitute to shampoo when you wash your hair.

More in Good Old Home Remedies For Common Ailments contd.

This article is brought to you by YogacaraShop.com – your source for special Yoga Apparel, yoga inspired clothing comfort clothing, clothing designed according to the Colors of the Chakras and the best trendy, high quality  Fitness Apparel

*Photo Credits: photos by jamieanne, Calliope1, Guin’s View, me and the sysop, Darwin Bell, Evil Erin, larryvincent on flickr

Sources:
www.home-remedies-for-you.com
www.homeremediesweb.com

Here’s a look at some Home remedies for some common Ailments:

Home Remedies for High Blood Pressure

• Garlic is regarded as an effective means of lowering blood pressure. It is said to reduce spasms of the small arteries. It also slows down the pulse rate and modifies the heart rhythm, besides relieving the symptoms of dizziness, numbness, shortness of breath, and the formation of gas within the digestive tract. It may be taken in the form of raw cloves or two to three capsules a day.
• Parsley is very useful in high blood pressure. It contains elements, which help maintain the blood vessels, particularly, the capillaries. It keeps the arterial system in a healthy condition. It may be taken as a beverage by simmering 20 gm of fresh parsley leaves gently in 250 ml of water for a few minutes. This may be drunk several times daily.
• Grapefruit is useful in preventing high blood pressure. The vitamin P content in the fruit is helpful in toning up the arteries. A Grapefruit a day will keep the blood pressure away.

Home Remedy for Indigestion

• In 1 glass of water, add 2-3 drops of mint essence and drink after every 4 hours.
• Take 2-3 drops of garlic oil or ½ cup of Soya oil and gently massage your tummy.
• Drink ginger tea after meal, as it aids in promoting digestion. Also you can go in for herbal tea prepared from blackberry, raspberry and mint.
• In 1 glass of water, put some lemon juice or cider vinegar. Drink this mixture before having your meal.

Home Remedies for Insomnia

• Milk is very valuable in insomnia. A glass of milk, sweetened with honey, should be taken every night before going to bed in treating this condition. It acts as a tonic and a tranquilliser. Massaging the milk over the soles of the feet has also been found effective.
• Honey is beneficial in the treatment of insomnia. It has a hypnotic action and induces a sound sleep. It should be taken with water, before going to bed, in doses of two teaspoons in a large cup of water.
• A tea made from aniseed is valuable in sleeplessness. This tea is prepared by boiling about 375 ml of water in a vessel and adding a teaspoon of aniseed. The water should be covered with a lid and allowed to simmer for fifteen minutes. It should then be strained and drunk hot or warm. The tea may be sweetened with honey, and hot milk may also be added to it. This tea should be taken after meals or before going to bed.

Home Remedy for Migraine

• Juice of ripe grapes serves as an excellent remedy for treating the problem of migraine. Consume it in small doses several times in a day.
• Niacin vitamin works wonders in overcoming migraine headache. Rich sources of this vitamin are yeast, tomatoes, green veggies, nuts, liver and fish.
• Crush a few leaves of cabbage and place in a cloth. Bind it on the forehead while lying on the bed.
• Vegetable juices have proved to be beneficial in curing migraine. Carrot juice can be had in combination with spinach and likewise beet and cucumber juices can be consumed.

Home Remedies for PMS and Menstrual Problems

• Drink some red wine to soothe the PMS cramps.
• Make a cup of tea; put some lemon juice and one tsp whiskey in it. Drink it hot.
• Parsley is one of the most effective among the several home remedies in the treatment of menstrual disorders. It increases menstruation and assists in the regularization of the monthly periods. This action is due to the presence of apiol, which is a constituent of the female sex hormone estrogens. Cramps, which are a result of menstrual irregularities, are relieved and frequently corrected entirely by the regular use of parsley juice, particularly in conjunction with beet juice; or with beet, carrot, and cucumber juices. The recommended quantity is 75 ml of each of the four juices.
• The use of ginger is another effective home remedy for menstrual disorders, especially in cases of painful menstruation and stoppage of menstrual flow. A piece of fresh ginger should be pounded and boiled in a cup of water for a few minutes. The infusion, sweetened with sugar, should be used thrice daily after meals as a medicine for treating this condition.
• Half a teaspoon of powdered sesame seeds, taken with hot water twice daily, acts excellently in reducing spasmodic pain during menstruation.

Home Remedy for Stomach Ache

• Take a small piece of ginger and grate it. Thereafter, squeeze out its juice. Apply the juice on the bottom of your belly and massage gently. It is an effective home remedy for stomach ache.
• Drink plenty of water, as it helps in ensuring smooth bowel movements.
• Drink lemon tea with some honey added in it for taste. It will keep away stomachache.
• Mix 1 tsp each of mint juice and limejuice. Add some ginger juice and black salt in it. Drink this mixture.

Home Remedies for Sunburn

• Apply aloe vera or vinegar on the affected skin; it will stop inflammation and pain.
• Avoid any products made from benzocaine, lidocaine and petroleum jelly
• Cut fresh cucumber slices and rub them on the affected area.
• Before taking bath, add some baking powder to the bath water, this will help to soothe the burnt skin.
• Apply apple cider vinegar to the burnt skin using cotton ball.
• Grate some potatoes and apply them on the burnt skin. Starch from the potatoes will soothe the burn.

Home Remedy for Toothache

• Dip 1 clove of garlic in rock salt and place it on the affected tooth.
• Keep a piece of raw onion inside the mouth on the affected tooth.
• Clove serves as an excellent home remedy for toothache. Keep a clove in your mouth and suck it. You can even apply clove oil on the affected tooth.
• Consume the juice of wheat grass, as it acts as a fabulous mouthwash in case of tooth decay.

Home Remedy for Wrinkles

• Application of leftover egg whites at the bottom of the shell to the problematic area serves as an effective home remedy for wrinkles.
• For the sagging skin under the eyes or on the throat, apply some odorless castor oil.
• Take some coconut oil and massage on the wrinkled skin.
• Eat 1 tsp of shredded ginger along with a few drops of honey every morning.
• Rub the core of a pineapple all over your face for sometime and leave it for 10 to 15 minutes.

Click here for more Good Old Home Remedies For Common Ailments

This article is brought to you by YogacaraShop.com – your source for special Yoga Apparel, yoga inspired clothing comfort clothing, clothing designed according to the Colors of the Chakras and the best trendy, high quality  Fitness Apparel

*Photo Credits: photos by Andreas D., rbatina, 欠我兩千塊, hawk684, practicalowl on flickr

Sources:
www.home-remedies-for-you.com
www.homeremediesweb.com

An important part of Shatkarma (Shatkriya), the yogic system of body cleansing techniques, Jala Neti and the Neti pot used in this technique have become a popular solution to blocked sinuses and nasal clearing. So popular, that the queen of television Oprah Winfrey did a feature on her talk show (click here) with Dr. Oz who stated that the treatment may be more effective than medication.

Method of doing Jala Neti-

• What you need to begin with is a special pot called the neti pot which has a specially designed spout that is used to irrigate the nostrils.
• Fill the neti pot with lukewarm water (cold water may make you feel like you’re drowning in a pool) and add to it a quarter teaspoon of non-iodized salt.
• Standing over a sink, large bowl or outside, place the spout of the pot pot into the right nostril. The end of a neti pots spout is specially designed to seal the nostril gently.
• Bend forward, tilt your head to the left and with you mouth open (breathe through your mouth) allow gravity to do its work as the water flows through the one nasal passage and out the other nostril.
• Allow the water to flow in a small steady steam and don’t forcefully pour the water into your nostril.
• Do this for a few seconds (20-30 seconds is all it takes). Remove the pot and stand up.
• Before changing sides, gently blow out any remaining water and mucus from your nose. Slow, soft blows as you would clear a cold is all you need to do.
• Repeat the method with the other nostril.
• If you still feel there is a mucus blockage you can repeat the whole process over several times until it clears.

While Yogis have practiced this method of nasal irrigation to flush out the sinuses using the neti pot, scientific studies too have proved its efficacy – Read- The Claim: Nasal Irrigation Can Ease Allergy Symptoms (NYTimes article).

While it may look , the benefits of Jal Neeti should eliminate any reservations you may have in trying it out. Used to treat a wide range of chronic sinus symptoms, evidence suggests that nasal irrigation also causes relief for both hay-fever and the common cold. If not just for blocked a blocked nasal passage or sinus, people who perform Jala Neti on a regular basis without any particular symptoms have been stated claiming it improves the quality of life and reduces use of medication, including antibiotics.

The simple yoga technique is used by many across the world (including scuba divers, to put an end uncomfortable diving due to equalization problems)  that swear by its wondrous results. Primitive, yet proven supremely beneficial I picked up my first Neti pot a few years now and life  has smelled so sweet since!

Photo Credits:photos by cesarastudillo, Chiot’s Run on flickr

For  special Yoga Apparel, yoga inspired clothing comfort clothing clothing designed according to the Colors of the Chakras and the best trendy, high quality and comfortable  Fitness Apparel do visit YogacaraShop.com

]]> http://comfortinstylemag.com/inspired-living/the-wonders-of-jala-neti-a-yoga-nasal-irrigation-technique/feed/ 7